(Family Features) Soaking up some sun and sharing a meal with family and friends brings people together, especially when favorite recipes are on the table. Whether there’s a cause for celebration or a gathering of loved ones is simply overdue, serving up delicious dishes is a sure bet to get everyone involved.

These flavorful Mexinut Dip, Beef and Peanut Empanadas with Chimichurri, Asian Peanut Slaw and Peanut Butter Banana Pops recipes are ideal for the whole family. Starting with a spicy dip best paired with corn chips or crackers, hungry guests can work their way up to the main course of savory empanadas served alongside a tangy Asian slaw. Finally, kids and adults alike can cap off the celebration with a sweet, fruity dessert.

Leaning into a versatile ingredient like peanuts, which make all these dishes possible, can take your gatherings to the next level. They complement a wide range of recipes from appetizers and snacks to main courses and desserts.

Plus, they contain 26% protein and fulfill approximately 30% of a 4-6-year-old’s and 26% of a 7-10-year-old’s recommended daily allowance per serving, making them a kid-favorite source of energy. They contain six essential vitamins – vitamin E, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6 – and seven essential minerals – phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and calcium.

Often referred to as “nutrition in a nutshell,” there’s a good chance your peanut supply came from the United States’ leading grower: Georgia. With approximately 4,000 active peanut farmers, the state produces 52% of the country’s peanuts.

To find more family-friendly recipe ideas powered by peanuts, visit GAPeanuts.com.

Mexinut Dip

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 4 cup

• 1 can (11 1/2 ounces) condensed bean with bacon soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10 ounces) tomatoes and green chiles
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon hot chili powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• corn chips or crackers

1. In 2-quart microwave-safe container, combine soup, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and green chiles, onion, chili powder and peanut butter. Cover with glass or plastic lid.
2. Microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes; stir. Microwave 2 1/2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
3. Stir before serving with corn chips or crackers.

Beef and Peanut Empanadas with Chimichurri

Recipe courtesy of "Set the Table" on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 30-40 small empanadas

Spicy Beef and Peanut Empanadas:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup raw Georgia Peanuts
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon water, plus additional for sealing dough
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2 packages pie crust
• 1 egg white, in small bowl

Chimichurri:

• 1/3 cup flat leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make spicy beef and peanut empanadas: In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, red pepper flakes, garlic, raisins, peanuts and jalapenos. Cook until onion and garlic are soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon water. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; transfer filling to large bowl and cool.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F.
3. Unroll pie crusts on lightly floured work surface. Using round cutter at least 3 inches in diameter, cut out rounds.
4. Using rolling pin, roll out edges of each circle, leaving center of circle at its original thickness.
5. Holding one round of dough in palm of hand, scoop about 1 tablespoon filling into center. Using fingertip, line edge of dough with water, fold into half moon shape and pinch to seal. For extra ease, use fork.
6. Place filled empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg white.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes on upper rack.
8. To make chimichurri: In blender or food processor, pulse parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes and olive oil 2-3 times. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve in small bowl for dipping.

Asian Peanut Slaw

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
• 1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
• 1 bag (16 ounces) three-colored deli slaw mix
• chow mein noodles

1. Drain juice from mandarin oranges into mixing bowl and reserve oranges.
2. In bowl with juice, add dressing, peanut butter and red pepper; whisk until well blended. Add peanuts, oranges and coleslaw mix; toss until thoroughly coated.
3. Garnish with chow mein noodles before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Pops

Recipe courtesy of registered dietitian Annessa Chumbley on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 8 pops

• Craft sticks
• 4 firm, ripe bananas, peeled and halved crosswise
• 1 cup melted chocolate wafers
• 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts

Toppings:

• unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
• chopped dried pineapple (optional)
• chopped dried strawberries (optional)
• melted peanut butter chips (optional)

1. Insert one craft stick into each banana half. Place eight banana pops in single layer on small tray covered with parchment paper. Place tray in freezer at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Pour melted chocolate into bowl. Dip each frozen banana into bowl, turning to coat. Lay chocolate-covered bananas back on parchment paper. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Sprinkle with coconut flakes, pineapple and strawberries, if desired. Drizzle with melted peanut butter chips, if desired.

Source: Georgia Peanut Commission

(Family Features) Keep the grill cooking all summer long with a family favorite, seafood, and satisfy taste buds with fresh flavors hot off the grates. While some people assume seafood is challenging to cook, it can actually be an easy meal for home chefs of all skill levels.

To ensure your cookout is an unrivaled success, start with seafood that brings superior taste to the table. From crustaceans to a wide selection of unique-tasting oysters and sea scallops, mussels and clams, Maine Seafood offers something for all seafood lovers.

With a coastline that stretches 3,478 miles along the cold, clean North Atlantic, the state is home to a diversity of both wild-caught and farmed species.

Get inspired by these Maine Seafood grilling tips, sure to elevate your at-home seafood experience with the state’s superior taste and quality:

Littleneck Clams
Heat grill to medium-high heat then place littleneck clams directly on grill grates or in a single layer on a large baking pan. After 5-7 minutes on the grill, clams will begin to open. Without spilling juice, carefully place clams on a serving platter. Serve with melted butter or in pasta. Discard clams that don’t open.

Oysters
Place oysters cupped sides down directly on grill heated to medium-high. Cover the grill and cook until oysters open and meat is opaque and cooked through, about 5 minutes for smaller oysters and 8-10 minutes for larger ones. Place on a serving platter, remove top shells and run a sharp knife along insides of bottom shells to detach oysters. Top with garlic butter and serve with lemon.

Salmon
Heat grill to medium-high heat. Pat salmon dry; brush with olive oil and top with seasonings. Place salmon skin side down on grill grates and cook 6-8 minutes, or until meat turns opaque. You can also try a grill-safe cedar plank to infuse added flavor.

Haddock
Heat grill to medium-high heat. Pat haddock – flaky white fish that’s sweet and delicate – dry and brush with olive oil. Wrap fillets in aluminum foil with herbs and seasonings; completely seal with seam sides facing upward. Grill 8-10 minutes, or until meat turns opaque.

Lobster Tail
For a delicious twist this summer, enjoy these tender, tasty Grilled Lobster Tacos with vinegar slaw and cilantro lime crema.

For easy, delicious recipe inspiration and to order seafood straight to your door, visit SeafoodfromMaine.com.

Grilled Maine Lobster Tacos

Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Vinegar Slaw:

• 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded or cut thinly (approximately 8 cups)

Cilantro Lime Crema:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1 lime, zest only, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lobster Tacos:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large (4-6 ounces each) Maine Lobster tails, defrosted
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas
• pico de gallo
• 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

1. To make vinegar slaw: In small saucepan over medium heat, heat apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, sugar and water; stir until sugar dissolves. In large bowl, pour mixture over cabbage; cover and refrigerate.
2. To make cilantro lime crema: In blender, blend sour cream, cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; refrigerate.
3. To make lobster tacos: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Using kitchen shears, cut lobster shells in half lengthwise. Place skewer through meat to prevent curling during cooking.
5. Brush lobster meat with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill lobster tails meat side down 5 minutes then flip.
7. Brush meat again with butter and cook 5 minutes, or until opaque throughout. Cook to 140 F internal temperature.
8. Remove meat from shells and cut into bite-sized chunks or leave whole, if desired.
9. Place tortillas on grill 30-60 seconds per side, or until warmed and slightly brown.
10. Add drained slaw to tortillas. Top with lobster meat, pico de gallo and cilantro sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

Source: Maine Seafood

(Family Features) Sliced or diced, grilled or blended, there are countless ways to prepare watermelon. With some fruits, half or more is wasted when you throw away the seeds and peel, but you may be surprised to learn that you can use an entire watermelon, including the rind, to make delicious and refreshing dishes.

Most people think of watermelon as a sweet, juicy snack perfect for hot summer days, but with its high water content (92 percent), the fruit is more than just tasty. It’s also an ideal way to keep your body hydrated. What’s more, the ability to use the entire fruit makes watermelon one of the most versatile and value-conscious options in the produce department.

An average watermelon consists of about 70 percent fruit and 30 percent rind. Hollowed out, the rind is an attractive way to serve any number of recipes, but the rind is actually edible, too, and can be stir-fried, stewed or pickled, or even enjoyed raw. This yummy slaw gets its distinctive crunch from the watermelon rind, which is packed with citrulline and arginine, two compounds that may aid in healthy blood flow.

Watermelon is also a flavorful substitute for tomatoes, as shown in this traditional Italian appetizer, and contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable per serving, according to award-winning nutrition author and registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer.

Additionally, it lends some sweetness to a spicy salsa and a refreshing twist on a summery salad. You can also try blending watermelon with other fresh fruits for a super smoothie or mixing it up with some adult libations (and don’t forget, you can transform the rind into a mini-keg in minutes; just add a pour spout).

Find more ideas for using every bite of fruit, juice and rind at watermelon.org.

Watermelon Caprese Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction

Makes: 6 servings

• 12 slices watermelon cut into rounds or squares, approximately 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick, with seeds removed
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 slices
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 sprig basil, for garnish

1. Place watermelon slices on paper towels and cover with additional paper towels to absorb excess fluid.
2. In small saucepan over medium heat, add vinegar and honey. Stir to blend, bring to simmer and reduce heat. Stir occasionally until mixture is reduced by almost half. (Do not let reduce too far or allow to froth.) Set aside to cool slightly.
3. On large platter, place watermelon slices and top each with slice of cheese. Add salt and pepper, to taste, then sprinkle basil leaves evenly over top. Drizzle with olive oil, followed by reduced balsamic vinegar. Garnish with sprig of basil.

Tip: Use red and yellow watermelon for an extra pretty presentation.

Watermelon Rind Slaw

Makes: 4 one-cup servings

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Slaw:

• 4 cups grated watermelon rind (fruit and green peel removed)
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple

1. In small bowl, blend Greek yogurt, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, poppy seeds, olive oil, salt and pepper thoroughly. Set aside.
2. Place watermelon rind on several layers of paper towels to soak up excess fluid.
3. In medium bowl, place dressing, rind, carrot and pineapple, and toss to thoroughly coat.

Watermelon Slice Ice Pops

Makes: 5-15 servings

• 5-15 watermelon slices, cut into triangular wedge shapes, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick, with seeds removed
• 5-15 ice pop sticks

1. Insert ice pop stick into rind of each slice.

Optional variation: After inserting sticks, freeze ice pops before serving.

Superfood Smoothie

Makes: 3 cups

• 2 cups cubed and seeded watermelon
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 cup raspberry kefir
• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
• 2 tablespoons hemp
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup
• ice (optional)

1. Place watermelon, raspberries, raspberry kefir, orange juice concentrate, hemp, agave syrup and ice, if desired, in blender and blend until smooth.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board