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Whole Kernel Sweet Corn

Freshened Up Old-Fashioned Eats

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This Sunday is Grandparents Day, a dedicated moment to recognize your most special loved ones. Convey your affection by preparing a home-cooked meal with love. In tribute to grandparents—and in celebration of both the past and the present—we compiled the following timeless recipes made anew with a modern twist.  

 

 

A Cheesy Classic

Nothing incites mouth-watering nostalgia quite like a classic casserole. But we often think of the dish as a dinner-only entrée. This Cheesy Brunch Casserole proves that’s just not so. Made with Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables, lean ham and your favorite French bread, it’s a savory delight, no matter what time you chow it.

Beyond Basic Mac

True, there’s nothing wrong with your standard Mac & Cheese, but have just one taste of this Kicked Up Mac & Cheese and you’ll never look back. Libby’s® Sweet Peas and Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn lend texture and sweetness, panko bread crumbs provide a crunchy topper and diced pimentos tie it all together with a touch of heat.

Cuisine Collision

  

A classic Italian dish lends inspiration from south of the border in this hearty, finger-licking Mexican Lasagna. Tortillas stand in for pasta noodles and Libby’s® Organic Black Beans, chili beans, salsa, olives and hamburger unite for a flavorful filling.  

Quick, Easy & Flavor-Saving Tips for a Reduced-Sodium Diet

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By Kristin Kessler, RD

The old adage “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing” rings true for the nutrients we eat! Take sodium, for example: our bodies need this mineral to function, but too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and potentially other chronic diseases. There are varying recommendations out there for how much we should consume daily (the USDA says no more than 2300mg while the American Heart Association suggests less than 1500mg), but no matter your target amount, it’s important to realize that reduced sodium doesn’t need to mean reduced flavor. Check out the following tips to help you scale back the salt without sacrificing flavor and fun!

Season with Herbs

One of the most nutritious and delicious ways to cut back on sodium is to ditch the table salt and season instead with fresh and dried herbs. Not only are herbs sodium-free and low in calories, but they offer truly exceptional flavors. Taste them for yourself in this Vegetable Sausage Soup seasoned with basil, oregano, and marjoram and made hearty with Libby’s® Cut Green Beans, Sliced Carrots and Whole White Potatoes. To cut the sodium even further, swap regular chicken broth for a reduced-sodium option. We promise you won’t even notice the difference!

Cook Restaurant-Worthy Meals at Home

We all love a meal out every once and a while, but did you know that restaurant fare is often chock-full of sodium? In lieu of dining out, try whipping up your favorite dishes at home. By playing chef, you have total control over how much salt goes into the recipe. Craving a burger? Try this easy at-home recipe for Mexican Salsa Veggie Burgers made with Libby’s® Organic Pinto Beans and Whole Kernel Sweet Corn. Toss together a quick salad for the side, and you’ve got yourself a healthy restaurant-worthy meal!

Swap Instant for Wholesome

Beware! Packaged foods (think: frozen meals, instant noodles and ramen) are sneaky sources of sodium. Instead of turning to a bag of instant Lo Mein, why not try a more nutritious and home-cooked version? This Sweet Pea & Ginger Garlic Shrimp Lo Mein (made with reduced-sodium soy sauce as well as Libby’s® Organic Sweet Peas) will give you those Asian flavors you crave without the extra sodium. Now that’s a meal worth celebrating!

 

Chili Chow Down

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Winter is the perfect time for a hot and hearty meal — and what could be better than chili? Not all chili is created equal; there are many different types to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a big football game gathering, here are a few recipes to test.

Beef and Bean Chili 

 Image via FoodNetwork.com

This is the classic take on chili — a mixture of beef and beans with a secret ingredient that’s sure to add a kick. Use Libby’s® Organic Pinto Beans for this dish that is sure to be a winner with the whole family. 

Winter White Chili 

A much lighter version, this dish substitutes the traditional beef with lean chicken. A variety of vegetables add a tasty and unique flavor to this meal. For this one, you’ll need Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and Libby’s® Organic Garbanzo Beans.

Black Bean Salsa Chili

  

Despite its name, turkey and bacon are actually the main stars in this chili dish, but that doesn’t mean the beans aren’t important! Use Libby’s® Black Beans to add a rich and delicious flavor to this meal. 

What are your favorite ingredients to put in chili? Sound off on our Facebook page!

Make School Lunches Healthy and Fun for Your Kids

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While this can sometimes be difficult with the temptation of pizza and hot dogs doled out in the school cafeteria, it is important to make healthy lunches a priority. October 13-17 is National School Lunch Week, dedicated to improving the quality of school lunches. In recent years, schools have made serious efforts to reduce trans fats and sodium levels, and introduce more lean protein, fruit and vegetables into lunch menus.

 

Take charge of your child’s nutrition – make a homemade lunch and introduce healthy eating habits from a young age. Here are some healthy and fun lunch options that revamp the typical school lunches.

 

Confetti Tuna Rice Salad

 

When food is visually appealing, kids get more excited to eat it. Instead of the quintessential tuna salad sandwich, pack a colorful (and healthy!) alternative like our Confetti Tuna Rice Salad. Packed with Libby’s® Sweet Peas, Organic Black Beans and Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, this flavorful entrée will ensure your kids are eating a wholesome and filling lunch.

 

Lunch Box Pasta Salad

 

Put an Italian spin on lunch with this classic recipe, minus the mayonnaise. Use Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables and Whole Kernel Sweet Corn. The whole wheat pasta also adds a healthier alternative to your kids’ lunch.

 

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

 

Image via Snack the Planet

Most healthy cafeteria lunches feature salads made with iceberg lettuce, which has little nutritional value. This dish takes a healthy twist on that old standby. Use Libby’s® Organic Black Beans and Whole Kernel Sweet Corn to add some fiber to the dish. Romaine lettuce serves as the base for this nutritious side salad.

 

What changes would you make to your child’s school lunch? Share your thoughts and revamped recipes on our Facebook page! 

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!