(Family Features) Warm breezes, blooming flowers, pretty pastels - when spring is in the air, there's plenty of reason to celebrate. It's the perfect time to bring family and friends together for a welcoming brunch.

When planning your menu, be sure to have plenty of savory dishes on hand to satisfy your guests. And rest easy, you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare your feast. Using ingredients already full of flavor, such as Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage, lets you create memorable brunch dishes without a lot of work.

These recipes are simple yet satisfying - and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the company gathered around your table.

For more savory brunch recipes, visit www.johnsonville.com.

Amazing Muffin Cups

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

• 3 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 12 links Johnsonville Original
• Breakfast Sausage
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded 4-cheese
• Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

1. Place 12 paper liners in a muffin pan; spray liners with cooking spray.
2. In bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups.
   Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage between muffin cups.
4. Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Pour over sausage. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 12 to 15 servings

• 2 packages (12 ounces each) Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Links
• 9 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 packages (20 ounces each) refrigerated shredded hash browns
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 2 cups salsa or picante sauce, optional

1. Place sausage on a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, turning once; drain and slice into 1/4-inch coins.
2. In large bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Add hash browns, sausage, cheese, sweet red pepper and green onions; mix well. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 65 to 70 minutes or until set and golden brown.
   Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
4. Serve with salsa or picante sauce if desired.

Blue Ribbon Skillet

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 3 servings

• 7 links Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 4 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped orange bell pepper
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese

1. In large skillet, cook sausage per package directions. Cut links into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add hash browns, onion, green and orange peppers, jalapeños, salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until hash browns are lightly browned and tender, turning occasionally.
3. Return sausage to skillet and sprinkle with cheese. Cover skillet for 2 minutes until cheese is melted.

Option: This recipe can be doubled to make a "2-Skillet Breakfast." Cook sausage in one skillet and hash browns, onion and peppers in another skillet.

Easy Sausage Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 roll-ups

• 1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Links
• 2 containers refrigerated crescent rolls (16 rolls total)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar

1. Prepare sausage according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Unroll crescent roll dough according to directions on package. Place one cooked sausage onto one end of a dough triangle. Roll dough around sausage according to directions on dough package and place on jelly-roll pan with the seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausage and dough. (You will have 2 extra rolls. Bake and enjoy with jam.)
3. Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over roll-ups. Bake according to directions on dough package. Serve hot.

Suggestion: Serve with warm maple syrup, honey or your favorite preserves for dipping.

Sausage Mushroom Quiche

Yield: 8 servings

• 1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage Patties
• 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup half-and-half cream
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Dash ground nutmeg
• 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked

1. In skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, chopping into small pieces. Add mushrooms, onion and peppers. Cook and stir 5 minutes longer or until sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; drain well and set aside.
2. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs and cream.
3. Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, nutmeg and sausage mixture. Pour into baked pastry shell. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. If necessary, cover edges of crust with foil to prevent over-browning. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Source: Johnsonville

(Family Features) When your family is short on time, there's no need to shortchange them when it comes to a wholesome dinner. The key to getting dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less is to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

* Make a Menu. Planning your meals for the week is the best way to save time and money. Stock up on quick dinner recipes, then stock up on the ingredients you need to make them. The two recipes here bring Bob Evans Food Products' farm-fresh taste to the family table in no time.

* Plan Your Leftovers. Instead of wondering what to do with the leftovers from Monday's meal - or worse, just throwing it out - plan your menu to turn one night's leftovers into another night's dinner. Leftover rotisserie chicken can turn into spicy quesadillas. Extra meatballs can morph into meatball grinders.

* Cut Down Prep Time. Take advantage of prepared foods in your grocery store. Pre-cut veggies, pre-washed bagged salads, pre-made pizza crusts, even Bob Evans Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes - they can all come in handy and save you time. Also, think about making double batches of food - one lasagna to serve now, one to freeze for later. Roasting two chickens tonight doesn't take that much longer than one and saves you from having to do it twice.

For more fast, family-friendly recipes, visit www.bobevans.com.

Sloppy Joes

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Roll Sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
• 1 1.3 ounce envelope Sloppy Joe seasoning mix
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 8 sandwich buns, split and toasted

1. In large saucepan, over medium heat crumble and cook sausage, onion and pepper until sausage is browned. Stir in seasoning mix, tomato paste and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Serve on buns.

Speedy Spaghetti

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Roll Sausage
• 1 28-ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 8-ounce (minimum) package of your favorite pasta

1. In a skillet, crumble and brown sausage over medium heat until cooked. Stir in your favorite pasta sauce and heat until warm. Cook pasta according to package directions. Serve sauce over pasta.

Source: Bob Evans Foods

(Family Features) The holiday season is full of opportunities to eat, drink and gather around the table with the ones you love. Whether it's a family dinner, office potluck or neighborhood brunch, good food is a cornerstone of nearly every great holiday celebration.

From hosting guests to kids returning home on winter break, the holiday season can require more planning than usual. Ensure you're prepared this year with a savory centerpiece staple like Smithfield Spiral Sliced Ham or a crowd-pleasing favorite like Bacon French Toast Bake, giving you more time to soak in the best parts of the season.

To keep the holiday season fresh and exciting, consider putting a twist on a classic, like adding sausage to a traditional side dish like Sausage and Ciabatta Stuffing. Available as links, patties and rolls, Smithfield's line of Fresh Breakfast Sausage is made using premium, high-quality pork to provide big flavor that can be enjoyed any time of day.

For more recipes and tips that can help make your holiday soiree a breeze, visit Smithfield.com/HolidayHub.

Bacon French Toast Bake

• 1 small loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• nonstick cooking spray
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 slices Smithfield Bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Leave bread slices out, at room temperature, at least 3 hours, or until slightly stale.
2. Generously coat 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange bread, slightly overlapping.
3. In large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, Gruyere cheese, maple syrup and cinnamon. Add chopped bacon, saving 2 tablespoons for later. Pour over bread in baking dish. With hands, press down on bread to submerge.
4. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 5 hours, or overnight.
5. Heat oven to 375 F. Remove plastic. Sprinkle remaining bacon and Swiss cheese over top of bread mixture.
6. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
7. Top with blackberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Sausage and Ciabatta Stuffing

• 1 large loaf ciabatta bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 pound Smithfield Fresh Sausage Roll
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 1/2 cups onion, diced
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus additional for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Heat oven to 325 F.
2. Bake ciabatta bread cubes until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Set aside. Increase oven temperature to 375 F.
3. In skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
4. Cook sausage, breaking meat into medium pieces, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer sausage to large bowl; set aside.
5. Add remaining butter to skillet; cook carrots, onions and celery until soft, 5-7 minutes, and transfer to bowl with sausage.
6. In large bowl, mix bread cubes, chicken broth, olive oil, parsley, rosemary and salt and pepper, to taste. Add vegetable and sausage mixture to bread cubes mixture and combine.
7. Spread evenly in greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until golden brown and bread is slightly crisp on top, 30-35 minutes.
8. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Tip: Recipe can be made one day before and refrigerated overnight.

Source: Smithfield

(Family Features) Spice things up this season with some uniquely delicious recipe options that are perfect for most any meal occasion.

Serve Beet, Feta and Walnut Scones for brunch or as an accompaniment to soups or salads. Starting with Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets cuts time and adds flavor.

Quick Sausage and German Potato Salad Skillet is on the lunch or dinner table in 20 minutes thanks to pre-cooked sausages and a can of heat-and-eat READ German Potato Salad.

Sides are easy, too. A jar of Aunt Nellie’s Glazed Small Sliced Carrots is the main ingredient in this quick-to-assemble Spicy Carrot-Sweet Potato Casserole. If roasted vegetables are more your style, try Thyme-Scented Roasted Vegetables, accented with sweet, tangy pickled beets.

For more seasonal recipes, visit AuntNellies.com and READsalads.com.

Thyme-Scented Roasted Vegetables and Beets

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets, drained, halved
• 1/2       pound baby carrots
• 1          medium onion, cut through core into 1/2-inch wedges
• 8          ounces shallots, peeled, halved if large
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1          teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1          clove garlic, minced

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Line 15-by-10-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Add beets, carrots, onion and shallots. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat.
3. Roast, uncovered, 15 minutes. Add garlic to vegetables; toss well. Return to oven and continue roasting 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

Note: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme may be substituted for dried thyme leaves.

Spicy Carrot-Sweet Potato Casserole

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

• 1          jar (15.5 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Glazed Small Sliced Carrots
• 1/4       cup orange juice
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2       teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1          cup cooked sweet potato pieces (about 2 inches each)
• 1/4       cup coarsely chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, gently stir together carrots with jarred liquid, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger and orange peel.
2. Spray 1 1/2- to 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange sweet potatoes in dish. Pour carrot mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle with pecans.
3. Bake 30 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through. Allow to stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Note: 1/2 cup chopped apples can be added to carrot mixture.

Beet, Feta and Walnut Scones

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

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Pickled Beets
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2       cup milk (2 percent or skim)
• 1/3       cup olive oil
• 1          egg, beaten
• 1/4       cup thinly sliced green onion
• 1          tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1          small clove garlic, minced
• 2/3       cup crumbled feta cheese (not fat-free)
• 1/2       cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
• 8          rosemary sprigs

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Drain beets well. Chop coarsely; set aside on paper towels.
3. In large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
4. In small bowl, whisk together milk, oil and egg. Stir in onion, rosemary and garlic. Add milk mixture to flour mixture. Stir to combine. Gently stir in feta and walnuts, just until combined, then add beets and stir gently to combine.
5. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead dough three to four times to smooth. Pat into 9-inch round on ungreased baking sheet. Cut into 8 triangles; do not separate. Lightly press rosemary sprigs into each scone.
6. Bake 20 minutes, or until light golden-brown. Cool on baking sheet; set on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Quick Sausage and German Potato Salad Skillet

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

• 2          teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
• 1          medium red or yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges
• 1          cup chopped red bell pepper
• 3/4       pound pre-cooked smoked chicken or turkey sausage links
• 1          can (15 ounces) READ German Potato Salad
• 1/4       teaspoon cracked black pepper
• chopped parsley (optional)

1. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook and stir 1 minute. Add sausages; continue cooking 5 minutes until browned and heated through, turning occasionally. Remove sausages from skillet.
2. Add potato salad and black pepper to skillet. Stir to combine with onion mixture. Return sausages to skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

Source: Seneca Foods

Sensible tips for healthy eating

(Family Features) With so many social events that revolve around food, it’s not easy to get a fresh start on making healthy food choices. However, with a little thought and planning, you can prevent taking your body on a roller coaster ride – without having to choose between food deprivation and satisfaction.

“Whether you are hosting an event or attending someone else’s celebration, planning ahead can help you stay on track,” said Mitzi Dulan, a registered dietitian and nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert. “Having quick and simple strategies and recipes on hand makes it easy to eat well and keep you feeling great.”

Put a winning plan in place to take a new look at your approach to eating smart with these tips from Dulan, who is the team nutritionist for the World Series champion Kansas City Royals.

Don’t skip meals.
Although skipping breakfast may seem like a good way to cut calories, it’s a plan that can actually backfire, making you hungrier as the day wears on, and more likely to overeat or sneak unhealthy snacks. Start each day with a well-rounded breakfast to fuel your body. Apply a similar approach to events later in the day, as well. You may be tempted to skip a meal so you can enjoy the treats at a party, but chances are you’ll end up overdoing it with high-calorie indulgences, so make sure you fuel up ahead of time.

Love what you eat.
Be mindful of the food you eat and make every bite count. Enjoying each delicious taste will make it easier to stick to a sensible eating plan. For the foods you do love, look for ways to make them better – better for you, that is. For example, if pizza is your weak spot, substitute a lower-calorie crust, such as Flatout Flatbread. Then choose toppings wisely to amp up the flavor while managing added fat and calories.

Eat smaller portions.
When you simply must indulge, you may be surprised to hear “go ahead,” but to do so in moderation. One clever way to keep your portions small: use a tablespoon, not a serving spoon to dish out portions. Then eat slowly so your body has time to tell your brain you’re full.

Get your fill in healthy ways.
Overeating often comes down to a very basic cause: hunger. Becoming more conscious of how you answer your hunger will help you stay on track. Drinking water before and during events will help to fill you up so you are less likely to consume excess calories. Snacking throughout the day can also help keep hunger at bay; several small, healthy snacks, such as a handful of nuts or trail mix, can help keep you feeling full. Also, remember to stop eating when you feel satisfied, but before you feel full.

To find a Flatout Flatbread retailer near you, visit FlatoutFinder.com.

Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Recipe created by Mitzi Dulan, RD

• non-stick baking spray
• 2 Flatout Flatbreads
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces grilled chicken breast, torn into pieces
• 1 tablespoon red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray large baking sheet with non-stick baking spray. Place flatbreads on baking sheet. On each flatbread, evenly spread 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce.
3. Sprinkle both cheeses over flatbreads. Mix remaining barbecue sauce with grilled chicken and place on pizzas. Top with diced onion. Bake 5 minutes. Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve.

Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza

• 1 Flatout Flatbread Artisan Thin Pizza Crust
• 1/4 cup chunky red sauce
• 3 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 30 pepperoni mini slices

1. Heat oven or grill to 375°F.
2. Place flatbread on cookie sheet. Bake 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Spread sauce on flatbread. Lay provolone on top of sauce. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Return to oven and bake 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.
3. Grilling method: Heat grill to 375°F. Pre-bake flatbread on grill for 2 minutes. Remove from grill. Spread sauce on flatbread. Lay provolone on top of sauce. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Return flatbread to grill. Close lid. Grill for 4 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Arugula Mushroom Flatbread Pizza

• 1 Flatout Flatbread
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, cooked
• 1/2 cup arugula
• 6 grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fat-free balsamic vinegar

1. Heat grill or oven to 375°F.
2. Pre-bake flatbread for 2 minutes. Remove.
3. Warm mushrooms in microwave or pan. Top flatbread with arugula, tomatoes and mushrooms. Sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Cut into slices.

Thin Crust Egg, Sausage and Pepper Breakfast Pizza

• 1 Flatout Flatbread Artisan Thin Pizza Crust
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly scrambled
• 3 ounces sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 ounces yellow peppers, diced
• 2 ounces red peppers, diced

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. Place flatbread on cookie sheet. Bake for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Top flatbread with cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and peppers. Return to oven and bake 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.
3. Grilling method: Heat grill to 375 F. Pre-bake flatbread on grill for 1-2 minutes. Remove from grill. Top flatbread with cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and peppers. Return to grill. Close lid. Grill 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.

Source: Flatout Flatbread

(Family Features) With summer comes the opening of farmers markets bursting with fresh produce ripe for the taking. Pair your fresh-picked bounty with wholesome pecans for power-packed seasonal recipes from salads and snacks to side dishes and main courses.

American Pecans are The Original Supernut; a naturally sweet superfood that’s nutritious, versatile and local as it’s the only major tree nut native to America. Pecans are also among the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats and contain plant protein, fiber, flavonoids and essential minerals, including copper, manganese and zinc, so you can feel good when adding them to your next meal or snack.

After a morning at the farmers market, cook up a nourishing spread for breakfast or lunch. For a quick, mess-free brunch, try Sheet Pan Eggs with Pecan Breakfast “Sausage.” Substitute flavored ground pecans for your sausage and add fresh greens for a quick, good-for-you option with plant-based protein.

For a simple yet sweet take on dessert, try Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts with a three-ingredient, pecan-based crumb as the base, topped with a light filling and fresh berries. 

To find additional seasonal recipes, nutrition information and cooking tips, and to learn more about America’s native nut, visit AmericanPecan.com.

Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts

Mini Pecan Crusts:

• 2          cups pecan pieces or halves
• 1/4       cup butter, melted
• 2          tablespoons sugar

• 24        Mini Pecan Crusts
• 1/2       cup lemon curd
• 1/2       cup blueberries or raspberries
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

1. To make Mini Pecan Crusts: Heat oven to 350° F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In food processor, blend pecans, butter and sugar until mixture forms coarse dough.
3. Scoop about 2 teaspoons pecan mixture into each muffin tin. Use back of wooden spoon or fingers to press mixture evenly along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup.
4. Bake 12 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown. Allow crusts to cool completely before removing from pan.
5. Spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into each Mini Pecan Crust. Top each with one raspberry or three small blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Sheet Pan Eggs with Pecan Breakfast “Sausage”

Pecan Breakfast Sausage:

• 1          teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2       medium onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1          tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1          teaspoon sage
• 1          teaspoon thyme
• 1/4       teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8       teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1          cup raw pecan halves

Sheet Pan Eggs:

• 12        eggs, beaten
• 3/4       cup fat-free or low-fat milk
• 1 1/4    teaspoons salt
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 1          cup fresh spinach, chopped
• nonstick cooking spray

1. Heat oven to 325° F.
2. To make Pecan Breakfast “Sausage”: In pan over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, coconut aminos, sage, thyme, nutmeg, garlic powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook about 4 minutes until onion is translucent.
3. In food processor, pulse onion mixture and pecans until consistency of ground beef is reached, about 8-10 pulses.
4. To make Sheet Pan Eggs: In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper until combined.
5. Add pecan “sausage” and spinach to eggs and stir. Lightly spray nonstick 12-by-17-inch sheet pan with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture onto prepared pan. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until eggs are fully cooked.

Source: American Pecan Council

(Family Features) Burgers and dogs may be typical game day grub, but a lineup that never changes can get tiresome a few weeks into the season. Infuse new energy and homemade favorites into your game day menu so you can enjoy great games and good eats for a winning combination.

Explore new flavors. Add variety by building your meal around a different main dish, like ribs or pulled pork instead of burgers. Or invite guests to get in on the action and offer a DIY pizza or taco bar with a wide range of toppings for the ultimate custom plate. Then adapt your side dishes to fit the theme, like adding a barbecue spice seasoning to your party mix, for example, or offering a chipotle-style dip for veggies and chips.

Add an unexpected twist. If you prefer a more traditional menu, there’s no reason to abandon all your favorite game day fare. Instead, reimagine a popular dish with a special or unexpected ingredient. For example, this recipe features a homemade pizza topped with creamy ranch dressing. An option like Litehouse Homestyle Ranch has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup and is gluten free. The dressing is a versatile addition to your game day spread since you can use it to top off everything from pizza and fries to tacos, burgers and more. For easy serving, look for the 20-ounce squeeze bottle, or opt for a glass jar or dip tub, whichever your recipe requires.

Don’t forget dessert. A good game requires lots of savory, hearty foods, but by the fourth quarter, you’re likely to start craving sweet victory and a sweet treat to go along with the win. Easy individual desserts are a great bet, that way you can grab a quick bite and get back to the screen before you miss any action. Think along the lines of finger foods like marshmallow cereal bars, brownies and cookies to offer a little something for everyone.

Find more ideas for your game day gathering at LitehouseFoods.com.

Homemade Pizza Recipe

Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4

• 1          ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1          jar pizza sauce
• pepperoni (optional)
• sausage (optional)
• ham or Canadian bacon (optional)
• black olives (optional)
• mushrooms (optional)
• peppers (optional)
• 1          package (8 ounces) fresh mozzarella, shredded
• 1          squeeze bottle (20 ounces) Litehouse Homestyle Ranch dressing

1. Heat oven to 425° F.
2. Prepare dough by pressing it onto a pizza pan or pizza stone. Spread pizza sauce over crust and top with pepperoni, sausage, ham or Canadian bacon, black olives, mushrooms and peppers, if desired. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top of pizza. Bake 20-30 minutes.
3. Top with ranch dressing before serving.

Note: Toppings can be substituted as desired.

Source: Litehouse Foods

(Family Features) At times, spending hours in the kitchen can be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, even for avid home cooks, a busy weeknight isn’t one of those times. Fortunately, solutions like sheet pan suppers make it easy to create dishes with exceptional flavor depth that come together quickly and clean up just as fast.

Keeping a variety of vegetables on hand makes it simple to pull together a family meal. Onions, for example, are versatile, flavorful, easy to store, have a long shelf-life and are available year-round from U.S. growers. An added benefit when cooking with onions is that you’re serving up a good source of fiber.

All About Onions

Knowing how to buy and store onions can make them true superstars in your kitchen. Growers and shippers of the National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee offer these tips:

Buying
When shopping, buy onions with dry outer skins, free of spots or blemishes. The onion should be firm and have no scent. Avoid bulbs that have begun to sprout.

Yellow, red and white onions are available year-round from
producers in the United States.

Seasonal differences like flavor and texture are noticeable and highlighted during these time frames:

Fall and winter onions (available August-April ) have multiple layers of thick, paper-like layers of skin. Known for their mild to pungent flavor profile, these varieties can be eaten raw, and are ideal for roasting, caramelizing, grilling and frying because they have less water content.

Spring and summer onions (available March-August) have thin, often transparent skins and are typically sweeter and milder than fall and winter varieties. Due to their high water content and mild flavor, they are best used for raw, pickled, lightly cooked or grilled dishes.

Storing
Store onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, not the refrigerator. Do not store whole, unpeeled onions in plastic bags. Lack of air movement reduces storage life. Peeled or cut onions may be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

For more tasty recipes to make supper a cinch, visit onions-usa.org and usaonions.com.

Spicy Sheet Pan Roasted Jambalaya

Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee
Servings: 4-6

• 1          large yellow onion, diced
• 1/2       large green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2       large yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2       large red bell pepper, diced
• 3          stalks celery, sliced or diced
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2       jalapenos, seeded and diced
• 1          pint cherry tomatoes
• 3          tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 1          link (13.5 ounces) Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1          tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
• linguine noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 1-2       lemons, sliced in thin wedges
• 2          green onions, sliced
• fresh chopped parsley

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Line 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. In large bowl, combine onion, bell peppers, celery, garlic, jalapenos, tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper until evenly combined. Spread out evenly on pan in single layer. Add slices of Andouille sausage. Roast 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and start to brown.
4. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and prepare linguine noodles.
5. When ready, remove baking sheet from oven. Place shrimp on top of vegetable and sausage mixture in single layer. Top with half the lemon wedges. Return to oven and cook about 5-8 minutes, or until shrimp is no longer pink.
6. Serve over linguine garnished with green onions and parsley with remaining fresh lemon wedges on side.

Easy Drumstick-Quinoa Sheet Pan Supper

Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee
Servings: 4-6

• 8-10     chicken legs
• 1          fennel bulb
• 1          large yellow onion, sliced
• 1          large red onion, sliced
• 2          garlic cloves, sliced
• 3          medium-sized potatoes, cubed
• 1          orange (1/4 cup juice and zest)
• 1/4       teaspoon thyme, dried
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 2          tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• orange rind curls
• brown rice, cooked according to package directions
• quinoa, cooked according to package directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Line 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Place chicken legs on pan. Spread fennel, yellow onion, red onion, garlic and potatoes around and in between legs.
4. In small bowl, whisk together orange juice and zest, thyme and olive oil. Pour mixture over chicken and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Cook rice and quinoa.
6. Garnish chicken with parsley and orange curls. Serve over brown rice and quinoa.

Sheet Pan-Style Buddha Bowls

Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee
Servings: 4-6

• 2          yellow onions, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1/2       head of red or purple cabbage, cut into wedges
• 2          red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1          small butternut squash, peeled and 1/2-inch diced
• 1          pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• extra-virgin olive oil
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2    cups quinoa, cooked according to package directions

Tahini sauce:

• 1          tablespoon tahini
• 1/2       lemon, juiced
• 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2-1    teaspoon maple syrup
• 2          avocados, peeled and sliced
• fresh parsley

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Line 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Place onion, cabbage, potatoes, squash and Brussels sprouts in single layer on pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables 40 minutes, or until tender. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
4. While vegetables roast, cook quinoa.
5. To make tahini sauce: In small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, mustard and syrup until smooth.
6. To assemble Buddha bowls: Spoon quinoa into bowls. Add roasted veggies and garnish with avocado and parsley. Drizzle tahini sauce over each bowl and serve.

Source: National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee

(Family Features) Both first-time and experienced hosts know holiday entertaining is about more than serving one large feast for family and friends. This season, think outside the dinner table and incorporate tasty brunch dishes into your holiday planning to help keep guests satisfied morning, noon and night.

Arm yourself with everything you need for effortless holiday hosting. Whether you’re making a hearty breakfast or a sweet dessert, Smithfield’s online Holiday Hub has entertaining tips and simple recipes for cooking up flavor-filled dishes all season long. With guests coming from out of town or kids returning home from school, hosts can rest assured knowing every meal is covered.

Try adding savory, slow-smoked bacon to a recipe like this Bacon Lattice Breakfast Tart with Spinach and Mushrooms. Or serve guests these Pull-Apart Rosemary Sausage Rolls made with premium pork sausage and flaky biscuits for robust flavor any time of day.

Find more holiday inspiration at Smithfield.com/HolidayHub.

Pull-Apart Rosemary Sausage Rolls

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20 biscuits

• 1          pound Smithfield Hometown Original Fresh Sausage Roll
• 2          teaspoons finely chopped rosemary leaves, plus sprigs for garnish (optional)
• 1/2       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1          egg
• 1          teaspoon water
• 2          cans (12 ounces each) refrigerated small biscuits (20 biscuits total)

1. Heat oven to 400° F. In bowl, unpackage sausage and lightly mix with rosemary and pepper. Divide into 20 pieces, rolling into little balls; refrigerate until needed.
2. In small bowl, whisk egg and water until frothy. Remove biscuits from packaging and carefully dimple centers with thumbs. Insert sausage balls in centers and place biscuits close together on lightly sprayed or greased cookie sheet. Brush exposed biscuit dough with egg wash and top with rosemary sprigs, if desired. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until biscuits are golden and sausage is cooked through. Serve warm.

Substitution: Smithfield Hot Fresh Sausage Roll or Sausage Patties can be substituted for Original Fresh Sausage Roll.

Bacon Lattice Breakfast Tart with Spinach and Mushrooms

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

• 6          slices Smithfield thick-cut bacon, any flavor
• 1          cup sliced cremini or button mushrooms
• 3          cups lightly packed baby spinach
• 1          refrigerated prepared pie crust
• 6          large eggs
• 1          cup half and half
• 1/4       cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5-6 minutes, or until slightly rendered and beginning to curl. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels until cool enough to handle. Drain all but 1 tablespoon fat from pan and cook mushrooms over high heat 4-5 minutes, or until softened and any moisture in pan has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Add spinach leaves and cook 1 minute, or until just wilted.
3. Line 9-inch pie plate with pie crust, working crust up sides with fingers; refrigerate until needed. In bowl, lightly whisk eggs and stir in half and half, Parmesan, salt and pepper; reserve.
4. Add mushrooms and spinach to egg mixture and stir to combine. Pour into pie crust and bake 20-25 minutes, or until eggs are begin to set. Increase oven temperature to 400 F. Arrange bacon loosely in woven lattice form on top of pie and return to oven. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until bacon begins to crisp and crust is golden brown.
5. Let cool on wire rack 10-15 minutes before serving.

Substitutions: Whole milk can be substituted for half and half. Baby kale can be substituted for baby spinach.

Source: Smithfield

Quick and tasty ideas for game day

(Family Features) Take your tailgating game to new heights this season with fresh dishes that are easy to make and serve, whether your tailgating tradition takes place at the game or at home.

Fast prep times and short ingredient lists make these recipes a cinch to prepare in advance and have ready to go as soon as you reach the parking lot or before guests arrive. The star ingredients are naturally hardwood-smoked sausages and seasoned deli meats from Eckrich, which offers a variety of smoked sausage flavors in traditional ropes and bun-length links as well as gluten-free deli meats such as Black Forest ham and oven-roasted turkey, all with just the right blend of seasonings for a rich, savory taste.

You can switch up the flavors of these recipes by subbing in different varieties of smoked sausage, such as replacing the original rope-style smoked sausage with Eckrich Jalapeno & Cheddar Links. The roll-ups are also easy to customize for guests using any type of deli meat, and they’re easy to enjoy on the go if you need a quick bite on the way to the stadium.

Tailgate Like a Pro

Try New Toppings
Smoked sausage and deli meats are easy to add to a bun for an instant meal, and there's plenty of ways to dress your tailgate menu up or down based upon the preferences of your guests. Be sure to keep some basics on hand for those who prefer traditional preparation, but for the more adventurous types, try out these ideas for toppings that create a new dimension of flavor.

• Grilled onion
• Grilled peppers
• Grilled, roasted or sauteed mushrooms
• Spicy mustard
• Flavored ketchup (think spicy, fruity or sweet)
• Ethnic flavors like curry or marinara sauce
• Hot sauce
• Roasted corn relish
• Crumbled or shredded cheese
• Bacon crumbles

Handy Hacks

• Repurpose coffee filters as holders for your sandwiches. They're easy to hold and help keep your favorite toppings contained.
• Up-cycle an empty six-pack container into a convenient cookout caddy to hold napkins, condiments and utensils. Not only is it quick to grab and place on the table, but it helps keep napkins from blowing away in a breeze.
• For kabobs, keep wooden skewers from charring by soaking them in water before threading on ingredients.
• Prepare toppings the night before and arrange them in a disposable foil pan for a quick and easy DIY topping bar.

Million Dollar Moment

This season, Eckrich – the official smoked sausage and deli meat sponsor of the College Football Playoff – is once again hosting the Road to the National Championship sweepstakes. Fans around the country will have the chance to make a 20-yard throw for $1 million at some of the biggest college football games of the season, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta. Visit EckrichFootball.com for your chance to win.

Find more game-day recipes at Eckrich.com.

Grilled Sausage Skewer Sandwiches

Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          regular size package Eckrich Smoked Sausage
• 1          small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1          red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6          wooden skewers, 10 inches long
• 1/2       cup Italian salad dressing, divided
• 6          bolillo or sandwich rolls, split
• 1          avocado, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1/4       cup cilantro leaves

1. Heat grill to medium-high.
2. Cut sausage into 1/2-inch thick slices. Thread sausage, onion and bell peppers alternately onto skewers. Brush 1/4 cup salad dressing on skewered sausage and vegetables.
3. Grill until sausage is golden brown and vegetables are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes, turning once.
4. Brush remaining salad dressing on rolls. Fill rolls with grilled sausage and vegetables. Divide avocado and cilantro onto each.

Tip: To broil sausage rather than grill, heat broiler to medium-high, follow the same skewer preparation instructions and broil about 10 minutes, or until sausage is golden brown and vegetables are crisp-tender.

Ham and Turkey Roll-ups

Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

• 4          ounces Eckrich Deli Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
• 4          ounces Eckrich Deli Black Forest Ham
• lettuce leaves
• 2          tablespoons chunky guacamole
• 1/4       cup chopped cucumbers
• 1          tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese
• 2          slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1. Layer turkey and ham slices. Layer lettuce, guacamole, cucumber, cheese and bacon crumbles. Roll meat and secure with toothpick.

Potato Salad with Smoked Sausage

Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

• 3/4       regular size package Eckrich Smoked Sausage, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 3          small red potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), cooked and quartered
• 1          can (4 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained and halved
• 2          cups Italian dressing
• 1          green onion, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 2          teaspoons ground black pepper

1. In large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in potatoes; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
2. Add olives, dressing, onions, garlic and pepper; mix lightly.

Source: Eckrich