(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) Cool winter days and their cold, crisp air call for a quick warmup in the form of a classic combo: soup and sandwich. Next time you need warmed up from the inside out, go for a homemade pairing that brings together a cheesy handheld and hearty minestrone.

When you sit down for a wintertime meal with the family, Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets provides the comfort you crave with caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese and toasted sourdough. Slowly simmered to savory perfection, 3-Bean Tortellini Minestrone – powered by READ 3-Bean Salad – plays the ideal complement to the griddled sandwiches as a filling soup without the hassle.

To find more comforting meal ideas made for combatting the cold, visit AuntNellies.com and READSalads.com.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Pickled Beets

Recipe courtesy of "Carlsbad Cravings"
Prep time: 60 minutes

Caramelized Onions:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, halved, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1-2tablespoons water (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sandwiches:

• 8 large sourdough slices, 1/2-inch thick
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
• 8 ounces shredded gruyere cheese, at room temperature
• 1 jar Aunt Nellie's Sliced Pickled Beets (about 32 beets)
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1. To make caramelized onions: In Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes then reduce heat to medium.
2. Cook until onions are caramelized and rich, deep golden brown, about 25 minutes, stirring often. Turn heat to medium-low or add water if onions are dry or start to scorch before caramelizing.
3. Add sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute. Onions should be jammy and darkly caramelized when done. Remove to plate to cool.
4. To make sandwiches: Spread out bread slices on flat surface. Spread thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
5. Turn four bread slices over and spread goat cheese on plain side. Top goat cheese with gruyere, even layer of beets, caramelized onions and arugula. Top with remaining bread, mayo side out. Secure with toothpicks, if desired.
6. In large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add two sandwiches, cover and grill until bottom of bread is toasted, about 5-7 minutes, and cheese starts melting, checking often. Flip and cook, uncovered, until cheese is melted and bottom of bread is toasted.
7. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

3-Bean Tortellini Minestrone

Recipe courtesy of "Joy of Eating"
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

• 1 can (15 ounces) READ 3-Bean Salad
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 peeled garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pinches salt, plus additional to taste, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste, divided
• 3 small carrots, trimmed, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, trimmed and diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 9-10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups baby spinach
• jarred pesto, for serving (optional)

1. Drain and rinse bean salad; set aside.
2. In large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic and 1 pinch salt; saute until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrots, celery and zucchini with remaining pinch salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp tender, 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes. Add Parmesan rind, if desired. Cook about 10 minutes until most tomato juice evaporates. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to boil. Add tortellini; cook 2 minutes, or just until tender. Stir in bean salad and spinach. Cook 2-3 minutes to heat through.
4. Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve garnished with pesto, if desired.

Source:

Seneca Foods

(Family Features) Some of life’s most cherished moments are shared with loved ones around the table. As temperatures climb, cheerful sunshine and sparkling blue skies are the perfect ingredients to make family time even more enjoyable with a meal served al fresco.

One of the great joys of dining outdoors is the chance to appreciate the simplicity of a gentle breeze or the first glimpses of seasonal blooms. Keeping meal prep simple makes it even easier to embrace these special moments.

A unique approach to an entree salad is easy to prepare and adds a festive flair to your picnic plate. These Ruby Beet Chicken Salad Skewers owe their zesty flavor to the delicate balance of sweetness and vinegar infused by Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets.

A cool salad is another must for your outdoor dining menu. Classic Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese and olives combined with READ 3 Bean Salad make this Mediterranean 3-Bean Quinoa Salad the perfect side dish to accompany a light lunch or grilled main course.

Find more ideas and recipes for meals to enjoy outside at auntnellies.com and READsalads.com.

Ruby Beet Chicken Salad Skewers

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets
• 2          large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
• 1/2       teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 4 1/2    tablespoons stone ground mustard, divided
• 1 1/2    tablespoons, plus 1/3 cup, orange marmalade, divided
• 2          tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 1          large lemon, zest and juice (1/3 cup juice)
• 1/4       cup olive oil
• 1          bag (9 ounces) leafy romaine lettuce pieces
• 1/3       cup chopped almonds, toasted
• 1/3       cup crumbled blue, feta or goat cheese

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Drain beets; set aside.
2. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. In small bowl, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard and 1 1/2 tablespoons marmalade. Brush mixture over chicken until completely coated. Bake chicken on rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil about 20-25 minutes, or until juices run clear; set aside.
3. To make vinaigrette: In medium bowl, combine remaining mustard, remaining marmalade, chives, lemon zest and juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Slowly pour in oil while whisking vigorously until completely combined.
4. Slice cooled chicken into 1-inch pieces. Onto each skewer, thread one beet, one piece of chicken and 4-5 pieces of lettuce; repeat two times for each skewer, adding one beet at ends. Repeat to make eight skewers. Place skewers on large serving platter.
5. Stir vinaigrette; drizzle lightly over skewers. Sprinkle with almonds and cheese. Serve with remaining vinaigrette.

Mediterranean 3-Bean Quinoa Salad

Recipe courtesy of "A New Dawnn"
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

• 2          cans (15 ounces each) READ 3 Bean Salad
• 1          cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1          cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1          cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2       cup chopped olives
• 1/2       cup diced bell pepper, any color
• 2          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2          teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4       cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

1. Drain bean salad; reserve 3 tablespoons liquid.
2. In large bowl, combine bean salad, tomatoes, feta cheese, quinoa, olives and bell pepper. Add reserved bean liquid, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Stir gently to coat ingredients.
3. Top with cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately.

Source:  Seneca Foods

(Family Features) A tortilla plus a tasty filling makes a household favorite – a taco. This simple, casual, versatile, fun food knows no boundaries. Tacos can be right for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks and dessert, depending on the filling.

For tacos with a unique, delicious twist on tradition, try these Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa that are ready in 30 minutes. The antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets lend color, as well as a refreshing sweet-tangy flavor that’s complementary to the lime juice, cilantro and red onion in the salsa. This sassy salsa is a perfect partner for rotisserie, roasted or grilled chicken, arugula and a dollop of jalapeno mustard-sour cream sauce nestled inside a soft flour tortilla.

For your taco fiesta, just set out the tortillas, salsa and other toppings and let everyone help themselves to a fun and delicious dinner.

For other versatile recipes, visit AuntNellies.com.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Salsa:

• 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Tacos:

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon jalapeno mustard
• 4 soft flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 2 cups chopped cooked rotisserie chicken (hot or cold)
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

1. To make salsa: drain beets and chop. In medium bowl, combine beets, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper.
2. To make tacos: In small bowl, stir together sour cream and mustard; set aside.
3. On one half of each tortilla, place equal amounts of salsa, arugula, chicken and cheese. Top with dollops of mustard-sour cream. Fold over.

Substitution: Sliced pickled beets or three single-serve cups of Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets may be substituted for baby whole pickled beets.

Nutritional information per serving: 380 calories; 20 g protein; 28 g carbohydrates; 20 g total fat; 650 mg sodium; 80 mg cholesterol; 1 g dietary fiber; 2 mg iron; 0.15 mg thiamin;
460 IU vitamin A; 4 mg vitamin C.

Source: Aunt Nellie's