Monthly Features

When I think "takeout", I envision greasy paper bags filled with fries and burgers, the square white Chinese food containers, or a big pizza box. But takeout is getting a makeover these days by new businesses providing a healthier meal to-go.

Several such eateries have popped up in Northern Colorado. When in Windsor, stop by the Chef's Basket (www.chefsbasketcolorado.com, 1345 Water Valley Parkway). Chef Florian's daily creations spotlight seasonal local foods including cheeses from the organic Windsor Dairy just down the road. If you're headed to or from Boulder, try The Organic Dish (www.theorganicdish.com, 2690 28^th St Suite F) for healthy, organic meals that can be customized for your nutritional preferences and cooked up at home in minutes. But if Fort Collins is the beginning or end of your commute, visit Super Suppers (www.ssfortcollinsco.com, 2580 E. Harmony Rd. Suite 102) to see what the husband and wife, chef and nutritionist team April and Howard Brigham have made for dinner.

Super Suppers provides ready-prepared entrees, side dishes, and desserts that have the final cooking done at home. They can be ordered ahead of time, picked up on the fly, or assembled by you on site. They help busy moms, empty-nesters, and young professionals have affordable and balanced meal options that fit into their lifestyle. Detailed instructions on items help you give the homemade touch with final cooking steps. The entrees feature all natural chicken breasts, flank steak, pork, a variety of fish, and vegetarian options as well. Fresh, unique flavor combinations are used for favorites like low-fat Tandoori Pork Pitas, Parmesan Chicken in a creamy sage sauce, Greek Chicken with feta and peppers, Cranberry Pork Loin, and Spicy Cod Fajitas.

Owners of this Super Supper location April and Howard are newbies in the realm of takeout but longtime experts in the world of food. Howard has been a chef and a corporate trainer for Starbucks. April did her undergraduate and graduate work in nutrition with past roles as a dietary manager for a nursing home and a culinary manager for Olive Garden. With an eight year old daughter and five year old twin boys, the family was ready for careers that also supported family life and more time at home. Their previous expertise prepped them to be the perfect duo to bring healthy, great tasting meals to other families.

Understanding the importance of nutrition, April makes sure the nutrition information is provided with every item. She helps customers find items that are lower in fat or more suitable for a diabetic or other nutrition concern. Many of their meals have received the Smart Meal Seal from the Colorado Live Well program. This Super Supper will also be hosting groups of kids throughout the summer to get some hands-on cooking and nutrition lessons.

Celebrate with April and Howard at their Grand Opening on June 11^th. When you buy one entrée on this day, you'll get the second one for free. For every additional entrée purchased, they will donate one to the Windsor tornado relief efforts.

Find a Super Suppers near you by visiting www.supersuppers.com. There are about 175 locations across the country, helping America's dinnertime be a healthy and easy experience.