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Hummus

Spread-Style Dining with Libby’s®

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.

Making Healthy Choices On National Chip And Dip Day

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…

Carrot and Turmeric Hummus

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

Cowboy Caviar

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.

Veg It Out: How to Incorporate More Veggies Into Your Daily Routine

Halloween has come and gone, and holiday prepping is in full swing. Between all of the leftover candy from trick-or-treating, holiday sweets and comforting meals at family and office parties, you’re likely not keeping your daily veggie intake top of mind.

Now is the time most of us could use a boost when it comes to enjoying more greens, especially with kiddos often being picky eaters. Although eating veggies can be looked at as a chore – there are several tips and recipes that will inspire to get your daily dose. Here are some ideas to spice up those vegs:

Sprinkle Some Sweets

Sauteed Peas with Honey and Feta

We all love caving into our sweet tooth – so why not do so with vegetables? There are several ways you can make your greens less boring and add some sweetness to them. Try taking Libby’s® Sliced Carrots and adding a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar to them or trying this Sautéed Peas with Honey and Feta recipe.

Sneak Them In

Mixed Veggie & Chicken Quesadilla

A perfect way to incorporate more veggies is to sneak them into your favorite recipes. The kids won’t even notice there are greens in Haylie Duff’s delicious Mixed Veggie & Chicken Quesadilla made with Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables Pouch. You can also take classic recipes, such as creamy mac & cheese, and add your favorite Libby’s® vegetables – this way, you won’t have to sacrifice taste!

Dip Them In

Smoky Carrot Hummus Spread

When a snack attack strikes, veggies aren’t always the first thing we crave, but you’ll be much more tempted to eat them when dip is made to dunk in. Bring your favorite veggies with you to work and pack them in lunchboxes with some Sweet Pea Dip and Smoky Carrot Hummus.

A “Toast" to Summer: Spreadable Snacks & Dips

School’s out, the kids are home and the weather is heating up – all signs that summer is here! And that doesn’t just mean it’s time to get out the beach toys and roller blades. It’s also time to try some new summer recipe! Dips and spreads are perfect when the temperatures start to rise. Whether you’re throwing a backyard barbeque with your family and friends or whipping up yummy snacks for the kids, these are a few dishes that everyone can enjoy this summer.

Layer on the Fun 

Take a lesson from Iron Chef Donatella Arpaia and combine your favorite veggies into one delicious dip. This summer get colorful with her recipe for Seven Layer Dip. With seven full-flavored layers, your friends and family will be raving about every bite. From the Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn® to the Cut Green Beans®, this dip is packed with mouthwatering flavors and nutrients. Enjoy this at your next party with tortilla chips or veggies!

Turn Up the Heat

Spice things up with this Smoky Skillet Hot Corn Dip, perfect for topping on crackers, bread or endive. This flavorful dip satisfies taste buds with the combination of cheeses paired with hot jalapenos and Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn®.

Switch It Up

 

Step out of your mayo and mustard comfort zone and mix it up with unique sandwich toppers, like Smoky Carrot Hummus Sandwich Spread.  Incorporating veggies into lunchtime favorites is a simple and tasty way to ensure your family is getting the nutrients they need in the most satisfying way possible! If you’re looking for something lighter, layer it on toast or crackers – making the spread the star of your meal.

Salt Sense

By Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD

February is American Heart Health month so it’s a good time to talk about sodium. We tend to eat too much of this mineral that can have a negative impact on our blood pressure and in turn, our blood vessels and hearts.

It’s important to know where sodium lurks – it’s much more than just the salt you add to your food. A dash of salt makes many foods, like vegetables, more palatable; however, the biggest sodium contributors in our diet come from overly processed foods – not the salt we shake onto food. 

More than 75% of Americans’ sodium consumption comes from [1]

  • Fast foods / takeout pizza
  • Deli meats, bacon, hot dogs
  • Other processed foods like bread, rolls, ready-to-eat cereals 

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Here are some smart strategies to keep your food tasting good…with less sodium.

Top 10 Sodium Solutions for Good Salt Sense 

  • When buying processed foods – like bread, frozen meals or canned goods – look for lower sodium or no salt added options. 
  • Eat more potassium! Potassium balances out sodium in the body and is good for our hearts. Prime sources of potassium include beans, bananas, leafy greens, potatoes and yogurt. 
  • Use low-sodium broth as a base for homemade sauces, soups and stews. 
  • Use ¼ – ½ teaspoon less salt than you usually use in cooking and add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar instead. The acidic liquid wakes up the flavor of your food. 
  • Check your condiments – spreads like teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, salad dressings, ketchup and relish tend to be higher in sodium. Look for less salt options or make your own toppers like this Smoky Carrot Hummus Sandwich Spread
  • Before eating out, look at menus online for nutrition information or once there, ask the waiter for lower sodium options. 
  • Make your own tomato sauce with “no salt added” canned, diced or pureed tomatoes, minced garlic, onion and fresh herbs for whole wheat pasta recipes and homemade pizza. 
  • Instead of snacking on pretzels, which can be high in sodium, swap for homemade popcorn or these Sweet & Smoky Peas
  • Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, Chinese 5 powder spice, cumin, chili powder and red pepper flakes. They add lots of flavor without adding sodium, as seen with this Winter White Chili

And lastly, if you cook at home more often, you’re bound to decrease your sodium intake as you are in control of the ingredients. 


[1] http://www.cdc.gov/salt/pdfs/sources_of_sodium.pdf

[2] http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/011110p62.shtml

Dip, Dip, Hooray!

A delicious dip is designed to be shared and truly brings people together. By combining the right flavors, textures and atmosphere you can create the ideal snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Final Summer Bash

Before the days get too short and the weather gets too cold, host one last backyard barbecue. Create dishes that encompass your favorite summer flavors, like Sunshine Salsa or Corn and Jalapeno Dip. Arrange the dip with potato chips in a fun and colorful dish. You can even make your own chip and dip server, as illustrated in this easy and creative DIY project!

Afterschool Snack

After school lets out, tempt your young ones with a sweet snack that sneaks in the nutrition. Serve apple slices or graham crackers alongside this Healthy Cookie Dough Dip. The secret ingredient is garbanzo beans, which will help keep your kids full until dinner is served! If your kids are eating their after-school-snack on the way to their basketball, ballet or bassoon lessons pack everything ahead of time in a handy reusable container.

Evening with Adults

You’ll want to remember this final dip for all your grown-up occasions. Serve Smoky Carrot Hummus the next time your book club meets or your in-laws come over for dinner. This dip pairs perfectly with whole-grain crackers or slices of French bread. The beautiful bright color of this salsa will really pop when served in a clean white dish.

Do you have any tips about dips? Share your favorite recipes and serving suggestions with us on Facebook and Twitter!