Food and Beverage
Dish Up Protein-Packed Sweet Treats
Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) In a world of packed schedules and boring food, it can feel like doing the healthy thing means giving up some of what makes you happy – like treats and flavors you love. Choosing health shouldn’t mean restricting yourself; everyone deserves a treat now and again.
Try incorporating better-for-you ingredients into your favorite indulgences. Look for convenient, ready-to-use products, like Premier Protein High Protein Shakes, to help infuse the nutrition you need with the joy you deserve. With 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, the shakes make it easy to take the first step and keep that momentum going, adding nutrient-dense protein to nearly any recipe.
In addition to a smooth, creamy texture, each shake delivers 24 vitamins and minerals including vitamins C and E, which help support a healthy immune system as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. With 11 flavors – including strawberries & cream and chocolate – there’s an impossibly indulgent option for everyone to make a healthy life a happy endeavor through recipes like Peanut Butter Jelly Ice Cream and Chocolate Ice Cream with “Caramel” Sauce.
Find more information and recipes at PremierProtein.com or on Instagram.
Peanut Butter Jelly Ice Cream
Servings: 12
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup Premier Protein Strawberries & Cream Protein Shake
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar-free strawberry jelly
- In large, heavy saucepan, heat milk, protein shake, brown sugar and salt until bubbles form around sides of pan. Whisk small amount of hot mixture into egg. Return to pan, whisking constantly.
- Cook and stir over low heat until mixture thickens and coats back of spoon. Remove from heat; whisk in peanut butter. Quickly transfer to bowl; place in ice water and stir 2 minutes. Stir in cream and vanilla. Press wax paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
- Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer 2/3 full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.
- When ice cream is frozen, spoon into freezer container, layering with jelly; freeze 2-4 hours before serving.
Nutritional information per serving: 271 calories; 23 g total fat; 11 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 72 mg cholesterol; 205 mg sodium; 13 g total carbohydrates; 1 g dietary fiber; 8 g total sugars; 6 g protein.
Chocolate Ice Cream with “Caramel” Sauce
Recipe courtesy of “Chelsea’s Messy Apron”
Servings: 8
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 bag (10 ounces) dark chocolate chips, plus additional for topping (optional)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 Premier Protein Chocolate Protein Shake
“Caramel” Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (measured when solid)
- 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Wash and scrub sweet potato. Pierce with fork several times. Place on microwave-safe plate and microwave 5 minutes; flip and microwave 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
- In microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring between each increment until smooth and melted. Set aside.
- Remove sweet potato skin and thoroughly mash. Pack into 3/4 cup measuring cup. Place in large blender.
- Add melted chocolate to blender along with vanilla, sea salt, coconut sugar and chocolate protein shake.
- Place lid on blender and blend on high at least 1 minute, or until ingredients are smooth and incorporated.
- Transfer to ice cream maker and prepare according to manufacturer’s directions then transfer to airtight container and freeze 2-3 hours.
- To make “caramel” sauce: In microwave-safe bowl, microwave coconut oil and syrup 30 seconds. Stir and microwave 30 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Stir in almond butter and whisk until smooth. Add sea salt and vanilla extract; whisk to combine.
- Set “caramel” sauce aside at room temperature about 30 minutes. Top ice cream with sauce and additional chocolate chips, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 346 calories; 18 g total fat; 11 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 219 mg sodium; 40 g total carbohydrates; 4 g dietary fiber; 31 g total sugars; 7 g protein.
SOURCE:
Premier Protein
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Food and Beverage
Chili’s Drops a $6 “Bombshell Margarita” for July — Here’s What to Know
Chili’s is rolling out its July Margarita of the Month: the $6 Bombshell Margarita, available nationwide through July 31. Here’s what’s in it, where to find it, and what fans can expect from the limited-time menu drop.
Chili’s® is leaning into peak summer energy with a new July Margarita of the Month that feels tailor-made for group chats, watch parties, and post-episode booth debriefs. The chain’s Bombshell Margarita is available nationwide through July 31 for $6, positioning it as an easy, low-commitment add-on to a casual night out.
Inspired by the buzz of reality TV’s summer romances and the “did you see that?” conversations that follow, Chili’s is framing the drink as part of the moment—not just a seasonal menu item.
What’s in the Bombshell Margarita?
According to the company, the Bombshell Marg is a bright, sweet-and-citrusy mix built around:
- el Jimador® Blanco Tequila
- Monin® Dragonfruit
- Triple sec
- Strawberry puree
- House-made sour
The drink also comes with a custom “Bombshell vs. OG” swizzle stick (while supplies last), adding a playful, collectible touch that fits the theme.
Why Chili’s is tying it to pop culture
Chili’s says it’s seeing guests use its booths as the place to unpack the season’s biggest storylines—especially the romance-and-drama kind.
“We know our guests are breaking down the drama of the summer’s biggest romances with their friends, often sitting around booths right here at Chili’s,” said George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International. “The Bombshell Marg is a fun way for us to recognize that passion and be part of the conversation in a way only we can — serving a great, affordable margarita.”
The bigger strategy: Margarita of the Month momentum
The Bombshell Marg is the latest entry in Chili’s long-running Margarita of the Month lineup. The brand reports it served nearly 30 million margaritas in 2025, and the monthly drops are designed to stay culturally relevant—pulling from trending flavors, seasonality, and whatever people are talking about right now.
For guests who track each release, Chili’s also promotes its Margarita of the Month Club at chilis.com/motmclub, where members can collect digital stickers, build streaks, and shop limited merch.
Merch drop: “I got a marg!” tank top
As part of the July rollout, Chili’s is also releasing a Bombshell-themed “I got a marg!” tank top, available July 1 at welcometochilis.com (while supplies last).
How to get the $6 Bombshell Marg
The Bombshell Margarita of the Month is available at participating Chili’s locations nationwide for $6 through July 31. Guests must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.
For more information or to find a participating location, visit chilis.com.
About Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s® Grill & Bar, founded in 1975, is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). The company operates 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories, with more than 70,000 team members.
Chili’s is known for Big Mouth Burgers®, Crispy Chicken Crispers®, and sizzling fajitas, and the brand says it hand-shakes more margaritas than any other restaurant brand in the U.S. Chili’s also notes it has raised more than $120 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital over more than 20 years.For media inquiries, contact media.requests@brinker.com
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Food and Beverage
Support Your Brain with a Peanut-Powered Snack
Peanut-Powered Snack: Young or old, all can benefit from giving the brain a healthy boost. Emerging nutritional science makes it clear that good cognitive function goes beyond mental exercises as food can help shape memory, mood and cognitive health.
Support Your Brain with a Peanut-Powered Snack
(Feature Impact) Young or old, all can benefit from giving the brain a healthy boost. Emerging nutritional science makes it clear that good cognitive function goes beyond mental exercises as food can help shape memory, mood and cognitive health.
A study published the “Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease” found adults 60-80 years old who did not eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly were 30-50% more likely to perform poorly on tests measuring learning, memory, language, processing motor speed and attentiveness compared to those who did consumer peanuts and peanut butter. Additionally, research published in “Clinical Nutrition” highlighted a study of college students ages 18-33 which showed consumption of peanuts and peanut butter was associated with improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
Peanut butter is the key ingredient in these Protein Balls, a snack time favorite with a pinch of protein that serves as a perfect pick-me-up after a day in the office or following your favorite workout routine.
Despite their small stature, peanuts pack a nutrition punch. Their unique blend of various vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds includes:
- Niacin, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry”
- Vitamin E, found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline
- Resveratrol, believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve degenerating diseases, per the “Journal of Biological Chemistry”
- P-coumaric acid, an antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety
To find more ways to support your brain with the right nutrition, visit GAPeanuts.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Protein Balls
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 24
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dried, chopped cranberries
- 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Using stand mixer, combine peanut butter, vanilla, honey, quick oats, flaxseed, coconut, cranberries, salt and water; mix until well combined.
- Form dough into 1-ounce portions and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 60 mg sodium.
SOURCE:
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Food and Beverage
Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days
Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.
(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.
In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.
If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.
For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.
Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
- 1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
- Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.
Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
- 1/2 pound ground turkey or pork
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fried wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
- Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.
Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.
SOURCE:
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