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Vegetable Fried Rice

New Year, New Veggies

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As we prepare to kick of 2019 with new goals and aspirations, one of the most common resolutions is to improve your diet and nutrition. There are countless recipes that are packed with veggies, beans and whole grains that are perfect to enjoy on a Meatless Monday or any day of the week!

 

Try a few of Libby’s favorite vegetarian recipes to jump start your new year and indulge in a bit of clean eating.

Barley Bliss

Wondering what to serve with barley? Try this Lean Green Warm Barley Salad to heat up your winter night and satisfy your taste buds. Mix in Libby’s® Cut Green Beans and Sweet Peas to add delicious flavor and nutrition.

Barley Salad

Veggie Fix

Who said vegetarian meals aren’t filling? Obviously, they haven’t tried this delicious and simple Vegetarian Lasagna prepared with Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables. Taking only 15 minutes to prepare, this lasagna recipe offers all the flavor of a traditional lasagna with nutritious whole wheat pasta, three decadent cheeses, and lots of veggies.

Vegetarian Lasagna

Fried Medley

For a lighter take on a takeout favorite, try this Mixed Veggie Fried Rice prepared with Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables. Prepare in a wok with sesame oil and brown rice for a flavorful and colorful dish. Add some spice too to start the new year with a kick.

Mixed Veggie Fried Rice

Enjoy a Summer Staycation with International-Inspired Recipes

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Long nights, warm days and the fact that the kids are out of school makes July the perfect month for a summer vacation. But we all know travel isn’t always in the cards, especially for busy families with lots of existing summer plans. So, this summer, plan a staycation in the comfort of your home instead to experience the delights of a new destination without leaving home!

Take your taste buds on an international trip with exotic dishes that are sure to lend some excitement to your summer dinner table. Even if you don’t make it past your local swimming pool this summer, your family can still experience some adventure with recipes from around the world.

Leave your passport at home and stock up on Libby’s® Fruits and Vegetables to prepare delicious international dishes. Experience various cultures from around the world this summer through the taste of local culinary dishes.

¡Bienvenidos a Mexico!

Mexican Salsa Veggie Burger

Throw a fiesta with Mexican Salsa Veggie Burgers to kick-off your family’s culinary adventure. P.S. They’re so flavorful the kids won’t even notice the hidden source of protein and vegetables tucked inside!

Grab the Chopsticks

Vegetable Fried Rice

Prepare the family a bowl of this delicious Vegetable Fried Rice. Several versions of this recipe are found in many East, Southeast and certain South Asian cuisines.

Next Stop: Thailand

Coconut Thai Noodles

Cool down on a hot summer day with fresh coconut Thai chicken noodles. Sweet coconut, zingy lime and a hint of curry powder makes this dish anything but boring!

Deep Sea Supper

Roasted Diver Scallops Over Pea Puree

Even if the beach isn’t calling your name this summer, you can still enjoy the flavor of the sea with these roasted diver scallops over pea puree.

German Goulash

German Goulash

End your international flavor adventure with this hearty Bavarian kraut and pork goulash that will fill up the entire family. Bonus: Fermented foods like sauerkraut contain probiotics that are great for the digestive system!

Thinking Ahead: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

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By Dylan Bailey, MS

 

 

The end of April is approaching and the start of May means warmer temperatures and that we’re one month closer to the official start of summer!

May also marks National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a time when we have the opportunity to raise awareness about the health benefits of physical activity and let others know about fun and enjoyable ways to get moving.

Just about everyone can benefit from regular physical activity in their lives1,2:

Children and Adolescents – Physical activity can improve muscular fitness, bone health, and heart health. It’s recommended that children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily.

Adults and Older Adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. For older adults, it can also lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills). It’s recommended to get 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity activity and to do muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate- or high-intensity, which involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.

While it can be tricky to fit in the recommended amount of physical activity, you might start by trying things you can do with others, like taking a walk after dinner or going for a bike ride. For more tips on increasing physical activity, check out resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services3.

Nutrition and Physical Activity

What’s really important to keep in mind about being active, is that nutrition is just as important and helps with an overall healthy lifestyle. The food you eat is truly the fuel for your success!

To get the most out of your fitness or sports activities, try sticking to an eating pattern with healthy carbohydrates (like whole grain breads and pastas and low-fat or fat-free yogurt/milk, fruits and vegetables), plenty of water for hydration and lean sources of protein. You’ll also want to make sure you pack healthy snacks ahead of your activities for energy and/or recovery. Fruits are a great option!

After physical activity, you’ll want to refuel your body with plenty of fluids. Try diluting fruit juice with water for a simple post-activity drink. Generally, you’ll also want to stick to getting some carbohydrates and protein to kick-start the recovery process. Let’s take a look at a few before and after exercise meals.

Green Machine

Green Smoothie

If in the morning is when you’re active, try this Secret-Ingredient Green Smoothie. Why? It’s got healthy carbohydrates, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to power you in the pre-dawn hours. It’s portable too, so you can bring it wherever you go!

Simple Stir-Fry

Vegetable Fried Rice

A perfect meal-prep option, Vegetable Fried Rice can be made in advance and easily pre-portioned for post-exercise nutrition. Replace the leftover rice in this recipe with brown rice to get more whole grains and try adding an extra egg for additional protein, especially if you’re going to be eating this after exercise.

Fiesta on a Plate

Lime and Cumin Chicken Tenders and Fiesta Rice

Lean protein, veggies and international seasonings make for a simple, yet flavorful weeknight meal. Try these Lime and Cumin Chicken Tenders with Fiesta Rice before you head out on your evening walk or bike ride! Make sure to stick to the recommended serving size to avoid overeating before walking.

Try the recipes above and for more ideas visit Libby’s® Recipe Box.

 

1 May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/MayToolkit.aspx

2 Current Physical Activity Guidelines. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/policies_practices/physical_activity/guidelines.htm

3 Help a Loved One Get More Active: Quick tips. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/help-a-loved-one-get-more-active-quick-tips

Donatella Arpaia on Holiday Mealtime Traditions, Christmas Breakfast and Impromptu Entertaining

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A Q&A Discussion with the Iron Chef America Judge, NYC Restaurateur and Mother 

Can you share a few holiday mealtime traditions that are unique and special to your family?

In our home, I would call it a long feast rather than just a meal! It always begins at 3pm. Since it’s typically a 7-course meal, we rest in between courses, then eat again. There is a lot of reminiscing and storytelling, and towards the end of the evening, we break out the old films of when we were growing up.

Christmas on the whole is about being around the table enjoying the food and reminiscing. The kids’ table is the place to be at my house! Crafts, crackers/poppers and plastic champagne glasses filled with sparkling cider make them feel special! We give a big toast and everyone goes around the table and gives thanks as we eat our meal.

What is your favorite classic holiday dish to serve when you’re entertaining and why? 

Italians eat a variety of fishes on Christmas Eve, so Christmas Day is all about the meatballs! They’re cooked with a slow braised ragu and we top our homemade pasta with the red sauce from the meatballs. It’s a classic everyone craves, including all the non-Italians we invite over! Everybody loves meatballs—they’re the ultimate family celebratory comfort food.

Holiday dining is almost exclusively focused on the big dinner (or late lunch). But breakfast is important too! What do you usually like to serve on mornings before the big meal? 

I actually make a point of having a good breakfast! Many people skip breakfast because they want to overindulge later on, but that just makes you ravenous by mealtime. I make scrambled eggs with shallots and truffle zest for me and my husband. On Christmas morning only, I make Elbe skivers – the Danish pancake – with confectioner’s sugar. My son calls them “elf “pancakes!” Great coffee and freshly squeezed juice round out the morning.

Holiday meals typically involve tried-and-true family recipes. But sometimes it’s fun to add a new twist to old favorites. Any tips for jazzing up the classics?

Yes, I pretty much stick to the classics that my mom made for holiday meals, but I love to experiment with salads. I recently added a new twist to one with my Green Bean and Blood Orange Salad!

Green Bean and Blood Orange Salad

 Many of us may be trying to plan a holiday menu for both meat eaters and vegetarians. How do you suggest balancing everyone’s demands?

Write the menu down before the meal and count how many items are vegetarian versus meat. Menus should always be balanced. I like to include a vegetarian dish that’s hearty and that has some protein like my Vegetable Fried Rice — the egg adds a nice protein for the vegetarians!

Vegetable Fried Rice

When playing the holiday hostess, what are your essentials for creating a warm, inviting ambiance? 

Creating a calm, clean environment for guests is the first step. The temperature of the room, background music and lighting are all important elements. Make sure you dim the lights a bit, and I personally love to have lots of lighted candles all around! But the most important thing is that even if you’re stressed or a recipe didn’t turn out the way you wanted, when guests arrive, let it go! The holidays are about being together and making memories, and your guests feed off your energy. Be happy and warm and your guests will feel welcome. After all, a happy host is the best kind. Lastly, a welcome cocktail never hurts. 🙂

Unexpected visits from family, friends and neighbors tend to happen more often this time of year. Do you have any tips for fabulous, fast appetizers to feed a hungry crew?

My family is famous for arriving on Christmas a little early and starving! Dinner often isn’t ready, so I like to create appetizers that won’t ruin their appetites, like this Peas and Ricotta Crostini. It’s satisfying without being too heavy and is also so elegant and easy to make!  

Peas and Ricotta Crostini