TWISTS ON TASTY FAMILY MEALS

A PROTEIN TWIST: CRUNCHY BUFFALO BAKED VEAL CUTLET SANDWICHES

Prep time: 15 minutes • Cook time: 20 minutes • Servings: 4

On those busy evenings when brainstorming a meal the whole family agrees on seems like a tall task, turning to a versatile protein can open a bevy of options. The next time your loved ones are stuck in a dinnertime rut, discover the versatility of veal to present a list of new meal possibilities. 

Pairing your favorite traditional mealtime flavors with veal can allow you to uncover family-friendly dishes with familiar taste. Add excitement to the weekly menu with a recipe like these Crunchy Buffalo Baked Veal Cutlet Sandwiches, which offers the classic combination of Buffalo sauce and blue cheese in a dish that requires less than an hour in the kitchen. 

Thin veal cutlets are dredged in flour, hot sauce and breadcrumbs before hitting the oven. Once baked, the cutlets are added to your favorite type of roll and topped with blue cheese broccoli slaw and as much additional Buffalo sauce as you desire for a flavor-packed meal your loved ones can savor together. 

Find more ways to discover veal’s versatility at Veal.org.

• 1 package broccoli slaw

• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup flour

• 4-6 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/3 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce, plus additional for serving, divided 

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

• 8 veal cutlets, pounded about 1/8-inch thick

• 4 sub rolls 

Preheat oven to 400 F.  Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In medium bowl, using tongs, lightly toss broccoli slaw and blue cheese dressing.

In shallow bowl, stir together salt, pepper and flour.

In separate shallow bowl, whisk melted butter and hot sauce until combined.

In bowl of food processor, pulse panko and blue cheese crumbles until combined. Transfer mixture to plate.

Pat veal cutlets dry with paper towels. Dredge one veal cutlet in seasoned flour then coat with hot sauce and butter mixture. Place cutlet on top of panko blue cheese crumbs and gently press down to coat one side. Turn cutlet over and press down again gently to coat, including edges. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cutlets

Bake 10-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F.

Cut rolls in half, add two cutlets per roll, top each with broccoli slaw mixture and drizzle lightly with Buffalo-style hot sauce.

A BUDGET-FRIENDLY TWIST: BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN

Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 20 minutes • Servings: 6

Creating family meals with nutrition in mind adds another consideration to a daily task that is often stressful enough. However, making health-conscious decisions each evening at the dinner table doesn’t have to mean turning away from your loved ones’ favorite dishes. 

Simple swaps to more nutritious ingredients paired with healthier preparation methods, such as baking chicken rather than frying it, can help you make more nutrition-based choices. This Baked Chicken Parmesan offers the best of both worlds, providing a 30-minute meal that allows you to spend less time in the kitchen without forgoing healthy habits. 

Made with Parmesan cheese, this recipe provides an excellent source of calcium. Dairy foods, such as cheese, are an irreplaceable part of a balanced diet that offers a valuable source of essential nutrients. Plus, because it’s made using just a handful of ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t break the bank and doesn’t call for seldom-used spices or seasonings you may never use again. 

Find more family meal inspiration at milkmeansmore.org. 

• 2/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning medley with garlic

• 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 cups prepared tomato and basil sauce, warmed, divided

• 1 pound thick spaghetti, prepared according to package directions

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper; set aside.

In shallow dish or pie plate, combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring with fork until blended. Pour melted butter in separate shallow dish or pie plate.

Working with one chicken thigh at a time, dip each side in melted butter to coat. Press butter-soaked chicken into breadcrumbs, turning to coat well on both sides. Place breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.

Drizzle remaining melted butter over breaded chicken. Bake 8 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake 7 minutes to crisp other side. 

Briefly remove chicken from oven. Spoon two tablespoons pasta sauce over each chicken thigh. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over chicken. Return chicken to oven and continue baking 5 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve Baked Parmesan Chicken over cooked spaghetti topped with additional pasta sauce.