The Holidays Are Over, We Made It Through January and February Is Already Here… Get Ready for the Super Bowl, American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day
The Super Bowl is February 5, this year; New England Patriots vs the Atlanta Falcons will be playing. Make sure you are prepared with plenty of delicious and healthy snacks. Melissa’s is here to help. Our Clean Snax® are perfect for any get together. Or try putting a tray of finger hors d’oeuvres together with cut cucumbers, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes and a little hummus dip. Your guests will be happy and so will their taste buds!
The next big February celebration is Valentine’s Day. February 14th is the most romantic day of the year. Many couples go out for a special evening filled with good food and romance. Others stay in and prepare a romantic meal at home. Did you know cooking with fresh chiles will release endorphins and add a boost in mood and energy…so be sure to make your Valentine’s Day meal HOT by using plenty of fresh chiles.
Another “romantic” ingredient is the Goji Berry. These little berries are packed with nutrition and are considered an aphrodisiac. You will find them dried and you can use them in recipes like you would use a raisin. They are mildly sweet with a little tartness. Try some for a little added romance.
While you are enjoying berries, fresh Organic Strawberries have always been a romantic fruit. Use them in salads, desserts or simply sprinkled with a little sugar.
Pomegranates represent fertility and reproduction…. Eating these on Valentine’s Day has couples believing they will start or add to their family in the coming year. Depending on Mother Nature, you will find whole pomegranates or pomegranate arils to use in your recipes. They are perfect to add salads or sprinkle on plates as a garnish to add color.
And last but not least, the most coveted romantic ingredient: Fresh Truffles. Add fresh truffles to your favorite pasta dish, chicken or beef. They are so aromatic and pungent, and will add so much flavor. If you can’t find the fresh, dried truffles, truffle oil or truffle salt will work, too.
The last big event of February lasts the entire month: American Heart Month. Learning about heart-healthy foods will help you feel better and live longer. Start off eating your 10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. It’s so easy with all the convenient products we offer from vacuum sealed legumes to pre-packed vegetables.
Eating foods that are high in omega-3 vitamins like salmon and tuna, as well as chickpeas, raspberries, walnuts and high fiber foods will help keep your heart in good shape!
