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Infuse bright, nutritional flavor into summer

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(Family Features) When families fire up their grills and turn to favorite summer recipes for filling meals, nutritional considerations are often not the focus. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. This year, you can rethink traditional seasonal menus by opting for main courses – and even desserts – that offer healthier returns by incorporating ingredients like whole oranges, which provide a multitude of nutritional benefits.

Adding an ingredient like California Valencia oranges to your family’s dishes means you’re including a rich source of vitamin C (70% of the daily value) and an excellent source of folate (20% of the daily value) in your seasonal spread. As a balance of sweet and tart, the extra juicy oranges reach their peak in summer, making them perfect for warm-weather recipes, juicing or as portable snacks to take along on adventures.

Plus, their anti-inflammatory benefits help support the body, especially as outdoor activities increase in the warm weather. The potassium found in oranges also helps support cell function, healthy blood pressure levels, bone health and hydration.

When it comes to meal planning, oranges are a highly versatile fruit that can be added to both sweet and savory dishes, as well as beverages, cocktails, sauces, frozen desserts, smoothies and more. To introduce a depth of flavor and burst of nutrition to dishes, add a sprinkle of zest, segments or fresh-squeezed juice, or even grill the fruit to bring out the flavor.

Try combining them with tastes of the Mediterranean for dinner with Orange and Harissa Glazed Beef Kebabs or end your meal with a refreshing sweet treat like Orange Ice Cream the entire family can enjoy.

By introducing the sweetness of oranges to your warm-weather menu, you can infuse fresh flavor while rethinking family favorites. Visit CaliforniaCitrusGrowers.com for more information on California oranges.

Orange and Harissa Glazed Beef Kebabs

Prep time: 2 hours
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

  • 1/2       cup California Valencia orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2          California Valencia oranges, zested and segmented
  • 2          tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2          tablespoons honey
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 1          tablespoon fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2          garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 8          ounces beef tenderloin, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1          green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch squares
  • 1          red onion, cut into 2-inch squares
  • 16        broccoli florets, raw
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • cooked couscous
  • mandarin chutney
  1. In mixing bowl, combine orange juice and zest, harissa, honey, oil, mint and garlic; mix well.
  2. Add beef cubes and toss to coat; marinate 2 hours in refrigerator.
  3. Using long skewers, build kebabs, alternating beef, peppers, onions and broccoli on each.
  4. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Season kebabs with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill until vegetables are cooked through and beef reaches desired doneness.
  6. Serve over bed of couscous and top with mandarin chutney.

Orange Ice Cream

Prep time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

  • 2          cups California Valencia orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 1/2    cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2    cups heavy cream
  • 1/2       vanilla bean
  • 2          tablespoons glucose syrup or corn syrup
  • 1/4       cup non-fat dry milk powder
  • 2/3       cup granulated sugar
  • 3          egg yolks
  • 2          California Valencia oranges, zest only
  • California Valencia orange slices, for garnish
  1. Prepare ice cream making vessel or unit, such as old-fashioned churner or ice cream machine with motor.
  2. Reduce orange juice to 1 cup; ice down to chill.
  3. In saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, vanilla scraped pod and seeds, and glucose syrup until hot; remove from heat. Steep 30 minutes.
  4. In bowl, combine milk powder and sugar. Add dry mixture into hot cream mixture. Whisk to combine. Return mixture to medium heat.
  5. In separate heat-safe bowl, combine egg yolks and orange zest.
  6. In small increments, pour hot mixture over yolks and zest. Mix vigorously while pouring.
  7. Cook to 185 F.
  8. Remove from heat and pour through fine strainer. Hand-blend until smooth.
  9. Ice down immediately. Add cooled, reduced orange juice. Hand blend to combine.
  10. Spin and freeze then follow directions according to machine or vessel to make ice cream.
  11. Serve with orange slices.

SOURCE:
California Citrus Growers

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EDIBLES

Celebrate summer with homemade peach ice cream

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(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

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EDIBLES

6 simple, fun school-day meals with minimal chaos

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(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

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EDIBLES

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

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(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

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