MISSION, Kan., April 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family
Features) Protein is an incredibly important part of our diets. Not
only is it associated with muscle and tissue health, research finds
that protein plays an important role in energy levels, weight
management and satiety (feeling full). In fact, a recent survey
found that nine in 10 Americans believe that protein helps them
feel fuller and satisfied longer.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150417/199360
With canned food staples like chicken, tuna, beans, beef and
salmon in your pantry, a convenient source of protein-rich
ingredients is always at your fingertips. That makes it easy to
prepare nutritious homemade meals and snacks that will provide long
lasting energy to get you through the day.
Canned proteins are often preferable to their fresh counterparts
because they require little to no preparation and are more
accessible. They also contribute two important forms of
under-consumed protein sources – legumes and
fish.
Because cans seal in foods' nutrients, freshness and natural
goodness, you can feel great about incorporating canned proteins
into your favorite salads, casseroles, sandwiches and dishes like
Greek Pizza and Tuna Apple Melt. With a well-stocked pantry – or
"Cantry" – wholesome, protein-packed meals and snacks the whole
family will love are just a can or two away.
For more nutritious and flavorful recipes featuring canned
proteins, and to learn how you can get cooking with canned foods,
visit www.CansGetYouCooking.com.
Greek Pizza
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
3
tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium
red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 pound
prepared pizza dough
2
tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup prepared pesto
sauce
1 (14–ounce)
can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 (10–ounce)
can chicken breast, drained and flaked
1 (4–ounce )
can sliced mushrooms, drained
1
(3.8-ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta
cheese
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat,
and cook onion until just softened, about 5 minutes. Set
aside.
Divide dough into 2 equal balls. On well-floured surface,
use floured rolling pin to roll each ball into a 10-inch
circle. Place on large cookie sheets or pizza pans. Brush each
crust with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Preheat oven 425 degrees F.
Spread pizza dough with pesto sauce to within 1 inch of edge.
Top with red onion, artichoke hearts, chicken, mushrooms,
olives and feta cheese. Bake 15 minutes or until crust is
golden.
Tuna Apple Melt
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
1 (12-ounce)
can solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon
mustard
1 red apple, cored
and diced
1 celery stalk,
diced
2 tablespoons
canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon
butter, softened
4 1/2-inch thick
slices sourdough bread
4 slices provolone
or Muenster cheese
Celery
sticks, optional
In large bowl combine tuna, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until
well blended; stir in apple, celery and cranberry sauce.
Spread one side of bread with butter. Place bread slices,
butter-side down, in 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Top each with a slice of cheese. Cover and cook over medium heat
3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bottom of bread is
golden.
Remove bread to plate; top each piece with some tuna
mixture.
Serve warm, with celery sticks if desired.
Vickie Rocco
vrocco@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
http://editors.familyfeatures.com
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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate