Memorial Day Entertaining

Hello Everybody!

It’s Memorial Day Weekend and this is the kick off to summer! This is the weekend that the cabins are opened, camping starts and we are entertaining our family and friends.

The weather isn’t always the greatest this weekend, so you kind of have to play it by ear. That’s why I try to come up with food that you can grill outside of the weather is great or you can also make inside if Mother Nature isn’t playing nice! I can hardly wait to make these recipes again. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 

Cuban Sliders 

This time I have a Cuban Slider Recipe that I went crazy for the first bite I had. It makes several servings making it great for bigger get togethers. Plus, it is super quick and easy to make, so you’re spending time with your guests instead of in your kitchen!

I had a Cuban Sandwich about a year ago for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I saw this recipe for sliders I knew I just had to try it. I will be making this recipe several times throughout the summer because it is just that good.

Fresh Summer Salsa 

Next, I make this Summer Salsa Recipe every time I’m at the cabin entertaining because my guests absolutely love it and request it every time they come over. I can promise you that there are no left overs and your guests will be happy! It goes great with basically anything and it is even better when the fresh vegetables come from your garden later in the season. Swap the Pineapple with Mango if you prefer, or toss a little of both in for an added twist! 

We also don’t have all the time in the world like we want, so when I’m short of time I stop into anyone of our Deli Departments. They have a wide variety of salads, smoked beans and fruit salads that go great with any meal! 

Have a Great Memorial Day weekend and enjoy the kickoff to summer! We waited a long time for warm weather so let’s enjoy it with family and friends!

Jayne

Pantry Challenge

Spring Cleaning Your Pantry!

The weather is warming up and if you’re like me, you’ve got the windows open and you’ve already started doing some spring cleaning! Of course, it’s great to tackle all the grime and dust that builds up in places around your home, but there’s one area that most people tend to forget about in their cleaning frenzy… the pantry!

Are you up for the challenge? Then join our Spring Cleaning #PantryChallenge! It’s the perfect time to clear out your expired food items and re-organize your food storage space to be more functional for the whole family. I’ve established a How-To-Guide on cleaning your pantry, fridge and freezer! It’s easy to follow and you can do it on your own time.

#PantryChallenge Goals:

  1. Get rid of expired food in your pantry, freezer and refrigerator.
  2. Guide your meal planning to utilize items you have on hand.
  3. Give you inspiration to make better choices for you and your family!

Let’s Get Started

Pick your zone! Start in the pantry, fridge or freezer. Where you start doesn’t matter, as long as you take the first step. Just know you will repeat these steps with each space.

Step 1: Take EVERYTHING out
I mean it… EVERYTHING! If you keep any small appliances or other non-food supplies in your pantry, clear them all out. This will help you start fresh and keep things organized where they need to be. Plus, it’s a good chance to dust off the ones you haven’t used in a while or consider donating items you haven’t used in a REALLY long while!

Step 2: Toss all expired food
I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll have some items in your house from 2017 or before. (I’m guilty, too). Toss them out and keep only the items that you and your family will eat. For non-perishable items that are not expired and you don’t see your family utilizing, donate them to your local food shelf.

Step 3: Write it down
Write down all food items that you are keeping. Find a blank notebook, scratch paper or an app in your phone… whatever works for you! Make 3 columns – Pantry, Freezer & Refrigerator. Write down all the items that you still have on hand, make sure to exclude all the items that were outdated and donated.

Step 4: Scrub-a-dub-dub!
Clean & wipe down the space. Now that everything is out, give it some good old-fashioned elbow grease and get cleaning! Get in those corners and be sure that your food is being stored in a clean place. This would be a good opportunity to add or replace shelf paper in the pantry or add a coat of paint to brighten up the space too!

Step 5: Re-stock
Put all your items back in. Keep them organized as you go by putting like items together. This is a good time to add new shelves or bins to help keep your food organized. Double check the food as you return it to the space to see if the cans or boxes may be dusty too. Wipe them down if needed so they don’t dirty up your nice clean shelves.

Smarter Meal Planning

Take the list that has all the food items you have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Are you overwhelmed? It’s amazing how much food we have on hand, yet, we can still come home and think “We have no food in this house!” (I’m guilty, too!)

The last step to our #PantryChallenge is my favorite part! I challenge you to use the list of food that you have on hand and create as many meals out of it as you can! For example, if you know you have pasta and lean ground beef, perhaps you make spaghetti and meatballs one night. Or if you have a variety of canned beans, maybe you try out some chili.

The goal is to plan meals that utilize the food you have on hand to help you use up the food that’s been sitting in the cupboard for quite a while. So, get creative with your meals or find some new recipes! (We have lots of great Dietitian’s Choice recipes right here on CelebrateMore!) By planning ahead, it’s easier to plan healthier, more balanced meals for the whole family. Plus, your shopping list should be much shorter if you’re utilizing what you already have at home, saving you time and money at the grocery store!

Share your photos with us!

Take a before and after photo… You’ll be glad you did! We would love to see the progress and improvements you made in your home with the #PantryChallenge! So, show off a little on how you are reducing food waste and stretching your food dollar. Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @Coborns_Stores. We would love to know what other tips you might have when it comes to spring cleaning your pantry!

Cheers to spring!!
Amy, RD, LD

Our Family Table – Sharing Our Kenyan Culture Through Food

Ashley

Hey Everyone! In case you didn’t know March is National Nutrition Month – basically every dietitian’s favorite month of the year! It is definitely worth celebrating all month long! And what is this dietitian’s favorite way to celebrate? By enjoying amazing food, of course!

Presently we are in a culture where overeating is prevalent and mindful intuitive eating is becoming mainstream. We need to strike a balance between genuinely enjoying the eating experience, nourishing our bodies with what it needs to function at its highest capacity, and yet allowing ourselves to indulge in all foods in moderation, proper portion and balance. It’s really about listening to our bodies and being mindful and intuitive throughout the whole eating experience. Quite the harmonizing act, but all in the name of appreciating our food and allowing it to sustain our bodies so we can feel our personal best!

Food is a big part of every culture and every person, everywhere on planet earth. It truly has the power to connect and is inclusive of everyone. Food has the power to bring us to the table for conversation, relationship building and enjoyment of the food experience which includes both eating and preparation. Throughout my travels around the world that is the biggest theme.

Many of you know that my husband is from Kenya and we make it a point to travel there as often as possible so that our boys can know their family and know Kenya in a very personal and genuine way, especially in terms of the food experience. I wanted to take time to share the meaning of food and the eating experience in Kenya – the symbolism of food is incredible, and every culture and society holds their own beliefs.

In traditional Kenyan fare, there is ALWAYS sautéed greens, its not a meal without them. In fact, the most common green is called Skuma Wiki – think of it like kale or collard greens. The meaning behind it in Kiswahili – one of the main languages is, “to get through the week.” Families that are unable to afford other foods rely on this very common and low-cost green to satisfy them through the week when other foods are unavailable due to cost.

Ugali – Many Kenyans, especially the men don’t believe they can be truly satisfied or full without this staple. It is a corn-based flour that is cooked and formed into a dense cake. This is basically the mashed potatoes of Kenya!

Chapati – this is like a homemade flour tortilla. It’s my ABSOLUTE favorite food in Kenya. My son LOVES them, and he begs Grandma Kenya (as we call her) to make them literally every day when he is with her. There is so much time and effort including very special skills put in to make the perfect chapati. It is served to visitors, especially after a long safari (journey) to symbolize appreciation of the visitor and a very sincere welcome to the guest.

Kachumbari – This is like a side salad but think of it as a fresh salsa. It has diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lemon and sometimes fresh avocados.

Meat – Meat is expensive in Kenya. The most common meats served are beef and goat. The meat is either roasted on the grill (choma) or put into a stew to dip the ugali and chapati. Meat is really a status symbol of wealth in Kenya. It is very common for a well-to-do Kenyan to slaughter a whole goat or even a whole cow depending on the number of guests, as a welcome and symbol of genuine appreciation for the guests visiting. Someone who is less financially fortunate will provide the best that they have, even if it means the family will suffer for the week leading up to the visit and the week after hosting a guest. If a chicken is available, the host will even slaughter their last chicken and prepare it for the guest.

If you haven’t noticed, the guest is truly the most important person in the Kenyan culture and Kenyans hold them to the highest regard, truly rolling out the red carpet to their greatest capacity to make their guest feel most welcome and most comfortable. This is all accomplished through the food offered and the event of the meal shared at the table.

This is only the beginning of the food symbolism in the Kenyan culture. Where are your roots and family heritage/ancestry? We would love to hear! What are the most important foods in your culture and what are their meanings?

“Food is our common ground and our universal experience” – James Beard

“The power of food is very spiritual. It not only brings the whole family on the same table, but also brings the whole world together” – Vikas Khanna

Peace and Wellness,
Ashley, RD, LD 

Have Left Over Rotisserie Chicken?

Jayne

I’m so excited because I found a new recipe that has avocado in it and I love avocado!!!

Besides being a healthy item, this recipe can be served as a great appetizer, a light easy dinner or a great healthy snack for the kids. This is so quick to make and I served it for an appetizer at a party I was invited to and it was the hit of the party.

I purchase rotisserie chicken on a regular basis and never know what to do with leftover chicken and now this is the perfect recipe to use up your leftovers.

Get the recipe for these awesome Chicken Avocado Salad Roll Ups here

This is such a great treat….enjoy!!!

Jayne,
Coborn’s, Inc. Merchandising Specialist Team Manager – Bakery & Deli

Blueberry, Avocado & Banana Smoothie Bowl

Blueberry, Avocado & Banana Smoothie Bowl

Serves: 1-2
Ingredients
  • 1 Cup Blueberry Low-Fat Lifeway Kefir
  • 1 Cup Frozen Blueberries
  • 2 Tbsp. Avocado
  • 1 Banana, frozen
  • Additional Toppings
  • Granola
  • Blueberries
  • Banana Slices
  • Fresh Mint
Instructions
  1. Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
  2. Pour into 1-2 Bowls. Top with desired toppings. 
Notes
Try adding 1 Tbsp Ground Flaxseed or 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds for added nutrition!

 

 

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili

Nothing says comfort food like chili… so try this White Chicken Chili for a more nutritious take on cozy comfort food! Our dietitians are adding new recipes all the time, so check out our Dietitians Choice Recipes page for all their latest recipes!

Shop from the comfort of your home! You can shop online at any of our proud family of stores for these recipe ingredients as well as the rest of your grocery list! We offer curbside pick up at all locations and delivery in select locations as well. Don’t forget to connect your MORE Rewards account when you shop online for extra savings, digital coupons, and many other rewards too!



Valentine’s Cupcakes

Valentine’s Cupcakes

Can’t decide between getting your sweetheart flowers or a delicious dessert? Here’s an idea that brings them together, an arrangement of cupcake roses! With a turn table you can make these unique looking rose cupcakes, and bonus, it’s a fun technique to try!

Chicken Fajita Salad With Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette

www.cobornsblog.com - Family, Friends & Food with Jayne

Jayne

Happy New Year and best wishes in 2018!!

I hope all of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season together with family and friends! As the New Year starts so do the diets and getting back on track with eating healthy foods. I really like this time of year because Continue reading

Jayne’s Top 10 Holiday Appetizers

www.cobornsblog.com - Family, Friends & Food with Jayne

Jayne

Happy Holidays! As you know, I absolutely LOVE this time of the year. There are so many wonderful traditions, tons of beautiful decorations and of course, great food to try! Here’s my Top 10 Holiday Appetizer Recipes for you to enjoy with your family and friends during this Holiday Season.

You can find videos for all these recipes and more on our youtube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay up to date on all my upcoming videos! Enjoy! Continue reading

Keep Food Fresh With a Vacuum Sealer

www.cobornsblog.com - Family, Friends & Food with Jayne

Jayne

Hi everyone!!
It’s official… our summer is over and we are full steam ahead into fall and harvest time. If you are like me, we are right in the middle of trying to use up all our vegetables out of the garden so they don’t go to waste.  Continue reading

Keep flies away from Food

www.cobornsblog.com - Coborn's Food Safety Coordinator, Kim

Kim

Hello again everyone! I was asked to talk to you today about flies and whether or not a person should be worried if a fly lands on their food. Well……it is not a very pleasant subject because as much as we would like to dismiss them as just pesty little buggers that like to ruin our outdoor food fun, they really are capable of carrying various pathogens (the bacteria that can cause disease). It is for this reason we do not want flies landing on our food. Continue reading

Grilled Food and Wine Pairing

Beneath the Cork with Mike H. Assistant Liquor

Mike

Pairing wine with food should be a fun endeavor especially when it comes to summer grilling. Balancing flavors is a good starting place where you don’t want one element to overpower another like a Cabernet might do to shrimp skewers or steak might do to Pinot Grigio. Texture can be important too and is demonstrated well by a wine with tannins cutting through a fattier piece of meat. As I once heard, another way to think of pairing food & wine is to treat wine like another condiment. Try to create a similar effect to squeezed lemon on seafood or pesto on a steak or salad. Finally if all else fails pick a sparkling wine like Prosecco to pair with grilled food as those bubbles can pair with nearly anything. With all that said, here are some old & new favorites I will be enjoying this summer… Continue reading

Add Color and Nutrition to Your Grill


Eat Healthy, Shop Smart with Ashley. www.cobornsblog.com

Ashley

Hey all- in my world- its grilling season already! We have had a few nice days and you can bet my grill was out cooking away! There is nothing more appetizing than the smell of freshly grilled food!

As I have mentioned in the past, grilling is a healthy way to prepare your foods for several reasons. When we plan to grill most of the time, the main focus is on the meat or the protein portion of the meal and we sometimes forget about the veggies and fruit. Why not grill those veggies too- its gives them a wonderful flavor as well and YES you can definitely grill those fruits. I think you all got that point that we can grill just about any produce item whether its fruits or veggies- the more the better! Remember at least half your plate at every meal!
Try unique ones for the grill- cabbage, salad- yes I said salad, okra and even figs.

  • Top your potato salad with avocados
  • Have broccoli slaw and add shredded carrots and no sugar added craisins or what about jicama slaw?
  • Make your own pork and beans with less sodium and sugar
  • Have grilled veggie skewers for a fun way to add veggies
  • Have a black bean corn salsa for a burger topping or dip for whole grain chips
  • Have hummus on your bun instead of mayo
  • Add avocado to your burger instead of cheese
  • Grilled zucchini fries
  • Mexican corn salad- so fresh!

The challenge that exists is how to add color to those main courses or the protein options. So let me help with that:

  1. Burgers- always add Lettuce, tomato, and onion, and as I mentioned above, avocado instead of cheese or try a veggie burger- think portabella burgers! Get creative and even add blueberries and maple syrup… maple syrup blueberry bison burger anyone? Absolutely delish! Grilled eggplant burger topped with romaine lettuce and goat cheese… my mouth is literally watering as a type this!
  2. Pork Chop- pair with grilled apples or spiraled apples
  3. Chicken Breast- how about topping it with pineapple salsa
  4. Salmon- grilling the salmon fillet works, but what about a Mediterranean salmon patty with added spinach and feta- roasted peppers would be amazing as a topping!
  5. Steak- add mushroom, onions and sautéed peppers to this
  6. Tilapia- pair with basil and tomatoes
  7. Pizza! Yes! I said pizza on the grill- YUMMY- pizza is a great opportunity to get a surplus of veggies and fruit too! Literally any produce item can go on pizza this days- get creative! You could even try cauliflower crust for an additional veggie
  8. How about a grilled veggie sandwich? Stuffed mushrooms or peppers anyone?
  9. Brats- honestly even if they are chicken or turkey, they are still pretty high in sodium, not to mention the bread or the condiments you may put on them which only increase that already high amount. And that’s not counting any of your sides.

You can grill for any meal occasion, from dessert, to lunch- salad with grilled veggies and a side of some fresh frilled bread topped with a gourmet cheese? Count me in!

I hope you are inspired to try some new ideas and recipes! I know I am! Food is never boring!

Peace and Wellness,

Ashley Kibutha, RD, LD

DIY Backyard Dinner Party

DIY Backyard Dinner Party

www.cobornsblog.com - Family, Friends & Food with Jayne

Jayne

Well the evening has finally arrived for my son’s Groom’s Dinner and I wanted to invite you along to take a sneak peak into this evening’s event! You were there with us through the Bridal Shower video in May, so I wanted to share the ideas with you that I came up with for the Grooms Dinner. I really took the time to plan this out because I wanted to make this event extremely special for my son and his future bride – My soon to be daughter-in-law!! Continue reading