Family Meals Matter: August eatsHealthyEating.orgMCTAugust is National Watermelon Month and National Sandwich Month. Aptly named, watermelons are about 91-percent water by weight, making them a delicious way to stay hydrated during the summer. And since sandwiches are perfectly portable, the August food celebrations are picnic-perfect.Celebrate the start of August this week with a featured family meal of Grilled Eggplant Panini, Bean Salad and Watermelon Smoothies. Other festive recipes to enjoy all week long include Open Faced Turkey Sandwiches, Watermelon-Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs, California Cheese and Vegetable Sandwich and Watermelon & Peach Salsa with Cayenne Chips.FEATURED FAMILY MEAL:GRILLED EGGPLANT PANINIhttp://healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/35234/grilled-eggplant-panini.aspxTotal Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutesActual Cooking Time: 15 to 30 minutesNumber of Servings: 4 (337 calories/serving)Grilled eggplant is one of life's simpler pleasures: creamy and rich. Look for medium-size, purple eggplants with firm skins and no mushy spots. This end-of-summer treat will be even tastier if you can find the vegetables at a local farm stand — or in your own backyard!Ingredients:2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided8 1/2-inch slices eggplant (about 1 small)1/2 teaspoon garlic salt8 slices whole-grain country bread8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers4 thin slices red onionPreparation:1. Preheat grill to medium-high.2. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.3. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.4. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.Cook’s Notes: To reduce the sodium in this dish, use powdered or granulated garlic instead of garlic salt.BEAN SALADhttp://healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/7597/bean-salad.aspxTotal Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutesActual Cooking Time: No cooking requiredNumber of Servings: 8 (125 calories/serving)A great, low-fat recipe that's quick and simple but fabulous tasting!Ingredients:1 cup black beans1 cup garbanzo beans1 cup pinto beans1 cup red kidney beans1 bunch cilantro, washed and chopped1 medium red onion1/2 cup seasoned rice vinegarSalt and pepperPreparation:1. Wash tops of all cans then open. Place all beans in a strainer and rinse well. Place in large bowl.2. Wash and chop onion and cilantro and add to beans.3. Add rice vinegar and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.Cook's Notes: You can get very creative with this recipe. You can add in cut green beans (my favorite), olives, cooked brown rice (then you'll need to add a bit more rice vinegar), or whatever other fresh vegetables you have — just chop them up and stir them in.WATERMELON SMOOTHIEhttp://healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/16555/watermelon-smoothie.aspxTotal Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutesActual Cooking Time: No cooking requiredNumber of Servings: 4 (104 calories/serving)Ingredients:1 (8-ounce) container of lemon, fat-free Yogurt3 cups cubed, seeded Watermelon1 pint fresh Strawberries, cleaned and hulled1 tablespoon Honey or strawberry jam3 Ice cubesPreparation:In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, watermelon, strawberries, honey and ice cubes. Process until smooth and frothy. Serve in tall glasses with a straw.ADDITIONAL RECIPES:WATERMELON-FETA SALAD WITH FRESH HERBShttp://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/34009/watermelon-feta-salad-with-fresh-herbs.aspxWATERMELON & PEACH SALSA WITH CAYENNE CHIPShttp://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/50168/watermelon-peach-salsa-with-cayenne-chips.aspxOPEN FACED TURKEY SANDWICHhttp://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/7804/open-faced-turkey-sandwiches.aspxCALIFORNIA CHEESE AND VEGETABLE SANDWICHhttp://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/Meals-Recipes/Browse-Search-Recipes/rid/35715/california-cheese-and-vegetable-sandwich.aspx———
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