Comfort Holiday Guests with a Satisfying Snack
(Family Features) When guests arrive for the holidays, handshakes and hugs are often the first order of business. However, a satisfying snack to tide hunger before the big meal is likely the next thought on everyone’s mind.
Keeping your loved ones full and content can be done with apples, an ingredient that heightens the flavor and appearance of favorite recipes like Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy. This comforting dish can be shared among the crowd for an easy way to call everyone to the kitchen.
An option like Envy Apples offer satisfying texture and taste with a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. Perfect for small plates or use in recipes ranging from dinner to dessert, they also make for an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand. A crimson red skin over a golden background practically glows, and their white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced for fresher flavor in sweet treats.
Visit EnvyApple.com to find more holiday appetizers.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy
- 1 box stovetop stuffing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups diced Envy Apples
- 1/2 onion, diced small
Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 20 turns fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
- Preheat broiler.
- Cook stuffing according to package directions; set aside and allow to cool slightly.
- In large saute pan, melt butter saute apples and onion until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Stir together stuffing and apple mixture. Spread stuffing on sheet tray and allow to cool in refrigerator.
- After cooling, form stuffing into medium bites and place on sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
- Broil bites 8-10 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- To make gravy: In small pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, whisking frequently.
- Whisk in beef broth, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce; bring to boil, whisking frequently. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary. If desired, continue gently simmering gravy to thicken.
- Arrange stuffing bites in serving dish and drizzle with gravy. Serve hot.
Source: Envy Apples
Delightful Dishes to Dazzle Holiday Guests
(Family Features) Entertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering more fruitful is a spread of delicious appetizers, delightful drinks and divine desserts that keep loved ones coming back to the kitchen for more.
For appetizing dishes from the first guest at the house to the last out the door, you can heighten the flavor and appearance of favorite recipes with one simple ingredient: apples. Ranging from tart to sugary sweet, finding the right balance for your palate is key. Scent can also influence taste, especially when you have a balanced sweetness with an uplifting, fresh aroma.
Turn to an option like Envy Apples this holiday season for satisfying texture and taste with a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. They make for an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand but are also perfect for holding over pre-dinner appetites in small plates like this Bell-Issimo Brie Melt or Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy.
The versatile flavor of apples isn’t just limited to foods, however. For the adults in the room, Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider with a splash of bourbon is a seasonally appropriate way to quench thirst and break the ice. Simply omit the bourbon for a kid-friendly version so the whole party can savor a sip.
Easy to spot with their crimson red skin over a golden background that practically glows, Envy Apples offer an easy, eye-catching way to try new tastes and celebrate joyful occasions together. The bright white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced for a fresher flavor in sweet treats like Apple Oat Crumble and Citrus Caramel Topping for a tasty way to elevate your holiday get-togethers.
Find more sweet holiday recipes at EnvyApple.com.
Apple Oat Crumble and Citrus Caramel Topping
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Envy Apples, diced into large cubes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup cold butter, diced small
- 1/2 cup caramel
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 orange, zest only
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- vanilla ice cream
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In bowl, stir together sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Toss apples in lemon juice then in cinnamon sugar mixture. Spread in 9-inch pie dish.
- In another bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour and oats. Using hands or fork, cut in butter until pea size crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over apples.
- Bake 40-45 minutes until mixture is bubbling and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes.
- In small pot, whisk caramel, salt, orange zest and orange juice until warm.
- Spoon apple oat crumble over large scoop vanilla ice cream and top with salted citrus caramel.
Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy
- 1 box stovetop stuffing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups diced Envy Apples
- 1/2 onion, diced small
Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 20 turns fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
- Preheat broiler.
- Cook stuffing according to package directions; set aside and allow to cool slightly.
- In large saute pan, melt butter saute apples and onion until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Stir together stuffing and apple mixture. Spread stuffing on sheet tray and allow to cool in refrigerator.
- After cooling, form stuffing into medium bites and place on sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
- Broil bites until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- To make gravy: In small pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, whisking frequently.
- Whisk in beef broth, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce; bring to boil, whisking frequently. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary. If desired, continue gently simmering gravy to thicken.
- Arrange stuffing bites in serving dish and drizzle with gravy. Serve hot.
Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider
- 1 Envy Apple, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 4 ounces pumpkin spice apple cider
- demerara sugar
- Envy Apple slices, for garnish
- rosemary, for garnish
- cinnamon stick, for garnish
- In pan over medium heat, saute diced apples in butter and pumpkin spice 5-10 minutes.
- In glass, combine bourbon and pumpkin spice apple cider; top with sauteed apples.
- Add demerara sugar then garnish with apple slices, rosemary and cinnamon stick.
Bell-Issimo Brie Melt
- 1 round brie (6-8 ounces)
- 2 Envy Apples
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- firm crackers
- Unwrap brie and place on microwave-safe dish. Cut off top of brie round and microwave 60 seconds until middle is soft.
- Slice apples into thick wedges.
- Top brie with half the apples, crushed walnuts and dried cranberries.
- Serve with firm crackers and remaining apple wedges.
Source: Envy Apples
Add Cheer to the Holidays with Cheesy Plant-Based Appetizers
(Family Features) Reconnecting with family and friends over the holidays means food takes center stage. Perhaps nothing says “happy holidays” quite like a plate of seasonal appetizers. Make your traditional recipes extra special this year with a plant-based twist that starts with cheese.
Holiday plant-based cheese dishes combine cheesiness that people love with fresh vegetables so your hors d’oeurve tray can be enjoyed by everyone no matter their lifestyle or dietary needs. Start holiday eating with a batch of Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms loaded with a colorful assortment of vegetables like onions, zucchini, tomatoes and spinach, and generously topped with plant-based cheese shreds to make an especially cheesy, indulgent and satisfying snack. Or try frying up a plate of Vegan Brussels Sprouts Fritters stuffed with melty, creamy plant-based cheddar cheese for a delicious bite of seasonal comfort.
Try the full range of Violife vegan cheeses to bring these party starters to life. There is no sacrificing taste to enjoy delectable holiday recipes made with melty, stretchy and flavorful vegan cheese. These cheeses are free from dairy, soy, nuts, gluten, preservatives and lactose and are non-GMO. They are made with plant-based ingredients and come in a variety of savory shreds, smokey slices, wedges, blocks or as a cream cheese alternative. Plus, these vegan cheeses are perfect for including in plant-forward holiday spreads and starting new holiday traditions.
Visit violifefoods.com to find more appetizers and snacks for your holiday gatherings.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 12 button mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 4-6 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large handful spinach
- 1 pinch rosemary
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pack Violife Just Like Cheddar Shreds
- finely chopped chives
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Use damp kitchen towel to clean mushrooms. Remove stalks from mushrooms. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place on lined baking sheet with empty sides up.
- In frying pan, saute onions in remaining olive oil until soft then add zucchinis, tomatoes and garlic. Add spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and add rosemary, salt, to taste, and pepper, to taste.
- Stuff each mushroom with vegetable mixture and sprinkle with cheese shreds. Bake 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with finely chopped chives.
Vegan Brussels Sprouts Fritters
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
- 35 ounces Brussels sprouts
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- pink pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 flax egg (2 tablespoons flax and 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 pack Violife Just Like Cheddar Shreds
- 2-4 tablespoons olive oil
- mint, roughly chopped
- Wash Brussels sprouts and finely slice. Place in bowl with green onions.
- In separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, black pepper, pink pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
- Add dry ingredients and flax egg to Brussels sprouts mixture then add cheddar shreds. Mix well and let rest in refrigerator 10 minutes.
- In frying pan, heat olive oil. Use hands to make one patty with 2 tablespoons of mixture.
- Shallow fry 4 minutes on each side. Remove and place on plate with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining mixture. Garnish with mint.
Source: Violife
Special Centerpieces for Holiday Celebrations
(Family Features) Few things bring family and friends together quite like the holidays, and serving up an elegant, seasonal meal centered around a mouthwatering main dish is a recipe for creating lasting memories with the ones you love.
Forging a fabulous holiday experience for the special people in your life starts with choosing a flavorful, tender cut of meat to serve as the centerpiece of the meal. Hand-cut by expert butchers, options like Spiral-Sliced Ham, Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast and Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons from Omaha Steaks can serve as the focal point of a memorable holiday dinner. Flash frozen to capture freshness and flavor, you can select a standout cut of meat from the comfort of your home and have it delivered directly to your door in time to put together a tender, juicy main course.
Find more holiday recipe inspiration at OmahaSteaks.com/blog/recipes.
Rum and Cola Holiday Ham
Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 80 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Ham:
- 1 Omaha Steaks Spiral-Sliced Ham (8 pounds)
Glaze:
- 1 cup cherry fruit spread
- 3/4 cup dark spiced rum
- 3/4 cup cola
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- To make ham: Thaw frozen ham in refrigerator 24-48 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and let ham come to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove ham from foil and film. Return ham to foil wrapping and place in oven-safe roasting pan. Roll foil down leaving 2 inches of foil around bottom of ham.
- Place roasting pan with ham in oven on lower rack and heat uncovered 60-75 minutes, until ham starts to brown. While ham cooks, make glaze.
- To make glaze: In medium saucepot, whisk fruit spread, rum, cola, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and salt until well incorporated. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium. Simmer over medium heat 10 minutes then remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.
- During last 15 minutes of cooking, glaze ham every 5 minutes.
Dijon-Herb Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Servings: 4-6
Dijon-Herb Rub:
- 1/4 cup minced fresh Italian parsley
- 1/4 cup minced fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup minced fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup minced fresh rosemary leaves
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Prime Rib Roast:
- 1 Omaha Steaks Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast (4 pounds), thawed
- kosher salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup canola oil
Garlic Butter Mushrooms:
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup small diced yellow onion
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
- 1 pinch kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 1 pinch ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
- To make rub: In medium bowl, whisk parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, Dijon mustard, oil, salt, black pepper and paprika until well incorporated.
- To make prime rib roast: Pat prime rib roast dry on all sides with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Allow roast to come to room temperature about 30 minutes.
- Rub Dijon herb rub all over prime rib roast and allow to stand 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 250 F.
- In large cast-iron pan, warm oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear roast on all sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place seared prime rib on wire rack-lined sheet pan and place in oven.
- Cook until internal temperature is 10 F below desired cooking doneness.
- Rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- To make mushrooms: In large pan, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and saute about 1 minute.
- Add minced garlic and lightly saute until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
- Add mushrooms and pinch of salt and ground pepper to pan. Saute 3-4 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.
- Add chicken stock and reduce to one-third in volume, 3-4 minutes.
- Add butter and parsley to pan and saute until butter is melted and incorporated. Immediately remove from heat and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
- Serve mushrooms with prime rib roast.
Suya-Dusted Filet Mignon with "Red Rice" Risotto
Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Suya Dust:
- 2 cups roasted cashews
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons. ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
"Red Rice" Risotto:
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 large beefsteak tomato (about 1/2 pound), chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups warmed chicken stock, divided
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Filet Mignon:
- 4 Omaha Steaks Butcher's Cut Filet Mignons (6 ounces each)
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 thyme sprig
- To make suya dust: In food processor, blend cashews, chicken bouillon, paprika, cayenne pepper, bell pepper, black pepper, ginger, garlic powder and onion powder into fine powder.
- To make "red rice" risotto: In medium saucepan, warm canola oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic and red bell pepper, sauteing until lightly caramelized, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste to pan and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped tomato, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; continue sauteing until tomato starts to break down and soften, 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and finely blend in food processor. Set aside.
- In separate medium saucepan, warm olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add Arborio rice and stir until slightly nutty and translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add pureed tomato-pepper mixture and 1 cup chicken stock; bring to boil then reduce heat to medium.
- Add 1 cup stock each time Arborio rice absorbs almost all broth. Continuously stir risotto each time stock is added to rice. Keep adding stock until risotto is al dente and still viscous then stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper, if desired.
- To make filet mignon: Pat steaks dry with paper towels and liberally season with salt and ground black pepper on both sides.
- In large cast-iron skillet, warm canola oil over medium-high heat.
- Place filets in skillet and sear 3 minutes.
- Flip steaks and add butter, garlic clove and thyme. Baste steaks with butter and allow filets to finish cooking, 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
- Rest filets 7-8 minutes. Serve over "red rice" risotto and sprinkle suya dust over filets.
Source: Omaha Steaks
Get Outside with Fresh Grilled Flavors
(Family Features) When bright, sunny days offer opportunities to take it outside for a celebration or casual weeknight dinner, take advantage with the fresh flavors of grilled fare. Good food and good company can combine for a meal to remember with loved ones while enjoying the outdoors.
Try taking your grilling game to the next level with Atkins Ranch grass fed ground lamb – available at Whole Foods Market – for lean, delicate flavor perfect for burgers, skewers, meatballs and sausages. Grass fed lamb is a versatile option that’s easy to cook, even on the grill – simply treat it the way you would beef.
If you’re new to cooking lamb, consider these Grilled Lamb Burgers that showcase 100% grass-fed lamb topped with a light herb salad, sliced tomato and yogurt sauce on a brioche bun. Or you can combine a robust herb dipping sauce with Lamb Meatball and Veggie Skewers for a customizable meal hot off the grates.
Visit Take-It-Outside.AtkinsRanch.com for more grilling inspiration.
Lamb Meatball and Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce
Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Yield: 6 skewers
- 6 wooden skewers
- 1 pound Atkins Ranch ground lamb
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely minced yellow onion
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch stacks
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch stacks
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch stacks
Herb Sauce:
- 1 cup flat leaf parsley
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- grilled Italian bread, for serving
- Soak skewers in water 10 minutes.
- In large bowl, break apart ground lamb; add whisked eggs and breadcrumbs.
- In small saute pan, add olive oil then saute yellow onion, garlic clove, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, to taste, about 5 minutes, until onion is translucent and spices are fragrant. Add to bowl with lamb. Mix until combined and form into roughly 1 1/2-ounce balls.
- Add meatballs to skewers, alternating with onions and peppers. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to ensure meatballs hold together during grilling.
- To make herb sauce: In immersion blender, blend parsley, rosemary, capers, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers about 3 minutes on each side, or until meatballs reach 150 F internal temperature. Rest 5 minutes. Serve with dipping sauce and grilled Italian bread.
Grilled Lamb Burgers
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 pounds Atkins Ranch ground lamb
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Spread:
- 2/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 clove raw garlic, grated
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salad:
- 1 small English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup microgreens
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 medium tomato, sliced into rounds
- Gently divide lamb into four parts, 6 ounces each, and shape into rounds slightly larger than buns. Place covered in refrigerator, 1 hour.
- To make yogurt sauce: In small bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard; refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.
- To make salad: In medium bowl, mix cucumber, onions, parsley, mint leaves, dill, microgreens, lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil; refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat with direct and indirect zones. Salt patties then add to grill, cooking about 6 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 150 F. As patties near this temperature, or start to brown, move to indirect zone to regulate doneness. Transfer to plate and let rest about 5 minutes.
- To build burgers, add dollop of yogurt spread to bottom buns. Top each with tomato slice, lamb burger, herb salad and top bun.
Source: Atkins Ranch
Sweet, Simple Solutions for Family Meals
(Family Features) Busy mornings, afternoons and evenings are the norm for many families with days full of work, school, extracurricular activities, social commitments and more. Finding time to pause and share a meal is often a priority that may remain difficult to achieve.
With easy family-friendly recipes that call for Envy apples – named America’s No. 1 apple for taste, crispness, aroma and appearance, according to an independent sensory test by Forward Agency – you can bring your loved ones together for shared meals.
Crisp Apple Tacos put a fresh and sweet spin on a dinnertime classic by making tacos with pork medallions, homemade slaw and apple wedges. With plenty of easy prep work to be done, they’re a convenient way to call everyone to the kitchen; even little ones can help by mixing the dressing, apple sticks and cabbage for the tasty slaw.
For a quick and easy dinner option on busy summer nights, fire up the grill and cook Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers. Distinctly sweet apple rounds are paired with savory, umami-rich portobello mushrooms for a flavor-packed, meatless take on traditional burgers.
Easily recognized by their large, sharable size, Envy apples boast bright red skin that sometimes features a golden blush. They are ideal for snacking, with their satisfying crunch and balanced sweetness, and can also be served as part of any meal of the day. For example, Apple Avocado Toast provides a simple way to fuel up on weekday mornings or can be enjoyed as part of a weekend brunch with the family.
Find these delicious apples at a grocer near you by visiting EnvyApple.com.
Apple Avocado Toast
- 2 eggs
- water
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 Envy apple
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- edible flowers, for garnish
- In pot, cover eggs with 1 inch cold water. Boil 6-7 minutes then place in cool water bath.
- Peel eggs, halve lengthwise and set aside.
- Toast sourdough bread then mash avocado across bread with fork.
- Cut apple into thin slices and place on top of avocado along with egg halves. Top with lime juice, Parmesan cheese, chia seeds and chives.
- Garnish with edible flowers.
Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers
- 2 Envy apples
- 4 portobello mushrooms
- 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup herbed goat cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 large butter lettuce leaves
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Heat grill to high heat.
- Slice apple horizontally into thick round wedges and remove seeds using fork.
- Remove portobello stems.
- In small bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt. Using basting brush, coat mushrooms on both sides with olive oil mixture.
- Grill mushrooms stem sides down 2 minutes then flip. Add goat cheese and grill 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Coat apple rounds with remaining olive oil and grill 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char.
- Serve mushrooms with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Crisp Apple Tacos
- 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 2 Envy apples, divided
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 12 soft taco shells
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch medallions.
- Coat pork medallions with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat.
- Slice half of one apple into thick wedges and add to saucepan. Slice remaining half into thin wedges and set aside.
- Add rosemary to saucepan and heat 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and heat 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
- Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
- Thinly slice half of remaining apple into thin sticks around same size of shredded cabbage. Reserve remaining half.
- In serving bowl, toss apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage.
- In bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar into dressing. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
- Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
- Cut remaining apple half into thin wedges.
- Top taco shells with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeeze of lime juice. Top with apple wedges.
Source: Envy Apples
Add Mediterranean Flair to Your Dinner Table
(Family Features) During the past year, many people have missed the opportunity to travel and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world, but it’s easy to explore other cultures and cuisines by experimenting in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the shores of Spain or the beaches of Greece, one of the best places to start is with the Mediterranean Diet. Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian recommends these tips to help home cooks elevate their dishes and easily incorporate the popular diet into everyday cooking.
Reach for Pantry Staples. There’s no single definition of the Mediterranean Diet, but it’s high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and seafood. By keeping your pantry stocked with canned versions of ingredients like beans and fish you can easily add them to your favorite dishes. Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates, and Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle are flavorful ways to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.
Add Seafood. Eating more seafood is one of the leading principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Tuna salad is one tried-and-true dish that can help incorporate fish into your menu. To make it more nutritious, opt for tuna that’s packed in extra-virgin olive oil, so you don’t have to add much mayo to the base. For example, Genova Premium Tuna provides a tasteful addition to recipes and is high in protein, a great source of omega-3s and has a uniquely rich and savory flavor that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Visit GenovaSeafood.com for more recipe inspiration.
Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4
- 6 ounces Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 anchovies
- 1/2 lemon, juice only (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumber spears, endive leaves, sliced fennel and bell pepper strips, for dipping
- Drain tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil.
- In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy, about 1 tablespoon. Let cool slightly; discard bay leaf and rosemary sprig.
- In blender or food processor, process tuna and reserved oil, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies and lemon juice to make smooth dip. Transfer to flat serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Serve with raw vegetables.
Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates
Prep time: 20-30 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, drained
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus additional for garnish (optional)
- 2 lemons, zest only (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces whole-wheat orecchiette
- 1/2 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted and quartered
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- On a sheet tray, toast pine nuts 8-12 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice water bath by filling large bowl with cold water and ice. Stir arugula into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender, about 30 seconds. Drain arugula, immediately shock in ice water and set aside to fully drain; cover with towel.
- In blender or food processor, add arugula; garlic; pine nuts; butter, if desired; Parmigiano-Reggiano; lemon zest, if desired; salt; and pepper. Puree on high, incorporating olive oil to desired thickness.
- Place pesto in bowl and cover tightly to avoid discoloring.
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and return to boil, stirring occasionally. Taste pasta for doneness 2 minutes earlier than package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to large bowl. Do not rinse.
- Add pesto gently until evenly distributed. Fold in tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, dates and olives.
- Divide between shallow bowls and finish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, dill and parsley, if desired.
Source: Genova Tuna
Savory Cheese Balls
(Culinary.net) It’s the holiday season and your family can feel the cheer as loved ones fill their appetizer plates and excitement fills the air as gifts are being placed beneath the tree.
Someone asks, munching away near the table, “Wow, how did you make this?” In your mind, you think, “It was too easy.”
These Savory Cheese Balls are not only simple to make but perfect for any holiday get-together or celebration. They’re fun to create and even more enjoyable to dive in to once finished. Texture and color are the name of the game with this recipe. The result is a beautiful array of red, gold and green, all on one plate.
Start by rolling cream cheese into balls and mixing up three bowls with powerful flavors to create the three different colors. The “green” bowl gets parsley, thyme, rosemary and, of course, some garlic, just for an extra kick of seasoning. The “gold” ball calls for caraway seeds, poppy seeds and garlic. Finally, the “red” ball includes cranberries and pecans.
Simply roll each cream cheese ball around gently until it’s coated. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Display the array of cheese balls on a festive plate for something equally cheery and heavenly. Serve the plate with crackers, fruit or vegetables for complementary dipping options.
Find more recipes and holiday fun this season at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Savory Cheese Balls
Servings: 6-12
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped
- crackers (optional)
- fruit (optional)
- vegetables (optional)
- Cut each cream cheese block into three squares. Roll each square into ball.
- In small bowl, combine caraway seeds, poppy seeds and half the garlic.
- In second small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, rosemary and remaining garlic.
- In third small bowl, combine cranberries and pecans.
- Roll two cheese balls in seed mixture, two in herb mixture and two in cranberry mixture.
- Cut each ball in half and serve with crackers, fruit or vegetables, if desired.
Holiday Spirits to Sip On
(Family Features) Despite a holiday season that’s practically guaranteed to feel different than any other, one constant will remain for many: enjoying the tastes of favorite foods and beverages while cozied up at home. Enhance the holiday spirit and complement the meal at your table with adult beverages that call for seasonal flavors to add to the festive vibe.
Whether you prefer your drinks with a fruity twist and plenty of mix-ins or would rather opt for a simpler combination, the options are vast. Many traditional holiday drinks require a small handful of ingredients that blend, mix or shake together to create a wintry flavor that’s worth the wait.
Regardless of personal preferences, one ingredient you can rely on when creating an at-home concoction is a mixer like those from Zevia, which are naturally sweetened with stevia and include no artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives. These non-alcoholic, zero-sugar, zero-calorie mixers for cocktails (or mocktails) are available in three different flavors: Lemon Lime with Bitters, Tonic and Ginger Beer to provide a simple yet delicious complement to the ingredients of your choosing.
For a fruit-flavored solution, this Cranberry Smash Moscow Mule offers a sweet spin on the classic cocktail. Break out your favorite copper mug and let the cranberries and cinnamon sticks add festive flair to your fusion of vodka and ginger beer.
Alternately, if the sour notes of a margarita better fit your style, go for a holiday twist with this Winter White Margarita by blending in coconut milk and garnishing with cranberries and rosemary sprigs. By rimming your glasses with granulated stevia, you can add a sweet touch to each gulp.
To find more holiday cocktail ideas, visit Zevia.com/recipes/cocktails.
Cranberry Smash Moscow Mule
Servings: 1
- 1 cup cranberries, plus additional for garnish (optional), divided
- 3/4-1 cup water, divided
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1-2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
- 4 ounces Zevia Ginger Beer Mixer
- ice
- rosemary, for garnish (optional)
- lime slices, for garnish (optional)
- cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)
- In saucepan, boil cranberries in 1/2 cup water until they burst.
- Use fork to smash cranberries. Boil 3-4 minutes. Keep mixture moist by adding water 1/4 cup at a time.
- Let mixture cool to room temperature.
- In copper mug, combine vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and smashed cranberries over ice.
- Garnish with additional cranberries, rosemary, lime slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Winter White Margarita
Servings: 6
- 12 ounces coconut milk
- 12 ounces silver tequila
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 2 1/2 cups ice
- 1 1/2 cans Zevia Lemon Lime with Bitters
- granulated stevia, for garnish (optional)
- cranberries, for garnish (optional)
- rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- In blender, blend coconut milk, tequila, orange extract, ice and bitters until smooth.
- Rim six glasses with granulated stevia.
- Divide mixture among glasses and garnish each with cranberries and rosemary, if desired.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
Source: Zevia
A Memorable Holiday Menu
(Family Features) Holiday gatherings, even in a time when smaller groups are encouraged, take on special meaning for many families. Part of the joy comes from the food that’s shared among loved ones from appetizers and sides to the main course.
This year, you can enjoy those meaningful moments with your closest family members and friends by putting together a menu that keeps smiles on faces from the first bite to the last. Start with your favorite among the nearly endless appetizer options that symbolize the season then enjoy a tender tri-tip alongside bacon-wrapped asparagus and a twist on classic, roasted potatoes.
Visit Culinary.net to find more holiday menu ideas.
Start Your Seasonal Celebration with Small Bites
While main courses, sides and desserts may be what holiday memories are made of, you can calm family members’ and guests’ appetites with an array of appetizers like these:
Meatballs
Stuffed mushrooms
Stuffed peppers
Sliced cheese
Sliced meats
Crackers
Spinach dip
Cheesy bread
Sliders
Little smokies
Fresh fruit and vegetables
A Simply Tasty Side
Many recipes commonly associated with the holidays are accompanied by lengthy ingredient lists or hours spent in the kitchen. However, all that time and effort doesn’t have to be used on this year’s side dish when you opt for a simple yet mouthwatering option.
You can feel good about what you’re feeding your family this holiday season while saving prep time by serving this Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus made with Coleman Natural bacon, which contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives and is sourced from American family farms that humanely raise their animals with no antibiotics or added hormones. Whether it’s served as a side dish or an appetizer, it calls for just a handful of everyday ingredients for a dish you can be proud of.
Visit ColemanNatural.com/Recipes for more seasonal recipe inspiration.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Servings: 10
- 20 asparagus stalks
- 10 slices Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap 2 asparagus stalks with 1 slice bacon. Repeat with remaining asparagus and bacon. Place bundles on baking sheet. Drizzle asparagus ends with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake until asparagus is cooked through and bacon is crisp, about 20 minutes.
A Tender Holiday Tri-Tip
Centering your holiday meal around a flavorful cut of meat can make the celebration truly memorable, especially when it’s cooked to perfection over the hot flame of a grill.
This year, take your family’s main course to the next level with a Garlic Herb Tri-Tip lightly seasoned with garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper to let the naturally flavorful New Zealand grass-fed beef speak for itself. Because the animals roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures year-round, New Zealand grass-fed beef is leaner, more finely textured and tastes just as nature intended.
Find more recipes and holiday meal ideas at beefandlambnz.com.
Garlic Herb Tri-Tip
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1 New Zealand grass-fed beef tri-tip (2 1/2-3 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Rub tri-tip with olive oil. Add minced garlic and use hands to evenly distribute.
- Combine chopped thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper; cover oiled tri-tip on both sides with spice blend.
- Place tri-tip on hottest part of grill and sear 2-3 minutes.
- Flip tri-tip and transfer to indirect heat. Continue grilling until internal temperature reaches 135 F for medium-rare.
- Transfer meat to platter, cover with foil and let rest 10 minutes.
- Slice across the grain and serve.
An Easy but Impressive Side
Every holiday meal comes with plenty of traditional and family-favorite dishes, and one of the most common on tables is potatoes. Whether they’re roasted, mashed or anything in-between, they’re among the most versatile options for the holidays.
This year, you can save time on seasonal favorites with Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company. They are ready to use, with no washing or peeling required, and they’re small and consistent in size so they cook quickly.
Try them roasted, boiled, smashed or mashed whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or getting a festive meal on the table. This holiday season, try these Little Hasselback Potatoes for a twist on the classic roasted variety. For an easy cooking hack, slice the potatoes on a wooden spoon to prevent cutting all the way through.
Visit littlepotatoes.com for more holiday recipe inspiration.
Little Hasselback Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8-12
- 1 bag (3 pounds) The Little Potato Company Holiday Blend
- 10 sprigs thyme, removed from stem
- 6 sprigs parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- sour cream (optional)
- cooked bacon pieces (optional)
- green onion slices (optional)
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Lay wooden spoon flat on solid surface and place one potato in spoon. Using paring knife, slice 1/8-inch thick slices along length of each potato one at a time.
- In bowl, toss potatoes, thyme, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place potatoes on parchment-lined baking sheet, cut sides down. Bake 10 minutes, flip and bake 10 minutes, or until soft.
- Serve with sour cream, bacon and green onion, if desired.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Holiday small bites)
Source: Coleman Natural Foods
Beef + Lamb New Zealand
The Little Potato Company