I know many of my readers enjoy entering sweepstakes. I thought you might be interested in one that Cans Get You Cooking is currently hosting. The contest ends on July 12, 2013 so you still have plenty of time to enter.
I’ve included all the information in the graphic (above).
While you are there you should check out all the fabulous recipes they have featuring canned products. They have a whole pinboard for Summer Entertaining that features quick and easy recipes you can prepare for backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
One recipe featured on their pinboard I’m excited to try the next time we have a barbecue at my father’s house. It’s made with a can of Veg- All vegetables and canned kidney beans.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can Veg-All Original Mixed Vegetables, drained
- 1 (15.5 oz) can Allens or Trappey’s Kidney Beans, drained
- 2 Cups Rotini pasta, cooked
- 1 Cup Swiss cheese, cut in julienne strips
- 1/4 Cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
In large bowl, lightly toss all ingredients. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving.
You can’t get anymore easier than this recipe. I love that it uses the canned vegetables. As much as I enjoy working with fresh veggies from the farmer’s market they are not always practical. It’s hard to keep a lot of fresh veggies on hand because they spoil so quickly. Canned veggies, like Veg-All are get to keep on hand because they won’t spoil and they are handy in case of a last minute invitation.
Did you know that 73% of Americans throw away spoiled fruits and vegetables on average two times a week. Cans help make sure nature’s bounty doesn’t go to waste. That is why I like to keep canned fruits and veggies on hand. I still buy fresh fruits and veggies, but I make sure only to buy a little of them at a time so it doesn’t go to waste. It kills me to toss out $8+ worth of strawberries that went bad before we could use them.
Canned fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as their fresh (and frozen) counterparts, as per a study conduced by the University of California.
Another canned product that is great to have on hand for summer entertaining is canned chili. I know many people just gasped when I said that. I know there are plenty of people who take pride in their homemade chili. I’m simply suggesting keeping some canned chili on hand, such as Hormel Chili, for last minute get togethers or as a time saver. Sometimes hosting a party can be time consuming. It’s nice to have little short cuts here and there. Offering guests some Hormel Chili is a tasty option. Hormel Chili is available with beans and without beans. They also have turkey chili which has a little less fat in it.
You can dress up canned chili with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Tabasco sauce, herbs and/or spices. You can easily personalize it and make it your own. It’s so easy to prepare – simply open the can, warm up and enjoy.
If you have a well stocked pantry (or shall I say “cantry”) filled with canned fruits and veggies, as well as other meals, it can help you bring healthy, flavorful and home-cooked meals to your table quickly and easily. Plus you’ll never be at a loss as to what to bring to a barbecue or family gathering.
Check out the Cans Get You Cooking Pinterest page where you can find great Summer time (and year round!) recipe ideas at www.Pinterest.com/CansGetUCooking.
While you are at it you might want to check out Cans Get You Cooking on Facebook and on YouTube. On their YouTube page there are some great No Cook Summer recipes as well as some Grilling Side Dish suggestions/recipes.
Do you use canned goods to help you with summer time recipes? What is your favorite recipe that uses canned goods (fruits, veggies or other)? Feel free to comment and tell me more about it.
Kimberly
*I am participating in a blogger campaign and received a gift card to shop for canned goods. There was no other compensation. The opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.
Sheri says
I prefer fresh but I always keep some canned and frozen fruit and veggies on hand for those last minute meals.
Alison says
I love easy contests! Thanks for pointing this one out!
Beth @ Musing Mainiac says
Cool contest! Like Sheri I prefer fresh, however there is nothing like canned green beans…yum!
Rachel says
We always have canned good around just in case.
Thanks for the info about the contest. Sounds like a cool one.