Summer Fun Healthy Meals

    Summer Fun Healthy Meals

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA

    One of the best parts of summer is enjoying meals that are both simple and healthy. I love creating dishes that are easy to prepare while showcasing the freshness of seasonal ingredients. This summer, embrace the joy of cooking with wholesome ingredients and make mealtime a fun family activity.

    • Grilled Delights: Grilled chicken is a beloved family choice. Make it exciting by turning it into tacos, salads, sandwiches or these fun chicken lollipops (recipe below) for a delicious and versatile summer meal.
    • Seasonal Produce: Incorporate a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, and berries into your meals to add color, flavor, and nutrition.
    • Refreshing Beverages: Elevate your cold drinks by adding frozen grapes, berries, and fruit juice ice cubes. These not only keep your drinks cool but also add a burst of flavor.

    Enjoy the simplicity and freshness of summer meals while spending quality time with your loved ones!

    Grilled Chicken Lollipops  

    Chicken Lollipops

    Prep: 15 minutes

    Grill: 25 minutes

    Makes: 4 Servings

    Ingredients:

    • 1 teaspoon Paprika
    • 1 .5 teaspoons Chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon curry powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 pounds Purdue chicken drumsticks
    • Olive oil
    • Kosher salt & Black Pepper
    • Aluminum foil
    • 2 scallions, sliced

    Sauce:

    • ½ cup apricot jam
    • 2 tablespoons Sriracha
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

    Directions:

    1. How to “lollipop” your chicken: Using kitchen shears, cut in a circular motion around where most of the meat ends at the end of the drumstick; cut the tendon and in a circular motion, cut around the bone without cutting through it.
    2. With a paring knife, push the meat toward the knuckle end of the bone. Then cut the tendons and skin off with the paring knife or kitchen shears.
    3. Hold the knuckle and pull the meat down toward the base of the drumstick. There is a small bone that you can feel with your fingers. Continue with all drumsticks and place on a platter to season.

    TIP: Wrap the tip of the exposed bone with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

    1. Preheat grill to medium heat. In a small bowl add spices Paprika through garlic powder. Season chicken liberally with salt & pepper, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with mixed spices, massage with hands to coat chicken evenly.
    2. Place chicken on prepared grill for about 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F.
    3. Meanwhile, prepare sauce. Combine apricot jam through ginger in small saucepan and simmer until thickened.
    4. Take chicken off the grill and brush with sauce, top with scallions and serve.

    Recipe by: Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA