Recipes — Raspberries

5 Raspberry Recipes That Taste Just Like Summer 0

As days become hotter by the minute, we're all looking for bites that'll cool us off from that very first moment, and that is where raspberries step in. The ruby-red berries sport a sweet (and slightly tart) flavor that makes almost anything taste better without overwhelming your gut. More than that, they are rich in antioxidants and fiber, giving you a major health boost with each bite. And now that Raspberry Cream Pie Day⁽¹⁾ is upon us (on August 1st), we have every excuse in the world to enjoy the summer fruit in tons of delicious ways, from pies to salads. So, if you're ready to jump in on the action, these five raspberry recipes are here to give your meals a pop of red color.

 1. Raspberry-Glazed Chicken

There's no denying that roasting chicken in lemon and herbs is great. But, have you ever tried glazing your poultry with raspberry-balsamic dressing? Trust us; this is a flavor combo that you don't want to miss!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut in fillets
• ½ tbsp dried garlic
• 2 tbsp ghee
• ½ tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup freeze dried raspberries
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Add the raspberries and half a cup of warm water to a bowl and hydrate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the ghee.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the vinegar, raspberries, honey, and spices, and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
5. Preheat the oven to 350^oF.
6. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken fillets. Season each one with salt and pepper (to your taste) and brush with two tablespoons of the dressing.
7. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

2. Raspberry Cream Pie

If you didn't make a raspberry cream pie on Raspberry Cream Pie Day, did you really do the whole thing right? Sure, whipping up a pie from scratch sounds like a lot of work, but this version requires nothing more than a light whisk, a little bit of layering, and a quick freeze.

Ingredients:

• 25 Graham crackers
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freeze dried raspberries
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Add the raspberries and 1 cup of water to a bowl and let them hydrate for 15 minutes. Squeeze away any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Toss the crackers and butter to a food processor and blend until your form a dough. Then, spread it evenly on a pie dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until creamy. In a separate bowl, add the heavy cream and beat until it turns stiff. Then, toss it with the cream cheese mixture and mix well. Spread it on top of the crust and refrigerate overnight.
4. The next day, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the granulated sugar and the raspberries. Bring to a boil and keep stirring, so the sauce doesn't stick. Once boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Once cooked, set it aside to cool and, then, refrigerate until firm. Lastly, spread it onto the cream cheese layer and serve.

3. Raspberry Cashew Ice Cream

Let's be honest: Summer without ice cream isn't really summer. But, sometimes we want something a bit healthier. This recipe combines the best of both worlds by skipping heavy cream and, ultimately, delivers a treat that's both delicious and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freeze dried raspberries
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups cashews
• 2 Medjool dates, pitted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Add the raspberries to a blender along with ¼ cup of water and blend until you form a thick pulp. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and process until they are evenly combined.
3. Pour the two mixtures into a container alternatively to form a nice-looking swirl.
4. Then, place the container to the freezer for about 6 hours or overnight.

4. Brie + Raspberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Even though raspberries may not seem like a natural fit for grilled cheese, this recipe puts the fruit's slightly acidic flavor to good use by pairing it with some buttery brie. This sweet-tangy combo may sound outlandish, but we believe it could become your new go-to.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup freeze dried raspberries
• 1 cup brie cheese, crumbled
• 2-3 tbsp maple syrup

Directions:

1. Add one cup of warm water and the raspberries to a bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze them as gently as possible to remove excess water and transfer them to a bowl. Mash them with the back of a fork until your form a chunky puree.
2. Butter one side of each of the bread slices and place 4 of them butter side down and the remaining 4, butter side up.
3. Top the first ones with a dollop of the crumbled brie, a tablespoon of the mashed raspberries, and drizzle with maple syrup. Place the remaining bread slices on top.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt one tablespoon of butter.
5. Grill the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the brie has melted.

5. Spinach, Raspberry, and Candied Pecan Salad

Candied pecans are always a great selling point, but in this recipe, it's the spinach/raspberry combo that does all the work. Both ingredients add a refreshing touch to the mix and complement each other's flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups candied pecans
• 9 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup freeze dried raspberries
• 1/3 vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• ½ tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ ground mustard

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the raspberries and half a cup of warm water and soak them for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Whisk all the ingredients (except for the pecans, spinach, and raspberries) in a bowl. Then, toss in the remaining ingredients and serve.

Which raspberry recipes you simply can't resist trying? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

1. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-raspberry-cream-pie-day-august-1/
2. https://therealfoodrds.com/raspberry-balsamic-glazed-salmon-whole30/
3. https://togetherasfamily.com/raspberry-cream-pie/
4. https://thefeedfeed.com/lumadeline/peonies-and-vegan-raspberry-cashew-ice-cream
5. http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2015/04/brie-raspberry-and-honey-grilled-cheese-sundaysupper/
6. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-salad-with-raspberries-candied-walnuts/

6 Refreshing Drinks You Can Enjoy With Your Barbecue 0

Summer barbecues are a great chance to indulge in the festivities with your loved ones, and the best part is that it is summer. Whether you'll be spending it on the beach or on the grill, you will need ice cold refreshments. Here are a few cold drinks you can combine with your barbecues that you and your guests will enjoy.

Back To School Time - 10 Easy Smoothie Recipes On The Go 0

Although the back to school time is a transition from waking up late to lazy breakfasts to quick breakfasts and rushing to get to the bus, it need not be stressful.
Childhood is the time where children experience growth spurts and need proper nutrition. We want to help you take out the stress of meal planning, and give you a few easy ways to nourish your kiddos. Smoothies are packed with fiber and antioxidants and are perfect for back to school snacks:¹ convenient and ideal to give your child energy on the go.
Here are some easy and quick delicious smoothie recipes. Try preparing them in the evening and put in the refrigerator if you have a busy morning schedule to save on time and your peace of mind.

1. Banana Oatmeal smoothie with peanut butter¹

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-fat milk/ or a milk alternative (almond, cashew, soy, or coconut milk)
• 2 bananas
• ½ cup oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Preparation

• Add all the ingredients to a blender.
• Blend for 20-30 seconds until frothy and smooth. Stir and blend again for a minute.
• Pack in a smoothie bottle.

2. Blueberry vanilla smoothie¹

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-fat milk / or a milk alternative (almond, cashew, soy, or coconut milk)
• 11/2 cup yogurt
• 1 banana, chopped
• 1 cup frozen or freeze dried blueberries
• 1 1/2 tsp flax seed meal
• 1 teaspoon honey

Preparation

• Place the chopped banana, yogurt, milk, flax seed meal, and honey in a blender.
• Blend for 5-10 seconds on the lowest speed until smooth.
• Add the blueberries gradually as you continue to blend on low speed. Increase speed and blend to your desired consistency.

3. Mixed berries with yogurt²

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon almond butter

Preparation

• Put all the mixtures in a blender and blend until smooth. Chill overnight and pack for your kids in the morning - a perfect way to get a ton of vitamin C and protein.

4. Green chia seed and fruit smoothie²

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Preparation

• Blend the ingredients to a smooth consistency.
• Sweeten with natural frozen fruits such as mango and bananas to get a boost of natural sugars. Spinach is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while the chia seeds add a boost to the nutrients and thicken the drink.²

5. Healthy avocado and orange punch³

Ingredients

• 1 medium avocado
• 1 banana
• 1 orange
• ½ cup strawberries
• 1 cup yogurt

Preparation

• Blend all the ingredients to make a healthy fruit punch - refreshing and nutritious and a great way for the kids to start their morning.

6. Tropical fruit with coconut smoothie³

Ingredients

• 2 cups of a mix of tropical fruits (mango, banana and pineapple)
• ¾ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

Preparation

• Blend the ingredients until combined and smooth.
• Sweeten with honey if desired.
• Add the coconut and pulse or blend on low speed to combine.

7. Cocoa and banana smoothie with Raspberry⁴

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen raspberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup skim milk/ or milk alternative (almond, cashew, soy, or coconut milk)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
• 1-2 tablespoons honey

Preparation

• Blend all ingredients until combined. Sweeten with honey, if desired. Blend until smooth and frothy.

8. Frozen berries and rolled oats smoothie³

Ingredients

• 2 cups of mixed frozen or freeze dried berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries)
• 1 1/2 cups skim milk/ or milk alternative (almond, cashew, coconut, or soy milk)
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1-2 tablespoons honey

Preparation

• Blend all the ingredients until combined. Sweeten with honey, if needed; then blend until frothy.

9. Pineapple, kale, and mint smoothie⁴

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen pineapple
• 1 cup packed fresh kale without stems
• 3/4 cup coconut water
• 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves.
• 1-2 tablespoons honey

Preparation

• Blend all ingredients in blender at low speed. Sweeten as desired with honey. Pulse the blender to mix then blend until smooth.

10. Banana, peanut butter, and date smoothies⁴

Ingredients

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup skim milk/ or milk alternative (almond, cashew, coconut, or soy milk)
• 5 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 pitted and chopped dates

Preparation

• Blend until smooth and frothy.

Smoothies offer significant nutritional benefits; they are quick to make and help you to avoid skipping breakfast for those quick mornings. Sweeten with natural freeze dried fruits like berries, mangoes, and pineapples. Add some greens, like spinach, to get a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, and nuts, like flax seeds or almonds, to make it nutritionally complete.
If you prepare your smoothies ahead of time, your kids will be fuller longer, because of the fiber, and they'll have the energy to get through the busiest part of the day. Do you love the smoothie fever for back to school time? Try out these recipes and give us feedback below.

 
References

1. http://blog.bestbuy.ca/home-furniture-kitchen/recipes-how-to/back-to-school-easy-tasty-breakfast-smoothies-that-will-get-you-to-school-fast
2. http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/10-easy-smoothie-recipes/
3. https://www.today.com/food/easy-healthy-smoothies-recipes-beat-breakfast-boredom-t10266
4. https://www.today.com/health/super-breakfast-smoothies-help-make-back-school-breeze-t41806