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Create the Ultimate Picnic with Perfectly Packable Meals

 

 

With bright sunny days and warm summer nights, it’s no surprise July is National Picnic Month. August may be right around the corner, but that’s no reason to let the outdoor festivities end. Now’s the time to plan your own family (or friends) picnic.

The key to having a successful picnic is to plan ahead! Pack your picnic bag with reusable plastic or metal plates & utensils, a blanket or tablecloth, and some hand wipes for easy cleanup before and after eating. And of course, don’t forget the food and drinks! Libby’s® Canned Fruits and Vegetables can help create a yummy, easy-to-pack meal you can bring to your local park, pool or even your own backyard!

Pack the Chips & Crackers

For a picnic that is anything but boring, try this Sunshine Salsa for a unique (and colorful) twist on classic salsa. Use a can of Libby’s® Peach Slices and a can of Whole Kernel Sweet Corn for an appetizer bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to pack the tortilla chips or flatbread!

 

Sunshine Salsa

Keep it Fresh

Hot summer days call for light, fresh foods like this Summer Garbanzo Bean Salad. Bonus: By mixing all the ingredients the night before, the dish is ready to pack for your picnic, plus it will be super tangy and delicious after the flavors have marinated all night!

Summer Garbanzo Bean Salad

Portable Protein

Just because your food will be easily packable doesn’t mean they need to skimp on nutrients! Use a can of Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables to prepare and bake these Turkey and Vegetable Empanadas ahead of time for a portable source of protein your family will love. These empanadas can be served cold or at room temperature, making them a perfect handheld picnic snack!

Turkey and Vegetable Empanadas

 

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!

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!