Archives for 2018

Easy Recipes to Complement Grilled Entrees

June 28, 2018 by libbysvegdev Leave a Comment

Summer is heating up! Host the hottest party of the summer with quick and easy side dish recipes – the perfect complement to your favorite grilled entrees.

It’s the time of year when the scent of hamburgers and steaks cooking on the grill waft through the summer air. And, no one wants to spend warm summer days inside cooking, so here are some tips to take your kitchen outdoors.

With easy recipes that can be made on the grill, summer entertaining is a breeze. Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches are convenient for creating unique and flavorful staples that are sure to be a hit at any backyard barbeque.

Invite a few friends—or whole neighborhood—and host the party of the summer without spending hours in the kitchen!

Get the Party Started

For a summertime twist on an Italian favorite, try this sweet corn and tomato pesto bruschetta. Toast the baguette on the grill and top with pesto and a mixture of diced tomatoes and Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn Pouches.

Skip the Kitchen

No need to spend hours in the kitchen, with these vegetable medley foil packs by Creme de la Crumb because you can cook them right on the grill. Combine Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables and Sliced Carrots Pouches with some herbs for a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal. Bonus: Individual foil packs make for easy servings and quick clean-up!

Mix it Up

Trade the traditional pasta salad for this lightened-up bacon and pea summer salad by Southern Bite. Just tear open Libby’s® Sweet Peas Pouches, add some dressing and top with cooked bacon crumbles for a side dish that screams summer.

Spread-Style Dining with Libby’s®

May 23, 2018 by libbysvegdev Leave a Comment

By Dylan Bailey, MS

As the summer months hit, formal entertaining may begin to take a back seat to more impromptu meetings among friends and family. What do you do when a few early morning texts in your group chat with friends about “getting together” suddenly become a 6:00 p.m. reality, and you’re hosting?

Luckily, there’s a new way to dine and entertain that takes almost no time to prepare and can even serve as the main course in some settings: Food boards! This more casual and communal way of dining is all the rage this year.

Known by some as spread-style dining, this movement offers you and your guests the opportunity to mix and match flavors from pre-arranged but thoughtfully curated goodies. Food boards look and taste the part too, combining various textures, colors and food groups for unique pairings that are sure to please any guest.

When designing your board, think about savory, sweet, salty and tangy flavor profiles. A wide array of food categories can be used, like spreads (e.g. hummus), pre-made topped toasts (e.g. crostini) and cured goods, including vegetables, meats and artisanal cheeses. It also helps to pick a theme to center your board around before you build it. For example, you could go Mediterranean with hummus [read on for a Carrot and Turmeric Hummus recipe!], olives, toasted pita bread, raw almonds, fig jam and 2-3 goat’s milk cheeses.

Let’s explore these food board flavor profiles a bit more. For stress-free food board additions that are perfect family and friends, look for inspiration from Libby’s® Recipe Box

Here’s how to get started:

Select some of our favorites and brainstorm which flavors and textures may play well together.
If you want to design with health in mind, here are some food board hacks:
- Savory – Items Included: Cheese, bread, dips and spreads, crostini
  - To keep serving sizes of cheeses in check, think dominoes and dice. Visualize 2 domino pieces for about 100 calories of soft cheese, and 4 dice for a little over 100 calories of hard cheese. Include cheese labels that let guests know what cheese is which, and put serving size recommendations there, too.
- Sweet – Items Included: Fruits, jams, jellies
  - Go with whole fruits when possible, canned included! Apricots, peaches and pears are common cheese pairings and using canned versions can help cut down on prep time.
- Salty & Tangy – Items Included: Nuts, olives, pickled vegetables, cured meats, crackers
  - Pick lower-sodium roasted nuts and swap cured meats for “hint of salt” whole-grain crackers with a savory dip if you’re watching sodium. You can also try making your own pickled vegetables (see below for recipe)!

Consider adding a little extra flavor and vegetables to your board with these delicious recipes:

Carrot and Turmeric Hummus using Libby’s® Sliced Carrots

Carrot and Turmeric Hummus

Did you know: The biggest carrot statue in the world is 30 feet high? And, it’s located in New Zealand.

Peas and Ricotta Crostini using Libby’s® Sweet Peas Pouch

Peas & Ricotta Crostini

Did you know: The Father of Modern Genetics, Gregor Mendel, conducted his experiments and research studies using peas.

Easy Pickled Beets using Libby’s® Sliced Beets

Easy Pickled Beets

Did you know: Thanks to betalain, a compound naturally found in beets, beets have been shown to support your body’s natural detoxification process.

Thinking Ahead: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

April 19, 2018 by libbysvegdev Leave a Comment

By Dylan Bailey, MS

The end of April is approaching and the start of May means warmer temperatures and that we’re one month closer to the official start of summer!

May also marks National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a time when we have the opportunity to raise awareness about the health benefits of physical activity and let others know about fun and enjoyable ways to get moving.

Just about everyone can benefit from regular physical activity in their lives^1,2:

Children and Adolescents – Physical activity can improve muscular fitness, bone health, and heart health. It’s recommended that children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily.

Adults and Older Adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. For older adults, it can also lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills). It’s recommended to get 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity activity and to do muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate- or high-intensity, which involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.

While it can be tricky to fit in the recommended amount of physical activity, you might start by trying things you can do with others, like taking a walk after dinner or going for a bike ride. For more tips on increasing physical activity, check out resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services³.

Nutrition and Physical Activity

What’s really important to keep in mind about being active, is that nutrition is just as important and helps with an overall healthy lifestyle. The food you eat is truly the fuel for your success!

To get the most out of your fitness or sports activities, try sticking to an eating pattern with healthy carbohydrates (like whole grain breads and pastas and low-fat or fat-free yogurt/milk, fruits and vegetables), plenty of water for hydration and lean sources of protein. You’ll also want to make sure you pack healthy snacks ahead of your activities for energy and/or recovery. Fruits are a great option!

After physical activity, you’ll want to refuel your body with plenty of fluids. Try diluting fruit juice with water for a simple post-activity drink. Generally, you’ll also want to stick to getting some carbohydrates and protein to kick-start the recovery process. Let’s take a look at a few before and after exercise meals.

Green Machine

If in the morning is when you’re active, try this Secret-Ingredient Green Smoothie. Why? It’s got healthy carbohydrates, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to power you in the pre-dawn hours. It’s portable too, so you can bring it wherever you go!

Simple Stir-Fry

A perfect meal-prep option, Vegetable Fried Rice can be made in advance and easily pre-portioned for post-exercise nutrition. Replace the leftover rice in this recipe with brown rice to get more whole grains and try adding an extra egg for additional protein, especially if you’re going to be eating this after exercise.

Fiesta on a Plate

Lean protein, veggies and international seasonings make for a simple, yet flavorful weeknight meal. Try these Lime and Cumin Chicken Tenders with Fiesta Rice before you head out on your evening walk or bike ride! Make sure to stick to the recommended serving size to avoid overeating before walking.

Try the recipes above and for more ideas visit Libby’s® Recipe Box.

¹May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/MayToolkit.aspx

²Current Physical Activity Guidelines. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/policies_practices/physical_activity/guidelines.htm

³ Help a Loved One Get More Active: Quick tips. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/help-a-loved-one-get-more-active-quick-tips

Light & Bright Spring Soup Recipes

April 5, 2018 by libbysvegdev Leave a Comment

As the weather transitions to warmer, brighter days, this is the perfect time to explore a few of our favorite spring soup recipes to keep you warm during the early parts of spring. No need to put the soup pot away just yet, these spring soup recipes are light, refreshing, and will make the most out of the season’s produce.

And, the following recipes are easy to prepare during busy nights. Even better, whatever is left over, you can freeze until the next time the family craves a warm bowl of light comfort food.

Carrot Delight

Try this Carrot Coconut Soup with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots plus creamy coconut milk and fresh thyme creating a vibrant taste of spring in a bowl.

Spiced Bisque

This isn’t your normal green split pea soup. If you want a bit of heat and loads of flavor, this Spicy Sweet Pea Bisque is the perfect blend of the spice and creaminess. Loaded with Libby’s® Naturals Sweet Peas, buttermilk, chili powder and Greek yogurt, prepare for your taste buds to fall in love.

Easy as 1-2-3

A vibrant array of colors takes over this delicious Ham and Corn Chowder Soup. Preparing this chowder is very quick and simple, and the best part is it’s all cooked in one pot. So grab your Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn Pouch, some onions, garlic, carrots, celery and enjoy!

Try the recipes above and for more ideas visit Libby’s® Recipe Box.

Making Healthy Choices On National Chip And Dip Day

March 22, 2018 by libbysvegdev Leave a Comment

By Dylan Bailey, MS

It’s official! March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day! A whole day devoted to chips and dip can seem overwhelming. Here at Libby’s®, we want to help you enjoy with your health in mind but without compromising flavor.

First, let’s start with the chip.

Potato, corn, veggie, black bean, pita and popcorn chips? There are quite a few chips to choose from with a wide range of textures, tastes and nutrition profiles. To select your chip with health in mind, look at these items on the nutrition label:

Sodium Content
- Some chips can pack in the sodium so be mindful of the amount per serving. Chips with “seasonings” or other flavorings are also sodium-rich, so opt for unseasoned or reduced-sodium choices. Let your dip add the flavor!
Fat Content
- Was your chip fried or baked? Watch out for chips with a laundry list of oils or shortenings on the ingredients panel. Baked chips will have lower amounts of fat than their fried counterparts without missing out on crunch.
Fiber and Protein Amounts
- Many chips now add flax or chia seeds to their recipe for added healthy fats, protein and fiber. Bean based chips may also provide a source of vitamins and minerals that can round out your healthy chip and dip experience. Strategically dip to boost your nutrition!
Calories Per Serving
- You might consider a chip with the lowest number of calories per serving so you can make your dip go further without sacrificing its crunchy counterpart.
- Helpful Tip:
  - If you buy chips in bulk, controlling portion size can get a bit tricky. Avoid eating chips directly from the bag if possible. Try pre-portioning out your chips per their instructed serving size in individual Ziploc® baggies and saving for later. You could also transfer chips to a smaller bowl to help you stick to a manageable portion size that gives you better control of calories.

If you anticipate your dip being a bit heavier or thicker, you may want to opt for something that is a bit sturdier, like a pita or restaurant-style yellow corn chip.

Your Chip’s Best Friend
Every chip needs a good dip. These dips won’t skimp on flavor and make for the perfect pairings to celebrate National Chip and Dip Day while still your health in mind!

A Dip Above The Rest…

Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, this Carrot and Turmeric Hummus will stand up to any chip you throw at, or into it. Pita or black bean chips will complement the flavor profile of this dip well given the Middle Eastern seasoning influences and will have the density to preventing breaking while dipping.

This Dip Isn’t Just For Cowboys

Have you ever heard of cowboy caviar? Here’s Libby’s® Cowboy Caviar – a fun take on this nutritious dip – it’s a protein and fiber powerhouse. With Southwestern influence, this dip combines fiber-rich beans (choose from white, black, garbanzo, or black-eyed peas) and the added option of brown rice, buckwheat, or quinoa. Oh, and there’s also room for two, yes, two, avocados – contributing nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.

Try the recipes above and for more ideas visit Libby’s® Recipe Box.

Green Eating: Inspiring Vegetarian Meals for the Family

March 14, 2018 by libbysvegdev Leave a Comment

Meat-free, veggie-packed eating is coming your way. Libby’s® is helping you and your family eat a little greener this week with a few of our favorite delicious vegetarian meals. The recipes below feature ingredients like fiber-rich beans and colorful, nourishing vegetables that are easy to prepare with great flavor. These inspiring vegetarian meals will hopefully energize your eating habits and encourage you to eat well for weeks to come as we continue to celebrate National Nutrition Month.

Bean Trio

Eat cleaner with this Easy Three Bean Salad paired with crunchy tortilla chips. The kids will love this one and forget that it’s all veggies.

Taste of Spring

For a one pot instant family favorite try Libby’s® Zucchini Noodle Corn Chowder, full of creamy coconut milk, vegetable broth, zucchini of course, and Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn. A nice warm bowl of veggies for the entire family.

Pot of Love

Beautiful flaky crust atop Individual Herbed Vegetable Pot Pies will have everyone asking for seconds and fulfilling some of their nutrition needs at the same time. This dish is full of Libby’s® Sweet Peas, Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and Cut Green Beans. Enjoy!

Try the recipes above and for more ideas visit Libby’s® Recipe Box.

Archives for 2018

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