DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub

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Homemade sugar scrubs are not only a great way to soften and nourish your skin, but they make great gifts too. Inspired by the classic treat, this DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub will make your Valentine’s Day a little sweeter—whether you’re sharing with a friend or keeping some for yourself!

Video Description: Simple Shortcuts–DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub

 

DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar ScrubChocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub:

Ingredients:

  • For the Strawberry Layer:
    • 1 cup Turbinado sugar
    • 1 bag Sprouts Freeze Dried Strawberries
    • 1/2 cup Coconut oil, slightly melted
    • 1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Layer:
    • 1 cup Turbinado sugar
    • 1/4 cup Cocoa powder
    • 1/4 cup Coconut oil, slightly melted
    • 1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. For the strawberry layer, pour freeze dried strawberries into a food processor and mix until a powder has formed.
  2. Add the strawberry powder, sugar, coconut oil and vanilla extract into a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Set aside.
  3. For the chocolate later, add ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until well combined.
  4. In a glass jar, layer the strawberry mixture and chocolate mixture and seal with a lid.

Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Kiddos

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Spoons covered in chocolate

Chocolate Dipped Spoons

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. coconut oil, 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, Sprouts’ Eco-Friendly Plastic Spoons and treats from the Sprouts Bulk Department (peanuts, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, gummy bears).

Directions:

Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together over low heat. Once chips have melted, remove chocolate from heat. Dip spoons into warm chocolate, place on a serving platter and sprinkle with treats from Sprouts’ Bulk Department.

Naturally Scented Play Dough

Ingredients:

1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp. cooking oil, 3 tsp. cream of tartar, red food coloring and essential oils of choice.

Directions:

Mix dry ingredients in a large pot. Add water, oil and food coloring and stir over medium heat until mixture has a play-dough consistency. Remove dough from pot and place on wax paper to cool. Once cooled add desired essential oil scent and knead until incorporated. Divide play dough into even portions and seal in 4 ounce Mason jars.

Valentine’s Produce Stamps

Supplies:

Celery, potato, small heart cookie cutter, knife, cardstock and red paint.

Directions for Rose Stamp:

To begin, simply cut celery close to the bottom of the stock. Save end of celery stock and put aside remaining celery for snacking. Coat end of celery with red paint and press firmly onto cardstock for a natural, rose-shaped stamp.

Directions for Heart Stamp:

Begin by cutting potato in half. Insert a heart-shaped cookie cutter into the cut/flat end of the potato. With a knife cut into and around potato using the cookie cutter as your guide. Coat stamp with red paint and press firmly onto cardstock.  

Tailgating Touchdown Recipes

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Let’s face it, what makes football season so great is the food and fun gatherings! From sweet treats to savory eats, we’ve got some game day recipes that will surely make your next tailgate party a tasty touchdown.

Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls

popcorn balls on a tray

Ingredients

  • 2 bags Sprouts Vanilla Marshmallows
  • 1 Tbsp. Coconut oil
  • 1 bag Sprouts Popcorn
  • Pretzels, chopped
  • Bulk sweets

Instructions

  1. On low power, in the microwave (or low heat on the stovetop) melt the marshmallows and coconut oil.
  2. Mix in popcorn, pretzels and your favorite bulk sweets.
  3. Use coconut oil to grease hands and begin forming mixture into balls.

Mini 7-Layer Dip

7-layer mini dip in a bowl

Ingredients

  • Sour cream
  • Taco seasoning
  • Sprouts Organic Black Bean Spicy Dip
  • Sprouts Queso
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix preferred amount of taco seasoning into sour cream.
  2. Layer bean dip, sour cream mixture, queso, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese and olives into a small, clear bowl.
  3. Serve with your favorite chips.

Veggie Burger Tacos

veggie burger tacos on a cutting board

Ingredients

  • Sprouts Veggie Burgers, of your choice
  • Hard taco shells
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Pico de gallo (optional)
  • Shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook veggie burgers according to package.
  2. Using a fork, lightly mash veggie burger to create crumbles.
  3. Layer crumbles, salsa, guacamole, shredded cabbage, pico do gallo and shredded cheese in a taco shell.

Have Your Pumpkin … and Drink It Too!

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This season, pair your favorite pumpkin eats with some refreshing pumpkin spiced beverages! Here are several perfect Sprouts brand pairings that are a match made in pumpkin heaven. Organic Cinnamon Pumpkin Ice Cream + Sparkling Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider

Organic Cinnamon Pumpkin Ice Cream + Sparkling Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider

Sparkle, spice and everything nice!


Organic Pumpkin Spice Kale Chips + Organic Pumpkin Spice or Apple Spice KombuchaOrganic Pumpkin Spice Kale Chips + Organic Pumpkin Spice or Apple Spice Kombucha

A healthier pair with pumpkin spice flare!


Pumpkin Dippers + Organic Pumpkin Spiced Apple CiderPumpkin Dippers + Organic Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider

(Trick or) treat yourself!

 

How to Host a Healthy Holiday Party

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It’s (almost) here. You may already have some holiday parties on your calendar and plans to cook up a storm for Thanksgiving. The holiday season is quickly approaching. How does that fit in with your healthy eating plans? Though it may be tempting to take a little break for the next six weeks, your stomach and waistline may not appreciate that so much. Like us, you probably love cornbread dressing, mac and cheese and those homemade yeast rolls? We can’t be trusted around them. But here’s the thing … it’s all about balance. You don’t have to eat healthy 100% of the time. However, it can feel weird to go to a party that doesn’t have any fruit or vegetables on the table. If you’re playing host this season, here are a few ideas to provide your guests with plenty of options.

Step 1: Use What’s in Season.

Grapes, pears and apples are all sweet and delicious right now. Use the natural sweetness of these nutritious fruits to reduce added sugars in your dishes. Sweet potatoes and winter squash are also deliciously sweet as well as nutritious options. Combine fruit with winter greens for hearty salads.

Step 2: Go Small.

Instead of slaving over a large complicated menu, consider serving a variety of heavy appetizers. These can be prepped ahead of time and either served at room temperature or after a quick stint in the oven before guests arrive.

Step 3: Find Balance.

Look at your spread. Make sure you have a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein so that everyone leaves feeling satisfied.

Step 4: Use the 80:20 Rule.

Offer 80 percent good for you dishes that taste great. (Remember: Healthy doesn’t have to mean tasteless.) Balance those with more indulgent desserts or dishes so your guests have options and get to enjoy some of the traditional holiday foods that can’t always be made healthfully. Also be flexible in what you offer. If you can’t find oranges, use tangerines. No halibut at the store when you go, try cod!

Step 5: Be Flexible.

It’s your party. Have fun! There’s no shame in using pre-cut butternut squash or pre-cooked shrimp, chicken or other foods that can speed up the prep process. When creating a holiday party spread, the goal is to get some delicious bites on the table as well as enjoy your guests. It takes the same effort to make healthy bites as not-so-healthy ones. Here are a few dishes to try adding to your holiday spread this season.

Pear Prosecco CocktailPear Prosecco Cocktail

By Marisa Moore Add pizzazz to your party with Marisa’s Pear Prosecco Cocktail    
Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese & Walnut Bites

Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese & Walnut Bites

By Marisa Moore Red, black and green grapes are still in season through January and just bursting with flavor. They cook up sweet and balance the tangy, saltiness of the creamy goat cheese. These Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese & Walnut Bites are sure to wow your guests!
Maple Pear Ginger Crumble

Maple Pear Ginger Crumble

By Marisa Moore Fruit crumbles work well for dinner parties. Use whatever fruit is in season. Try seasonal apples and pears to make this Maple Pear Ginger Crumble. You can add nuts for more crunch and a little extra protein and heart-healthy fats.

About Marisa Moore

Helping People Eat Better One Morsel at a Time

Marisa Moore is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Marisa Moore Nutrition. Using a food-first, mostly plant-based approach, Marisa helps people eat better one morsel at a time through group classes, writing and developing healthy recipes. She enjoys working as a consultant for small and large businesses including food and nutrition startups and being an ambassador for delicious food and a healthy lifestyle. A past spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Marisa is a trusted food and nutrition expert and has appeared in most major media outlets including the Today Show, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and has had regular appearances on CNN. Marisa is a contributing editor for Food & Nutrition Magazine and U.S. News & World Report blogger. Before launching her consultancy, Marisa worked as an outpatient dietitian, the corporate nutritionist for a national bakery café restaurant, and she managed the employee worksite nutrition program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Always ready for new passport stamps, Marisa loves to explore new countries, but in her spare time, you might find her cooking, dancing salsa or on a walk with her dog Biscuit. Learn more at marisamoore.com.  

Apricots: The Time Is Ripe

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There are some fruits that never disappear from store shelves. Year-round you can find apples, oranges, strawberries and bananas. However, the same can’t be said for apricots, which are available only for a limited time during the summer months. At their prime now, and ranging in color and size, the apricots at Sprouts will not disappoint when it comes to flavor. The sun has kissed their cheeks, giving them a rosy blush on their light orange skin. Once you bite into the flesh, you’ll officially experience the essence of summer. To the naked eye, the plain green budding flowers look unremarkable and spare. But our farmers’ discerning eyes can see palate-pleasing treasure hiding just beneath the surface. Sure enough, the flowers blossom and produce summer’s fragrant, juicy fruits several weeks later. They’re picked, packed, and shipped quickly to Sprouts—proving our commitment to farm-fresh produce, once again. Just in case you’re new to apricots, here’s how to pick, prepare, preserve and polish off summer’s precious fruit. Apricots in a carton

What to Look for:

Like apples, apricots are available in many varieties. The Helena, Tri Gem, Honeyrich and Patterson varietals are usually firm with good flavor, while Robada and Goldbar apricots have higher sugar contents as indicated by their red blush skins. When choosing apricots, look for fruit with a vibrant orange color. They should be plump and fairly firm. Fresh apricots are fully ripe when they are soft to the touch.

How to Prepare Them:

Because apricots are delicate in nature, they do not need to be peeled when eaten. After washing well, simply cut a fresh apricot along the seam and remove the seed (you’ll be able to separate it easily using your fingers).

Dish Them Up:

Fresh apricots are a flavorful and nutritious snack on their own. They are also an excellent complement to sweet, soft cheeses and tasty additions to baked goods such as pies, cakes, muffins, breads and ice creams. As far as entrées go, apricots pair especially well with poultry and pork dishes. View the Seared Tempeh with Grilled Watermelon and Apricots.

Make Them Last:

To keep apricots from over-ripening, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. On the flip side, apricots that are slightly hard can be ripened in a paper bag for a couple of days. Fresh apricots can be frozen by halving and then placing them on a baking sheet until frozen. They can then be packed in plastic freezer bags.  

Surf Sweets

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Surf Sweets Whether you are filling Easter baskets, lunch boxes or packing a picnic, there is always room for a sweet snack. And Surf Sweets candy is the best kind! Packed with delicious fruity flavors, Surf Sweets gummy candies and organic jelly beans have clean ingredients and are allergen friendly. Here are just a few reasons to love Surf Sweets:
  • Made with organic fruit juice and organic sweeteners.
  • Each candy serving has 100% daily value of vitamin C.
  • Made without corn syrup.
  • No artificial colors or flavors.
  • Free of the top 10 food allergens.
  • (Most importantly) Surf Sweets taste great!
Bring them to a school party, sweeten your movie nights or treat somebody for a job well done. However you like to snack, you can enjoy the sweet satisfaction of having delicious treats everyone can enjoy. Try one in every flavor! Follow us on social media for new items and giveaways: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SurfSweets/ Twitter: @surfsweets Instagram: @surfsweets Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/surfsweets/  

Your Guide to Grilling Outdoors

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Grilling Table Spread
    If you’re like us, as soon as the weather warms up, we get our grills fired up. It’s the perfect time to enjoy some smoky, saucy, messy-finger goodness. However, if you haven’t had a lot of experience using the grill, you may feel a little intimidated, but fear not! Follow these helpful tips to go from being a grillin’ rookie to a grillin’ guru in no time.

    Grill Better with the Best!

    Any great grill-out starts by picking the right cuts of meat. Sprouts carries everything you need for flavorful grilling from 100% grass-fed beef to organic, air-chilled chicken. Our USDA Choice beef comes from pure, heritage bred cattle raised without added hormones, especially for Sprouts customers. We’re proud to source from suppliers we trust to provide you and your family high-quality meat from small suppliers and family ranchers. Ready to get your grill on? We recommend the following cuts of meats:
    • Steak: New York strip, rib-eye, top sirloin, filet mignon, T-bone or porterhouse
    • Pork: Center-cut pork chops, boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin
    • Chicken: Chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs

    Tips for Marinades and Dry-rubs

    Marinades and dry rubs are a great way to add extra flavor to your grill-out, but it’s important that you use them properly. When grilling with marinades we recommend using chicken or veggies. For vinegar-based marinades, be sure to marinate your chicken for no longer than one hour—if you’re not careful, the vinegar can actually make the chicken tough as opposed to tender. For marinades that are oil-based, feel free to let the chicken sit overnight. When grilling with dry rubs, like our Butcher Shop dry rubs, we recommend using steaks or pork.

    Grill Temperature for Chicken and Meats

    The easiest way to take the guesswork out of grilling is to use a meat thermometer—it also ensures your meats are cooked to perfection! Below are the appropriate internal grilling temperatures for your favorite meats:
    • Chicken: 165°F
    • Beef and Lamb: 125°F (rare), 130°–135°F (medium-rare), 135°–140°F (medium), 140°–150°F (medium-well), 155°F (well-done)
    • Ground Beef or Lamb: 160°F
    • Pork: 145°F (medium-rare), 150°F (medium), 160°F (well-done)
    • Ground Pork: 160°F

    Maple and Cedar Planks for Grilling

    Up your grilling game and pleasantly surprise your guests by infusing your favorite meats and veggies with the subtle, smoky flavors of maple and cedar by using our easy-to-use Sprouts Grilling Planks. Simply soak the grilling plank in water for at least one hour, place seasoned foods on the plank and set directly on grill or in the oven at 350°F. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor!

    SHOP GRILLING ESSENTIALS

     

Turkey Veggie Cups

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Plastic cup with turkey painted on it. Prepping Thanksgiving dinner can be tough—especially when little ones are involved. Creating an entire Thanksgiving spread and getting your kiddos to eat this balanced meal is a feat to feel thankful for when achieved. Luckily, we’ve got a kid-approved snack that’s easy to make and fun to eat! Kids will love that these adorable turkey cups are just for them and you’ll love knowing this snack is packed full of good-for-you ingredients.

What you’ll need:

How to make ‘em:

  1. Cut out the turkeys and use double-sided tape to attach them to the cups.
  2. Slice your veggies into long, thin strips.
  3. Fill your cups with the desired amount of hummus and add sliced veggies.
  4. Enjoy!
 

Tricks & Treats

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Let’s face it, with October being one of the sweetest months of the year, many of us are probably going to over-indulge in some sugary confections. At Sprouts though, we’re always on the lookout for fresh, fun, and flavorful snacks, and this month was no exception. We thought, “What are some festive and healthy snacks we can make, incorporating fresh and natural ingredients that won’t cause a sugar overload?” Here are a couple of the “tricks” we came up with that also make for some pretty tasty treats your kids are sure to gobble right up:

“CANDY CORN” PARFAITcandy corn parfait

How cute are these? Inspired by those tiny yellow, orange and white candies that are ubiquitous with Halloween, this “Candy Corn” Parfait incorporates fresh fruit and just a dab of fresh whipped cream. Perfect for an after-dinner dessert or substitute the whipping cream with vanilla Greek yogurt and sprinkle on some granola for a tasty, healthy before-school breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • Freshly cut pineapple
  • Sprouts Mandarin Oranges
  • Whipping cream or vanilla Greek yogurt

Instructions:

  1. Chop fresh pineapple into quarter-size pieces and layer in bottom of glass or tumbler.
  2. Scoop and layer Sprouts Mandarin Oranges.
  3. Dab a tablespoon of fresh whipping cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt.

APPLE MONSTER CHOMPERS APPLE MONSTER CHOMPERS

If you’ve got a kiddo who’s always starving when they get home from school, these Apple Monster Chompers are perfect!  They’ve got the right amount of sweetness and some protein to fend-off hunger before dinner without ruining their appetite.

Ingredients:

  • Apples
  • Yogurt-covered raisins
  • Sprouts Smooth Peanut Butter

Instructions:

  1. Slice apples.
  2. Smear Sprouts Peanut Butter or almond butter onto apples.
  3. Place and arrange yogurt covered raisins.

HALLOWEEN POPCORN MIX

HALLOWEEN POPCORN MIX

Turn a basic batch of popcorn into a bowl of Halloween fun by adding an array of sweet treats and chocolate drizzle. This munchable snack is perfect for parties, fall potlucks or put the popcorn mix in small bags and pass out to trick-or-treaters. It’s so good it’s scary!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Popcorn
  • 1/2 cup Candy corn
  • 1/2 cup Roasted, salted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup Chocolate-covered raisins
  • 1/4 cup Sunflower seeds
  • 2 Tbsp. Drizzled yogurt chips
  • 2 Tbsp. Drizzled dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Mix popcorn with candy corn, peanuts, chocolate-covered raisins and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
  2. Melt yogurt and dark chocolate chips.
  3. Drizzle popcorn mix with melted chocolate and enjoy!