February is Canned Food Month!

Cans in the kitchen are the cook’s friend. Of course everyone knows you can open a can and serve up a quick vegetable, or soup, but not many of us think beyond that. It’s time to think “outside” the can.

READ salads are delicious sides just as they are from the can–that’s a fact. But it’s also a fact that they can be the jumpstart to all kinds of main dishes and accompaniments. Here’s how.

It’s still soup season for many of us. Usually we think of soup as: (1) from a can (2) frozen (3) homemade, requiring long simmering, which means planning ahead. But, there’s another tasty option. READ German Potato Salad makes a great soup. It’s a hearty and very tasty combo of the potato, broth and a few other ingredients, topped with crumbled bacon and/or rye croutons. Soup’s on in 30 minutes!

Or maybe a casserole is more to your liking. Potato, Turkey & Veggie Casserole has it all… ground turkey, potatoes and veggies baked in a sour cream sauce topped with crispy buttered bread crumbs. This meal is ready to eat in less than an hour. Who knew potato salad could become a fam fave casserole?

Don’t stop yet. Consider a can of READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad and how it can become potluck perfect Antipasto Bean Salad, while a can of Southwestern Bean Salad makes some of the tastiest enchiladas ever!

Stock the pantry, and check out the other great ideas at www.READsalads.com.

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day tomorrow… Aunt Nellie’s Beet Martinis and Beet & Blue Cheese Spread are perfect pre-dinner sips and nibbles.