Spending More Time Cooking? Let Us Help.

As we all navigate a "new normal" these days, many of us are looking for help in the kitchen. Whether you're new to cooking or just looking for new ideas, we have you covered.

Food has become a major focus for many of us, as a main source of nourishment, comfort and unity as we all hunker down at home. We're here with tips to help you maximize your groceries, sharpen your cooking skills and make the most of this time. Still have questions? Let us know how we can help by dropping in a comment below or reaching out on any of our social media channels.

Properly Store Your Groceries

Buying more groceries? Be sure to properly store produce and other perishables to extend their shelf life. Try to plan out your meals, keep an eye on expiration dates, use up your freezer space and prioritize the fruits and vegetables to maximize what you have on hand.

Here are tips for properly selecting, storing and cleaning mushrooms to make them last as long as possible.

Choose Nutrient-Rich Ingredients

Feed your immune system with nutrients found in mushrooms.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans¹ emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy eating pattern to maintain health and reduce the risk of disease. When putting together your shopping list and meal plan, keep these things in mind:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Focus on whole fruits.
• Vary your vegetables.
• Make half your grains whole grains.
• Move to low-fat and fat-free milk or yogurt.
• Vary your protein routine.
• Drink and eat less sodium, saturated fat and added sugars.

For example, mushrooms are the leading source of the antioxidant nutrient selenium in the produce aisle. Antioxidants like selenium protect our cells from damage that might lead to chronic diseases and help to strengthen the immune system.

Cook Simple Recipes Using Pantry Staples

Put those back-of-the-cupboard canned goods to use with easy, pantry-based recipes that are both delicious and nutritious: grains, rice, beans, lentils, chickpeas, canned meat and canned veggies. Focus on easy recipes that require only a few fresh ingredients and your spice rack. And remember it's ok to feed your stomach and your soul with comforting recipes that make you happier.

Try out these easy, minimal ingredient recipes:

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Find Ways to Connect While Social Distancing

Chili cook offs may be on hold but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bowl of the good stuff with friends virtually. Challenge your friends to a chili cook-off (or cookie bake-off if that’s more your style), then share your creations via video chat.

These are challenging times for everyone but we’re here to support you in any way we can. We’re in this together, and the mighty mushroom is on your team.

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¹ https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/current-dietary-guidelines/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines