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Nutrition

Eggs as a nutrient-rich ‘first food’

Eggs provide nutrition for children and moms-to-be, as well. However, the report found most pregnant women and kids need more choline – an essential nutrient critical for brain health – in their diets.

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Photo by Gaelle Marcel from Unsplash.com

Eggs are for everyone, including babies and toddlers, according to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee that released its Scientific Report outlining nutritional recommendations for Americans. For the first time, this committee, comprised of leading doctors and nutrition scientists, included nutritional guidance for younger children. 

The committee recommends eggs as a first food for babies and toddlers since they provide eight essential nutrients that can help build a healthy foundation for life at a time when every bite counts.  

Eggs provide nutrition for children and moms-to-be, as well. However, the report found most pregnant women and kids need more choline – an essential nutrient critical for brain health – in their diets. 

According to research published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition,” 92% of pregnant women don’t get enough choline in their diets. Choosing foods high in choline, like eggs, can help pregnant women consume enough of this essential nutrient, helping a baby’s brain and spinal cord develop properly. Just two eggs provide more than half of the recommended daily amount of choline.  

At only 70 calories, one egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all nine essential amino acids. Eggs are also a source of vitamin B12, biotin (B7), iodine, selenium, high-quality protein, riboflavin (B2) and pantothenic acid (B5). Additionally, eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect your eyes from harmful blue light that comes from electronic devices. 

The committee recommends introducing eggs when your baby is ready for first foods, which may help reduce the chances of developing an egg allergy.  

In Your Kitchen 
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse that contribute to health and well-being at every age, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy eggs beyond the basic boiled, scrambled or sunny-side-up. In fact, eggs work well in meals all day long. Toss hard-boiled eggs in a salad, top a sweet potato with an egg for lunch or try a spinach and mushroom frittata for dinner.  

One simple way to introduce eggs as a first food is a soft and fluffy egg casserole. You can also incorporate veggies for some added nutrition, since eggs can help you better absorb the nutrients found in vegetables, such as vitamin E and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.  

You can adapt a Veggie Egg Casserole to your child’s development and motor skills by cutting small squares or making a simple mash. 

Find more kid-friendly recipes and advice about introducing eggs to your youngest family members at EggNutritionCenter.org.  

Veggie Egg Casserole 
Recipe developed by Stacey Mattinson, RD
Prep time: 20 minutes 
Cook time: 40 minutes 
Servings: 4 


Nonstick cooking spray 
1/2sweet onion 
1red, yellow or orange bell pepper 
1head broccoli florets 
2teaspoons canola, avocado or olive oil 
12eggs 
2cups low-fat cottage cheese 
1cup shredded cheese 
1teaspoon baking powder 
1tablespoon flour 
salt, to taste 
pepper, to taste 

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. 

Chop onion and bell pepper to age-appropriate sizes. Pick apart broccoli florets into small pieces and remove most of stems. 

Heat medium-sized frying pan over medium heat. Add oil and swirl around pan. Add onions and cook 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add broccoli and bell pepper. Mix with onions and add salt and pepper, to taste. Cook 1-2 minutes then cover with lid to steam another 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green. Remove veggies from stovetop. 

In large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add cottage cheese, shredded cheese, baking powder and flour. Add veggies and salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to prepared pan and bake 40 minutes. 

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Nutrition

Potato recipes for the holidays

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family by turning to easy-to-prepare potato recipes that can make the whole family happy.

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Many people would agree the holidays are one of the happiest times of the year – but also one of the most stressful. Replace the stress with smiles by cooking easy, delicious dinners that can help make the season a breeze and bring a little holiday happiness to mealtime.

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family by turning to easy-to-prepare potato recipes that can make the whole family happy.

For example, when you’re busy trying to cook multiple things at once, free up precious oven real estate while saving time with these Herby Holiday Air Fryer Little Potatoes. For a busy weeknight during the holiday season, potato dishes like this one can be made in an air fryer and customized with a few of your favorite pantry staples. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried will do the trick.

This recipe and many others can be streamlined with Little Potatoes, which come pre-washed, are small enough they don’t need to be cut and are a fresh, whole food grown on family farms so you can feel good about serving them to your loved ones.

Remember, easy can still be fabulous and festive. This Warm Winter Potato Salad with Cranberries offers the best of both worlds as it comes together in around 7 minutes with seasonal pops of red and green.

This family-friendly side features A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Microwave Ready Little Potatoes that simply need to be steamed in the microwave for 5 minutes then tossed with the included seasoning pack – no boiling or peeling required. It’s truly a holiday shortcut, and you can make the recipe even easier by using store-bought honey mustard vinaigrette if you’re short on time to make it from scratch.

Visit littlepotatoes.com to find more ways to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family.

Herby Holiday Air Fryer Little Potatoes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

1 1/2    pounds Little Potatoes
2          tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
            salt, to taste
            pepper, to taste
2          tablespoons fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, sage or oregano, chopped

In large bowl, toss potatoes with oil or melted butter. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Place in air fryer basket.

Air fry potatoes at 390 F for 25 minutes.

Once air-fried, sprinkle potatoes with herbs and serve.

Warm Winter Potato Salad with Cranberries
Prep time: 2-5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

1          package A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Microwave Ready Little Potatoes
2          tablespoons olive oil
1          tablespoon Dijon mustard
1          tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1          teaspoon honey or maple syrup
            salt, to taste
            pepper, to taste
1/4       cup dried cranberries
1          small apple, thinly sliced
2          tablespoons chopped walnuts or other nuts (optional)
            fresh parsley (optional)
            green onions (optional)

Prepare potatoes according to package instructions, about 5 minutes, tossing with olive oil and included seasoning pack once cooked.

In small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In large bowl, toss warm potatoes with cranberries, thinly sliced apple and walnuts, if using.

Drizzle mustard dressing over top and gently mix until well-coated.

Top with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, for pop of color. Serve warm.

Tips: If you like more texture, toast walnuts for extra crunch. For added creaminess, mix 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into dressing. To save time or reduce ingredients needed, use storebought honey mustard vinaigrette.

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Nutrition

Tasty twists on a traditional holiday treat

These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.

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Embrace the color and flavor of tradition this holiday season with new twists on red velvet desserts. These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.

Take a trip down memory lane with “Cookin’ Savvy” and her delicious takes on tradition: Red Velvet Bundt Cake, Red Velvet Cake Balls and Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts, all of which make it easy for the entire family to join together for some fun (and rich homemade flavor) in the kitchen.

Find more “Cookin’ Savvy” recipes at Culinary.net.

Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy

1          red velvet cake mix
1          cup all-purpose flour
1          heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1          cup sugar
1          cup milk
3          eggs
1          stick melted butter

Frosting:
1          stick softened butter
1          package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/4       cup heavy whipping cream
5          cups powdered sugar
             white sanding sugar (optional)

In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.

Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.

To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.

Ice entire bundt cake or place frosting in piping bag and pipe with back and forth “drip” motion. Sprinkle sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.

Red Velvet Cake Balls
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy

1          red velvet cake mix
1          cup all-purpose flour
1          heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1          cup sugar
1          cup milk
3          eggs
1          stick melted butter

Frosting:
1/2       stick softened butter
4          ounces softened cream cheese
1/8       cup heavy whipping cream
2 1/2    cups powdered sugar, plus additional for rolling, divided

Heat oven to 350 F.

In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.

Grease 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in batter. Bake 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and use fork to crumble cake then place in large bowl.

To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar. Mix frosting into bowl with cake.

Form cake mixture into balls then roll in powdered sugar.

Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy

1          red velvet cake mix
1          cup all-purpose flour
1          heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1          cup sugar
1          cup milk
3          eggs
1          stick melted butter

Frosting:
1          stick softened butter
1          package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/4       cup heavy whipping cream
5          cups powdered sugar
             white sanding sugar (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F.

In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.

Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pour half the mixture onto each sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes.

Let cookies cool then freeze 1 hour. Use cookie cutters to make desired shapes.

To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.

Using knife or piping bag, frost cookies. Sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.

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Nutrition

Asian-inspired dishes to enjoy

You can skip the to-go boxes with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.

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Some nights, especially when schedules are jam packed, the allure of grabbing takeout or swinging through a drive-thru between activities may sound more appealing than spending time in the kitchen. You can skip the to-go boxes, however, with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.

Packed with fresh shrimp and crispy veggies, this Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito fuses some favorite takeout dishes together to satisfy cravings in half an hour. Using Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice, which cooks up soft and fluffy, provides a flavorful and aromatic base. This combination of seafood, homemade sauces and flavorful veggies makes for an unforgettable taste experience comparable to your favorite quick-serve restaurant.

Or let your kitchen appliances help create a satisfying, soothing take on a Thai classic. A quick and easy bowl of deliciousness that’s sure to comfort the whole family, this Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup features chicken, lime juice, Thai red curry and coconut milk mixed with basmati rice.

Ready in just 10 minutes, Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is quick, easy and mess-free, and it’s guaranteed to always cook right – just place the bag in chicken broth to experience the long-grain rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture. Plus, Success Rice is free from artificial additives and unprocessed ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it with a variety of dishes.

Find more recipe inspiration to tackle takeout cravings and more at SuccessRice.com.

Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
4 sushi nori sheets
1/2 carrot, ribboned, divided
1/2 cucumber, ribboned, divided
6 crab sticks, shredded, divided
6 large shrimp, cooked, deveined, tails removed and butterflied, divided

Rinse rice bag under cold water to remove starch. Prepare rice according to package directions. 

In small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat rice vinegar, sugar and salt until sugar and salt have dissolved, about 1 minute. Set aside.

In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.

Transfer cooked rice onto large baking sheet. Drizzle half the vinegar mixture over rice, turning until all rice is fully coated. Taste and add more vinegar mixture, if desired. Spread rice into thin layer and cool to room temperature. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Lay down one sushi nori sheet. Spread layer of rice on it. Place half the carrots and cucumbers on rice. Place crab and shrimp on top.

Place another sushi nori sheet just under first one and roll. Repeat with remaining sushi nori sheets, rice, carrots, cucumbers, crab and shrimp. Wrap both burritos in plastic wrap. Let rest 10 minutes.

Slice burritos in half and serve with spicy mayo.

Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

6 cups chicken broth
2 bags Success Basmati Rice
1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 pound chicken breast tenders
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 green onions, thinly sliced

In pressure cooker on saute setting over high heat, bring broth and rice bags to boil. Boil, uncovered, 10 minutes. Remove bags with fork and set aside.

Add coconut milk, curry paste, soy sauce and brown sugar to pressure cooker. Turn off saute setting. Add chicken. Cover and lock to seal. Set to pressure cook setting over high heat about 10 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Carefully, manually or naturally, release pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions before removing lid.

Set pressure cooker to saute setting over medium heat. Remove chicken and shred with two forks; add to soup along with lime juice and green onions. Remove rice from bags and stir into soup. Simmer until rice is heated through.

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