Ah, summer sausage—that alliterative seasonal delight. 

Just saying the name conjures up images of backyard barbecues, sunny picnics, and gatherings with friends and family. Come on, say it with me: s-u-m-m-e-r s-a-u-s-a-g-e. 

But here’s the thing: summer sausage isn’t just for summer, and procuring and eating it in, say, winter won’t cause bad luck like walking under a ladder. This cured meat creation has much more to offer, and for crying out loud, we’re here to give it the year-round appreciation it deserves!

Some Summer Sausage History

The History of Sausage 101 was the easiest elective any of us could have taken in college. 

If you missed out 1) shame on you and 2) we’ll do you a sausage solid with this extremely brief history. 

Summer sausage has been around for centuries, originating in Europe where it was created to last through the warm summer months without spoiling. The secret lies in its preparation. By combining beef and pork, adding a blend of spices, and curing it with salt, summer sausage was made to endure. 

This longevity is precisely what makes it perfect for any season.

Versatility at Its Best

The beauty of summer sausage is its versatility. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of the sausage family. 

Need a quick appetizer for a winter gathering? Slice up some summer sausage, pair it with cheese and crackers, and voilà! Instant crowd-pleaser. How about a protein boost for your spring salad? Dice some summer sausage, toss it in, and enjoy the added flavor and texture.

Now that’s one thoughtful sausage. 

A Perfect Snack

Let’s talk snacking. 

Whether you’re hiking through autumn trails, skiing down winter slopes, or lounging on the beach in the heat of summer—this is sounding like an episode of The Real Housewives—summer sausage is the ultimate portable snack. 

It’s high in protein, doesn’t require refrigeration (thanks to its curing process), and is packed with savory goodness. Pair it with a piece of fruit, some nuts, or even just on its own, and you’ve got a satisfying, energizing snack that beats any granola bar…for several reasons, namely, it doesn’t break into a million annoying un-consumable pieces. 

Gourmet Potential

I’m a fan of not having an ingredient do all the work, which is why I encourage cooking when you have the time, and summer sausage offers a wealth of culinary possibilities. 

It can be a star ingredient in hearty stews and soups during the colder months. Try adding it to a pot of beans, a pasta dish, or even as a pizza topping. The rich, smoky flavor of summer sausage adds a unique twist to any recipe,

Yum. 

Holiday Hero

And let’s not forget the holidays. When the season rolls around, summer sausage is a hero on charcuterie boards. 

An aside: Charcuterie boards must be the biggest entertaining hack there is. You literally don’t cook any of the ingredients, and your guests hail you as a culinary hero for having the presence of mind to neatly organize stuff on a stylish piece of wood. 

Where was I? Summer sausage, right. It pairs wonderfully with various cheeses, pickles, mustards, and bread. 

You know what else? It’s also a fantastic gift! Wrapped in a bow, a package of summer sausage and gourmet crackers makes for a thoughtful and delicious present, and makes you a holiday hero. 

🎁🧺 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🎁🧺

We don’t just talk the sausage the talk, we walk it! To that end, we’ve got and incredible treat called—drum 🥁 roll—the Guy Food Gift Basket, built in a no-nonsense basket, starring: dipping pretzels; mustard; beer cheese; sausage; cashews; poppies cookies; wasabi peas; and 

wine raisins. Larger packages may also include: Think Jerky; chips; popcorn; additional cheeses; crackers or nuts.

Enjoy!

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!

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The day is quickly approaching when your child will be flying the coop for college. 

For many parents, this is an emotional send off, typically with mixed feelings of pride and sadness…or relief. In spite of the emotions, you’ve got to get your kid packed so they’re ready to ship off the right way. 

Today, we offer practical packing tips to make move-in day smooth and as stress-free-ish as possible.

Start with a Checklist

Every new adventure starts with a checklist, I think. 

Anyway, creating a checklist and committing to it means you won’t forget those essential items like chargers, toiletries, and your kid’s favorite hoodie or tank top, depending on where they’re going to school.  

Break it down into categories: clothing; bedding; electronics; kitchen supplies; and personal items. A checklist not only helps you stay organized but also gives you peace-of-mind that you’ve got everything covered.

I would certainly do some kind of supervising or final check, because if your child forgets something, of course it will be your fault. 

Pack Smart

When it comes to packing, it’s all about maximizing space. 

Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and bedding, because they save a ton of space and keep everything organized. Plus, it’s kind of cool to vacuum-seal things. 

Roll clothes instead of folding them—this not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles, and showing up to campus as a wrinkly freshman will not make a good first impression. 

Get your kid bins and baskets for easy transport and to keep their dorm room tidy once they’re all moved in. What happens after that is up to them. 

Prioritize Essentials

Less is more, more or less. 

Your kid’s entire room doesn’t have to be packed. 

Dorm rooms are small, especially if your freshman has a roommate, so encourage them to pack only what they need. Pack only for the season and plan to swap out clothes when they visit home. 

Don’t argue if they want to bring that teddy bear they’ve cuddled with their whole life. There are other worthy battles. 

Coordinate with Your Roommate

Whichever way the kids communicate today, encourage your freshman to coordinate with their roommate ahead of time. 

There’s no need for two microwaves or mini-fridges in one small space. Decide who will bring what to avoid duplicates and make the most of their shared space. Plus, it’s a great way to start building a good relationship with the new roommate with whom they’ll be in very close quarters. 

Pack a “First-Night” Bag

Move-in day can be chaotic, and the last thing your kid will want to do is dig through boxes to find their toothbrush. 

Recommend a “first-night” bag with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, pajamas, and any medications they might need (and that teddy bear). This way, they can easily settle in and relax after a long day of moving.

Label Everything

Labeling boxes and bins might sound tedious, but so is parenting, and you’ve made it this far. 

A little extra effort now will save you a lot of headaches later. Clearly mark each box with its contents. Trust me, this will make unpacking a breeze and help your kid find what they need without tearing through everything.It’s also a great way to avoid those frantic, “Mom, where’s my charger?” calls.

🚨 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🚨

If you want to be Parent #1, then surprise your freshman with our Collegiate Corner Gift Basket, featuring: Jelly Bellys; Everton butter toffee pretzels; Coffee candy; Peanut butter pretzels; Nibbles snack mix; Garrett’s popcorn; and more. 

You got this!

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, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

Sometimes I wonder if cashews were kidneys in a former life. After all, they sure look like them. But that’s not the point of this blog post. 

I’m here to discuss how these tree nuts with legume and seed characteristics pack a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits, making them a great addition to your diet. 

Let’s dive into the crunchy power of cashews and discover why they deserve a spot in your pantry.

Nutrient-Rich Delight

Cashews are a nutrient-dense food, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. 

All that stuff is good for you. 

Magnesium is critical for muscle and nerve function, while zinc supports your immune system. Cashews are also a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Heart Health Hero

Hearts heart cashews.  

Cashews contain high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, known as “good” fats, which can help decrease bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the risk of heart disease. 

These healthy fats, along with magnesium, support a regular heart rhythm and contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular problems.

Cashews everywhere, my heart thanks you. 

Weight Management Ally

Let’s not mistake “good fats” with fattening. 

You see, cashews can actually help with weight management. They are chock-full of protein and fiber, which can make you feel full, thereby reducing overall calorie intake.

Adding cashews in your diet can help curb hunger pangs and prevent overeating, making them a smart snack choice for those looking to manage their weight.

Bone Strength Booster

Strong bones are good, and cashews are a fantastic source of minerals that are vital for bone health. 

All that magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones. I’m starting to think that cashews are the multi-vitamin of the tree nut family without that bitter, metallic taste. 

Regular consumption of cashews can help prevent bone-related issues such as osteoporosis and promote overall bone density.

Antioxidant Powerhouse

Cashews are loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals (by the way, we love antioxidants. Read up here and here. 

These antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system. By incorporating cashews into your diet, you can help your body fight off infections and stay healthy.

Versatile and Delicious

Maybe I should’ve led with this, but aside from their impressive health benefits, cashews taste good, too. 

They can be added to salads for a crunchy texture, blended into smoothies for a creamy consistency, or used in various recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats. 

You can also just eat them on their own. I won’t tell. 

And speaking of a shameless plug alert…

🚨 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🚨

It’s summer, and people are flocking to our town. 

What better way to welcome your guests than with our Sweet of You to Come Amenity Gift Box. We’ve got two styles: Chicago Style Sweet of You to Come includes Lillie’s Q Buttermilk Sweet Onion chips, Windy City Snack mix, Lemonheads, Open sparkling water, and Long Grove Confectionery dipped pretzels. 

Then there’s Our Sweet Snacking package, replete with Veggie chips, cashews & almonds, Asher’s dipped graham crackers or pretzels, Dolcetto cookie bites, Carousel candy caramels, and bottled water. 

We’ve got you covered!

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, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.