Learn why foil-packet cooking is hot, hot, hot

(Family Features) As the saying goes, big things come in small packages and that may explain the burgeoning popularity of foil-packet recipes. Minimal preparation and cleanup are easy trade-offs for the immense flavors you can create in these tiny containers, whether you prepare them in the oven, on the grill or over an open flame.

The secret to successful foil cooking is locking in the layers of flavor from each ingredient. It’s surprisingly simple to create delicious, healthy dishes when cooking with foil. An ingredient like seasoned rice vinegar offers a wholesome alternative to many condiments and flavorings while giving your packet a big flavor boost.

With no artificial preservatives, flavors or ingredients and no high-fructose corn syrup, Nakano® Rice Vinegars are the perfect solution for building better-for-you foil-packet meals. With organic varieties and easy-to-read labels featuring real, recognizable ingredients, you can feel great about layering delicious flavor into your next foil-packet meal with rice vinegar.

Garlic seasoned rice vinegar delivers a boost of flavor to this Asian-inspired chicken, creating a sensational main dish. Add crisp fresh veggies tossed with organic rice vinegar and garlic as a side then finish the meal with a sweet take on a juicy fruit crisp.

Find more inspired ideas for healthy meals at Mizkan.com/Recipes.

7 Steps to the Perfect Foil Pouch

1. A 12-inch square piece of foil is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust depending on the recipe. Remember you’ll need plenty of extra room around the ingredients for the heat to build up and cook the contents to perfection.
2. Use heavy-duty foil to avoid tears or poor seals that can spill ingredients and precious seasonings and juices.
3. Spread foil on a flat surface and add a light nonstick spray, if needed.
4. Place ingredients and seasonings in the center of the foil.
5. Bring long sides of the foil together over the food. Pinch together and make 1/2-inch folds straight across at least twice for a strong seal. Remember to leave plenty of open space between the foil and food.
6. Make 1/2-inch folds on each short end, folding toward food but leaving at least 1 1/2-2 inches between the seam and food.
7. Handle pouch with care to avoid piercing or tearing, and always use tongs to remove pouches from heat.

Gochujang-Glazed Chicken

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

• 4 tablespoons Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar – Roasted Garlic
• 2 teaspoons gochujang (chile bean paste)
• 6 tablespoons maple syrup
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, olive oil
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 chicken thighs
• 4 cups fresh cauliflower, riced (use grater or food processer so cauliflower resembles rice)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh scallions, sliced
• 2 cups fresh sugar snap peas
• 3 sprigs fresh cilantro, for garnish

1. Heat oven or grill to 375° F.
2. In large bowl, mix together vinegar, gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper to form marinade. Dip chicken in marinade and toss lightly until coated.
3. Lightly oil foil pouch and layer base of pouch with cauliflower. Add scallions and sugar snap peas then place chicken on top. Carefully pour remaining marinade over pouch contents (ensuring that liquid stays inside foil).
4. Seal foil packet and bake or grill 30 minutes. Open foil to create 2-inch long vent then bake or grill another 15 minutes, or until completely cooked. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Chef’s tip: For best results and added flavor, marinate chicken 30 minutes before preparing pouches.

Substitutions: In place of gochujang, red pepper flake paste can be made by mixing 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes with a few dashes soy sauce and 1 dash sugar. Alternatively, substitute 2 teaspoons sriracha for gochujang.

Bartlett Pear and Oat Crisp

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

• 4 cups fresh pears, medium diced
• 4 tablespoons Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar – Mango
• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup, plus 2 teaspoons, all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons butter, diced into 1/4-inch squares

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Toss pears in rice vinegar and set into lightly greased foil pouch.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in bowl and use two forks to combine ingredients until mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Pour mixture evenly over pears, seal pouch and bake 20 minutes.
5. Open top of foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

Chef’s tips: For crispier crust, refrigerate crumbly mixture 30 minutes before baking. Serve with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Mediterranean Vegetables

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

• 3 tablespoons Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Seasoned
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus extra, to taste
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh zucchini, sliced into 1 3/4-inch long, 1/4-inch thick planks
• 1 cup fresh green pepper strips
• 1 cup fresh red pepper strips
• 8 fresh stalks asparagus, slicing off 1/4 inch from bottom of stalk
• 1 fresh portobello mushroom, sliced into 1/2-inch squares
• 1 cup fresh eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch squares

1. Heat oven or grill to 375° F.
2. In large bowl, mix together rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and garlic to create marinade.
3. Clean vegetables then place them in marinade in small batches. Toss to coat then place in foil pouch. Pour remaining marinade over vegetables and seal pouch.
4. Bake in oven or over indirect heat on grill 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, after removing pouch from heat.

Chef’s tip: Open pouch after 20 minutes of cooking and allow vegetables to crisp slightly under direct heat for remaining 5 minutes.

Source: Nakano

(Family Features) - There's nothing like a delicious, hearty beef pot roast to evoke the comforts of home. The keys to successful braising - also known as pot roasting - are low heat and a tightly covered pan to achieve unbelievable tenderness. And be sure to include the browning step as it packs a bonus layer of flavor.

The Featured Cuts

"Pot roasts from the chuck and round benefit from braising, a moist heat cooking method that softens the strong muscle fibers of less tender cuts," says Chef Dave Zino, executive director of the Culinary Center for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "In addition to the mouthwatering results, beef pot roasts are a nutrient-rich source of 10 essential vitamins and minerals, including protein. Plus, cuts from the round and the chuck shoulder pot roast meet the government guidelines for lean."

Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Remove beef pot roast from refrigerator and slowly brown on all sides in a small amount of oil in heavy pan over medium heat. Pour off drippings. Season beef with herbs or spices, as desired.

Step 2: Add small amount (1/2 to 2 cups) of liquid, such as broth, wine, beer, juice or water, to pan.

Step 3: Cover tightly and simmer gently over low heat on top of the range, or in a preheated 325ºF oven, until beef is fork-tender, from 2 to 3-1/4 hours, depending on weight and thickness of the roast.

Pot Roast Video

Take the mystery our of making pot roast with this helpful how-to video. It's easier than you think to make a delicious roast even grandma would be proud of. Click on image to view video.

For more braising tips and recipes, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Pot Roast with Cider-Maple Gravy and Mashed Butternut Squash

Ingredients

• 1 beef bottom round roast (3 to 4 pounds)
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 2 medium butternut squash, cut lengthwise in half, seeded
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preparation

1. Press pepper evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Place roast in stockpot; brown evenly. Pour off drippings.
2. Season roast with salt. Add broth and cider; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2-1/2 to 3-1/4 hours or until roast is fork-tender.
3. Heat oven to 375°F. Brush cut sides of squash halves with remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Place squash, cut sides down, on metal baking sheet. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until fork-tender. Cool slightly. Scoop squash flesh into large bowl; discard shells or use for serving, if desired. Mash squash with back of spoon or fork until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper, as desired; keep warm.
4. Remove roast; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Stir in cornstarch mixture and maple syrup; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Carve roast into thin slices. Serve with gravy and squash.

Total Time

3 to 3-3/4 hours

Serves

10 servings

SOURCE: The Beef Checkoff