Back to School Meals

It’s official the summer has ended and kids (both big and little) are back at their respective schools learning and growing. Those moments of frolicking at the beach or family cabin are now just memories in the rearview mirror. This is also a shift for moms and dads too, this new school routine means early mornings, packing school lunches, after school snacks and let’s not forget the main event at the end of the day - dinner! How can we pack the most nutrition into the food we prepare and serve our loved ones?

Meal planning in conjunction with your household schedule for the week can help with grocery shopping, deli pickup, etc. A few different ways to approach your at-home dinners nights

  1. Entree nights such as choosing your main ingredient, but the preparation and flavors can be different each time. For instance: Monday is fish night, Tuesdays are for tofu and so on.

  2. If you have children at home, mac-n-cheese Mondays and pizza Fridays may be a hit.

  3. Theme your flavors on days of the week like Mediterranean Mondays, Tuesdays are for Mexican, Wednesdays are flavors from the Pacific, etc. Pro tip: Rasberrys spice blends found in the Bistro pantry.

  4. Choose your method of prep for each night. Mondays could be no-cook with salads or only refrigerated ingredients, on Tuesday a crock-pot meal could be ideal or Thursday nights are for grilling.

  5. Start your week off with a trip to Rasberrys deli each Monday. Pick up entrees, salads and sides that are fresh and season. A homemade loaf of bread, English muffins or a gluten-free treat are big hits too for hungry mouths. Call ahead for custom orders!

See you soon for lunch or a deli visit. We love seeing friends and hearing about what is new in your world. Be well!

Homemade Meat (Entree) Cakes

If you are looking for a hearty entree that is homemade and can be served on a bed of greens, think meat cakes. Meat cakes is a general term, but they can be made with fish, crab, chicken or even veggies. This is a great way to use a bit of leftovers - you know, the meal you spent so much time on, but the leftovers in the refrigerator are just not that appetizing? Here are a few tips to make some homemade meat cakes in your kitchen.

Homemade Meat Cakes

  1. Start with pre-cooked chicken, fish, crab or veggies that are finely chopped or shredded. Maeme likes mushrooms because they have a meaty flavor. Try sweet potatoes, rice or beans. Here you can add protein powder too, Maeme likes Vital Veggie Protein.

  2. In a large mixing bowl add panko (if desired), egg and meat and/or veggies

  3. Add ingredients like mustard, mayonnaise, herbs. Maeme recommends dried herbs as they are more concentrated.

  4. Fold together, do not overmix

  5. Form patties about 3/4 inch thick

  6. Coat the outside of the patties with more panko if desired

  7. In a skillet with oil on medium-high heat, sear each side for 3-4 minutes

  8. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes if desired

Let us know what kind of cakes you make and how you like them!

Savory Valentine's Day Menu

Valentine's Day can sometimes seem like a celebration of sugar, along with the holiday season we just ended. At Halloween you will find us doing 101 things with pumpkin and squash. Fast forward to Valentine’s Day - savory over sugar is so our style! At Rasberrys we say everything in moderation, eat your veggies and eat real food made from whole food ingredients. If you are looking for ways to celebrate with loved ones on this upcoming holiday of love, search Google for “savory”. Who says sugar is the only way say “I love you?” Here’s to a savory (and maybe spicy) holiday!

Valentine’s like a rasberry

  1. Warm Brie w/ Cranberry Chutney & Jalapeno Crackers

  2. Roasted Strawberries w/ Balsamic & Honey Ricotta on Grilled Ciabatta Crustini

  3. Spiced Popcorn to enjoy while watching a Rom-Com

  4. Heart Shaped chicken pot pies, pizza or calzones (as realistic as this can be pulled off)

  5. Shrimp & Crab Cocktail

  6. Creamy or Classic Marinara & Pasta w/ Long Noodles (think Lady and the Tramp)

  7. Crab or Seafood Cakes

  8. Grilled Flatbread Pizzas

  9. Crustless Quiche with Spinach, Tomato & Feta

  10. Think Red: Tomatoes, Strawberries, Cherries, Pomegranates, Rasberries, Cranberries, Red Bell Peppers, Red Chile Peppers, Radishes, etc.