Fresh Summer Recipes Perfect for the Patio
By Family Features | ContributorGatherings in the summer sun are all about easy, convenient recipes combined with the joy warm weather brings. Spend those special occasions with those you love most and make this summer one to remember with flatbreads, sliders and sweet treats for all to share. Summery Flatbreads for Family and FriendsWhen dining outdoors with family, friends and neighbors, there are few things better than a tasty dish the whole family can enjoy like these Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads.Perfect for al fresco entertaining when served alongside a fresh salad, they’re simple to make and allow guests to personalize with preferred toppings before popping in the oven. As a colorful and fresh dish, it’s an ideal meal for get-togethers on the patio.For more summer recipe ideas, visit Culinary.net.Chipotle Chicken FlatbreadsRecipe adapted from butteryourbiscuit.com2 flatbreads2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese1 clove garlic, diced4 chicken tenders, cooked and cubed1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered salt, to taste pepper, to taste1/2 cup ranch dressing1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle seasoning2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, choppedPreheat oven to 375 F. Place parchment paper on baking sheet and add flatbreads. Sprinkle cheese on flatbreads. Top with garlic, chicken and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake 16 minutes until cheese is melted.In small bowl, mix ranch and chipotle seasoning. Drizzle ranch dressing on flatbreads and sprinkle with cilantro leaves. Shareable Sliders for a Nutritious Summer MealFresh, mouthwatering foods hot off the grill are a sure sign of summer fun. Hosting sunny get-togethers this year can be made easy when you show off your grilling skills with a simple, nutritious and flavorful recipe.These Chicken Shawarma Sliders are a delicious example of how to grill healthy summer meals without forgoing favorite flavors. They’re part of a curated 12-recipe collection of healthy, balanced dishes from the snacking experts at family-owned Fresh Cravings, known for its chilled salsas, hummus and other dips, which teamed up with eMeals, America’s leading provider of meal plans.“These sliders are a fantastic – and healthy – option for your next gathering,” said eMeals Senior Nutrition Writer and Editor Rachel West, RD. “The marinade uses a mix of pantry-friendly dried herbs and fresh garlic to give the lean grilled chicken breast some oomph. The lettuce and red onion add cool crispness and crunch to the sandwiches while Fresh Cravings’ creamy, flavor-packed hummus gets some nutritional bonus points by providing a dose of protein and fiber.”Find the entire recipe collection by visiting emeals.com/campaign/Fresh-Cravings-Healthy-Eats.Chicken Shawarma SlidersRecipe courtesy of eMeals Registered Dietitian Rachel WestPrep time: 25 minutesCook time: 10 minutes2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts3 tablespoons olive oil4 cloves garlic, minced1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika1/2 tablespoon ground cumin1/2 tablespoon ground coriander1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper1 package (12) slider buns1 container (17 ounces) Fresh Cravings Honey Jalapeno Hummus1 package (8 ounces) shredded lettuce1/2 small red onion, slicedIn zip-top plastic bag, use meat mallet or heel of hand to pound chicken to even thickness. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in large bowl. Add oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne; toss.Cover chicken and chill 8 hours, or up to 2 days.Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side, or until done.Serve chicken on buns with hummus, lettuce and onion.Unforgettable Fruity FlavorSummertime often brings cravings for fresh fruits that add a hint of sweetness to warm-weather gatherings. Serving up a delicious dessert for family and guests starts with favorite produce in this Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit. The touch of tangy tartness is enough to bring loved ones to the dessert table even after a filling meal as fresh lemon juice in the cheesecake base is complemented perfectly when topped with orange slices and raspberries. Garnished with mint leaves, this brightly colored treat is even sweeter when shared with loved ones. Find more sweet summer desserts at Culinary.net. Lemon Cheesecake with FruitServings: 6-81 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup butter, melted2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk3 eggs1/4 cup fresh lemon juice1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 orange, peeled and separated8 raspberries3 mint leaves, for garnish Preheat oven to 350 F.In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed.Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves. Visit Culinary.net to find more simple summer recipes to share with loved ones. More
