By Dylan Bailey, MS
It’s news that many don’t want to hear – summer is on its way out. That’s right, fall will officially begin on Saturday, September 22nd. This switch in seasons marks significant changes in our day-to-day experiences, from the foods we prefer, to how our schedules look, to how the weather acts.
While the shift in seasons may be gradual, it can still require some lifestyle adjustments. At Libby’s®, we want to help you ease into a fall state-of-mind with a comforting and healthy approach to cooking for summer’s end: “Brinner,” better known as breakfast for dinner.
This fresh take on dinner using familiar breakfast foods has a few benefits:
- It eases the time burden of meal planning, as many breakfast foods are already pantry staples and may be on-hand (e.g. eggs, cereal, canned vegetables, waffle and pancake mix etc.)
- It offers a unique opportunity for the family to get together over foods that might normally be consumed on-the-go or without much meal structure in the morning
- It lets new versions of classic breakfast food recipes shine in an exciting way
In addition to being tasty, breakfast foods can be nutrient-dense. Let’s examine one staple breakfast item, the egg. One large egg packs 70 calories, varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, and 6 grams of high-quality protein (nearly half the protein and most nutrients of an egg is found in its yolk, so don’t toss it). Who wouldn’t want to end their day with that!
Vegetables, including canned vegetables, can also round out the nutritional profile of a meal to complement your end of summer brinner. Take command of the changing seasons with these comforting, quick and easy brinner ideas using Libby’s® Canned Vegetables as core ingredients for health-focused offerings that benefit the entire family.
Frit-ta-yum
Frittatas are Italian-style omelets that can be whipped up in no time with some very simple ingredients. They’re the perfect brinner solution for when the back-to-school period hits. This Frittata With Peas And Potatoes features eggs and is packed with fiber, vitamin C and potassium, making for a hassle-free, nutritious way to end your day.
Mini Quiches – Big Flavor
What do you get when you combine eggs, cheese, corn and chives? A savory protein and flavor-loaded brinner specialty that is sure to please the whole family. For a simple version of quiche that’s been miniaturized, try these Mini Cheese Quiches With Corn & Chives. Better yet, these are portable so they can also be taken to any after-school event that’s on your radar.
Waffles For Dinner
You’ll really enjoy these Easy Carrot Cake Waffles With Whipped Cream Cheese Topping. Created by registered dietitian Serena Ball, these waffles are a nutritious spin on carrot cake, making use of whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt and Libby’s® Sliced Carrots, which provide 150% of your daily vitamin A requirements per serving. For more flavor, top with shredded coconut, walnuts, pineapple or shredded carrots!
