Roasted Chicken Leftovers

Share article Roasted Chicken Leftovers on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

As you’ve probably discovered, our famous roasted chickens are the perfect grab ‘n’ go solution for your weeknight dinner dilemmas—but what to do with the leftovers? We say, save them for quick and delicious dishes. Here are a few of our favorite ways to get the most out of your Sprouts Roasted Chicken with these leftover chicken recipes:

Video description: Learn a few ways to use Sprouts roasted chicken with leftover chicken recipes. Recipe details below.

Skillet Nachos

Skillet Nachos

Ingredients:

  • 2 bags Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips
  • 1 cup Chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup Mexican-blend cheese, shredded
  • 1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomato, sliced olives, jalapeños (or any other preferred toppings)
  • Salsa of preference
  • Plain yogurt or sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a cast iron skillet, spread tortilla chips in an even layer. Add half the shredded chicken, cheese and beans. Add another even layer of tortilla chips and top with the remaining chicken, cheese and beans.
  2. Place skillet in the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese has melted. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with toppings and salsa. Top with a dollop of plain yogurt and enjoy!

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Ingredients:

  • 1 10-oz. pkg. Frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 can Condensed cream of chicken
  • 1 can Immaculate Baking Organic Flaky Biscuits

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine frozen vegetables, diced chicken and cream of chicken until well-combined.
  2. Place each biscuit into a greased muffin tin cup. Pressing firmly on the bottom and side, until a rim has been formed. Spoon a generous amount of chicken and vegetable mixture into each cup. Pinch sides of dough to hold mixture in place.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Cool for 1 minute and enjoy!

Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps

Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup Apples, diced
  • 1/2 cup Grapes, sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup Mountain High Original Plain Yogurt
  • 1 pinch Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 Lemon, juiced
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Whole-wheat tortilla

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix chicken, apples, grapes, walnuts and yogurt until well-combined. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice and mix.
  2. Place lettuce on the whole-wheat tortilla and spoon chicken mixture onto lettuce. Wrap the tortilla and cut in half. Serve with Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies and enjoy!
 

Easy Plant-based Recipes

Share article Easy Plant-based Recipes on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

Vegan Kids Lunch Treats

We sent bloggers a mystery box filled with plant-based proteins, yogurts and milk, as well as fresh and frozen produce from Vega, Earthbound Farm, SO Delicious and Silk. We asked them to do their homework and submit their easy plant-based recipe for school fuel using only the items provided in the mystery box, along with basic pantry essentials. Here’s what they created:

Smoothie PopsiclesMango, Granola Protein Smoothie Popsicles

Recipe by: The Simple Veganista Light and refreshing, these smoothie popsicles make for a great morning or afternoon snack. Made with a protein powder, frozen mango, coconut milk and granola, each bite is as delicious as the last!

Ingredients:

  • 1 16-oz. bag Earthbound Farms Frozen Mango, divided
  • 1 scoop Vega All-In-One Nutritional Shake
  • 1 cup SO Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk, plus more as needed
  • 3/4 cup Sprouts vegan granola of choice (I used Tropical)

Tools:

  • Blender
  • Any popsicle mold or 6 small 5-oz. dixie cups
  • 10 wooden popsicle sticks or 5 paper straws, cut in half

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine 12 ounces of mango (about 3 cups), protein powder and unsweetened coconut milk, blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed to help it move along. If mixture is too thick, add a little extra coconut milk, about 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed.
  2. Fill popsicle molds or cups about 1/4 full, add about 1 teaspoon granola and a few small mango pieces, gently press down.
  3. Repeat once more, ending with granola.
  4. Gently tap molds on flat surface to remove excess air bubbles.
  5. Place the stick or cut straw directly in the center.
  6. Place in the freezer, towards the back if possible, for at least 6 hours.
  7. Makes 10 3-oz. or 6 4.5-oz. popsicles.

Vegan Cheesecake

No-bake Vegan Mango-Caramel Swirl Cheesecake

Recipe by: The Vegan 8 This vegan cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser, even with dairy-lovers. A homemade mango caramel is swirled throughout a delicious coconut butter and cashew butter cheesecake made with fresh mangos and topped with more caramel. By using repeated ingredients in the caramel and cheesecake, it is kept simple—with just eight ingredients!

Ingredients:

For the Mango Caramel
  • 1/2 cup Earthbound Farm Organic Mango Chunks
  • 1/2 cup Pure maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp. Raw cashew butter
For the Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups Pecans
  • 2 Tbsp. Vega All-In-One Nutritional Shake French Vanilla
  • 1/8 tsp. Fine salt
  • 2 Tbsp. Pure maple syrup
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 1/2 cup SO Delicious Coconut Milk (unsweetened, not full fat), room temp
  • 1/4 cup Pure maple syrup, room temp
  • 1/2 cup Raw cashew butter
  • 1/4 cup Chopped mango chunks
  • 3 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp. Fine salt
  • 1/2 cup Melted liquid coconut butter

Instructions:

  1. Make the mango caramel first. Add all the mango caramel ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. Pour into a small pot and turn to medium heat. Once it is boiling around the edges, cover and turn down to low and let it cook 3–5 minutes until it has thickened and reduced by half. Don’t worry about it getting chunky, it will smooth back out. Whisk well until smooth and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the crust in a food processor. Add the pecans, vanilla shake powder and salt and pulse until a fine meal texture forms. Add the syrup and pulse a few times until the mixture turns into clumps, just a few seconds. Be careful not to over-process it. Line a 6-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Press the crust on the paper flat, even and around the edges, make sure to press tightly and secure any crumbs.
  3. Make the filling by adding all of the “cheesecake filling” ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor. You will add all of the ingredients, except the coconut butter. Blend until completely smooth. Warm the coconut butter in the microwave for 15–30 seconds until a liquid has formed. Stir around until it is totally smooth before adding to the filling. Make sure to stir from the bottom of the jar so you aren’t just getting the separated oil. Use a scale for accuracy in the coconut butter weight amount. Pour into the filling ingredients in the blender and blend once more until completely smooth.
  4. Pour about half the filling over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of the caramel over the top and gently swirl the caramel around with a knife, creating swirls. If the caramel has thickened up too much, just add a tiny amount of water to slightly thin it out. Pour the remaining batter over and repeat with more caramel swirls. Make sure to reserve some for drizzling over after the cheesecake freezes. There should be plenty of caramel. Store the extra in the fridge.
  5. Place the cheesecake to set overnight in the freezer. Remove and let sit about 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before releasing the pan. Carefully release it and slide a knife around the edge if necessary. If it messes up the sides at all, just take the edge of the knife and drag it along the side of the cake and smooth it right back up. Use a super sharp knife to slice and serve. Garnish with thinly sliced mango, if desired. Place the cake back in the freezer after slicing, covered in plastic wrap.

Vegan Chocolate Muffin

Double Chocolate Vegan Power Muffins

Recipe by: Handmade in the Heartland How do you get your kids to eat healthy? It’s a constant struggle with little ones who seem to hate anything green. These muffins are full of good-for-them ingredients and they don’t even realize they are healthy because of the chocolatey goodness that hides it all.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups Whole-wheat flour
  • 1 tsp. Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt
  • 1/4 cup Vega Protein & Greens Powder
  • 3 Tbsp. Cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Ground flax
  • 1/2 cup Coconut oil
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 container Silk Vanilla Yogurt Alternative
  • 1 cup Bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup Earthbound Farm Baby Frozen Spinach
  • 1/2 cup SO Delicious Coconut Milk
  • 1 bag Vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep your frozen spinach by measuring out 1 cup and then putting it into a food processor or blender. Mine was still somewhat frozen but you can thaw it completely if you have time. Blend or process down so that it’s close to a purée or very small pieces, it ends up being around 1/2 cup once processed. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix or sift your dry ingredients together—whole-wheat flour, baking soda, salt, protein powder, cocoa powder and flax. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream your coconut oil and sugar together. Once combined add in the vanilla, yogurt, spinach and bananas, after those are mixed in add in the dry ingredients alternately with the coconut milk. Once completely combined add in the chocolate chips and fold in until they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
  4. Prepare your muffin tray with coconut oil spray or other alternative or use paper liners. Divide the batter between 12 muffin wells, filling 3/4 full. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy for breakfast or snacks!
 

SHOP PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS NOW

Overnight Oats

Share article Overnight Oats on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

While full of nutritional value, not everyone is up for cooking a batch of oatmeal each morning. Enter overnight oats! This tasty meal is stirred up overnight and left to soak while you catch some zzz’s. In the morning, you wake up to a healthy, grab-and-go breakfast that’s oh-so-creamy. Not only are these oats a healthy and filling meal, but they’re great for when you’re on the go and it’s easy to switch up the recipes to create something new each morning. Simply start with a base of yogurt, milk and granola or rolled oats, then sprinkle in the add-ins to create your favorite flavor. Check out these recipes to help get you started:
Video Description: Tune in to learn how to make overnight oats. Recipes included below.

Vanilla Chai

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Mountain High Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
  • 1 cup Almond milk, or milk of choice
  • 1 1/4 cups Cascadian Farm™ French Vanilla Almond Granola
  • 2 Tbsp. Chia seeds
  • 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. Ground cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp. Ground cloves
  • 3 Tbsp. Brown sugar
  • Sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients in order, leaving out the sliced almonds.
  2. Divide into 4 resealable jars and cover.
  3. Refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
  4. When ready to enjoy, stir and top with sliced almonds.

Cinnamon Apple

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Mountain High Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
  • 1 cup Almond milk, or milk of choice
  • 1 1/4 cups Cascadian Farm™ Stand Harvest Organic Honey, Almond and Chia Granola
  • 1 cup Apple, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon
  • Additional chopped apple, almonds and honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients in order, leaving out additional apple, almonds and honey.
  2. Divide into 4 resealable jars and cover.
  3. Refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
  4. When ready to enjoy, stir and top with apple, almonds and a drizzle of honey.

Pumpkin Spice

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Mountain High Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
  • 1 cup Almond milk, or milk of choice
  • 1 cup Pumpkin purée
  • 1 1/4 cups Cascadian Farm™ Cinnamon Raisin Granola
  • 3 Tbsp. Pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp. Chia seeds
  • 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. Ground ginger
  • Chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients in order, leaving out the chopped pecans.
  2. Divide into 4 resealable jars and cover.
  3. Refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
  4. When ready to enjoy, stir and top with chopped pecans.
 

Natural Sweetness

Share article Natural Sweetness on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

I’m always on the hunt for ways to add flavor and use ingredients that tend to sit in my fridge. Recently, I’ve loved using assorted fruit preserves, many of which are a good source of Vitamin C. Preserves give a concentrated fruit flavor and often a more natural sweetness. Dates are also a natural sweetener that can literally hold a recipe together while packing in a tremendous amount of potassium. You’ll love these recipes that cover breakfast, dinner and snacking in between. The overnight oats have been a staple at my house for months. Adding assorted fruit flavors with preserves allows me to change the taste and get just the right sweetness. Overnight oats, especially when made with milk, provide satisfying protein and essential fats to get a tasty head start on your day! Enjoy this recipe with chopped dates, preserves or both. Overnight Oats with Crofter’s SuperFruit & Dates

Overnight Oats with Crofter’s SuperFruit & Dates

Yield: 4 servings (make the evening before)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 2 tsp. Vanilla
  • 1/2 cup Dried dates, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Crofter’s SuperFruit Spread (or any flavor you like)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the first 3 ingredients together. Stir in dates and spread, mix until thoroughly combined. Store in covered bowl.
  2. Refrigerate overnight and for up to 3 days. This can be eaten hot or cold. I reheat for about 30 seconds in the microwave.

Roasted Pork Loin with Dijon Apricot GlazeRoasted Pork Loin with Dijon Apricot Glaze

Yield: 6–8

Ingredients

  • 1 2-lb. Pork loin roast
  • 1 12-oz jar Sprouts Organic Apricot Preserves
  • 2 Tbsp. Sprouts Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. While oven heats, generously season pork roast with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together preserves, mustard and olive oil. Spread half on roast and place in oven for about 60 minutes or until juices run clear.
  3. Once cooked, let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing. Use remaining sauce to drizzle over sliced pork roast.

Walnut Chocolate Chip Energy Bars with Dates

Nutrition energy bars can be hard to come by and often expensive. These bars are delicious with only three ingredients. You do need a food processor to get your dates into a paste that will hold the bars together. It’s a sticky job but the taste is worth the effort. These tasty bars filled with essential fats, antioxidants and potassium don’t last long at my house! Yield: 6 Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Dates, chopped
  • 1 cup Sprouts Bulk Walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Sprouts Chocolate Chips

Instructions:

  1. Wash your hands well and/or use clean kitchen gloves. Place dates in food processor. Process the dates until it makes a paste.
  2. Take the paste out and put it into a medium mixing bowl. Now add walnuts to processor, pulse the ingredients in the food processor until the walnuts are in small pieces/chunks.
  3. Add the chopped nuts and chocolate chips into the bowl with the date paste. Use your hands to mix together.
  4. Once mixed in well, shape into a ball and cover the ball completely with plastic wrap. Press the ball into a square about 1/2-inch thick.
  5. Cut into 6 bars, individually wrap in clear wrap or container, and refrigerate for up to a week.
 
Leslie Schilling

About Leslie Schilling

Food Shouldn’t Be Complicated

Leslie Schilling is a Las Vegas-based nutrition and wellness expert. She is a master’s-level registered dietitian, nationally recognized speaker, wellness coach and nutrition therapist. Warm, compassionate, and entertaining, she’s been featured in Women’s Health, BuzzFeed, the Huffington Post, U.S. News, Yoga Journal, and HGTV. She holds the highest US credential for professional sports nutrition and was the sport nutritionist for the 2014-2015 Memphis Grizzlies NBA team. She owns Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC and YourSupperSolution.com, a premium online dinner menu planning service. Leslie is also a wellness content expert for Avanoo.com. When she’s not counseling, cooking, or hanging out with her family; you can find Leslie using her social media channels and speaking platforms to deliver science-based, lifestyle and wellness messages with a dash of humor. To learn more about Leslie, visit LeslieSchilling.com.  

Muffin Tin Meals

Share article Muffin Tin Meals on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

Muffin Tin Meals Start warming those ovens, because we’ve got three stress-free muffin-tin meals that will bake up in minutes! The whole family will enjoy the scrumptious flavor of the Broccoli Pizza Bites, sweet tang of the Upside-Down Pineapple Pancakes and assortment of textures the Mini Taco Cups have to offer. These handheld and super portable meals are perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re on-the-go.      
Upside down Pineapple Cakes

Upside-Down Pineapple Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup Butter, melted
  • 1 can Pineapple chunks
  • 12 Maraschino cherries
  • 2 cups Protein pancake mix
  • 2/3 cup Milk or water
  • 2 lg. Eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix together brown sugar and melted butter, set aside.
  3. Spray tin with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
  4. Create a circle at the bottom of the muffin tin with pineapple chunks and place one cherry in the center.
  5. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the pineapple and cherry, then pour pancake batter, filling the muffin tin to about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, let cool before removing from tin.
 
Muffin Tin Taco Cups

Mini Taco Cups

Ingredients:

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 12 6-inch Flour tortillas
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 Onion, chopped
  • 1 packet Sprouts Taco Seasoning
  • 12 oz. Ground beef
  • Desired taco toppings—shredded lettuce, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Spray muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Gently fold the tortillas in half, then in quarters and place in tin.
  4. Spray each tortilla with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle salt and pepper.
  5. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, heat oil over a large nonstick skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Add taco seasoning and coat onions. Add beef and cook until no longer pink.
  7. Fill taco cup with beef and desired toppings and enjoy.

Tin Pizza Bites

Broccoli Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag Sprouts Frozen Riced Broccoli
  • 1 lg. Egg
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup Shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
  • Pizza sauce
  • Desired pizza toppings, like pepperoni cut into smaller pieces

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Line muffin tin with liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Create crust by microwaving riced broccoli for 5 minutes. Let cool and squeeze out water by using a cheesecloth.
  4. Place drained broccoli into a large bowl and add egg, spices and cheese and mix.
  5. Press crust mixture into each tin.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden.
  7. Top with pizza sauce, cheese and other desired toppings and bake until cheese melts.
 

How to Host a Healthy Holiday Party

Share article How to Host a Healthy Holiday Party on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

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.  

Fall Filled One-Pot Wonders

Share article Fall Filled One-Pot Wonders on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

Fall is the season for warm and hearty meals packed full of fall flavors. While some love to cook, nobody enjoys cleaning up a mountain of dirty dishes after dinner. From soups and stews to tasty rice dishes, we’ve curated a list of one-pot meals that allow less time cleaning up the kitchen and more time enjoying fall with the family. shrimp recipe great for fall filled one-pot wonders Try these one-pot recipes: Vegan Succotash Tex-Mex Shakshuka Shrimp and White Bean Provencal Tomato Pumpkin Stew Curried Squash Soup One Pot Tomato Collard and White Bean Stew Vegetarian Chili Creamy Corn and Broccoli Chowder One Pot Organic Tomato Basil Pasta

Apricots: The Time Is Ripe

Share article Apricots: The Time Is Ripe on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

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.  

Why Does It Matter to Eat Organic?

Share article Why Does It Matter to Eat Organic? on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

As the editor of a national green-lifestyle magazine, I get a lot of questions from readers. But without a doubt, the number one question I’m asked is, “Why does it matter to eat organic?” It can be a tough question to answer. And the reality is, even I don’t eat organic 100% of the time, because of one simple fact—it’s not always easy. But eating organic does matter and it is important to incorporate it into your and your family’s life whenever possible. So, when does it really matter to make the organic choice?

Starting Children with Organics

Child holding blueberries We’ve all seen it, new parents franticly attempting to feed only organics to their little ones. And it makes sense. Pesticides and herbicides can harm the developing brain and nervous system of babies and toddlers. But once children start running and talking, the thought becomes bye-bye Plum Organics fruit and veggie pouches and hello conventional apple sauce. The reality is, organic still matters. For instance, conventional apples have the highest pesticide residue of all commercially grown fruit according to the Environmental Working Group. And the risk of harm to children is higher than adults since they eat more fruits and vegetables, relative to their body weight.

Carton of eggs and milkMake Your Switch Easy

List the foods you buy on a regular basis when shopping at Sprouts, and slowly start to transition these items to organic. This list probably contains items like milk, cereal, eggs, and salad mixes. Going organic on these items means they’re not only free of pesticides, but for items like milk, meat and poultry it means they have no hormones or antibiotics added.

Salmon with SaladKeeping Your Options Open

In the US, there are no standards for certified organic seafood. So, I look for sustainably caught canned tuna from brands like Wild Planet. These brands use pole and line fishing methods (so no turtles are harmed) to catch smaller and younger fish. Smaller fish accumulate less mercury than larger fish, making it a winner in my book.

Strawberries and KaleBuy in Season

Buy in Season. When your favorite fruits and vegetables are in season, buy in large quantities. Sprouts has weekly deals, making it easy for you to stock up. Save time and money by freezing your fruits and veggies. I like to freeze berries on a parchment lined baking sheet and then store them in containers. This way I always have fruit on hand and can make smoothies in a snap by tossing in a handful of berries and enjoying a burst of summer (even if it’s cold and dreary outside).

Sprouts organic salad dressingYou Can Trust the Certified Organic Seal

When you see the USDA Certified Organic seal on packaging, you can be assured it’s the real deal. The seal is regulated by the U.S. Government and every brand, grower, manufacturer from certified organic skin care to certified organic juices follow the same standards and practices to earn (and use!) the seal.

Danny Seo, Editor in ChiefAbout Danny Seo, Editor in Chief

Naturally, Danny Seo

Through his best-selling books, television programs, products, and syndicated column, environmental-lifestyle expert Danny Seo shares the creative ideas that have made him America’s leading authority on modern, eco-friendly living. His magazine “Naturally, Danny Seo”, looks at living the healthy, natural and good-for-you life with a fresh, authoritative voice that covers everything from food, beauty, travel, home, and entertaining all through Danny’s unique point-of-view as America’s leading guru of green living. Naturally, Danny Seo is where style and sustainability meet.  

Surf Sweets

Share article Surf Sweets on:
FacebookTwitterPinterestPrint

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/