(Family Features) Putting a delicious, kid-friendly meal on the table in an hour or less is goal No. 1 for many families. When the hectic schedules of back-to-school season are in full effect, saving some precious time in the kitchen can make all the difference.

Take a homework timeout and bring loved ones running to the dining room for family favorites like Sweet Heat Pickled Beet Grilled Cheese. This modern take on a childhood classic pairs sourdough bread with brie cheese, a spicy-sweet hit of hot honey and juicy Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets.

If letting your oven do the work is an even more appealing solution, try an easy recipe like Bacon Wrapped Potato Stuffed Chicken. As a meal and side dish all in one, this simple weeknight dinner starts with cutting a pocket into boneless, skinless chicken breasts before filling with cheesy goodness.

Layer cheddar cheese slices inside the chicken then spoon in READ German Potato Salad made with thinly sliced potatoes, bacon and a sweet-piquant dressing. Finally, fold the chicken breasts closed, wrap with bacon slices and bake 40 minutes to tender, juicy perfection with a final broil to crisp the bacon.

To find more family-friendly meals fit for busy weeknights, visit AuntNellies.com and READSalads.com.

Sweet Heat Pickled Beet Grilled Cheese

Recipe courtesy of MacKenzie Smith of “Grilled Cheese Social”
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches

• 4          slices (3 ounces each) sourdough bread
• 2          tablespoons hot honey
• 1          small wheel (8 ounces) brie, at room temperature, cut into thin strips
• 8          ounces Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets (1/2 jar or 2 individual diced pickled beet cups)
• 2          tablespoons fresh basil, cut into thin strips
• 2          tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste

1. Place two bread slices on cutting board. Drizzle with hot honey then add 4 ounces brie evenly across bread.
2. Drain beets and pat dry. Add evenly on top of brie followed by basil and remaining brie.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of remaining bread slices. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt. Place top piece of bread on each sandwich.
4. Heat cast-iron or frying pan over medium-low heat then add sandwiches butter sides down. Butter top sides and add remaining garlic salt.
5. Cook about 5 minutes on each side, or until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted, flipping halfway through.
6. Once sandwiches have cooked on both sides, remove from heat and serve.

Bacon Wrapped Potato Stuffed Chicken

Recipe courtesy of “EZPZMealz”
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

• 2          pounds (approximately 4 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8          slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1          can READ German Potato Salad with sauce
• 8-12     bacon slices
• nonstick cooking spray
• freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Using sharp knife, slice pocket or slit into each chicken breast and fold open.
3. Place two slices sharp cheddar cheese in pockets then spoon 4 ounces potato salad onto cheese.
4. Fold chicken over and close so cheese and potatoes are inside pockets.
5. Take 2-3 bacon slices and completely wrap stuffed chicken breasts, tucking loose ends of bacon on undersides of chicken.
6. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray then place bacon wrapped chicken on tray. Season chicken with pepper, to taste.
7. Bake approximately 40 minutes until internal temperature of chicken reaches 160 F.
8. Turn oven to broil on high (500 F) and broil 2-3 minutes to crisp bacon until chicken reaches 165 F.
9. Remove from the oven and rest 5 minutes then serve.

Source: Aunt Nellie’s, READ

(Family Features) For holiday parties of any size, tasty appetizers and starters are menu must-haves. While the main course roasts and before dessert is served, guests may flock to the table for snacks and small plates to keep cravings at bay.

When pre-dinner hunger strikes at your holiday gathering, be the center of attention with quick, delicious and simple appetizers that deliver exactly what your guests crave. One way to be the star of your holiday soiree is with Litehouse’s rich and flavorful Simply Artisan Reserve blue cheese and gorgonzola center cuts. Whether the foundation of a delicious cheese plate or crumbled in a recipe – such as one of these eight apps – it’s a win-win solution.

Find more holiday solutions and appetizer recipes at litehousefoods.com.

1. Pear Obatzda

   Traditionally served with fresh pretzels, this 15-minute Obatzda recipe is the perfect dip for the snack table. The savory taste of pear can keep the whole party satisfied. 

2. Steak Crostini
   

   With appetizers, the name of the game is providing quick bites that make for easy eating. Look no further than bite-sized Steak Crostini served with blue cheese and crackers. 

3. Grilled Raspberry, Basil and Blue Cheese Sandwich
   

   Handheld nibbles go a long way when entertaining a crowd, which is why sandwiches are an obvious solution. Go for sourdough bread and melty cheese like mozzarella and Litehouse Simply Artisan Reserve Blue Cheese to make this appetizer a snap. 

4. Bacon Blue Cheese and Mac

   This mac and cheese recipe can help please guests of all ages, but there’s just one problem: it’ll be gone quicker than you think.

5. Gorgonzola, Grape and Honey Crostini

   A quick and easy appetizer, this crostini recipe is perfect for entertaining guests because there is minimal prep involved. Gorgonzola, juicy grapes and sweet honey converge for a delightful snack. 

6. Blue Cheese, Pomegranate and Quinoa Caviar
   

   If you’re going for classy without all the hassle, 5 minutes is all you need. This quinoa caviar recipe comes together in almost no time by incorporating blue cheese and pomegranate for a decadent starter.  

7. Figgy Blue Cheese Bacon Bites
   

   Guests at holiday parties typically crowd the kitchen anyway, but blue cheese and fig cookies wrapped in bacon can make it hard for even the most patient eaters to stay away. 

8. Harvest Salad
   

   For those trying to save room for the main course, a light salad is a great option. Freshen up a standard salad with sliced apple and pear and tangy Simply Artisan Reserve Gorgonzola Cheese.

Source: Litehouse

(Family Features) Autumn is the perfect time to fall in love with maple syrup. The caramelized flavor of syrup pairs well with other fall flavors, like apples, cinnamon and pumpkin.

From spiced syrups to game-day dips, McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter has tasty ideas for incorporating this fall flavor in dishes throughout the day:

• Maple syrup is a perfect complement to sweet banana pancakes. Mix mashed bananas into the pancake batter. Once cooked, top with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts and maple syrup.
• Add maple syrup to a melty grilled cheese sandwich. Layer cheddar cheese, bacon, sliced apples and maple syrup mixed with apple pie spice between two slices of buttered bread.
• For a twist on a traditional game-day appetizer, drizzle maple syrup over a cheddar bacon dip.
• For a sweet treat, mix vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice into maple syrup then drizzle over a coconut pumpkin bread pudding.

Find more recipes featuring fall flavors at mccormick.com.

Maple Banana Bread Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 3

• 2          large ripe bananas
• 2          eggs
• 2          tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2          tablespoons melted butter
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Maple Extract
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
• 3/4       cup flour
• 2          teaspoons baking powder

1. Heat lightly greased griddle or skillet to medium heat.
2. In large bowl, use potato masher to mash bananas. Add eggs, brown sugar, butter, maple extract, vanilla and cinnamon; mix well. Add flour and baking powder; mix until well blended.
3. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto griddle or skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown, turning when pancakes begin to bubble.

Coconut Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Spiced Maple Syrup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16

Bread Pudding:

• 2          cans (13 2/3 ounces each) Thai Kitchen coconut milk
• 4          eggs, lightly beaten
• 1          cup sugar
• 1          cup canned pumpkin
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 8          cups cubed challah bread (or cubed French or Italian bread)
• 1          cup flaked coconut
• 1          cup chopped pecans

Spiced Maple Syrup:

• 1          cup maple syrup
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. To make Bread Pudding: Pour coconut milk into large bowl. Stir with wire whisk until smooth. Add eggs, sugar, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla; mix until well blended. Add bread cubes; toss to coat well.
3. Pour into greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with coconut and pecans. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on wire rack.
4. To make Spiced Maple Syrup: Mix syrup, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice in microwavable bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on high 1 minute, or until warm, stirring once. Serve with bread pudding.

Maple Bacon Dip

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16

• 1          package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       cup mayonnaise
• 1/2       cup milk
• 8          slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1          package McCormick Original Country Gravy Mix
• 1 1/2    cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3       cup chopped red apple
• 2          tablespoons maple syrup

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, bacon, gravy mix and 1 cup cheese until well blended.
3. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Spread mixture in plate and top with apple and remaining cheese.
4. Bake 25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Drizzle with syrup.

Maple Apple Grilled Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/4       cup maple syrup
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Apple Pie Spice
• 3          tablespoons butter
• 8          slices whole-wheat bread
• 8          slices sharp cheddar cheese (1-ounce slices)
• 1          medium Golden Delicious apple, cored and cut into 16 thin slices
• 4          slices cooked bacon, coarsely chopped

1. Mix maple syrup and apple pie spice. Set aside.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice. Layer two slices of cheese and four slices of apple on each bread slice with buttered side down. Sprinkle with chopped bacon then drizzle with maple syrup mixture. Top with remaining bread slices with buttered side up.
3. Place sandwiches in large skillet or griddle on medium-low heat. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bread is browned and cheese is melted. Cook in batches, if necessary.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) Ease your way into a busy new school year with easy dishes you can prepare and serve in minutes. Time-saving and delicious dinners allow you to enjoy valuable family meals without sacrificing precious time in the kitchen.

One smart way to pull together flavorful meals when you’re pinched for time is to keep versatile ingredients on hand that you can use in a variety of ways. For example, pre-sliced pepperoni is perfect for quick snacks, but it’s also great for do-it-yourself pizzas, casseroles and even a fresh take on grilled cheese sandwiches. An option like Armour Turkey Pepperoni can brighten up any appetizer or dish with 70 percent less fat and 25 percent less sodium than the Original variety.

Another “A-plus” idea: keep frozen meatballs handy, but think beyond traditional spaghetti. Not only do fully cooked meatballs save plenty of time, they make for a fun way to add protein and bring great flavor to kid favorites like macaroni and cheese.

Find more easy recipes for family meals this fall at ArmourMeats.com.

Cheesy Mac and Meatballs

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5

• 12        ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1          package (14 ounces) Armour Original Meatballs, thawed
• 12        ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1          cup milk
• shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Cut meatballs in half.
2. In large saucepan over medium heat, combine shredded cheddar cheese and milk, stirring until smooth. Stir in meatballs; cover and simmer 5 minutes, or until meatballs are hot.
3. Drain macaroni; stir into meatball mixture. Top with cheddar cheese, if desired.

Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwiches

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons butter or margarine
• 8          slices white or whole-grain bread
• 8          slices cheddar or American cheese
• 32        slices Armour Original or Turkey Pepperoni
• 1          cup roasted red pepper strips or 4 thin tomato slices (optional)

1. Spread butter over one side of each piece of bread. Put four slices of bread on sheet of waxed paper, buttered-side down.
2. Top each slice of bread with one cheese slice, eight slices pepperoni, 1/4 cup peppers or sliced tomato, if desired, and additional cheese slice. Top sandwiches with remaining bread, buttered-side up.
3. Heat large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add two sandwiches; cook 4-5 minutes per side, or until cheese is melted and sandwiches are golden brown. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Alternate preparation tip: Cook sandwiches in two batches in heated panini maker or well-oiled waffle iron 3-4 minutes.