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For the Love of Lunch

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Who has time for a delicious and inspiring lunch with everything else you need to accomplish in a single day? Whether you’re taking care of the kids, running errands or dashing around an office, it’s easy to find yourself in a “lunch rut.” Fortunately, with a few small tweaks you can take your mid-day meal from disinteresting to delightful!

If you’re tired of turkey sandwiches, try…

Grilled Turkey Reuben Wraps!

The traditional corned beef and sauerkraut deli sandwich, the Reuben, gets a modern update as a wrap. Homemade Russian dressing and Libby’s® Sauerkraut give it extra punch – use leftover roasted turkey in place of the deli turkey, if you desire.

If you need a change from Chicken Caesar Salad, try…

Kale and Black Bean Salad with Avocado-Caesar Dressing!

This salad is packed with super foods to keep you going all day long. Libby’s® Organic Black Beans provide the protein, kale covers the vitamins, and avocado has the healthy fats!

If you can’t stop snacking, try…

Sweet Pea Dip!

Many people find themselves munching throughout the day instead of eating a real meal at lunch-time. Surround yourself with convenient and healthy snacks. Just a few simple ingredients like Libby’s® Sweet Peas and fresh lemon juice create this delicious, quick dip, perfect for dunking fresh veggies and pita wedges!

How do you combat the lunch-time blues? Share your favorite lunch tips and recipes with us on Facebook or Twitter!

Flavors of Fall

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With September underway, the leaves on the trees will soon begin changing and temperatures will drop! That means that the home cook can move from the grill, where he or she has been stationed all summer, back inside to warm up with some comforting Fall flavors. The ultimate Fall recipes that we bring back into rotation after a summer at the grill are warm and delicious soups.

On a crisp Fall day, nothing is easier to make or more satisfying to eat than the cool weather favorite: soup. And with so many variations, it’s the perfect recipe to make in big batches and stock up the freezer for the chilly days that will soon be upon us. 

Here are some of our favorite recipes to try as the cooler weather comes around:

If you’re in the mood for a creamy soup with an unexpected crunchy garnish, try the Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Roasted Garbanzo Beans.

For a heartier recipe that highlights Fall vegetables, the Vegetable Sausage Soup is perfect.

Finally, if you are looking for a spicier recipe where chicken and legumes are the star, the SW Chicken Soup is our go-to.

What recipes are you looking forward to making as the temperature takes a dip?  Let us know on our Facebook page!

Dip, Dip, Hooray!

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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!

Building A Better Burger

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It’s officially mid-summer, the peak time for beach weekends, outdoor family activities and backyard barbeques. Summer grilling doesn’t need to consist of plain old hamburgers. Adding veggies to classic barbeque dishes is a great way to elevate flavor and add extra nutrition. Your kids may not even notice the healthy additions!

Before your next big cookout, check out these recipe ideas for building a better burger this summer.

Bring on the Black Beans

Black beans are fiber-rich, which means they will help keep your appetite satisfied for longer and are a healthy alternative to meat. Black bean patties aren’t just for vegetarians; even meat-lovers will enjoy this dish when topped with traditional condiments and a fresh bun. Use two cans of Libby’s® Organic Black Beans from Food Network personality Sandra Lee’s Black Bean Burger recipe.

Crazy About Corn

Have you ever considered adding canned corn to your burger patty? Mix corn with your favorite seasonings such as salt and pepper and onions, and add into your patty mixture for a new spin on a classic dish. This recipe is equally delicious for beef, turkey and black bean patties.

Pile on the Toppings

If your burgers are typically dressed with only ketchup and mustard, add some more veggies, fruit and herbs for a pop of flavor and tasty texture. Libby’s® Crispy Sauerkraut adds a bit of crunch and zest to a juicy burger. Other unique combinations include feta and fresh dill or avocado, lime juice and cilantro.

Australian Inspiration

Did you know that beets are a common burger topping in Australia? Take a note from our friends down under and try adding this super food to your meal. Truly authentic Aussie Burgers will also be topped with a fried egg, but you can also try a gourmet variation such as Libby’s® Sliced Beets and goat cheese.

Summer Salads for Every Occasion

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‘Tis the season for light, fresh meals full of flavorful veggies. We all have our go-to salads we make over and over again, but here’s some inspiration to pull you out of your salad rut to create delicious combinations the whole family will enjoy.

Super Food Salad

Dinner salads are a smart way to work in a variety of nutritious ingredients into one meal. Start with a leafy green such as romaine lettuce or spinach, add a colorful assortment of your favorite veggies and top it off with a protein source like hardboiled eggs, grilled chicken, beans, or canned fish.  For added flavor, incorporate fresh herbs such as dill, basil and parsley.  Beware of creamy dressings that can negate the healthy properties of your salad and instead opt for vinaigrette which is easy to make with a few staple pantry ingredients. We like this Salmon & Dill Green Bean salad as a complete meal in a bowl.

Salad for Picky Eaters

While it may seem that salads and kids don’t mix, sometimes picky eaters may be sensitive to particular textures or temperatures.  Mellowing out the intense textures in a salad could help.  For instance, if raw carrots are too rough or crunchy, try using Libby’s® Sliced Carrots and Sliced Beets over a bed of soft spring mix.  Our Beet & Carrot Salad is a great salad to start with.

Appetizer Salad for Backyard Barbecues

Complement your grilled burgers or chicken skewers with a tangy Easy Three Bean Salad instead of a high-calorie potato or macaroni salad.  This versatile salad can be served as a topping with tortilla chips or French bread, a top a bed of lettuce or simply on its own.

Salads in a Snap

With a well-stocked pantry, you can create a fantastic salad in minutes. Keep on hand canned veggies like Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and Libby’s® Sweet Peas plus nuts, seeds, beans, canned fish and dried cranberries. In the fridge, store bagged lettuce and, if you have time, precooked quinoa and precut veggies. With all the ingredients right at your fingertips, a healthy, yummy salad is easy to throw together!

Camping in Your Own Backyard

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As the weather warms up, encourage your kids to get active outdoors and play! Camping doesn’t need to be a stressful family excursion when you can pitch a tent in your own backyard. Especially for little ones, backyard camping is an exciting adventure close to the comforts of home and is a great birthday party for slightly older children. Below are our tips to making camping with your family a walk in the park.

 Prepare Snacking Supplies

Avoid hungry, cranky campers by preparing a variety of portable, easy-to-eat snacks. Frozen pops made from Libby’s® Vegetable Cups are a refreshing and nutritious way to cool down on a hot summer’s day.

 Prepare sandwiches or healthy wraps ahead of time and pack along with your camping gear for a quick and filling meal. Green Wheels and Ham incorporate green beans with kid-friendly ham and cheese to ensure your family gets their greens on the go.

 Gather Your Gear

Provide supplies for your family’s adventure including a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, bug spray and sunscreen. Don’t forget about entertainment; include cards, bubbles, toys and binoculars in a backpack. An advantage of camping in your backyard is if you have forgotten something, you can easily grab it indoors!

 Organize Game time

Come prepared to your camp-out with a variety of field games for good, family fun. Revisit the classics with three-legged races, water balloon tosses and Simon Says. With a little advanced planning, set up a scavenger hunt with items found in nature such as green leaves, white rocks, sticks for marshmallow roasting or special items that you’ve placed in the backyard for the game.  

 Have you tried outdoor camping in your backyard? Share your stories and other tips for fun and healthy summertime activities on our Facebook page.