Halloween is a great opportunity to practice the habit of eating better and together for Eat Better, Eat Together Month. Whether you are going out trick-or-treating or staying indoors, the children are excited and there is bound to be candy involved. Whatever event you have going on, filling the kids up with a healthy, filling... Continue Reading →
A slow cooker is the easiest way to cook a whole winter squash! Easy Slow-Cooker Winter Squash A slow cooker is the easiest way to roast a whole squash! You don’t have to cut the squash at all! Slow Cooker 1 winter squash (medium ) Wash hands with soap and warm water.Wash squash well.Place... Continue Reading →
October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month Eating together is a great way to connect. And, Fall in Idaho offers beautiful weather to enjoy a meal outside. A little planning can make it easy. Prep food the day before and pack it in a basket, box or backpack. Keep it simple and don't forget a... Continue Reading →
Warm Pear and Brussels Sprout Slaw 1 pound Brussels Sprouts (Shredded )1 Pear (any variety )1/2 cup Walnuts (toasted and chopped)1 cup Parmesan (shredded)1 tsp Olive oilBlack pepper (to taste)Dressing 4 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar4 Tbsp Olive Oil1 tsp Dijon mustard2 tsp Honey In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add 1 tsp olive... Continue Reading →
Fall is here, and along with its arrival, we begin to think of having warm and comforting meals with our family. The reality is… some evenings can be chaotic, with limited time, busy work, and different family schedules. We may end up eating on the go or having convenience meals in front of the TV.... Continue Reading →
Mornings can be chaotic, but eating a healthy breakfast does not need to be hard. Try these easy, nutritious breakfast cookies the next time you and your family need a breakfast on the go! Banana Zucchini Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies 1 cup rolled oats1 1/2 mashed bananas3/4 cup shredded zucchini1/3 cup nut or seed butter... Continue Reading →
October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month. Eating as a family not only positively impacts your child’s physical health, but also their social health. Mealtime can be a great way to get a break from busy schedules and create experiences with your child in the kitchen. Family meals can also improve your child’s school performance.... Continue Reading →
Though the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults eat at least three to five servings of whole grains a day and children two to three, most Americans consume one or less. And a whopping 40% of Americans don’t eat whole grains at all! If you are feeling discouraged at the thought of switching... Continue Reading →
This make-ahead trail mix is a good snack for work, school, or when you’re on the go.
If you’re going to be at work or school all day, pack a snack to take with you. Convenience foods cost more and have empty calories. Choose healthy and tasty snacks that boost your energy between meals. Making your own trail mix can save you money and help you eat healthier. Here’s a recipe your... Continue Reading →
Most people think their hand-washing habits have been changed forever but, these careful behaviors can be forgotten when distracted by a new environment. We all know that washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds may reduce your chances of getting sick and spreading germs. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing... Continue Reading →
Whip up these tasty pancakes in a jiffy. They even freeze well so make a big batch. Whole-Grain Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries These strawberry pancakes are perfect for a Sunday brunch! 1.5 cups Whole wheat flour3 Tbsp Sugar1 tsp Baking powder1/2 tsp Baking soda1/2 tsp Salt1 cup Vanilla yogurt (low fat)1 cup Water3 Eggs3 Tbsp... Continue Reading →
A return to school, in one form or another, has started once again for your children. This year may not seem “normal” in the midst of a pandemic, but there are some basic healthy habits that will help you and your kids enjoy the school days to come. So… grab your kids and start planning... Continue Reading →
Eating a healthy breakfast is a great way to kick start your day. Not only does it “break the fast” from not eating since dinner the night before, but studies show eating breakfast increases overall diet quality, can help maintain a healthy weight, and improves behavior and learning with children. However, not just any breakfast... Continue Reading →
Here is a printable list of healthy donation suggestions.
Feed Your Kids a Rainbow Serve 5 fruits and vegetables a day. Did you know that ½ cup of dried fruit counts as one serving? This is because the loss of water during the drying process concentrates the calories and nutrients. Check the nutrition facts label for added sugar when buying dried fruit, as it... Continue Reading →
How do you get your kids to eat 5 fruits and veggies a day? We've got a couple of ideas and we would love to hear your ideas. Let Kids Choose a New Fruit or Veggie Kids are more likely to try a food that they have a hand in choosing. Plan a trip to... Continue Reading →
Idaho is known for great skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other great winter activities. This includes trudging through the snow to create, or at least enjoy, magnificent snow and ice sculptures. Every year, towns put on Winter festivals that highlight outdoor art that can only be seen in the Winter. If you want to experience the... Continue Reading →
We love this recipe! Roasted Savory Sweet Potato Salad 2 Sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)1 Tbsp Vegetable oil1/8 tsp Salt1/2 tsp Black pepper1/4 cup Greek yogurt1 Tbsp Mayonnaise1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard1 tsp White vinegar1 Red bell pepper (diced)2 Celery stalks (diced)10 Chives (minced) Wash hands with soap and waterHeat the oven to... Continue Reading →
Sweet Potato Apple Casserole A new twist on sweet potatoes! 4 Sweet potatoes (scrubbed with a vegetable brush under running water, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)2 Apples (washed under cold running water, sliced)½ cup Orange juice1 tablespoon Butter1 teaspoon Cinnamon½ cup raisins (or other dried fruit) Wash hands with soap and water.Preheat oven... Continue Reading →
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/11/how-a-christmas-story-became-an-american-tradition The key to all Fall activities is layers! Worried about being too cold? Then put on jacket! Worried about being too hot once you get moving? Then wear a t-shirt underneath! Sometimes our biggest excuse for not going outside is the fact that we don’t know what to wear when being active. A simple... Continue Reading →
Easy and delightful. Pear Empanadas Perfect Pear Empanadas 2 cups Canned Pears (drained and diced)1 tablespoons Sugar1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon2 tablespoons Cornstarch8 Frozen whole grain biscuits (2.25-3 oz.) Preheat oven to 350F°.Allow biscuit rounds to come to room temperature.In a bowl, combine the pears, cornstarch, sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to evenly coat the pears. Set... Continue Reading →
Pears give this savory dinner a slight sweetness. Moroccan Chicken & Pear Stew Pears give this savory dinner a slight sweetness. This recipe also meets K-12 requirements for federally reimbursable meal programs. For the larger recipes, visit https://eatcannedpears.com/k-12-schools 1¼ pound Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)2 tablespoons Vegetable oil½ teaspoon Black pepper1 Onion (sliced)1 cup Carrots (sliced)3... Continue Reading →
Pear Breakfast Bread Pudding Perfect for breakfast or brunch! 2 cups Milk2 Eggs1.2 cup Light brown sugar3/4 tsp Vanilla extract1/8 tsp Salt4 cups Whole grain bread (cut into cubes)15 ounce Canned pears (drained and chopped)1/8 tsp Cinnamon1 cup Granola Wash hands with soap and waterPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8... Continue Reading →
Canned pears make these enpanadas quick to make. Pear Empanadas 2 cups Canned Pears (drained and diced)1 Tbsp Sugar1/2 tsp Cinnamon2 Tbsp Cornstarch8 Frozen whole grain biscuits (2.25-3 oz.) ((2.25-3 oz.))1/2 Warm Water Wash hands with soap and waterPreheat oven to 350°.Dice the drained pears and set asidePlace the biscuit rounds on sheet pan lined... Continue Reading →
No More Excuses: Overcoming Barriers to Exercise
An easy side dish for kids to help with. Apple Jicama Slaw 1 Apple1 Pear1 cup Jicama3 Tbsp Orange Juice1/4 cup Raisins1/2 tsp Cinnamon (or nutmeg) Wash hands with soap and waterIn a medium bowl, grate apple, pear, and jicama. Be careful as the grater is sharp. Use as much of the fruit as you... Continue Reading →
These are an easy and tasty after school snack. Peachy Peanut Butter Pita Pockets 2 Whole wheat pita¼ cup Peanut butter½ Apple (cored and thinly sliced)½ Banana (thinly sliced)½ Peach (thinly sliced) Wash hands with soap and water.Cut pitas in half to make 4 pockets and warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds to... Continue Reading →
With in-season, ripe Idaho watermelons, this icy treat need no other ingredient except watermelon! Watermelon Granita A healthy, icy treat for a hot day. 5 cups Watermelon (Seedless) Wash hands with soap and waterPut watermelon in a blender. Blend until smooth. (Alternatively, use a potato masher.)Strain into an 8″x 8″ glass baking dish and place... Continue Reading →
This quick and easy salad is made super flavorful with ginger and walnuts! Carrot and Beet Salad 1/4 cup Onion (diced)2 Tbsp Ginger (fresh, grated)2 Garlic cloves (minced)1 Lime1/4 cup Olive oil4 cups Carrots (finely shredded)4 cups Beets (finely shredded)1/4 cup walnuts (*optional*) Wash hands with soap and waterGrate the beets into a large bowl.... Continue Reading →
Fresh & Fire-Grilled Sweet Corn- You Know it's Summer! Grilled Sweet Corn Grill 6 Ears of Fresh Corn 3 Tbls Butter (melted)Black Pepper Wash hands with soap and waterPreheat grill until coals are glowing, or 350-400°F on a gas grill).Peel back corn husks (but do not remove).Wash ears of corn but do not Remove silk... Continue Reading →
Idaho is known for super sweet and tasty watermelons. They are available from July through early October. Find a local farm to pick your own or get a bargain at the store. Spot the Field Spot- This yellow/gold spot on the bottom means the melon basked in the sun on the farm and was ripe... Continue Reading →
An easy, icy and healthy treat on a hot day! Watermelon Granita A healthy, icy treat for a hot day. 5 cups Watermelon (Seedless) Wash hands with soap and waterPut watermelon in a blender. Blend until smooth. (Alternatively, use a potato masher.)Strain into an 8″x 8″ glass baking dish and place in freezer. (Don’t use... Continue Reading →
Have you been camping yet this year? Did you know that camping not only gives you time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also provides health benefits? Camping offers Fresh natural air, Bright natural sunlight, Exercise & Healthy eating, and Family bonding just to name a few. When camping... Continue Reading →
Try this COOL summer recipe with your Summer or Fall BBQ Cantaloupe Gazpacho Try this COOL summer recipe with your Summer or Fall BBQ Blender 1 cantaloupe, medium (washed, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)1 cucumber, small (washed, peeled, and cut into chunks)2 tablespoons red onion (rinsed and chopped)½ teaspoon salt⅓ cup water½ cup olive... Continue Reading →
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking for some leisure time outdoors Idaho state parks has something for everyone. Idaho has thirty state parks that you can take a day trip, weekend trip, or even a full family vacation at and make great memories. From camping to water sports, sand surfing and even historical... Continue Reading →
Eat Smart Idaho is celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month During May! #MoveInMay Tell us what YOU do for fitness. #MoveinMay Regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life. It reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Yet in Idaho, more than 24%... Continue Reading →
Crunchy and spicy: A tasty snack. Buffalo Deviled Eggs in Celery Crunchy and spicy: A tasty snack. 8 hard-boiled eggs (peeled & chopped)3 tablespoons low-sodium mayo2 tablespoons chives (finely chopped (divide in half))1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon Buffalo-style hot sauce (Your favorite wing sauce)1 teaspoon paprika (divide in half)1/4 teaspoon black pepper3 stalks celery (cut... Continue Reading →
This classic egg salad is delicious served between two slices of toasted rustic whole wheat bread. Classic Egg Salad Sandwich This classic egg salad is delicious served between two slices of toasted rustic whole wheat bread. 6 eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)1 tablespoon lemon juice1/4 cup low-sodium mayo1 tablespoon yellow mustard1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)1/4 cup... Continue Reading →
An easy-to-make comfort food that sounds exotic and tastes delicious. Made from ingredients that we usually have on hand, we love it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a slice of toasted whole grain bread. Shakshuka- Saucy & Spicy Eggs An easy-to-make comfort food that sounds exotic and tastes delicious. Made from ingredients that we... Continue Reading →
You’ll be ready to hit the trail with this high energy snack!
This is a protein-packed lunch or snack. It is also delicious using canned chicken or salmon instead of tuna! Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad Perfect for a protein packed power lunch or snack! ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt1 can tuna (5 ounces, packed in water)1 small apple (diced)2 stalks celery (diced)1 tablespoon spicy mustard¼ cup... Continue Reading →
A tasty heart-healthy dish. Neapolitan Tuna Fettucine 8 ounces whole-grain fettuccine pasta1 tablespoon olive oil1 small onion (diced)2 cloves garlic (minced)1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (14.5 oz. can)5 ounces canned tuna (packed in water, drained)¼ cup sliced ripe olives (drained (or 1-2.2 ounce can))ground pepper to taste Wash hands before prepping food.Cook whole grain fettuccine... Continue Reading →
Fire Roasted Grapefruit Sweet, tangy, and juicy, this winter treat will warm you up. 1 Grapefruit (can also use oranges, omit honey)½ teaspoon dried mint (optional)1 teaspoon honey Wash hands before prepping food.Cut the grapefruit in half.Drizzle honey, then mint onto the grapefruit.Put the two halves together and Wrap grapefruit in heavy foil.Put the grapefruit... Continue Reading →
Use whatever type of fish you enjoy! FOILED FISH IN A FLASH 1 fish fillet (trout, salmon or tuna)1 tablespoon lemon juiceFresh or dried herbs (rosemary, oregano or dill)1 teaspoon olive oil (or other vegetable oil) Wash hands before preparing food.Preheat a barbecue grill or frying pan to hot.Place the fish fillet on a piece... Continue Reading →
February 14th, a day filled with candy, flowers, hearts, gifts, and Valentine cards. These gifts are fun ways to remind your friends and family how much you love and care them. Valentine’s Day is filled with candy and more candy, but what if you are looking for non-candy related teats for Valentine’s Day? What if... Continue Reading →
We are right in the middle of the coldest part of winter. It is so easy during this time of year to curl up under a blanket and attempt to hibernate all winter. Unfortunately, our bodies are not made to hibernate, and even during the cold we need exercise. We are supposed to get 150... Continue Reading →
How is it already the second week of January?! Like many of us, the beginning of the new year also means a chance to start over. This means resolutions for the new year. But like many of us, we quickly fall back into our old habits. So how can this year be different? By setting... Continue Reading →
Today is your last day to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers unless you are freezing them. Here are a few safety tips to remember when using up your Thanksgiving (and any other) leftovers: Leftovers should be used within 4 days if they are stored in the fridge This means that for Thanksgiving leftovers, if your... Continue Reading →
BEFORE YOU BUY THE TURKEY- Make space in the refrigerator KEEP IT SEPARATE- In the shopping cart, bags, and the refrigerator,separate raw turkey from other foods. NEVER DEFROST AT ROOM TEMPERATURE-Thaw in a refrigerator, 40 °f or below. Allow about 1 day for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place... Continue Reading →
