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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

With the arrival of May, calendars start to fill with impromptu gatherings and parties at every turn. Kicking off entertainment season is Cinco de Mayo – a holiday to celebrate with great food and drink. Whether you’re feeding a party or your usual crew, celebrate today with delicious dishes that embrace Mexican culture and heritage.

 

 

Mexican Lasagna 

Lasagna is always good to feed a crowd, so try this Mexican Lasagna that’s perfect for Cinco! Whip up this delicious meal including Libby’s® Organic Black Beans and hamburger or turkey as your meat of choice. You’ll have your family on their feet dancing for a second helping!

Looking for a kid-friendly favorite with a bit of gourmet flair? Lime and Cumin Chicken Tenders with Fiesta Rice is an easy way to give your kids flavor-bursting chicken and vegetables they’ll love. With fiesta in the name, you can rest assured this meal is Cinco de Mayo ready! 

Mexican Salsa Veggie Burgers

Mexican Salsa Veggie Burgers are meatless, hearty and reminiscent of restaurant-style refried beans – especially if served alongside brown rice. Libby’s® Organic Pinto Beans and Sweet Corn combine forces to give you a burger perfect for the occasion. If you like spicy, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the burgers or add diced jalapeno pepper to the salsa.

April Showers: Celebrating everything from babies to brides

 

Spring inspires celebration. Even the weather says it’s time for a shower! Celebrating new brides and moms-to-be can be perfected with good food and company. Here are some tips for welcoming brides and babies into your inner circle in style. 

 

 

Pick a Theme

 

Keep the guest of honor top-of-mind when selecting the party’s theme. Does she have a favorite color, book, or sport? If so, prepare dishes that fit the mold. Everyone loves a themed appetizer or side dish, and by centering the party around your loved-one’s passion she’ll feel extra appreciated!  Let your guests in on the fun and take some of the pressure off by making it potluck style. Your leading lady’s favorites are sure to be represented in full force!

Convenience is Key

 

Serve finger foods so guests can easily move and mingle. If you’re hosting a brunch event consider preparing these Maple Cranberry Corn Muffins made with Libby’s® Sweet Corn. Rosemary Scallion Potato Puffs are an easy appetizer for an afternoon affair. And no party is complete without chips and dip. Sunshine Salsa will make your fete a fiesta!

Make it Last

 

Both new brides and new moms will be looking for new meal ideas! Before guests arrive, ask them to send you their favorite recipes, and compile the suggestions into a custom cookbook. One great weeknight meal ideal for busy families is Vegetarian Gumbo. The bride/mom can keep all of the ingredients, like Libby’s® Organic Black Beans, in the pantry, and pull everything together in a pinch when grocery shopping gets neglected. 

No matter what, remember a shower is all about bringing people together to celebrate a special person and a special occasion. As long as you focus on the bride or mom-to-be, your shower will be all blue skies ahead!

Be the Boss of Your Holiday Buffet

Hosting friends and family is what the holiday season is all about, but entertaining can create some chaos. Grab your holiday party by the reins by serving a holiday buffet that’s easy to prepare and pleases everyone from the foodie to the health nut. Here are a few tips to help you deliver a bountiful buffet and still enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

Warm Up with Winter Soup

The best friend for a holiday host is a slow cooker. This Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Roasted Garbanzo Beans takes up to six hours to cook, which gives you plenty of time to tend to other party preparations. For even greater ease, serve the soup in the slow cooker so it stays warm while your guests serve themselves!

Brighten Your Buffet

Serve a colorful and healthy salad, like our Carrot and Beet Salad, and skip the worry about keeping your dishes warm during your holiday soiree. Remember to serve the dressing on the side in a decorative carafe so the lettuce stays fresh and crisp.

Treat Guests with Bite Sized Treasures

We all indulge in our favorite holiday desserts, but the abundance of sweets makes it easy to over-do it. Serve extra-small desserts like mini cookies, tarts, and cupcakes, or Carrot Cake Bites, so guests can try multiple items and enjoy the right-sized portions guilt free.

We hope these tips help you be the boss of your buffet this holiday season! Let us know how you prepare for a large crowd during the holidays in the comments.