Category Archives: BasketWorks

5 Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Back by extremely popular demand is the next installment of our “Health Benefits Of” blog series.

Last time we blew your mind to smithereens by teaching you about the health benefits of cookies, and today we take enthrallment to the next level by adding peanut butter to the list.

Not only is peanut butter a delicious treat that pairs well with just about anything, but it can also be quite good for you. Now, before you get too excited, know that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, and The Elvis Burger layered with peanut butter are not good for you—like, at all.

The health benefits discussed below apply to peanut butter that’s low in sugar and minimally processed.

1. Peanut Butter Can Be Heart-Healthy

Yes, the household spread is known to help lower your risk of heart disease.

We’re about to get sciency here.

One of the key fats in peanut butter is oleic acid, which, when substituted for other types of fats in our diet, can help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. By managing these levels, the risk of heart disease can be lowered.

Peanut butter also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase protective (HDL) cholesterol.

Oh we’re not done. Peanuts are a natural source of arginine, an amino acid that promotes good blood vessel function, potentially preventing heart and vascular disease.

2. Helps with Weight Management

Peanut butter can fill your belly without making you pay for it.

The types of fats found in peanut butter, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been associated with a reduced risk of weight gain and obesity when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

When combined with other nutrients like protein and fiber, which are also found in peanut butter, these healthy fats can help keep us feeling fuller for longer periods of time, which can reduce the likelihood of overeating.

3. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Peanut butter is relatively low in carbohydrates, but rich in healthy fats, protein, and some fiber.

Because of its nutritional makeup, peanut butter has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels and can be a great option for people with diabetes, especially if it is free of added sugars.

Oh, but there’s more:

A study found that women with obesity and a high risk of type 2 diabetes who ate peanuts or peanut butter for breakfast reported lower blood sugar levels and less hunger than those who ate a carbohydrate-rich breakfast without nuts.

4. Boosts Brain Function

We can all use a good brain boost, right?

Peanut butter is a good source of several nutrients that are important for brain health, including vitamin E, niacin, and folate. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

Peanut butter also has a reputation for boosting serotonin levels, because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is essential for the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and can help reduce anxiety and depression.

5. A Source of Energy

Need more pep in your step? Enter our friend, peanut butter.

It contains all three main macronutrients that are essential for our body’s needs and for giving you energy. When we consume 100 grams of peanut butter, we get around 22 grams of carbohydrates, which make up about 14% of the total calories, and 5 grams of fiber.

More sciency stuff:

Peanut butter is packed with protein to the tune of 22.5 grams per 100 grams of peanut butter, which is comparatively more than most other plant-based foods.

And it’s high in fat, with around 51 grams, contributing to 72% of total calories.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Our Collegiate Corner Gift Basket is an exception to the healthy rule. Among all kinds of delicious goodies, it features peanut butter bites that may be high in calories and sugar, but they’ll make any college student feel loved.

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Super Bowl: How to Entertain for the Big Game

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Ah, the Super Bowl. That glorious time of year when we gather around the TV with friends, family, and a refrigerator full of snacks to watch people much more athletic than us play a game of tackle-and-catch.

But what makes a Super Bowl party truly epic, besides the billions of dollars riding on it? The way you entertain. Today, we present a guide on how to host like a champ.

Get Your Game Face On

I don’t care how old you are.

Make sure to choose a side even if your favorite team isn’t playing, and don some gear. Throw on an Eagles or Chiefs jersey, paint your face, or wear one of those giant foam we’re number 1 hands. You can even hedge your bets by representing both teams.

Pro tip: The more ridiculous the outfit, the better. Have no shame.

Snack-tacular

Snacks are the MVP of any Super Bowl shindig, they are the touchdown dance of hunger and the halftime show of taste buds. Without them, the party would be like a game without cheerleaders, or a quarterback without a helmet.

Wow, that’s laying it on thick.

Stock up on chips, dips, and anything else you can think of that will satisfy those hunger pangs (or numb the pain of your team or faux team losing).

The Drinks Are on Me

Don’t forget the drinks! Whether you’re serving up soda, beer, or something stronger, make sure to have enough to quench the thirst of even the most enthusiastic fans.

Also, cut them off if you have to so that people can safely drive home.

Game On!

While the game is playing, make sure to have plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

You can organize a halftime show, play a drinking game, have a Super Bowl squares betting tournament, or just throw a bunch of random stuff at the TV when your team messes up.

Trash Talk

Trash talking during a football game is like the spicy seasoning in a bowl of chili: it adds a bit of extra flavor and excitement to the competition.

It’s the playful banter between opponents, the friendly ribbing between friends, and the lighthearted exchanges that make the game all the more fun.

Of course, it’s important to remember that trash talking should be done with levity and never cross the line into disrespectful or hurtful territory—unless someone deserves it.

At its best, trash talking is just another way to show enthusiasm and love for the game.

Have Fun, Dammit!

The most important thing to remember is to have fun.

Whether your team wins or loses, you’ll still have a great time with friends, food, and drinks. And if all else fails, just remind yourself that the commercials are by and large intriguing.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Throwing a party is exhausting, so you deserve some R&R afterward in the form of our Inner Zen Relaxation Gift Basket, built in a faux leather storage box, including a mini Buddha Board drawing easel, Aloe infused socks, travel candle, black raspberry vanilla soap, and more.

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday!

About BasketWorks

The 5 Most Popular Foods of Winter

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When old man winter is knocking at your door, ’tis the season to enjoy hearty meals that provide sustenance to deal with howling winds.

Ooh, how folksy!

Winter calls for good old-fashioned comfort foods that take longer to prepare but are worth the effort to warm the cockles of your heart.

To that end, over here at BasketWorks, we present the five most popular winter foods to cozy up to.

1. Hearty Soup

Hearty soups like chicken noodle, split pea with ham, and beef barley are the go-to meals in the dead of winter.

I know, it’s been pretty mild so far in Chicagoland, but I’m sure I just jinxed it.

Soups are easy to prepare and are also great for lunch leftovers. You just toss everything in a pot or slow cooker and let it simmer until all the flavors infuse the broth. Enjoyed with chunks of crusty bread smothered in butter, a grilled cheese sandwich or crackers, soup is the quintessential winter food.

2. Comforting Macaroni & Cheese

Mac n’ cheese has reached legendary status as the ultimate comfort food.

It has gone from the recognizable blue box everyone keeps in their pantry to a gourmet-level meal with all kinds of clever ingredients that bring it to the next level. But deep down, we all crave the same good old-fashioned version mom always made.

When it comes to feeling like a warm hug, nothing does it better than mac ‘n cheese.

3. Luscious Pot Roast

Pot roast may be the mother of all comfort foods.

Slow-cooked meat, gravy, potatoes, and carrots. I mean, come on.

Pot roast is the ultimate winter meal and just as easy to prepare as soup if you have a slow cooker handy. After a hard day at work, nothing says welcome home more than a simmering chunk of tender beef.

4. Spicy Chili

126.95 million Americans can’t be wrong. Yes, that’s how many of us consumed chili in 2020. Is there anything they don’t track?

Chili is a versatile dish, and we’re going to focus on the spicy kind.

Whether you love it with plenty of beans or are all about the meat, spicy chili is packed with flavors. That combination of meat, beans, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices is a kick start to your taste buds, creating a warming sensation from tongue to tummy, ideal for a cold winter’s day.

5. Rib Sticking Stew

Speaking of versatility, there are hundreds of stews to choose from, like classic beef stew, French boeuf bourguignon, Irish lamb stew, and chicken stew topped with light and fluffy dumplings.

Another slow cooker-friendly meal, stew allows you to combine ingredients and let them simmer while you get on with your day. Always rich and flavorful, stew goes down easy when the weather is snowy, damp, or downright miserable.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Speaking of soup, it’s always nice to have a bowl when you’ve got a winter cold or bug. To that end, check out our Soup and Quackers Get Well Basket, a lighthearted pick-me-up with chicken soup mix, crackers, a stuffed animal duck, and more!

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The Winter Blues May Be More Serious Than Its Name Suggests

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On occasion, I write about mental health, a subject that is near and dear to my heart.

Gorilla on Your Back, a blog post I wrote about what it feels like to have depression, was picked up by the Huffington Post, and I also also gave a TED Talk-like presentation on the subject at my synagogue that you can view here.

We’re almost a month into winter, a time when many people suffer from the “Winter Blues”, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression that often requires treatment.

I’m not a doctor, but that doesn’t mean I can’t educate about this condition. In today’s blog, I look at why the winter blues may be more serious than the name suggests.

What is SAD?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 5% of all Americans experience symptoms of SAD, which is caused by a reduced level of sunlight, something we’re not strangers to in these parts.

When this happens, it causes confusion for our internal clocks that help manage our waking and sleeping hours. Less sunlight reduces serotonin levels, the chemical that impacts our mood. When we don’t have enough serotonin, it can result in symptoms that make us feel sad, listless, tired, and disinterested in the things that usually bring us joy.

What’s Sunlight Got To Do with It?

Why does less sunlight get us down?

Sunlight affects your circadian rhythms which work like an alarm clock for the body. This is why they’re also known as the internal clock. Less sunlight impacts how our bodies manage the hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation. Our bodies use the morning light to trigger wakefulness, and (to get super sciency) we actually have something called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in our eyes that detect sunlight and trigger our circadian rhythm into wakefulness. We wake up because the RGC reaction stops our production of restful melatonin.

The shorter days of winter interrupt all these cues, causing our bodies to overproduce melatonin, so we think it’s night all the time.

Why is Serotonin Important?

Serotonin and melatonin are opposites when it comes to SAD.

Serotonin helps keep our moods level and our energy levels up. When we don’t have enough sunlight and our serotonin levels are lower, it allows mood-enhancing neurotransmitters to have free reign, which in some of us increases the symptoms of depression.

Can Seasonal Depression Be Treated?

You bet it can.

Since the lack of natural sunlight is a leading cause of SAD, getting more UV light can ease symptoms. Light therapy or phototherapy mimics daylight, so your internal clock can recalibrate itself. The therapy is applied using a lightbox and requires about 30 minutes of exposure each day. It is a passive light source like any other light you use, with the key difference being it produces UV light.

However, severe symptoms should always be reported to your doctor as soon as possible to diagnose your issue and ensure you receive proper treatment.

Helpful Resources

SAD is only one of several mental health conditions, and often symptoms overlap among them. There are so many resources available to educate you on mental illness and point you in the right direction for treatment. Let’s start here:

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How To Plan The Perfect Sledding Outing

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Although you might feel grumpy and disenchanted when the cold weather arrives, there’s something to be said about the first snowfall in Chicago.

Everything gets quiet and glistens under a frosty white blanket. Okay, maybe the latter part of that sentence is more realistic, but what I’m building up to here is that rather than letting the snow get you down, you can thrill downhill on a speedy fast sled.

Today, we’re temporarily veering off the topic of gift baskets to focus on our guide to planning the perfect sledding outing.

Choose the Right Gear

You can’t show up to your favorite hill unprepared.

Oh no, because sledding is the quintessential traditional and other adjectives ending in “al” activity, so you have to get it right.

First, you need to choose a sled:

Toboggans: Toboggans offer good control with “reins” you can lean into to direct the sled. The toboggan is the classic choice to fit up to four people. The curved front and smooth bottom plow through deeper snow quite well.
Sledges: Sledges operate the same way as toboggans but include runners on the bottom without the curved front. They are a good choice for a rider or two.
Saucer: The saucer is a disc, ideal for single sledders. However, they can be quite fast. We’re talking Clark Griswold on a trash can lid fast, so not the best choice for small kids or novice sledders.
Snow tubes: Tubes are inflatable, offering a nice and comfy ride compared to other sled types. They come in different sizes and shapes but are harder to control and can also go scary fast.
Kicksleds: These are like little chairs on runners. They are easy to operate and designed for a single rider.

The key is to make sure the sled you choose has easy grips to hold onto for safety. A helmet is a must for kids and highly recommended for adults. Sleds pick up speed fast, and noggins must be protected.

Also, wear SPF sunscreen for your nose and chapstick for your lips. Also, bring along a bottle of water because dragging the sled up that hill is hard work.

Pack Some Food

You’ll want to pack a lunch to refuel and warm up after a few trips down the hill.

So, what does one include in a winter picnic basket?

First and foremost, you’ll want a thermos filled with your favorite heartwarming beverage. Hot chocolate is the classic, especially if sledding with kids. But hey, if coffee is the only thing to get you back up that hill, it is just as sled friendly. Teas work, too, as does a nice hot toddy or spiked cider.

Think simple and transportable snacks, like wraps and sandwiches cut into bite-sized morsels, sausage rolls, little quiches, “hand” pies, cookies, crackers, cheese, etc. Pack everything into an easy-to-carry picnic basket, tote, or duffel bag, along with paper plates and napkins.

Dress for It

Kids are stubborn (if you haven’t noticed), and they may not want to bundle up. Too bad.

Snow pants keep you warm and dry. Dress in layers, with a thermal shirt and long johns. Also, thick socks and winter boots are a must. Avoid scarves, as they can be dangerous when sledding. Instead, wear a turtleneck or neck warmer. A properly fitted hat that won’t fall over your eyes in mid-descent finishes off your look.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Remember when I said in the intro that I’d be veering off the topic of gift baskets? Well, that was a half-truth.

It’s still the holiday season, and we’re busting out all the stops with our Let It Snow Holiday Gift Box, stuffed with 2 Walker’s shortbread packs, 2 chocolate covered pretzels; 2 Dolcetto cookie bites, 2 Pirouline wafer two packs, and more!

We are open with limited hours tomorrow and shipping as fast as we can.

Happy Holidays!

About BasketWorks

Health Benefits of Cookies

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Three words that don’t make sense together in any order are “health”, “benefits”, and “cookies.”

But we’re all about blowing minds with unconventional cookies. If we could find the nutrition in chocolate, wine, and popcorn, there’s nothing stopping us from tackling cookies.

Cookies come in thousands of recipes, and with the right mix of ingredients, they can prove to be a healthy snack that provides plenty of energy to get on with your day.

Today, we take a look under the jar lid at the health benefits of cookies.

Weight Loss

Naturally one associates eating cookies with weight loss…not.

This might seem like an impossible benefit to eating cookies, but your body needs a certain number of calories each day to ensure you can manage your metabolic activities. While you don’t want to consume large quantities of sugar in your daily diet, natural sugar does help provide the energy required to help you burn calories efficiently.

The right dose of natural sugar can also provide more energy, in general, to help you remain more active. Also, when dieting, it is better for you to indulge in cravings so you avoid derailing your diet altogether.

A yummy low-fat cookie works nicely to satisfy your sweet or chocolate cravings.

Nutritious Ingredients

There are plenty of cookies that contain natural, healthy ingredients (Yay!) Some good examples of the nutritious ingredients to look for in cookies include:

No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors
Grains such as oats
Whole Wheat flours instead of bleached flour
Nuts and seeds
Peanut and nut butters
No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors
Dark Chocolate (Yes, chocolate can be good for you!)
Dried fruit

Protein Carb Snack

Cookies rich in proteins, such as peanut butter and chocolate, are excellent post-workout snacks.

You get the double whammy of carbs and protein to fuel your body and muscles to make up for all the energy you use. Your workout depends on the energy stored in your muscles, which means you need to replenish that energy shortly following physical activity. Cookies do that nicely.

Again, choose natural ingredients.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

It’s now time to veer off course.

It’s the holidays, so indulge now and be healthy later. To that end, we’ve got the perfect gift for you: our Cookie Cookie Cookie G i ft Basket, bursting with scrumptious selections, including Cooper Street twice baked white chocolate cherry, Poppies chocolate lace, Tate’s Tiny chocolate chip, Bahlsen, Flathaus lemon Snaps, Grey Ghost bourbon chocolate and more.

Happy holidays!

About BasketWorks

Holiday Gifting Made Easy

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You’d think with so many brick and mortar and online retailer options, that finding the right holiday gift would be a cinch.

Why is gift-giving so hard? Because it is.

But this isn’t a blog post about why; rather we focus on how to make it an easy process.

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to show your gratitude to your friends (including frenemies), family (including those who don’t necessarily deserve your gratitude), and clients (who are always awesome no matter what).

You want something meaningful enough to convey your message effectively yet affordable enough that it won’t break your budget. You also want to ensure your gift is available and will arrive on time.

Let’s take a look at making holiday gifting easy with four simple steps.

Step 1. Determine Your People Gift List

Get planning now if you haven’t started already.

Make a list of the people you want to thank with a token of your appreciation, complete with their addresses and telephone numbers.

For business, it’s a good idea to separate the list based on client details, such as longer-term clients vs newer clients or higher value clients vs lower, you can assign different “levels” of gifts based on cost. This ensures everyone receives an appropriate gift.

Step 2. Determine Your Budget

This step should probably go first, but it’s funnier this way.

I should have warned you at the beginning that there’d be some math involved, but whatever.

We’re going to stay on clients a moment, though this same approach can be applied to friends, family, strangers, what have you. Set a budget limit to assign a budget to each gift “level,” using the value of your association with each client as your guide. Remember to include the total cost, such as tax and delivery, as the longer the list, the more quickly these small numbers add up. It’s not about sending something ostentatious and expensive, but instead something thoughtful as a token of thanks.

Step 3. Select a Gift Style or Theme

You’re at an advantage if you have a sense of your gift recipient’s taste.

This allows you to narrow down your choices by selecting a gift style or theme. For example, you could choose to give all of your friends and family members gifts that are handmade (and then give the gift of a hand massage and manicure afterward). Or, you could focus on giving eco-friendly gifts that will help reduce your carbon footprint. Whatever gift style or theme you choose, make sure to put thought into each and every present.

It’s a nice touch.

Step 4. Finalize Your Plans

You can see the finish line! Now it’s time to finish.

Your gift isn’t ready without a personalized message and a delivery date. You don’t want the gift to arrive after the holidays. Forget better late than never. Get a sense of shipping and delivery schedules, as there can be lags during the holiday season.

Just like that, your work is done. But it’s not because…

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Today is Giving Tuesday, and we’ve got you covered.

BasketWorks proudly supports the Northfield Food Pantry with our Gifting for Good Food Pantry Gift Basket. Twenty-five dollars from each basket sold will be donated to the pantry. A card is included in each basket notifying the recipient of this donation. And it’s a great basket, loaded with holiday goodies like Everton butter toffee pretzels, English tea cookies, peanut brittle,, ice wine chocolates, and so much more.

Happy Holidays!

About BasketWorks

5 Health Benefits of Turkey

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You’ll enjoy this blog post…if you’re not a turkey.

I know what you’re thinking: Come on, everyone knows turkey is healthy. What is this, a throwaway post?

Well, folks know that turkey is white meat and on the leaner side, but it kind of ends there. Oh, but there are many more ways this bird does the body good.

Today, we carve out (see what I did there?) the answers.

1) A Healthy Source of Protein

Turkey is often touted as a healthy source of lean protein, and for good reason.

A single turkey breast can contain as much as 20 grams of protein, more than half of the recommended daily intake for most adults! We love protein because it’s essential for muscle growth and repair.

Now, I won’t claim that you can’t go wrong with a juicy slice of turkey, because you can if you’re not careful about portion sizes. While protein is crucial nutritional content, you don’t want to load up on unnecessary calories.

2) It’s Stuffed with B Vitamins

Who knew that turkeys are flying multivitamin packs?

Turkey is an excellent source of several different B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. These vitamins are essential for metabolism, energy production, and nervous system function.

So when you’re enjoying that delicious turkey dinner, remember that you’re also getting a healthy dose of nutrients that will help keep your body running like a well-oiled machine or something.

3) Reliable Source of Minerals

As any self-respecting Thanksgiving host knows, the turkey is not only the centerpiece of the meal, but also a veritable goldmine of minerals.

Turkey is rife with selenium, zinc, phosphorus and iron, which can support thyroid function, immunity, bone health and energy production.

4) Turkey is Low in Fat

As a lean protein, turkey is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and one can argue that it’s a healthier option than other types of meat. In fact, turkey actually gives salmon a run for its money when it comes to omega 3 fatty acids.

Keep in mind, how you cook turkey–sauteed with olive oil rather than bacon fat–impacts saturated fat levels.

5) Known to be Heart Healthy

Turkey is often hailed as a healthy alternative to red meat.

But what about turkey’s effect on the heart? Turkey can be quite beneficial for heart health. The amino acid L-carnitine, which is found in turkey, has been shown to improve blood flow and decrease inflammation.

Turkey also contains CoQ10, an important nutrient that helps protect the heart from damage. In addition, the selenium in turkey can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

You know what goes nicely with turkey? Our Ultimate Autumn Gift Basket, replete with Everton butter toffee pretzels, cheese straws, mulling spices, ginger cookies, mixed nuts, and so much more.

After reaping the health benefits of turkey, you can reward yourself with treats!

About BasketWorks

How to Keep the Peace at Thanksgiving Dinner

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You know what they say, “You can choose your friends, but not your family.”

That expression could not be more illuminated than during the Thanksgiving holiday, specifically at dinner. We’re supposed to peacefully break bread, yet so many tables turn into sparring rings over old family stuff, new family stuff, or just stuff in general. All this stuff gets all the attention rather than the actual stuffing.

It’s hard to bite your tongue when Crazy Uncle Fill-In-The-Blank starts mouthing off about, well, fill-in-the-blank. Keeping the peace is attainable, but it takes some skill and a lot of patience.

So, I encourage you to read on.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

If you worry about a particular person who tends to make things feel less than peaceful, prepare yourself mentally for their arrival.

If entertaining with a partner, agree on a signal (something subtle that doesn’t require a life ring as a prop) that tells them you need relief from a stressful situation. You can also tell yourself it’s just for a few hours and try to let negative comments trickle away like water down a duck’s back. Don’t forget about your guests.

Allowing them to prepare for encounters with their less than favorite people can help keep everyone calm. If you know of possible conflict, give a head’s up to those who might stand to suffer the most so they can also prepare themselves for the day.

Set the Right Tone

Create a warm and welcoming environment where the focus is on family and gratitude.

Or do your best.

For example, have everyone write out what they are thankful for on a card and drop it into a basket. If things get heated, you can pull cards and share everyone’s contributions. Of course that might encourage the Thanksgiving disruptor to compose some unfriendly thoughts, but what can you do?

You can also have a potluck, so everyone brings their best dish to create a feeling of inclusiveness.

Reduce risk for conflicts by creating “decorative” place settings that strategically keep people who tend to fight as far apart as possible.

Have Subject Changers Ready

Thanksgiving occurs after the Midterm Elections, so it’s okay to ignore the 800 pound Turkey in the room.

Have some neutral discussion points ready so you can quickly try to change the subject. If arguments break out, try to insinuate yourself into the discussion by asking a question or bringing up something a little less controversial.

Keep Your Sense of Humor

Although it can be difficult to keep smiling when everyone is at each other’s throats, humor can go a long way to cool the mood. Be sure to read the room and think of something funny to say that might help everyone relax and shift to a more positive state of mind.

Pay attention to conversations and interject your own comments before things have a chance to heat up.

WIsh I can tell you to say, but it’s your family, and I’m not touching that one.

Set Off-Limit Conversation Rules

Most families have known hot-button topics sure to lead to escalated arguments. It’s your house, so your rules apply. Let everyone know in a fun way certain topics are off limits. Anyone that breaks the rule has to do the dishes—alone.

Keep an Eye on the Bar

Responsible hosts keep an eye on the bar to make sure no one has one drink too many. If hosting makes it too difficult to do so, assign a bartender.

Alcohol fans the flames of emotion, which can turn an innocent comment into World War III. You might even consider limiting how much booze you serve. Only have a certain number of bottles of wine set aside for dinner and a fun-themed cocktail like pumpkin spice or apple pie martini as an aperitif.

As the host, you can create a neutral environment where everyone feels welcomed, included and safe. Whether it’s your crass uncle, inappropriate aunt, or political cousin, you can help avoid conflict and survive another family Thanksgiving dinner by keeping the peace.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

One way to put a Thanksgiving peace-offender in a positive mood is by surprising them with our Autumn Harvest Gift Basket, built in a copper-toned tin and replete with chocolate covered cranberries, crunchy snack mix, Anna’s cookies, mulling source, and more!

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Health Benefits of Crackers

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The humble cracker has come a long way since the days of boring saltines served on the side of chili and soup.

Crackers have become a bit of an art form with a multitude of gourmet options that bring your cheese and charcuterie boards to the next level. Many of the new ingredients being used to up the flavor profile of these crispy little snacks, such as grains and seeds, have also made crackers a surprisingly healthy snack.

If you thought our blog about the health benefits of honey was astounding, buckle up for this one about crackers, specifically multigrain.

A Boost of Fiber

When you choose multigrain crackers, you get a boost of fiber that can offer some unexpected health benefits.

First, if you serve up a nice platter of crackers and cheese as a healthy appetizer, you feel full and will eat less at dinner. The high fiber content can aid in weight loss because it helps you feel satisfied longer.

Fiber is also known to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Lots of Protein

We make a big deal about protein for good reasons.

Protein is essential for energy and carrying oxygen throughout the body and in our blood. It also promotes antibodies that combat infections and illnesses, as well as maintaining healthy cells and generating new ones.

If that weren’t enough, protein helps you lose weight because you actually burn more calories during the digestion of proteins.

Vitamins and Iron

Grains contain B vitamins that allow you to convert the nutrients in your food into fuel.

As a result, your metabolism gets a boost that keeps it running efficiently throughout the day. B vitamins from grains offer the following health benefits:

Vitamin B3: This is great for your skin while also supporting a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin B1: This B vitamin helps keep your appetite in check for healthier eating habits.
Vitamin B6: This contributes to healthy red blood cell production.

Grains are an excellent source of iron which is also great for your blood. Iron helps produce red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout your entire system and store it in your muscles for future use. You need iron for energy, cell growth, and DNA synthesis. When you combine your crackers with vegetables, cheese, and fruit, you also get a good boost of Vitamin C, which improves iron absorption.

Win-win.

Building a Healthy Appetizer with Crackers

You can build an even healthier ensemble with your crackers by adding these ingredients:

Hummus and other planted-based spreads such as guacamole
Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios
Pickles and brined foods such as olives, peppers, and beets
Fresh and dried fruits such as figs and dates
Vegetable sticks with healthy dips such as tzatziki, yogurt, raita, and soft cream cheese

You might not always think of crackers when you think of healthy snacks, but when you choose multigrain crackers packed with grains and seeds, they become not only tastier but also healthier.

🚨🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨🚨

Seeing as we’re in the thick of fall, there’s no better time to place an order for our Flavors of Fall Gift Basket. We’ve gone fall out (see what I did there?) on this one, which features Everton toffee pretzels, mulling spices, Anna’s ginger cookies, 3 Dad’s popcorn, and much more!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company, located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us tod ay !

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