Spring has sprung, and as you are preparing for warmer weather, it’s easy to forget about the most popular room of the house: the kitchen.
Joan Hanson, test kitchen director for Hormel Foods, offers a few easy tips to make room for the foods of the season.
- Take Stock – Before the next trip to the grocery store, make it a point to clean the refrigerator and pantry before-hand. Get rid of items that have gone bad and make extra space for new purchases. Don’t forget to check items hiding in back or in the door.
- Group Foods– To make finding and using items easier, group similar food families. Try storing pastas, snacks and baking items near each other to help keep track of what you have now, and what you need to pull together for your next shopping list.
- Decode Dates – The sell-by date is the suggested date a retailer should sell a product. The use-by date is the suggested date you should use a product for optimum quality. Check use-by dates and toss any that are past due.
Now that there is room, stock the fridge and pantry with hot trends that are “springing” up this season, such as those with Mediterranean inspired flavors.
- Greek Chicken Pizzas – Spread hummus on whole wheat tortillas, top with Valley Fresh® 100% Natural White Chunk Chicken, Peloponnese® kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, thinly sliced red onion and feta cheese. Bake and enjoy as a snack or light lunch.
- Tempting Tastings – Compile a tasting platter featuring a variety of olives, cheeses and fruits. Invite guests to snack al fresco to take advantage of the warming temperatures.
Click on the "Recipes" tab to find more great food ideas this Spring.