Power Up With Produce In The New Year {Indy Style}
Jan 11, 2018, Updated Jun 03, 2021
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Are you ready to power up with produce in the New Year?
Did you make a resolution to eat healthier in the New Year? If so, you’re not alone. It’s one of the top resolutions made each year. Make 2018 the year you finally stick to your resolution! Two things you can do to aid in your success is to have fruits and veggies readily available and to plan ahead. And we don’t just mean for your everyday diet. It’s important to plan ahead for special occasions and have more nutritious snacks on hand for those times you want to indulge.
The Produce Moms founder, Lori Taylor, was on Indy Style this morning sharing simple ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your life. She shared easy recipes you can make ahead, including several that’ll indulge your sweet tooth but won’t leave you with feelings of regret. These recipes can also be used for upcoming special occasions like the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Produce can party too!
Raspberry Frozen Yogurt Bark
First up is a treat for all you ice cream lovers out there! Raspberry Frozen Yogurt Bark is a great alternative to sugary ice cream. It’ll satisfy your desire for something sweet and get more produce into your diet.
Ingredients
- Non-fat Greek Yogurt
- Fresh Raspberries (chopped and whole)
- Lemon Zest
- Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips
- Pepitas (Green Pumpkin Seeds)
- Optional: Natural sweetener such as honey
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix together all ingredients, except for the whole raspberries.
- Spread mixture evenly onto the lined baking Sprinkle the whole raspberries on top.
- Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or until frozen solid.
*recipe adapted from Tastemade
Rockit™ Apples
Now let us introduce you to one of the newest stars of the produce department, and your go-to apple for 2018, Rockit™ Apples. Rockit™ apples are a sweet apple with a thin skin. They are great for both eating and baking. A little smaller than a baseball, they are the perfect size for kids. Rockit™ apples have almost no core. The core that it does have is small and flexible, making it easy to remove.
Look for Rockit™ Apples at your local grocer in these fun and easy-to-spot containers. The large one (seen in the photo with Lori) has earned the nickname “The Millennial Mom’s Cookie Jar.” Set it out on your counter or kitchen table and see why! Your kids will flock to these apples like they would any other sweet treat. Both the “cookie jar” and the smaller tube are 100% recyclable.
Produce Pro Tip: If your grocery store doesn’t carry the fruit or veggie you’re looking for, talk to the produce manager. They’re almost always willing to accommodate requests from customers.
Chocolate-Dipped Rockit™ Apples
These glittery chocolate apples are so elegant, so irresistible, and so easy to make! They make a great party favor and would be perfect on Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- Rockit™ Apples
- Melting Chocolate (white, chocolate or both)
- Sanding Sugar
- Sprinkles
Directions
- Wash apples and dry completely.
- Melt chocolate as indicated on the package. Dip apples into melting chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip back into the container.
- Immediately dip chocolate-covered apples into sanding sugar.
- Place dipped apples onto a lined baking sheet until set, typically around 15-20 minutes.
Produce Pro Tip: Use the melting chocolate found in the produce department, usually on the other side of the bananas. It’s typically cheaper than the chocolate found in the baking aisle and it’s peanut-free.
Rockit™ Apple Dumplings
Rustic and charming, mini apple dumplings work for a large party or as a dessert for one. Simply adjust the recipe accordingly.
Ingredients
- Rockit™ Apples
- Premade Pie Crust
- Brown Sugar
- Almond Slivers
- Optional: Dried Fruit
- Caramel Sauce (or make your own using melted butter and 1/2 cup dark brown sugar)
Directions
- Wash and core your Rockit™ apples.
- Cut pie crust into 6-inch circles, enough to fully cover each apple.
- Place one apple in the center of the premade pie crust. Inside of the apple place a few tablespoons of brown sugar and slivered almonds. You can also add dried fruit if you desire.
- Fold the pie crust up and around the apple. Pinch together at the top to keep the crust from falling down.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Bake on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve.
*recipe adapted from Chelan Fresh
Whipped Blackberry Butter
Whipped Blackberry Butter is great because it’s butter that incorporates produce (yay!) and it can be used to elevate your veggie dishes. When you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet, it’s important to prepare them in exciting and enticing ways.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter
- 1 TBSP Confectioner’s Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1/2 Pint Blackberries
Directions
- Use a hand mixer and mix together butter, confectioner’s sugar, honey, and blackberries.
- Serve on top of your veggie of choice. We suggest rainbow carrots and green beans.
*recipe adapted from Our Family of Seven
Blackberry-Cucumber Caprese Skewers
Blackberry- Cucumber Caprese Skewers are a fun twist on traditional Caprese Salad Skewers. We especially love this handheld appetizer for football parties.
Ingredients
- English Cucumber
- Smoked Mozzarella
- Fresh Basil
- Blackberries
- Balsamic Glaze
- Skewers
Directions
- On each skewer, place a cucumber slice, fresh basil leaf, wedge of smoked mozzarella, and 2-3 blackberries.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers and serve.
*recipe adapted from The Sweetest Occasion
Grains & Greens Salad
Mix ancient grains and greens for a power-packed salad! What we love most about this salad are the different textures and layers of crunch.
Ingredients
- Farro (or ancient grain of your choice)
- Salad Greens
- Honey Mustard Vinegarette
- Blueberries
- Celery and Celery Leaves, diced
- Green Onions, diced
- Red Seedless Grapes, sliced
- Rockit™ Apples, diced
- Bacon, baked and chopped
- Almond Slivers
- Blue Cheese (or soft cheese of your choice)
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with Honey Mustard Vinegarette. Top with blue cheese or a soft cheese of your choice.
Produce Pro Tip: Don’t throw out your celery tops, dice and throw those in your salad too. The celery leaves have even more celery flavor than their stalks. Don’t miss out on all that flavor!
*recipe adapted from North Bay Produce
Thanks for watching! Which recipe will you try first? How do you plan to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet this year? Share in the comments below.
