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.

Healthy Kitchen for a Healthy New Year

Over the past year and a half we have all been spending more time at home. For some it is more than we ever have in the past. The time has perhaps prompted us to minimize our belongings, organize our wardrobe or make our homes cozier. We think the kitchen is truly the heart of the home (perhaps we are a bit bias.) The kitchen table is a place where friends and families gather to share meals and have important conversations. We think the kitchen operates like the brain of the home. How does your kitchen feel? Is it a place you want to spend time nourishing your body and those of your loved ones? While the new year is still fresh and we are ready for change, it may be time to examine the elements of your kitchen, is it performing like it should?

Rasberrys 10 Elements for a Healthy Kitchen

1. Light - natural light, task lighting, proper light for dining

2. Air - temperature, flow of fresh air, plants for oxygen

3. Color - wall color, countertop color, cabinet color, furniture colors

4. Comfort - standing mats to stand on, inviting dining furniture

5. Smell - essential oil diffuser, natural cleaning products, placement of trash

6. Fresh - fresh fruits and vegetables are easily accessible

7. Water - taste and accessibility

8. Function - placement of most commonly used items

9. Flow - meal prep is easy and inviting

10. Style - the heart of your home reflects you

The healthy benefits of beans and legumes

One of the most common misconceptions of going vegetarian is the challenge of protein. While a more traditional diet of meat and potatoes (the kind most of us grew up on) is where we first learned defined protein. We have always been veggie forward at Rasberrys, hiding them in unsuspected dishes and presenting in a way that is both delicious and filing. If you are a vegetarian, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian or a flexitarian, the one thing in common is: we can all benefit by eating more beans.

Most Nutritious Beans List

1. Chickpeas are a great source of fiber and folate, and they’re also low in calories. They can help reduce blood sugar, decrease blood cholesterol and improve gut health.

2. Lentils are a great source of vegetarian protein and may reduce blood sugar levels compared to some other foods that are high in carbohydrates.

3. Peas are a great source of fiber and protein, which may help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance. Pea fiber and protein support a healthy gut, as well.

4. Kidney Beans contain high amounts of fiber and may help reduce the rise in blood sugar that happens after a meal.

5. Black Beans are effective at reducing the rise in blood sugar after a meal compared to other high-carb foods, such as rice and bread.

6. Soybeans and the antioxidants they contain may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, decrease risk factors for heart disease and reduce menopausal bone density loss.

7. Pinto beans may help reduce blood cholesterol, blood sugar and maintain gut health. They can be eaten either whole or mashed.

8. Navy beans contain a lot of fiber and may help reduce the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. They also contain several important nutrients.

9. Peanuts are actually a legume. They contain lots of healthy monounsaturated fats and may be beneficial for heart health.

Beans and legumes are some of the most underrated foods on the planet. They are an environmentally friendly protein option. Add them to soups, stews and salads, or just eat them on their own for a nutritious vegetarian meal.