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Gobble Up: Last Minute Dishes for the Big Day

Ready or not – Thanksgiving is here! You’ve been preparing for the holidays and getting everything in line, but sometimes things can slip through the cracks and you’re all of a sudden in a time crunch. Here at Libby’s®, we know the importance of getting back to the table and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner together. To help put your mind at ease, we have a few last minute dishes that will keep the whole family happy and full – and they won’t even realize these were last minute!

Stir Up Some Greens

Southern Style Green Beans

Green beans are a classic tradition to the Thanksgiving meal alongside the main course. Try these simple Southern Styled Green Beans made with Libby’s® Cut Green Beans. Simply add onion, potatoes, pancetta, and spices for an easy and tasty side dish. 

Sweeten Your Day

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Brown sugar is a staple ingredient for several holiday dishes – so it’s a must that you have one at the table this Thanksgiving. If you’re in a rush, try this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe made with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots and just four other ingredients. This delicious recipe only takes five minutes and is easily a crowd favorite.    

Bring Something New to the Table

Easy Pickled Beets

While having the traditional meal is yummy for everyone, why not bring something new to the family gathering? A simple side dish or snack while watching football on the couch are these Easy Pickled Beets, perfect for pairing with a cheese plate and crackers.

Don’t Forget Dietary Restrictions

Vegan Creamed Corn

You may have some family members with dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan. Bring this easy-to-make Vegan Creamed Corn made with Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and vegan ingredients. They will appreciate you remembering their special dietary needs! 

Haylie Duff Shares Her Secrets For a Successful Back to School Season

A Q&A Discussion with the Actress, TV Host and Mother

It’s that time of year again–time to send the kiddos back to school! While a new school year brings promise and excitement surrounding what’s ahead, it also can be a time of uneasy transition and stress. Between getting your kids ready in the morning to running around for afterschool activities, how do you ensure they’re still eating healthy? How can they–and you–ease in to their new schedule? What’s the best way to ensure you’re still squeezing in as much quality family time as you can? Haylie Duff of Real Girl’s Kitchen sat down with Libby’s recently to share her favorite tricks and helpful tips for making the back to school transition as seamless, healthy and fun as possible!

We can’t believe it’s already time for another school year! The transition from the beach to classroom can be a bit bittersweet as we say farewell to summer break. What are your tips for lessening the stress of back-to-school and making the transition smoother?

Well, since this is my first time “getting ready for back to school,” I’m getting lots of tips from other moms! One thing I have cracked down on is nap/bedtime routine. During the summer, we love to have long, leisurely meals outdoors. Since the sunlight lingers in the summer, Ryan’s bedtime has become later and later. I really believe that a scheduled kid is a happy kid so I am trying to stick with our normal hours in prep of the extra energy needed for school!

My other tip for getting rid of school prep stress is to pack everything the night before. I make most of Ryan’s lunch the night before so we can run out the door in the morning!

Planning ahead is key to smooth mornings, especially as you’re getting back into the swing of things. What’s your go-to make-ahead lunch?

I actually just made a cold pasta salad with Rotini pasta and Libby’s® Peas & Carrots Vegetable Cups. It was very simple and delicious and it holds up perfectly in the refrigerator. It is a perfect make-ahead lunch for kids!

Having tasty, fun and nutritious recipes can help us break free from lunchbox boredom. What are some ways to get creative and spice up lunch for the next day?

I have been seeing lots of creative lunches now that Ryan has started preschool…even pizza!

I really feel inspired by the colorful lunches. A classic and fun way to spice up lunch can mean a bunch of different things: cookie cutters for sandwiches, a surprise pop of color like purple carrots, or even their favorite little cookie tucked away somewhere.

After-school snacking = key to curing crankiness. What are your go-to snack recipes that will satisfy, but also leave room for dinner?

cheesy sweet corn and hatch chili muffins

We love seaweed snacks in our family! Fruit is also always a good idea, or something a bit creative like my Hatch Chili & Cheddar Corn Muffins! Sometimes they play so hard at school that their snack needs to be amped up a bit!

When entering a new school year, weekends are often cherished with quality family time, whether it be a short getaway, or lounging around in pajamas all day. What are some of your favorite weekend activities for the new season?

Ryan has been in her little baby pool NONSTOP! I think swimming is always a great idea because it really wears them out so that they are ready for bedtime! Even if the sun is still shining bright!

Between extracurricular activities, studying and homework, it can be a bit challenging and hectic to balance the never-ending to-do list. How do you manage everything, while also fitting in nutritious meals for the family?

A well-stocked pantry is my best friend when things get hectic over here! If you keep things like Libby’s® Vegetable Cups or Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches, good broths, pasta, rice, lentils, tomatoes, etc. in stock at all times, you can usually pull just about anything together!

Veggies are key to ensuring kids have a nutritious, balanced diet – but it can be tricky to get the youngsters to eat them. What are some tricks to sneak in vegetables?

lentil shepherd's pie

I think smoothies are a great way to sneak in greens! Sadly, Ryan won’t drink a smoothie. My Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Libby’s® Vegetable Cups is a veeeery popular dish in my house! Ryan has loved lentils ever since she was a baby and I always sneak in as many more veggies as I can! I usually get away with it…unless I add broccoli, then that’s a no-go!

Round Out Your Memorial Day Feast with Savory Sides

Summer is just around the corner and although the season doesn’t officially begin quite yet, the unofficial start of warm weather months is finally here. When thinking of Memorial Day, trips to the beach, cookouts, pool parties and honoring our veterans and active service members come to mind. The best part? All of the yummy eats of course! As we head into the long weekend, get ready to fire up the grill and prepare these simple, yet delicious side dishes that you can make while your main entrée is cooking away.                                                                                                                                                                                            

Steal the Grill’s Thunder

Classic Scalloped Corn

The grill always gets the most attention Memorial Day Weekend, and for good reason. Who doesn’t love enjoying a hearty burger, hot dog or charred-to-perfection chicken? But, your entrée prepared on the grill would not be the same without scrumptious Classic Scalloped Corn to pair on the side.

Brighten Up the Day

Colorful Chopped Salad

Side dishes might be an afterthought at your BBQ, until now. Put your summertime veggies to good use in a colorful side dish with this Colorful Chopped Salad made with Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and Cut Green Beans. Even the kids will be impressed by this delectable salad.

Simplify the Sides

Rice Pilaf with Peas

Adding more nutrients to your diet with a nutritious and delicious dish does not have to be complicated. By incorporating a variety of Libby’s® vegetables and your choice of seasonings, spices and herbs, you’ll get the nutrition you need. This weekend, try this simple recipe for Rice Pilaf with Peas and give yourself time back in the day to enjoy the holiday.

Surviving Winter: Warm Recipes to Get Cozy With

Baby, it’s cold outside – and we’re not just talking about the classic Christmas jingle! It’s that time of year again when even the heaviest layers of your warmest clothing can’t protect you from the bone-chilling winds. We all know that nothing makes a cold winter night more tolerable than digging into a warm, hearty meal to satisfy you to the very tips of your toes – preferably by the fireplace! If you’re in search for warm and comforting fare for the whole family, you’re in luck with these recipes that will make you happy to stay inside and away from what may seem like the arctic tundra.

Getting Hot, Hot, Hot!

Hot-Off-The-Griddle Corn Cakes

Before you leave the house, start your day warmly with these Hot-Off-The-Griddle Corn Cakes, made with Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn. This filling and flavorful breakfast item will have your belly thanking you – especially when paired with a warm cup of fresh brewed coffee or tea. 

Chilly Evenings Filled with Chili

Quick Chicken Chili

With the temperature outside dropping – your motivation to cook for more than 30 minutes most likely is too. Why spend your whole night in the kitchen when you can whip up this Quick Chicken Chili in 20 minutes, giving you and the family ample time to get cozy and spend time together after dinner!

Dust off the Slow Cooker

Herbed Chicken and Veggies (Slow Cooker)

This Herbed Chicken and Veggies (Slow Cooker) recipe brings heat to a whole new meaning – and not just temperature wise! Combined with chicken seasoned to perfection and succulent, nutritious Libby’s® vegetables, this recipe will be sure to warm up everyone’s heart and soul. Just throw the ingredients into your slow-cooker, let it go to work, and come home and enjoy. Bonus points if it’s eaten on the couch while covered in blankets.

The Ultimate Holiday Hack: Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches

‘Tis the season of juggling between creating the perfect holiday dinner menu, planning travel to visit relatives, and finding memorable gifts friends and family will love. Getting back to the table with a hot, nutritious meal can be challenging when your days are filled with holiday prep – and we could all use some short cuts to help us navigate through the chaos.

Here at Libby’s®, one of our favorite time-savers is cooking with new Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches. Whether it be weeknight dinners or recipes for your holiday party, the new Pouches are perfect for any nourishing meal. The best part? They’re microwaveable and cook in less than 60 seconds – helping you prepare dinner in a flash! With five different varieties, including Sweet Peas, Cut Green Beans, Sliced Carrots, Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and Mixed Vegetables – there’s plenty room to make a wide array of meals. To help fuel some inspiration and reduce holiday stress, follow these quick and easy recipes made with Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches.

Side Dish Perfection

Rosemary Ricotta Corn

While turkey or ham is often the center of attention for majority of holiday meals, they wouldn’t be complete without the perfect side dish. This Rosemary Ricotta Corn is pure comfort with its creamy texture and delightful taste. Ready in only 7 minutes, this recipe can be used as a companion to the main dish, or as an easy weeknight meal.

Cheesy Peasy

Cheesy Mushroom and Pea Orzo

Looking for a hearty side dish or entrée to get everyone warmed up from the bitter cold this season? Serve up some Cheesy Mushroom and Pea Orzo for dinner, or at an upcoming holiday gathering. Filled with a mixture of cheeses and vegetables, this recipe will bring plenty delight among all. 

Change Up Your Salad Game

Green Bean and Blood Orange Salad

If you’re searching for a lighter fare that will also awaken your taste buds – look no further. This Green Bean and Blood Orange Salad will kick up your typical salad recipe a few notches and is made with delicious and unique flavors that will be sure to satisfy hunger. This recipe will save time in the kitchen and requires minimal effort!

Unlock the Secret to a Happy, Healthy Gut

By Dylan Bailey, MS Candidate

A Happy, Healthy Gut

Here at Libby’s, we understand the importance of enjoying family meals together, and a crucial component of that is having a happy and healthy gut. After all, can you truly enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones if your GI system is out of whack? We think not. Although this issue is now being researched and discussed more openly, most of us still remain in the dark about how we can improve it. That changes today! Read on to learn the key to unlocking a healthy gut.

Let’s start with the basics. Your gut flora – scientifically speaking – is the complex and diverse community of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. The tract is home to some 39 trillion bacteria, which is more than the number of cells that make up the human body! These invisible heroes are vital to a happy, healthy gut, and can have huge impacts on your overall health.

So, who are these heroes? There are three types of functional substances you should know about:  

Sauerkraut, cucumber pickles and yogurt

Prebiotics

  • Prebiotics are foods with “non-digestible” components that help strengthen and grow your gut flora. Essentially, they’re food for your gut. Examples of prebiotics include vegetables—like corn or peas—as well as whole wheat, grains and fruits, like apples or bananas.

Probiotics

  • Probiotics, on the other hand, are the live bacteria that can be ingested as part of whole foods (like in yogurt or sauerkraut) or even in supplements. They play a major role in helping us enjoy all the scrumptious meals we eat by fighting off diseases and assisting in digestion.

Synbiotics

  • What do you get when you combine prebiotics and probiotics? The answer is simple: synbiotics! These bacteria combine both pre- and probiotics and stimulate the healthy bacteria in your large intestine.

Get Happy, Gut Happy

Pork, Sauerkraut & Potato Skillet Supper

 

Fortunately, properly nourishing your gut can be simple, budget-friendly and most importantly, tasty! Set yourself on a path towards optimal gut health with this recipe for savory and wholesome Pork, Sauerkraut & Potato Skillet Supper. Made with Libby’s® Potatoes and Libby’s® Sauerkraut, the dish combines apples, sauerkraut, and potatoes, providing both food and new friends for your existing gut flora community. From our table to yours, we wish you happy mealtimes – and happy gut health!