With grocery costs continuing to be affected by the pandemic, it’s never too late to learn how to cook a less expensive cut of meat or poultry item. Instead of the more costly option of boneless, skinless chicken breast, stock up on split chicken breast when it’s on sale. You can always trim off the fat or remove skin and de-bone it before cooking. But, the quality is best if you cook it with the skin on to retain tenderness and moistness. Paired with a simple but flavorful side dish or salad makes a roasted chicken meal an easy choice. If you’re already roasting the chicken in the oven, add some diced root vegetables or potatoes. Sheet pan meals are hands-off cooking and easier clean-up.

A is for Apple – and the fall growing season is in full swing. Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C. They contain a healthy dose of quercetin, a powerful flavonoid with antioxidant properties, which helps protect the heart and arteries, and may help combat some cancers. So grab a bag and try them a few new ways.

Z is for Zucchini. Adding some to your diet means eating your green veggies has never been so easy. With something so versatile and simple to prep, zucchini has many health benefits. Helping reduce blood sugar levels, promoting healthy digestion and improved heart health are just a few. It can also satisfy a variety of things for which you might be craving – savory, crunchy, or sweet.

Stock up on zucchini and store it in the fridge in a plastic bag for 4-5 days. Choose ones with shiny skin (slightly prickly is okay) that is free from cuts or bruising. Do not wash them until you are ready to use. You can cook or bake with zucchini to add extra nutrients and moistness. Serve it with dinner as a better-for-you alternative to French fries or as a major ingredient in your entrée. Look for Zoodle Pad Thai with Shrimp on InSeasonezine.com. It’s also great in baked goods to satisfy sweet cravings.

Labor Day is the time to pay tribute to the American workforce. And that often means an extra day off to relax and celebrate. Whether you’re working inside or outside the home, we value your contributions and time! In today’s busy world, plan for meals without a ton of steps, and minimal time needed to prep and cook. Check for items on sale to see which could fit your meal ideas or recipes.

Kabobs are a great option where everyone can help to assemble their own skewer and cook time is less because the pieces of food are smaller.

For most, the pandemic meant cooking at home more often. Over time, burnout with at-home cooking became too real. We ran out of ideas and couldn’t always find the things we needed at the grocery store. But, there were some positives. People learned basic cooking skills and tried new recipes! Now, as families head back to school or resume working in an office, plan a menu that includes semi-homemade meals. They’re sensible because they save time and money. On busy school nights, less time prepping and cleaning up is helpful. Buying a prepared sauce instead of making it from scratch saves you money and avoids waste.

You can boost the nutritional quality of a meal without spending a lot more, just by adding frozen and canned ingredients. Choose packages stating an item has No Salt Added, Low Sodium, or No Added Sugar. Make restaurant-quality meals better-for-you with a semi-homemade recipe! You can even get creative and explore different ethnic flavors you might not make from scratch. Enjoy a taste of THAI!