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Pantry Must Haves

12/18/2015

Keeping your pantry stocked is always a good thing but it is what's in your pantry that is most important. Canned products are good for a variety of reasons, particularly their long shelf life. There is no denying that fresh is best in almost every case but when fresh isn't available or time is a factor, canned veg products make great substitutes.

What are MY canned pantry must haves?

TOMATOES

** There is never a time I am without canned tomatoes.They are perfect for so many dishes and really just a great product to have on hand.

I like to stick to cans of whole, plum tomatoes or San Marzano and add my own seasonings as opposed to buying the seasoned varieties because I never buy them knowing what I intend to use them for!

REFRIED BEANS

** Yes, I am aware they look similar to dog food but once you overlook that, they're delicious and versatile!

They are a great addition (and time saver) to tacos, supreme style nachos and fries, and even as a thickening agent in chili! They are great on their own as a side or even a dip.

NOTE: Read your labels! Some canned refried beans contain lard!

VEGETABLE STOCK

** O.k, so most of the time this is a box and not a can. With that being said, it's an important pantry item!

It can be added to gravies, sauces, cooking vegetables, chili's, soups, stews. I could really go on and on. It lasts months and months on the shelf and once opened lasts another 6 - 9 days.

NOTE: Go low sodium! Too much sodium is not a good thing and these stocks are generally loaded with it for a small serving. Double or Triple that amount if eating a full size meal.

PEANUT BUTTER

** Yes, Peanut Butter. Everybody's favourite snack growing up as a child is still a good thing to always have on hand.

Whether you need a quick dessert (Peanut Butter cookies anyone?), a simple snack, or breakfast in the morning, Peanut Butter is there! Keep a jar on hand at all times, except of course if you're allergic in which case I wouldn't recommend it.

Got any other PANTRY MUST HAVES to share?

Leave a comment :)

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MEATLESS BALL BATTLE

12/13/2015

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Normally, I compare a Meat product against its Vegetarian counterpart and let the nutritional charts duke it out to determine which product is all around better for you. This time, in the spirit of friendly competition, I'm pairing two Vegetarian Meatball products to see which of the two is the best choice for my upcoming GEMELLI & MEATBALLS recipe!

Let's get it started here!

GARDEIN MEATLESS MEATBALLS VS YVES VEGGIE MEATBALLS

** To compare, I've adjusted the YVES VEGGIE BALLS to 90g serving.

ROUND 1 - CALORIES

GARDEIN = 160 Cal
YVES      = 180 Cal

WINNER - GARDEIN

** Both options are very low in calories per serving so you really can't go wrong either way!

ROUND 2 - FAT

GARDEIN = 6g
YVES      = 7.5g

WINNER - GARDEIN

** Another close call, both options are low in fat and offer virtually no saturated fat. What does this mean? Seconds are a go!

ROUND 3 - SODIUM

GARDEIN = 390mg
YVES      = 570mg

WINNER - GARDEIN

** After adjusting the serving size to compare, it turns out GARDEIN offers less sodium overall! Neither option is extremely high so keep that in mind!

ROUND 4 - PROTEIN

GARDEIN = 17g
YVES      = 18g

WINNER - YVES

** Lots of protein and not a lot of fat with either option.

ROUND 5 - VITAMINS AND MINERALS

WINNER - YVES

** Both options are nutritionally sound but the YVES variety has a just a little more in most categories.

****************WINNER**************

    GARDEIN

It was a very close call but GARDEIN was the victor this time around. Both options are delicious, low in fat, packed with vitamins and minerals, and offer a great amount of protein!

I guess since it was such a close call you should TRY THEM BOTH in your favourite dishes and see for yourselves!

Nutritional Information and Images taken from

Hain Celestial - YVES VEGGIE http://hain-celestial.ca/

GARDEIN http://gardein.com/

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Pantry Must Haves

MEATLESS BALL BATTLE

Jonathan - Happy Veg

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