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Tag: beans

Prepare Your Pantry

Written by novagiant on . Posted in Wellness.

Being prepared for extra time at home is wise during this season of life. However, it’s very different than hoarding or excessive impulse buying. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds us that our food supply chains remain strong. However, it leaves many people asking how much is enough to be prepared? The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people keep enough food, medicine, and personal essentials to make it through two weeks. That way if quarantine or isolation is necessary you are prepared to spend that time at home safely.

Here are foods to keep stocked for a healthy pantry:

SHELF STABLE PRODUCTS
Healthy items such as olive oil, nuts, dried fruits, your favorite dried spices, beans, and nut butters are a must to have on hand. Canned or boxed soups, protein bars, and a variety of canned produce would also come in handy.  

PRODUCE
When purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables consider buying ones that last longer such as squash, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

GRAINS
The best grains to keep stocked would be oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta.

PROTEIN
When it comes to protein, two weeks of meat should fit in most freezers but eggs are an excellent choice for a quality lean protein that has an extended shelf life. 

Nothing warms you up like homemade soup

Written by novagiant on . Posted in Wellness.

…When you come home from a long day of work or play during this season, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of HOT soup. The warmth, the smells, the taste – they all combine for a wonderful dinner. I tried my hand at soup making when the temperature outside was a frigid 9 degrees. Full disclosure – this was my first time ever making homemade soup. But the critics (my family) agreed – tasty!

So give my Turkey Sausage Bean Soup recipe below a try. Also, I’d love to hear your homemade soup recipes. Email them to bestchoice@awginc.com.

Turkey Sausage Bean Soup

Ingredients:
1 tbsp Best Choice Olive Oil

3 pre-cooked Turkey Sausage Links

1/2 Raw Onion

1 – 15oz. can of Clearly Organic Great Northern Beans

1 tbsp Clearly Organic Italian Seasoning

1/2 tbsp.Turle Red Pepper

3 cups Best Choice Chicken Stock

1/2 cup of Coleslaw/Broccoli Mix

1 tbsp Best Choice Heavy Whipping Cream

Directions:
Over medium heat, add olive oil, turkey sausage links and onion to large pot. Cook until sausage and onions are slightly browned for about 5 minutes.

Stir in red pepper, Italian seasoning and beans (don’t drain). Add chicken broth, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for around 10-15 minutes.

Stir in heavy whipping cream. Once cream is mixed in, add coleslaw/broccoli mix and cook for about 5 more minutes. Salt & pepper to taste.

Serve in bowls and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top (optional).

Warm up!