There is a special place in everyone’s heart for their favorite comfort foods. The aromas fill the kitchen with a sense of nostalgia, bringing back memories of cozy evenings and warm family gatherings. From the very first bite, they remind us to appreciate the simple joys in life. Feeling down in the dumps, stressed, or just tired from a busy day? The answer is always to prepare some satisfying feel-good food. Usually, these dishes are loaded with fat, carbs, and calories, but who says these beloved dishes can’t also be a part of a healthy lifestyle? By simply adding greenhouse grown veggies, you can get a healthy boost of nutrients and fresh flavor from classic comfort food.
High-calorie meals like Mac ‘n Cheese, a burger with fries, pizza, and fried chicken may feel comforting at first, but the feeling never lasts long. True comfort food mixes those classic, savory flavors with fresh, nutrient-rich produce that help our bodies feel good. A fresh take on comfort food is the perfect mix of nostalgia and nutrition!
Recipes that Refresh Comfort Food Classics –
When it comes to comfort food, rich and hearty flavor profiles often steal the show, but introducing fresh fruits and vegetables can add an exciting layer of natural sweetness that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition. Juno® Bites Red Grape Tomatoes are a game-changer in dishes like Tomato & Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese and One Pot Chicken Cacciatore. These tiny snacking tomatoes pack a punch with vitamins C and A, along with the antioxidant lycopene, which helps to keep your heart healthy. Their juicy bursts of flavor brighten the creamy or savory profiles of these dishes for maximum satisfaction.
Adding a tropical twist to familiar comfort food dishes is a fun way to give your family a well-earned flavorcation after a long day. There’s nothing like stretching your toes out in the sand while you sunbathe on your own private island, and that’s exactly the feeling you get when you incorporate Tiki Tomatoes™ into your favorite recipes.
With their sunny, tangy sweetness, these bite-sized tomatoes turn a simple game-day snack recipe like Tomato Pizza Bites into an exotic appetizer that will help all your guests feel at home at your Game Day party. In Baked Feta Pasta, they beautifully meld into the creamy cheese, adding their distinct tropical sweetness ー not to mention a healthy dose of potassium ー to the rich sauce. You can add Tiki Tomatoes™ to just about any of your favorite comfort foods to put a fresh, healthy spin on them.
A quick and satisfying breakfast, the cornerstone of any busy family’s morning routine, also benefits from a refresh without requiring much more time or effort. Adding greenhouse grown fruits to these meals is a great way to start your day with a bright ray of sunshine and a vital boost of energy. Melon Breakfast Toast with sweet Alonna™ Canary Melons offers a refreshing alternative to the humble classic PB&J sandwich with the right amount of fiber to keep you full until lunch. Pair your Sunday morning bacon and eggs with a healthy Melon & Banana Smoothie Bowl, made in only ten minutes with an immunity-boosting blend of juicy Oronais™ Sweet Charentais Melons, banana, granola, flaxseed, walnuts, and goji berries. It’s incredible how one fresh ingredient can elevate a simple breakfast into a nutritious, gourmet experience.
While comfort foods often satisfy our cravings for rich, hearty flavors, pairing them with vibrant side salads creates a more well-rounded experience. A fresh salad like Grilled Eggplant Tomato Salad can complement savory mains with the burst of fruity sweetness from hand-picked Cloud 9® Bite-Sized Fruity Tomatoes and the smoky flavor of Craft House Collection® Baby Eggplants. A satisfying salad like this doesn’t take long to prepare and easily takes classic comfort meals like chili or grilled cheese to the next level.
You can even create your own satisfying salad recipe using your favorite comfort food ingredients like bacon, grilled chicken, pasta noodles, and ranch dressing. Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad is a perfect example of how classic dishes can inspire totally new recipes that your family will request over and over again. The trick is to choose the right fresh veggies like Bumbles® Yellow Grape Tomatoes and spinach, which complement the savory flavors and boost the nutritional value of the whole meal.
Eating well means preparing meals that help us feel good. By planning out fresh ways to make your favorite comfort foods, you can strike a balance where taste and health go hand in hand. For more healthy living tips and delicious recipes, sign up for our newsletter.
