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EDIBLES

Turn to whole grains for a nutritional boost

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(Family Features) Nutritious eating, including smarter snacking, is an important way to protect your heart and maintain overall health and wellness. While many people understand the basics of healthy eating – avoiding too many sugary treats, for example – some are confused about important food categories that can impact nutrition.

According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, U.S. adults are least knowledgeable about refined vs. whole grains compared to other food categories like fruits, vegetables and proteins. Whole grains are, in fact, a key feature of the Association’s recommendations for a heart-healthy diet.

There are two types of grain products: whole grains, which contain the entire grain, and refined grains, which have been milled into a finer texture like flour or meal. Most adults, according to the survey, are able to distinguish whole vs. refined grains. However, there are a few misperceptions.

Most incorrectly believe multi-grain bread is a whole grain. Additionally, only 17% believe sorghum is an example of a whole grain when it is, in fact, a whole grain option. Whole grains like sorghum, oatmeal and brown rice are rich sources of dietary fiber, may improve blood cholesterol levels and provide nutrients that help the body form new cells, regulate the thyroid and maintain a healthy immune system.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/SLGiwD1v1Wk

These sweet, chewy Date Nut Granola Bars from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, supported by the Sorghum Checkoff, are a perfect go-to snack for enjoying throughout the week. Popped sorghum adds a surprise ingredient for crunchy texture while dry-roasted oats and nuts provide a delicious, toasted flavor.

To discover more whole-grain recipes that can support a healthy heart, visit Heart.org/healthyforgood.

Date Nut Granola Bars

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings: 12 (1 bar per serving)

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond slices or whole almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup uncooked whole-grain sorghum
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Line bottom and sides of 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. On large baking sheet, spread oats, almonds and pistachios in single layer. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly.
  4. In food processor or blender, process dates and cranberries 1-1 1/2 minutes, or until chopped and clumpy. Transfer to large bowl.
  5. Put 2 tablespoons sorghum in silicone microwaveable bowl or clean, brown paper bag. If using microwaveable bowl, cover with lid. If using paper bag, roll shut and place on microwavable dinner plate with fold facing down. Microwave on high 2 minutes, or until there are more than 10 seconds between pops. Repeat with remaining sorghum, microwaving 1 1/2 minutes, or until more than 10 seconds between pops.
  6. Stir popped sorghum, oats, almonds and pistachios into date mixture.
  7. In small saucepan over low heat, heat honey and peanut butter 5 minutes, or until peanut butter is smooth and mixture is warmed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  8. Pour peanut butter mixture over date mixture, stirring to break into small clumps. Transfer half to baking pan. Using bottom of drinking glass or fingers lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, press down firmly to flatten and pack tightly so clumps adhere to each other. Repeat with remaining half. Freeze, covered, about 1 hour, to firm.
  9. Place cutting board over pan. Turn pan over. Discard plastic wrap. Using knife, cut into 12 bars. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 1 week.


SOURCE:
American Heart Association

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EDIBLES

Springtime twist on classic chicken soup

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(Family Features) Chasing away those final cool days in the spring can be done in a cinch: just turn classic chicken noodle soup into a fresh, lemony meal. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup calls to mind those classic brothy soups from when you were a kid but with a flavorful spring twist. Serve with fresh cucumber sandwiches for a veggie-forward meal and find more soup inspiration at Culinary.net.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
  • 6 cups broth
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • cucumber sandwiches, for serving
  1. Chop carrots and celery. In pot, saute with butter.
  2. In bowl, mix chicken with lemon juice and lemon pepper then set aside.
  3. After carrots and celery are tender, add broth and orzo to pot. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes then add chicken and cream; simmer about 5 minutes.
  4. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with cucumber sandwiches.


SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

Enjoy a light summer lunch

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(Family Features) Watermelon, strawberries, corn and green beans get all the fresh produce love in the summer, but don’t forget broccoli as a warm-weather staple. Instead of dunking in dressing or smothering with melted cheese, go for a lighter dish with this Broccoli Salad – an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. Visit Culinary.net to find more veggie-inspired salad ideas.

Broccoli Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 2 medium heads broccoli
  • 2 apples
  • lemon juice
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces

Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  1. Coarsely chop broccoli and place in large bowl. Coarsely chop apples and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning; add to bowl. Shred carrot and add to bowl with blueberries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pecans and bacon.
  2. To make dressing: Mix mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar and poppy seeds. Pour over broccoli salad and mix well.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

Elevate your menu for a legendary backyard barbecue

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(Family Features) Summer is here and it’s time to hit the grill. Take at-home entertaining to the next level by upgrading everyone’s favorite cheeseburger with ground pork.

Family and friends will love this elevated twist on a summer favorite that is oh-so-deliciously different than the traditional beef patty. These Pork and Bacon Burgers are made with Heritage Duroc pork, known for its rich flavor and juiciness, and will be a hit at your next barbecue. The crispy bacon adds another level of texture and flavor, making these juicy burgers a gourmet treat that rivals any takeout burger. Celebrating 150 years as the premium all-natural meat choice for families, Coleman All Natural Meats offers a variety of products that are sourced from American family farmers who humanely raise livestock with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones.

Find more recipes to elevate your grilling experience at ColemanNatural.com.

Pork and Bacon Burgers

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

  • 2 pounds Coleman Ground Pork
  • 1/4 pound ground pork chorizo
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cheese slices (optional)
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 6-8 strips Coleman Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon, cooked
  • tomato slices (optional)
  • red onion slices (optional)
  • lettuce (optional)
  • ketchup (optional)
  • mayonnaise (optional)
  1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
  2. In large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chorizo, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
  3. Gently mix ingredients, being careful not to overwork meat.
  4. Divide meat into six burger patties.
  5. Cook burgers 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F or desired doneness.
  6. During last 2-3 minutes of cooking, place cheese slices on top of burgers to melt, if desired.
  7. Transfer burgers to platter. Assemble burgers with buns, bacon, tomato slices, red onion slices, lettuce, ketchup and mayonnaise, as desired.

Tip: Burger patties may be frozen up to 1 month. Fully defrost before cooking.


SOURCE:

Coleman Natural Foods

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