Connect with us

EDIBLES

Kitchen staples helpful for heart health

Published

on

(Family Features) Taking care of your heart health requires a commitment to the right routines and smart decisions, such as adopting a heart healthy diet. Foods you might already have in your kitchen can offer powerful vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that may help contribute to heart health.

Decades of research shows that each 8-ounce serving of 100% orange juice, such as Florida Orange Juice, is packed with key nutrients and valuable plant compounds, which may play a beneficial role in helping lower blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Consider these additional heart health benefits of 100% orange juice:

  • While many people associate vitamin C with its ability to help promote a healthy immune system, it’s also been shown to support cardiovascular health. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C providing more than 100% of the recommended daily value in an 8-ounce glass.
  • In several research studies, higher intakes of the flavonoids typically found in citrus were associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
  • In one 8-ounce serving, 100% orange juice provides 10% of the daily value of potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance affecting blood pressure. Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
  • Some studies found folate and vitamin B6, both water-soluble vitamins, may help protect against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood, an amino acid believed to cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots when elevated. One 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains 15% of the daily value of folate and 8% of the daily value of vitamin B6.

“Drinking Florida Orange Juice is not only delicious, it delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “From helping to reduce hypertension to fighting inflammation, it is an excellent choice to include in a heart-healthy diet.”

You can add the heart health benefits of 100% orange juice to your diet with the powerfully nutritious punch of Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls, the perfect mixture of textures with tangy, spicy and sweet flavors. Or start the day strong with a Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie for a breakfast beverage that requires just a few minutes of prep and blending.

Find more heart healthy inspiration at floridacitrus.org.

Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Servings: 2

  • 2          cups water
  • 1          cup quinoa
  • 1          cup Florida Orange Juice
  • 1          tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1          tablespoon honey
  • 1          tablespoon soy sauce
  • 6          tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2          tablespoons lime juice
  • 1          tablespoon white miso
  • 1 1/2    pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8       teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1          bell pepper, diced
  • 1          English cucumber, sliced into half moons
  • 3          scallions, sliced
  • 1          avocado, sliced
  • 1          teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 2          tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  1. In pot, bring water to boil.
  2. Add quinoa, reduce to simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. Fluff with fork.
  3. In bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, lime juice and miso. Remove half and set aside.
  4. Add shrimp to remaining half and marinate 15 minutes.
  5. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add remaining oil.
  6. Season shrimp with salt and pepper then add shrimp to wok and saute, cooking approximately 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
  7. Place 1/2 cup quinoa in bowl and top with bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, avocado and shrimp.
  8. Drizzle with dressing that was set aside and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie

Servings: 1

  • 1          cup Florida Orange Juice
  • 1/2       cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
  • 1          ripe banana
  • 1/2       cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. In blender, blend orange juice, grapefruit juice, banana, yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve immediately.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (smoothie)

SOURCE:
Florida Department of Citrus

Continue Reading

EDIBLES

Celebrate summer with homemade peach ice cream

Published

on

(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.

Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.

The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.

Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Peach Ice Cream

Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)

  • 4          cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
  • 1/2       cup granulated sugar
  • 1          cup brown sugar
  • 3          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/4    teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2          cups heavy cream
  1. Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
  2. In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
  3. Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
  4. Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
  5. Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

  

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

Continue Reading

EDIBLES

6 simple, fun school-day meals with minimal chaos

Published

on

(Feature Impact) When it comes to planning lunches and dinners on busy school days, simplicity is the name of the game. Parents who are already juggling carpools, practices, errands and homework don’t need anything extra added to their plates while they’re trying to get food onto everyone else’s.

Choosing uncomplicated meal ideas like these back-to-school recipes lets you reclaim some precious time from the morning and evening chaos. Designed to fit seamlessly into your existing routines, the recipes are familiar, flexible and filling – and, perhaps most importantly, won’t keep you standing at the stove for hours. Make it easy for your loved ones with Healthy Family Project’s registered dietitian-approved meal ideas packed with the nutrition to keep your family fueled all day.

Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more easy, family-friendly recipes for back-to-school season.

  1. Mandarin Chicken Rice BowlsThis fresh, fun dinner starts with a base of rice topped with juicy mandarin slices, savory chicken, fresh vegetables and a bright citrus dressing. Plus, it’s easily customizable to each family member’s tastes and preferences.
  1. Lemon Blueberry Pancake Lunchbox BitesTo make your kids’ eyes light up when they open their lunchboxes, opt for recipes that feel a little playful. These mini pancakes paired with colorful fruits definitely fit the bill, and they’re a great way to disguise nutritious ingredients like oats, eggs and bananas. Include a cup of yogurt on the side to make lunch dippable and interactive.
  1. Tomato Turkey Burger BowlsBurger night gets a healthy twist in this creative recipe, which swaps a beef patty for lean ground turkey and oily French fries for roasted potato wedges while leaning into classic toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. If the kids still prefer their burgers as sandwiches instead of bowls, provide buns on the side so they can build their own.
  1. One-Pot Cheeseburger MacIf just imagining a sink full of dishes makes you tired, that means it’s the kind of night for a one-pot dinner. Pasta, cheese, tomatoes and onions combine with your choice of protein for a hearty and satisfying comfort meal that might remind you of your own childhood.
  1. Greek Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and WatermelonWhether you pack them as a healthy school lunchbox side or serve as a refreshing after-school snack, these salad cups keep weekday flavors fresh and interesting. The combination of cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, feta and mint means your loved ones are getting fruits, veggies, protein and herbs all in one. For on-the-go enjoyment, remember to pack the dressing on the side.
  1. Easy Quesadilla DippersCookie cutters aren’t just for cookies anymore. Eating is generally less of a battle for kids when their food is in fun shapes, so let them choose their star, heart, gingerbread man or dinosaur to make these quesadillas more craveable. Fillings are flexible, too: layer cheese with chicken, beans or cooked veggies of your choice then serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
   

SOURCE:

Healthy Family Project

Continue Reading

EDIBLES

Yes please to grilled cheese of the year, with a protein punch

Published

on

(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.

Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.

VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

The Protein Powerhouse

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
  • 2          Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
  • 1          slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
  • 5          ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

  • 2          tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  1. Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
  2. Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
  3. Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
  4. To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.

The Classic

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices white bread
  • 2          slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
  • 2          slices Borden American Singles
  1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
  3. Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
  4. Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
  5. Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.

SOURCE:
Borden

Continue Reading
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad

Trending