3 convenient meals to incorporate more fruit in your busy life

2022-11-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you eat enough fruit? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 87.7% of American adults do not meet the daily recommended fruit intake of 1.5 to 2 cups.

To function well and feel your best, it’s important to increase one’s fresh fruit intake — but it’s easier said than done. Depending on which fruit you buy, it needs to be washed, peeled and cut before you can enjoy it.

Life is busier than ever before. Between school, work and extracurriculars, and all the events and preparations for the holidays, it can be difficult to find the time to prepare fruit for yourself and your family. For a convenient, yet simple way to increase your fresh fruit intake, check out these three fruit-based meals.

1. Breakfast bowls

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it should be a balanced meal with protein, fruit and fiber. You don’t have to cook an elaborate meal to achieve a balanced breakfast. Instead, to save time and still achieve that balance, try a breakfast bowl. Breakfast bowls are a convenient and delicious option for a fruit-based meal. You can jump-start your day with a mix of fresh fruits, yogurt and granola, which provides essential nutrients, vitamins and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.

While you can make a breakfast bowl at home, the preparation every morning can be a hassle and requires cleanup, when you’re trying to get yourself and your family out the door. However, you can find breakfast bowls (sometimes called breakfast parfaits) that are ready-made at many grocery stores and cafes for a convenient and nutritious breakfast. This includes DEL MONTE™ Breakfast Bowl, which can be found at your local Walmart’s grab-and-go meal section.

Packed with natural, fresh fruit, Breakfast Bowls are made with a mix of yogurt and topped with granola, shredded coconut, honey or nuts. Each 8 oz. bowl is packed with 10-15 grams of protein and one serving of fruit in two flavors: mango, strawberry and chocolate, and pineapple, mango and coconut. Keep your fridge stocked with these breakfast bowls or pick one up on your way to school or work.

2. Smoothies

Smoothies are a popular and easy way to get a variety of fresh fruits (and sometimes vegetables!) into your diet. There are plenty of options to suit anyone’s palate.

Smoothies are versatile — you can make your own fresh smoothies at home or grab one on the go as a meal or snack. Frozen smoothies or pre-blended smoothie options are available at your local grocery store that you can keep at home for a quick breakfast or as a snack after work or school.

DEL MONTE™ 8 oz. single-serve fresh smoothies are pre-portioned and ready to blend. Unlike many smoothies on the market, Fresh Del Monte’s smoothies come with fresh, never frozen, fruit. Just open the package and put it into a blender, add ice and your choice of liquid, and blend. Best of all, you can pour the smoothie back into the package and drink it from there. Once prepared, bring it on the go and incorporate into your daily routine. These smoothies are available in two combinations: pineapple, kale, mango; and strawberry, blueberry, banana, pineapple.

3. Citrus bowls

Sometimes, you want something simple — fruit with no frills. When you’re craving fresh fruit, consider making or picking up a citrus bowl with one citrus fruit or a combination of several citrus fruits for a bright and refreshing meal or snack.

DEL MONTE™ Citrus Bowls are available in clementine, orange and grapefruit or orange options. Each 8 oz. package contains a pre-peeled, fresh-cut, single-serve portion of citrus for your convenience. Have them in the morning, eat them after a workout, or bring a few to your child’s sports team.

Feel good and keep yourself and your family healthy and fueled. With these three fresh meal ideas, you can easily and conveniently incorporate more fruit into your diet. For more information on Fresh Del Monte products, including retail availability and recipes, visit DelMonteFresh.com.

Cooking tips, fun recipes and easy ways to give back this holiday season

2022-11-25T09:00:00

(BPT) – This year, why not focus on whatever makes your heart happy? That good feeling can be found by hosting dinner, spending time with friends or spreading joy by giving back in your community. No matter how you decide to celebrate the holidays, food remains at the center of most celebrations.

The memory-making meal

Food has the power to bring people together. The delectable smells alone can be reminders of holidays past. Maybe it’s Grandma’s pie recipe baking to perfection or your best friend’s special stuffing that’s the ideal pairing with turkey. Of course, nothing is more special than when you get to enjoy all these flavors with loved ones.

With turkey taking center stage on the table throughout the holiday season, it is no surprise that 85% of people say their favorite part of the holidays is the food, followed by being with family (79%) and friends (37%), according to Shady Brook Farms® turkey research.

With almost half of people planning to shop early and stock up for the holidays, there’s no better time to ensure everyone’s favorite part of the season is covered. However, if you’re one of the 65% that are planning on purchasing a frozen turkey, make sure you purchase it in time to allow it to thaw before cooking. Depending on the size, that can take up to 6 days.

Your ultimate ‘Guide to Good’

Preparing the turkey is an important role. It’s no surprise that 44% of those celebrating are looking for help when it comes to preparation and cooking. Fortunately, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed this holiday season as Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White are here to help. From perfecting holiday recipes to experimenting with new techniques and supporting local communities, their ‘Guide to Good’ initiative is focused on good actions, ingredients, taste and celebrations.

Culinary tips

In the guide, you’ll find helpful information on making a Traditional Turkey so it comes out perfectly at the exact time you’re planning to eat. If a new take on turkey is suited for your guests, try a Cranberry BBQ Glazed Whole Turkey recipe that puts a delicious twist on a classic meal.

Of course, any turkey meal isn’t complete without gravy. Did you know that turkey giblets could be the key to the savoriest gravy ever? Even better, gravy is the perfect way to ensure you use all your turkey to make for less waste in the kitchen. Check out the Giblet Gravy recipe that is guaranteed to help you create the perfect topping to any holiday turkey.

After your feast is finished and your stomach and heart are full, you’ll need to tackle the leftovers dilemma. If you’re part of the 38% of those looking for ideas for leftovers, consider Turkey Eggs Benedict or a Turkey, Spinach and Swiss Quiche.

‘Tis the season for spreading good by giving back

Millions of children and families living in the United States face hunger and food insecurity every day, according to Feeding America, and 15% of people are not going to celebrate at all this holiday season simply due to cost-related obstacles.

Understanding the critical need to help, Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White are continuing their own give-back efforts this year partnering with retailers to provide a brighter holiday season with the donation of more than 20,000 turkeys to local community food banks and are encouraging consumers to do the same by offering easy ways to make an impact in their own communities.

If you’re in the position to support those in need, you can learn more on how to support your community by visiting the ‘Guide to Good’ at ShadyBrookFarms.com or HoneysuckleWhite.com.

[ThinQ Lab.6] Bring the Thrill of the Stadium Right to Your Home

2022-11-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – The wait is over as soccer’s biggest global tournament is under way in Qatar. Situated on a beautiful peninsula, the small Middle Eastern country has pulled out all the stops, building state-of-the-art stadiums to host all 64 scintillating matches enroute to the crowning of the world champions of soccer.

Thankfully, for the many soccer fans who can’t make it to Qatar, today’s streaming services and the latest home entertainment tech can bring the thrill of the stadium home – enabling you to experience every goal, tackle and blistering cross like you were right there in the stands.

Wondering how to watch and get the most out of soccer’s quadrennial showcase? Read on for some smart, simple tips.

Elevate the Convenience with Smart TV Viewing Options

The first thing you should know is that accessing the game should be fairly easy, as the two cable channels which are broadcasting the tournament’s 64 matches in the United States are available on most streaming services. On smart TV platforms like LG webOS, you can follow all the action on convenient services such as FuboTV, which make watching the games that much easier. You may even be able to stream the games for free by making the most of any free trials offered by these services, so check for promotions in your area.

Note that every match is also available on select streaming apps. If your smart TV doesn’t support the app, don’t worry. Simply download it for your smartphone (if you haven’t already), make sure your subscription is valid, and take advantage of content-sharing features provided by smart home platforms like LG ThinQ to mirror it to your TV. Using this app, all you have to do is tap the “TV” product card, then once again tap on the “Share” card to turn on Content Sharing. If you’re planning to use a different service depending on the match, this app can also act as a navigation panel to help you quickly find the app of your choice — just tap on the “TV” card and activate the search function.

Stay On Top of Every Goal, Every Game

An important question most soccer fans will already have answered is “What are the 2022 tournament’s must-see matches?” For those who love watching star players do their thing, the Group H game between South Korea and Portugal should be on the list, spotlighting moves from one of Manchester United’s shining legends. The Group C Argentina vs Mexico match is another one you might want to mark down, given that the Qatar tournament is rumored to be the last time the “goat of football” suits up in the familiar white and light-blue stripes.

Once you’ve locked in your viewing schedule, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t miss out on the games that matter most to you. Staying on top of the key match-ups is much easier when you have the “Sports Alert” feature courtesy of LG Smart TVs keeping you informed and up-to-date. First, pick up the Magic Remote and press the “Speak” button, then say “Sports Alert.” (Or you can easily do this on your phone with the LG ThinQ app. Tap on the “TV” card to turn on voice commands.) Your TV will now display a screen that allows you to pick all your favorite sports leagues and teams, including every national squad vying for the title this year. So, if you’re watching something else and one of your “can’t-miss” games is about to start, you’ll receive a handy notification so you can switch channels in time for kick-off.

Cool Down with Refreshing Drinks

The experience of watching the big game at home is about more than just streaming the match on TV. It’s about settling down on the couch with friends who share your passion for “the beautiful game,” enjoying tasty snacks, cracking jokes and shouting with joy (or despair) when the ball hits the back of the net. So, why not make an occasion of it by inviting everyone over, firing up the grill, and popping some drinks in the freezer for a while to chill. When your freezer is stocked full of groceries and drinks, it may take some time for your beverages of choice to chill — which is how the LG ThinQ app’s Express Freeze feature can help, with heightened cooling functions for your freezer. Now it’s that much easier to chill your bubblies and pop before the referee blows time-on.

During the soccer tournament and beyond, to experience how simple the smart life can be, learn more about smart home technology and LG ThinQ at www.lg.com/global/lg-thinq.

Which of the following is true about routine childhood vaccines?

2022-11-23T15:55:34

(BPT) – Now that kids are back in the classroom, it’s important to remember that their brains aren’t the only things that will be put to the test — their immune systems will, too. Parents can make sure children are up to date on all recommended vaccinations to help prevent them from getting vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox.

Parents, are you ready for your child to go back to school? Take this pop quiz to test your knowledge of routine childhood vaccines.

Which of the following is true about routine childhood vaccines?

A. Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential and help make sure children stay healthy. Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. These diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, even deadly. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of these diseases in the U.S., especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

B. Children may qualify for no-cost vaccines. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers vaccines at no cost to children who qualify. In fact, about half of American children receive VFC vaccines.

C. Routine vaccinations during childhood help prevent 18 serious diseases. Some children may be behind on their recommended vaccines due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children catch up on routine childhood vaccinations.

D. All the above.

The answer: D!

Parents want to protect their children as best they can and ensure they can learn and grow — and routine childhood vaccinations are an essential step in getting there. Visit CDC.gov to learn more about routine childhood vaccination so you can help set your child’s health up for success this school year.

Smart shopping and spending: 5 tips for setting a holiday budget you’ll actually stick to

2022-11-23T09:21:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is often a time of joy where gatherings, gifts and gratitude are plentiful. While decking the halls, shopping, and sending love to friends and family are big parts of the holidays, they also can place a strain on your personal finances. This is especially true in the current economy, given the increasing costs of goods and supplies. Fortunately, with a few simple steps you can create and stick to a budget that lets you enjoy the best of the season.

Many people have concerns about creating a budget that’s flexible and realistic, especially during the holidays when spending tends to increase. It’s a good practice to update your budget frequently and use digital tools that can help you keep an eye on your spending. Set yourself up for a happy holiday and keep costs manageable by following these five simple budgeting tips:

Understand your spending

The first step in building a good budget for the holidays is to understand what money comes and goes each month, therefore identifying any disposable income you may have. Chase can help you visualize your spending by tracking your expenses, setting alerts and providing daily insight into all your accounts.

Manage and stick to your budget

Now that you have an understanding of how your money is allocated each month, create a budget! Chase’s budget worksheet can help you create and manage your budget to help you feel more in control and spend less than you earn. This is a useful tool to reference throughout the year and you can make adjustments as things change, like salary and bills.

Build a reserve

After creating your budget, start thinking about building a safety net. An emergency fund can provide peace of mind to help with life’s unexpected surprises. With Chase Autosave, customers can set up a repeating, automatic transfer from their Chase checking into their Chase savings account. Just set the amount to be transferred, forget it and watch your savings grow.

Spend mindfully

In addition to shopping, family gatherings and travel can make it difficult to manage your money during the holidays. Chase’s Snapshot feature provides daily insights into your spending, including the categories where you’re spending the most, to keep you on track with your budget during this busy time of year. Just sign into your account online or through the Chase Mobile app.

Take advantage of digital tools

Digital banking and budgeting apps are useful and offer customers a great way to take control of their finances, allowing for a one-stop shop to see a holistic view of your current financial situation. From within the Chase Mobile app, customers can use a variety of tools to help meet their goals while monitoring their spending and saving trends. This is a great way to keep track of your money during the holiday season and help you get focused for the new year.

To discover more tips and tricks for having a merry holiday season while staying on budget, visit Chase.com/FinancialGoals.

Chase Mobile® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2022 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Festive recipes you can make with your family for loads of tasty holiday fun

2022-11-23T13:49:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a wonderful time to make memories and enjoy activities with loved ones. Whether it’s beloved traditions or spontaneous festivities, let nostalgic holiday flavors inspire your creations in the kitchen and beyond.

Cute, seasonal, and delicious PEEPS® Marshmallow candies are a perfect holiday treat. The limited-time holiday offerings are available in sweet shapes and festive flavors like gingerbread, hot chocolate and candy cane — sure to make the season extra merry.

These pillowy soft marshmallow treats are an adorable addition to your favorite seasonal recipes and crafts. From desserts to crafts to dioramas, there’s no limit to how you can express your PEEPSONALITY® this holiday season. Get started by trying these two tasty recipes you can make and share with loved ones. To learn more and find additional inspiration, visit PeepsBrand.com.

PEEPS® Brownie Cupcakes

For a cute and quick holiday dessert recipe, make PEEPS® Duncan Hines® Brownie Cupcakes and decorate with bright sprinkles to set the mood for a fun and festive occasion!

Makes: 18 servings (1 cupcake each)

Ingredients:

1 package (18.3 ounce) Duncan Hines® Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
3 tablespoons water
1 container (14 ounce) Duncan Hines® Whipped Fluffy White Frosting
3/4 cup bright multicolored sprinkles
18 PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Trees and Snowmen

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place paper liners in 18 muffin cups.

2. Stir brownie mix, oil, eggs and water together in a large bowl until well blended, about 50 strokes. Divide batter evenly into muffin cups.

3. Bake 24 to 28 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely.

4. Scoop about half of the frosting into a freezer bag or piping bag. Use the remaining frosting to frost the cooled cupcakes. Dip tops of cupcakes in sprinkles.

5. Cut off a corner of the bag about 1/2-inch wide and squeeze a small dollop of frosting on top of each cupcake. Place a PEEPS® Marshmallow Tree or Snowman in the center of each brownie cupcake and serve.

PEEPS® RICE KRISPIES TREATS™ Tree

For a festive spin on a classic treat, make this adorable Christmas tree by Emily Hutchinson from The Hutch Oven using Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® Cereal and PEEPS® Trees.

Serves: 8 to 12

Ingredients:

30 PEEPS® Marshmallow Trees, reserve 6
6 tablespoons salted butter
6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® Cereal
Couple drops of green food coloring
Decoration ingredients
Buttercream frosting
MIKE AND IKE® Assorted Fruit Flavored Candies

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a glass measuring cup and put butter paper over the cup to prevent splatter. After melted, save the paper for later.

2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt 24 PEEPS® Marshmallow Trees for 30 seconds. Add in the melted butter and stir, the PEEPS® Marshmallow Trees should melt since they have been warmed up and the hot melted butter should melt the rest. If not, give it a quick 15 to 30 seconds more in the microwave.

3. Add in a couple drops of green food coloring and stir.

4. Take the 6 reserved PEEPS® Marshmallow Trees and cut each one up into smaller cubes. Add them in the melted mix.

5. Stir in the Rice Krispies® Cereal.

6. Wrap a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil.

7. Working on top of the aluminum foil lined cardboard, take a chunk of the mixture and form the top of the tree, next take a bigger chunk and form the center. Reserve a small amount for the trunk and take the remaining PEEPS® Rice Krispies Treats™ mixture and form the bottom. Lastly, attach the trunk.

8. Take a little bit of frosting in a piping bag with a tip 5 attached, or simply cut a small hole in the bag. Pipe a tree light line down the tree.

9. Take MIKE AND IKE® candies and place them on the line to make the light.

10. Cut into pieces or break off chunks to enjoy.

Note: Use extreme caution when heating PEEPS® Marshmallow; they may be hot. Handle with care.

12 unique and customizable gifts for friends, family members and colleagues

2022-11-23T14:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time to show loved ones near and far how much you care. However, it can be hard to get presents for everyone on your gift list that are meaningful and unique while staying within your budget.

Gift-giving isn’t just a holiday tradition. It’s a beautiful way to connect with those who matter most to you. Choose one or all of these personalized gifts for your friends, family and co-workers this holiday season from Zazzle to show that you care and experience the joy of connection.

Zazzle wants to help you win this gifting season with one-of-a-kind gifts that won’t break the bank and are designed by talented creators from around the world. Check out these 12 customizable gifts perfect for everyone on your list that are sure to bring joy this holiday season.

1. Letter name necklace

Small tokens can have a big impact. An elegant, custom silver gold letter name necklace may be small, but whoever receives it will remember you every time they wear it. Whether it’s your loved one’s name or a word that is special to them, these delicate capital letters will shimmer and shine as they capture the light.

2. Tie bar, money clip and cufflinks set

A sophisticated and practical present will let your loved one know how much you care this holiday season. For example, this classic gentleman’s gift set of cuff links, money clip and tie clip is stylish, useful and can be custom engraved with the recipient’s name or other words. The set comes in a wooden gift box that doubles as storage for this stunning set that is sure to impress the recipient.

3. Pizza serving board

The holidays are almost synonymous with family meals. For the home chefs in your family who bring the best dishes to your holiday gatherings, gift them a kitchen gadget they can use year-round like a pizza serving board. This beautiful, engraved wood pizza serving board is not only a fun addition to pizza night, but it doubles as a kitchen decoration.

4. Pickleball paddle

As the new year approaches, many friends and family members are likely to make resolutions to get more active. Support their goals by gifting them some sports equipment! Do you have a loved one who plays pickleball or is looking to get into it? Gift them a personalized pickleball paddle in retro stripe sunrise or another design so they can play on the court in style.

5. Monogrammed yoga mat

Is your bestie into yoga? Help them take their practice to the next level with a monogrammed yoga mat. Whether you choose the garden whimsy greenery design or another that fits your friend’s style, they’ll appreciate this sustainable gift that marries art, functionality and personal expression.

6. Lumbar pillow

The winter weather is the perfect time to stay indoors and relax. Help your loved ones experience the joy of cocooning this season with lumbar and throw pillows. If your family member is incredibly proud of their hometown or missing home, gift them a custom city map lumbar pillow. This stylish black, white and gray pillow can be personalized with your loved one’s city’s name, coordinates and map.

7. Custom painting notebook

Another common resolution for the new year is getting more organized. Help your friends and family members with their New Year aspirations with a personalized spiral notebook! You can customize the front and back covers with images and text and choose from several notebook styles, colors and page designs to gift a truly one-of-a-kind notebook.

8. Wall poster

Wall art is a form of expression and home decorating. Help your loved ones refresh their home’s look with a high-quality wall poster like this Mid-Century Modern Empowered print. Choose a size that will best fit your friend or family member’s space the best and pick a matte or semigloss poster paper, heavy-weight matte paper or premium gloss canvas.

9. Tote bag

Tote bags are a fun and functional gift for anyone on your holiday list. Your friend can keep this funny Thank You tote bag in their car for shopping trips or use it as an everyday bag to carry around their essentials. Best of all, they can use this gift to carry the others they receive this season!

10. Monogrammed coasters

Chances are that you have a couple friends or family members who regularly host get-togethers. Give them another reason to host this season by gifting them stylish monogrammed coasters. These 100% glass coasters are perfect for hot or cold drinks or can even be used as a trivet for small pots and pans to keep counters and tables scratch-free.

11. Personalized recipe binder

One of the joys of celebrating the holidays is taking part in family traditions, like baking or cooking family recipes. Keep Grandma’s recipes safe and organized with a personalized recipe 3-ring binder. This watercolor orange citrus design will bring a bright spot of color to any kitchen and fits up to 275 pages for all of your family recipes.

12. Custom Post-it notes

Give your friend or co-worker a gift they can use at home or in the office! These minimalist light pink striped Post-it notes come in various sizes and can be personalized with a recipient’s name and a title or slogan.

To find more holiday gift ideas, visit the Zazzle Holiday Shop. If you need help throughout the process, you can take advantage of Zazzle Live, a free, on-demand design service. To learn more, visit Zazzle.com.

Make the holidays memorable with 3 must-try shrimp appetizers

2022-11-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – From casual gatherings to formal parties, the holidays are full of opportunities to elevate your meals with seafood. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or you prefer to throw meals together on the fly, it helps to have affordable, easy-to-prep culinary tricks up your sleeve so you’re ready for anything the holidays bring your way. Fortunately, keeping appetizer favorites handy in your freezer will give you what you need to prep delicious, next-level food in a hurry — or to whip up tasty recipes that are sure to please a holiday crowd.

Find these popular SeaPak selections in the frozen seafood aisle at your local grocery store. Prepare them in a conventional oven, toaster oven, or air fryer (depending on package instructions), or follow one of the recipes at the end of this article for more flavor inspiration:

  • Shrimp Scampi This whole tail-off shrimp scampi comes expertly seasoned in delicious garlic-butter sauce with a hint of red bell pepper and herbs for extra flavor.
  • Shrimp Spring Rolls Tender shrimp and fresh vegetables hand-wrapped in a delicate crunchy wrapper will help make entertaining easy and exquisite.
  • Popcorn Shrimp With crispy breading everyone loves, these easy-to-bake (or air-fry!) shrimp are perfect for everything from holiday parties to festive meals.

Next, try these recipes to help you make the most of your SeaPak favorites.

Mini Shrimp Scampi and Spinach Quiches

These tasty bites are the ideal appetizer, infused with traditional scampi flavors of lemon and garlic.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
2 (1.9-ounce) packages frozen mini phyllo cups
1/2 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 375F. Arrange phyllo cups in mini muffin tins coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add SeaPak Shrimp Scampi and cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 minute.

Set aside a few whole shrimp to garnish the top; keep warm. Cut remaining shrimp into smaller pieces. Use a slotted spoon to divide shrimp mixture evenly among the phyllo shells.

Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour egg mixture carefully into shells. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until eggs are set.

Garnish a few mini quiches with reserved shrimp. Drizzle quiches with additional pan sauce before serving, if desired. Makes 12-15 servings (30 mini quiches).

Ultra Shrimp Mac and Cheese Bites

Store-bought mac and cheese makes this tasty appetizer easier than ever. Try using macaroni and cheese right out of the fridge — it’ll make it easier to roll into balls.

Ingredients

1/2 (18-ounce) package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp
Vegetable oil for frying
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated macaroni and cheese (about 2 3/4 cups)
4 large eggs
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Marinara sauce, warmed

Directions

Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches in Dutch oven and heat to 350F. Spoon prepared macaroni and cheese into a medium bowl. Stir in 1 egg and 1 cup panko. Add shrimp.

Scoop mixture into 2-inch balls using cookie scoop. Whisk remaining eggs in a shallow dish. Place remaining panko in a separate shallow dish. Dip mac and cheese balls in egg and then panko, rolling to coat completely.

Fry balls in batches, 2-3 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, and serve with marinara sauce. Makes 8-12 servings.

Note: If using thicker refrigerated baked macaroni and cheese, you won’t need to add egg and panko to the mixture before rolling.

Crispy Shrimp Wonton Cups

These Asian-inspired, crunchy wonton cups are almost too pretty to eat — almost.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp
3 cups shredded coleslaw mix
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
24 square wonton wrappers
Vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped

Directions

Place coleslaw in a bowl. Whisk together sesame oil, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Pour over coleslaw and toss to coat. Let stand for 10-15 minutes or until coleslaw wilts slightly.

Heat oven to 350F. Press wonton wrappers into 24 lightly greased mini muffin cups. Brush with vegetable oil.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Increase oven temperature to 450F and bake popcorn shrimp according to package directions. Spoon coleslaw into baked wonton cups. Top evenly with shrimp and green onions. Drizzle with any leftover coleslaw dressing. Makes 24 servings.

Find more recipes and locate SeaPak products at a store near you by visiting SeaPak.com.

Breathless: Living with pulmonary arterial hypertension

2022-11-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Provided by Merck.

When Colleen was 35, her life was going exactly as she’d planned. She had a management position in a large company that she loved and was thrilled to be expanding her family with her husband after giving birth to her second child.

But shortly after, she noticed something wasn’t right as she became out of breath after little effort or exercise. When she didn’t feel any better a year later, she went to see her doctor about it. And that’s when her medical journey began.

Her primary care doctor initially diagnosed her with asthma, but Colleen found herself getting worse, not better, as the years went by. After two and a half years of escalating asthma and COPD medications, her primary doctor finally referred her to a cardiologist.

After some tests, the cardiologist shared difficult news. He told Colleen she had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare, progressive (worsening over time) disease that often leads to limited physical activity, heart failure and reduced life expectancy due to the heart’s inability to deliver sufficient blood to the lungs. Most people have no known family history of the disease.

“It took so many years and doctors to figure out why I was so sick. When I finally learned it was PAH, I had no idea what it meant,” said Colleen. “I was only 38 when I read that I had only a few years to live. I’ll never forget that. By that point, my oldest was 7 years old and my youngest was 3 years old so I was so worried for them and my husband. It’s now been 15 years since my diagnosis, and I’ve been able to manage it thanks to excellent care. I’m so grateful to be alive.”

While some people with earlier stages of PAH often do not look outwardly sick to others, Colleen wants others to know that having this condition is not easy. The lives of people with PAH may change dramatically due to the physical burden created by PAH. They may also experience financial burdens, unemployment or social isolation.

“As my disease progressed, I had to make lifestyle changes. I couldn’t make it to the sidelines of a baseball field to watch my son play in a game,” said Colleen. “I was truly relegated to living on the sidelines myself. Eventually I had to leave my career to focus on my survival.”

Leaning on a support system of loved ones helped Colleen cope, in addition to working with her doctor. Since her diagnosis, Colleen has dedicated her life to helping people with PAH and raising awareness of the disease.

“Whatever others can do to lift up the community and spread awareness of this devastating disease is appreciated.”

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