Tag #EatWell

Jen’s Greek Cassarole Bake

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Full of flavor, healthy and easy ro make, this dinner hits the spot for full tummies.  Filled with Ground turkey, Couscous, black olives, 2 kinds of sqaush, cheeses, and greek seasoning ant topped with lemon slices.  It’s perfect for a family meal, potluck dinner, and a good choice for lots of dietary needs.  So good I bet no one will even suspect it’s good for them…

Ingredients

1 Near East Couscous 5.9oz box

3 lbs ground turkey

16 oz sliced Pepper jack cheese

1 2.2 oz can sliced blak olives

1 8oz  spinach artichoke cheese dip

1/4 cup grated Parmesean Cheese

1 medium onion diced

2 tbls minced garlic

2 lemon sliced

2 Tbls Greek Seasoning

Zucchini

Yellow Squash

10 oz fresh grape tomatoes sliced in half

Directions

  1. Prepare a 9 x 13 glass baking dish             
  2. Prepare couscous as directed on packaging and set aside
  3. Chop zucchini and yellow squash into 1/2 pieces
  4. Brown Ground turkey with onion and minced garlic
  5. Drain, mix with spinach artichoke cheese dip,  set aside.
  6. In prepared dish spread browned turkey, couscous, vegetables and black olives in 3 layers. 
  7. Top bottom layers with Monterrey Jack cheese. 
  8. Sprinkle Paresean cheese and greek seasoning over top of cassarole.
  9. Top entire dish with lemon slices
  10. Bake @ 350° for 40 minutes until vegetables are cooked. 
  11. Top with grape tomatoes halves

Serve warm and Enjoy

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NATIONAL WALNUT DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

May 17th recognizes a “nutty” holiday.  Each year on this day, it is National Walnut Day.

Rounded, single-seeded stone fruits of the walnut tree, walnuts are a high-density source of nutrients, particularly proteins and essential fatty acids.  Like other tree nuts, walnuts must be processed and stored properly.

Grown for their seeds, the Persian or English Walnut and the Black Walnut are the two most common major species of walnuts.

  • English Walnut
    – originated in Persia
    – commercially produced
  • Black Walnut
    – native to eastern North America
    – high flavor
    – hard shell and poor hulling characteristics prevent its commercial growth for nut production.

The husk of the walnut, which is peeled away from the shell at harvest, and contain juice which will readily stain anything it comes in contact with.  The husk juice has been used as a cloth dye.

The United States is the world’s largest exporter of walnuts.

Ninety-nine percent of the nation’s commercial English walnuts are produced in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys of California.

150 Special Walnut Recipes: From The Walnut Cookbook To The Table#NationalWalnutDay
150 Special Walnut Recipes: From The Walnut Cookbook To The Table
365 Creative Walnut Recipes: The Best Walnut Cookbook on Earth#NationalWalnutDay
365 Creative Walnut Recipes: The Best Walnut Cookbook on Earth

HISTORY

Created to promote the consumption of walnuts, the first National Walnut Day was proclaimed in June 1949 by the Walnut Marketing Board.

On March 3, 1958, a Senate Resolution was introduced by William F. Knowland and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the first National Walnut Day, May 17, 1958.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy some walnuts today. Try them plain or in a favorite recipe. Great on salads,, and baking. We use Black Walnuts in Bourbon Balls every year. Use #NationalWalnutDay to post on social media.

Fisher Chef's Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces 1 lb, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Snack Topping, Great with Yogurt & Cereal, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack, Gluten Free#NationalWalnutDay
Fisher Chef’s Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces 1 lb, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Snack Topping, Great with Yogurt & Cereal, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack, Gluten Free
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Walnut Halves & Pieces, 10 Ounce#NationalWalnutDay
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Walnut Halves & Pieces, 10 Ounce
Hammons American Black Walnuts, 24 Ounce #NationalWalnutDay
Hammons American Black Walnuts, 24 Ounce
Kirkland Signature Nuts, Walnuts,48 Ounce#NationalWalnutDay
Kirkland Signature Nuts, Walnuts,48 Ounce

NATIONAL SHRIMP SCAMPI DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

National Shrimp Scampi Day on April 29th gives us a tasty way to celebrate. On this day, we honor the delicious dish of shrimp cooked with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine.

Scampi is a culinary term for small lobster known as Nephrops (also known as langoustine or Dublin Bay Prawns) and which is completely unrelated to this day.

Easy Shrimp Cookbook (Shrimp Cookbook, Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Scampi 1)#NationalShrimpScampiDay
Easy Shrimp Cookbook (Shrimp Cookbook, Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Scampi 1)
123 Ultimate Shrimp Pasta Recipes: Cook it Yourself with Shrimp Pasta Cookbook!#NationalShrimpScampiDay
123 Ultimate Shrimp Pasta Recipes: Cook it Yourself with Shrimp Pasta Cookbook!
365 Ultimate Shrimp Recipes: Not Just a Shrimp Cookbook! #NationalShrimpScampiDay
365 Ultimate Shrimp Recipes: Not Just a Shrimp Cookbook!
Hello! 333 Low Carb Seafood Recipes: Best Low Carb Seafood Cookbook Ever For Beginners [Shrimp Scampi Recipe, Grilled Fish Cookbook, Low Carb Greek Cookbook, Low Carb Casserole Cookbook]#NationalShrimpScampiDay
Hello! 333 Low Carb Seafood Recipes: Best Low Carb Seafood Cookbook Ever For Beginners [Shrimp Scampi Recipe, Grilled Fish Cookbook, Low Carb Greek Cookbook, Low Carb Casserole Cookbook]

The day is wholly dedicated to the buttery, garlicky, lemony, and wine-sauced preparation of shrimp. Prepare the dish using fresh or frozen shrimp. When serving the dish, add a side of noodle or rice, steamed vegetables, and crusty bread or rolls. Shrimp scampi pairs well with white wine. Since the dish is light, a rich dessert of cheesecake or crème brûlée rounds out the meal.

Explore More Seafood?

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShrimpScampiDay

As the days heat up, serve up a dish that tastes like the sun. Pick out some peal-and-eat shrimp for a simple meal or go all out with side dishes and serve a feast.

Use #NationalShrimpScampiDay to post on social media.

Campbell's Cooking Sauces, Classic Shrimp Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch#NationalShrimpScampiDay
Campbell’s Cooking Sauces, Classic Shrimp Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch
McCormick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Seasoning Mix, 0.87 oz (Pack of 12)#NationalShrimpScampiDay
McCormick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Seasoning Mix, 0.87 oz (Pack of 12)
Cameron's Seafood 1 Lb Large Spiced Shrimp#NationalShrimpScampiDay
Cameron’s Seafood 1 Lb Large Spiced Shrimp
Campbell's Cooking Sauces, Classic Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch (Case of 6)#NationalShrimpScampiDay
Campbell’s Cooking Sauces, Classic Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch (Case of 6)

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On April 13th, we have an opportunity to break a trend that has been occurring around the country by joining National Make Lunch Count Day.

According to a recent study commissioned by TGI Fridays, the majority of U.S. workers suffer from “FOLO” – otherwise known as a “Fear of Lunching Out.” Many workers eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week (73%) while one-third have lunch at their desk every day of the week. Don’t fear lunching out any longer!

Taking a break from the workday improves productivity. That includes taking a lunch break. Leaving the office or even your desk for 20-30 minutes to refuel also reinvigorates your creative juices. Our brains and bodies need the daily break. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new ideas and approaches to whatever your job throws your way. 

Include fresh vegetables and lean proteins with your lunch. Restaurant portions tend to be oversized, so divide your plate in half and take the rest home for supper. Finally, drink water or tea instead of carbonated beverages.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY HISTORY

TGI Fridays founded National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 to remind American workers to get away from their desks for lunch.  

The observance is here to remedy FOLO and help American workers increase their creativity and productivity.

Getting to know your co-workers can be awkward sometimes. Great conversation starters include:

  • What was the best movie you watched last year?
  • What skill do you wish you had but don’t?
  • If you could travel anywhere in the world right this moment, where would it be?
  • Everyone has at least one talent. What’s yours?

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeLunchCountDay

  • Break the cycle of FOLO. Get away from your desk.
  • Join your co-workers and enjoy a real lunch with stimulating conversation.
  • Share your favorite ways to make lunch count and promote them with your peers.
  • Don’t just do it today, do it every day! Use #NationalMakeLunchCount to share on social media.
T.G.I. Friday's Gift Card#NationalMakeLunchCount
T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card
T.G.I. Friday's Gift Cards, Multipack of 3#NationalMakeLunchCount
T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Cards, Multipack of 3
TGI Fridays Potato Skins Snacks, Cheddar & Bacon, 1oz Bag (Pack of 12, Total of 12 Oz)#NationalMakeLunchCount
TGI Fridays Potato Skins Snacks, Cheddar & Bacon, 1oz Bag (Pack of 12, Total of 12 Oz)
T.G.I. Friday's Gift Cards - In a Gift Box#NationalMakeLunchCount
T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Cards – In a Gift Box

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Each year, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th recognizes one of the top comfort foods in the United States. Why wouldn’t it be when we’re talking about bread grilled to perfection, and warm, gooey, melted cheese. 

According to food historians, many cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times. The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s. As sliced bread and American cheese became easily available, Americans began making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. 

United States government cookbooks describe Navy cooks broiling “American cheese filling sandwiches” during World War II. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile thanks to the ability to mix and match cheeses, bread, and seasonings. Adding sauteed vegetables or herb-infused oils can elevate this simple comfort food to a whole other level.  

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay

  • Make your favorite version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Share the best cheeses to make grilled cheese. Do you use American cheese or do you prefer Swiss? What’s your favorite cheese?
  • Serve it with your favorite soup and sides, too.
  • Layer it and make a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich. Add ham or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
  • Share with us all the ways you make grilled cheese sandwiches or try a new recipe.
  • Families, take this day to the next level and make personalized sandwiches. Get creative with your grilled cheese by bringing out the cookie cutters. Imagine the fun the kids will have and everyone can make unique-shaped sandwiches. Don’t fret about the crusts because you can dip them in your favorite sauces or soups. Try adding ranch, siracha or a dill dip. How will you mix it up?
  • My mom taught me that the best way to capture the gooey goodness is to butter both sides of your slices of bread.  3 slices of cheese, or my favorite 1/4 inch slab of Velveeta (best choice in my opinion), and make the outside golden brown.  To this day we still practice these methods…
  • Use #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay to post on social media.
Aigostar Sandwich Maker with Non-stick Deep Grid Surface for Egg, Ham, Steaks Compact Electric Grill Tostadora de Pan Black, ETL Certificated, Roy#GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Aigostar Sandwich Maker with Non-stick Deep Grid Surface for Egg, Ham, Steaks Compact Electric Grill Tostadora de Pan Black, ETL Certificated, Roy
OVENTE 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker, Panini Press Grill and Waffle Iron Set with Removable Non-Stick Plates, Perfect for Cooking Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Burgers, Steaks and Snacks#GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
OVENTE 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker, Panini Press Grill and Waffle Iron Set with Removable Non-Stick Plates, Perfect for Cooking Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Burgers, Steaks and Snacks
Velveeta Original Melting Cheese #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Velveeta Original Melting Cheese
Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer - Adjustable Hand Held Cheese Cutter with 2 Extra Wires - Premium Cheese Shaver for Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere - Cheese Cutter with Wire #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer – Adjustable Hand Held Cheese Cutter with 2 Extra Wires – Premium Cheese Shaver for Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere – Cheese Cutter with Wire