Connect with us

EDIBLES

‘Fall’ in love with family-favorite autumn recipes

Published

on

(Family Features) With temperatures cooling and cravings leaning toward comforting flavors, fall offers a perfect time for families to explore adventurous twists on favorite foods. As you and your loved ones rework the menu for autumn, turn to versatile ingredients that provide fresh tastes and new ways to enjoy classic recipes.

One star ingredient that can be used for appetizers, main courses, sides, snacks and desserts alike is watermelon. In fact, using the entire watermelon (rind included) means you’ve discovered a sustainable way to create nutritious meals without food waste.

Consider these simple, delicious ways to use the entire watermelon in your kitchen.

Watermelon Flesh
In the fall, whole watermelon is still available in many areas. You can also find mini watermelon in the fresh cut produce section at many local grocers. The flesh is often the favorite (and most-used) part of the watermelon. Served on its own as a hydrating snack or as part of a recipe for tasty entrees, the flesh offers something for nearly every appetite so no watermelon goes to waste.

Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is 92% water, making it a sweet choice for staying hydrated. Even if your watermelon is overripe, don’t throw it out – instead, juice or puree it to retain value and nutrition. Use it to sweeten this Watermelon Bourbon Glaze then drizzle over a perfectly grilled flank steak and serve with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables for an ideal fall meal.

Watermelon Rind
The rind is often thrown out – many people don’t realize you can eat it, too. The rind absorbs flavors added to it and adds an unexpected texture to this Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney. Try serving over brie with crackers or simply dip with naan or baguettes.

Find more flavorful fall solutions to avoid food waste at Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Bourbon Glaze with Grilled Flank Steak

Servings: 6

  • 1 1/2 cups watermelon juice (approximately 2 1/2 cups chopped watermelon, blended)
  • 2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/4-1/2 cup bourbon
  • 2 pounds flank steak or London broil
  • 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
  1. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2/3 cup. Toward end of reduction, add garlic. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and bourbon. Mix well.
  2. Place watermelon-bourbon glaze in large zip-top bag. Add steak and massage to cover meat. Close bag and refrigerate 3-4 hours.
  3. Heat grill to high heat. Remove steak from plastic bag and gently shake to remove excess glaze.
  4. Grill steak 4-6 minutes; turn, grill 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness of steak. Remove from heat. Steak should be pink in center.
  5. Allow steak to rest on platter or cutting board 10 minutes.
  6. Mix small amount of watermelon-bourbon glaze with cornstarch. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cornstarch mixture to remaining glaze and simmer 3-5 minutes. Reduce to medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
  7. Cut flank steak on bias into thin strips. Drizzle watermelon-bourbon glaze over top.

Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney

Servings: 16

  • 4 cups watermelon, juiced
  • 2 cups watermelon rind (white part), diced small
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 medium white onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 lemon, juice only
  • 2 tablespoons currants
  • 2 tablespoons roasted walnuts
  • 1 wheel brie cheese, for serving
  • crackers, for serving
  1. In saucepan over medium heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2 cups. Combine with watermelon rind, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white onion, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, currants and walnuts; simmer until almost dry.
  2. Chill and serve over brie with crackers.


SOURCE:
National Watermelon Promotion Board

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