One of the most wonderful things about the culinary world (and there are many!) is that it is constantly in flux. New recipes, cooking methods, presentation styles and even ingredients seem to appear every day, keeping our palates forever enticed and entertained. Here are three top foodie movements of the moment. Try them out today before tomorrow’s trends arrive.
1. Bento-Style Lunches: When it comes to packed lunches, simple brown-bagging no longer makes the cut. Instead, bento lunches—compact, balanced, and visually appealing meals packed in a box—are becoming a staple in school cafeterias. These Pinterest-perfect arrangements encourage well-rounded eating and make mealtime more fun for picky eaters. Libby’s® 4 oz. Vegetable Cups fit particularly well inside these lunchboxes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins: Move aside, meat. Plant-based sources of protein (think: lentils, chickpeas, nuts and other beans) are stealing the mealtime spotlight. Hop on the bandwagon with these Sweet & Smoky Peas, starring Libby’s® Sweet Peas and Libby’s® Organic Garbanzo Beans. This protein-filled combo also packs serious flavor, thanks to cinnamon, sugar and smoked paprika.
3. Portable Soups: On-the-go soup offers both health and convenience, two increasingly valued qualities in food. Try out the trend with this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Roasted Garbanzo Beans. It’s a creamy, complex mixture of autumn’s finest flavors, including maple, cinnamon and nutmeg. Prep work is minimal, but the recipe requires about six hours of simmering in the crock pot, so it’s ideal as a weekend project. Once ready, the soup can be stored in the fridge and then transferred to a thermos for easy eating anywhere.
