As children, many of us may have heard songs and stories about beans. While these songs and stories tried to encourage more bean consumption, it seems that legumes aren’t eaten quite as often as they could be. Legumes include beans like black, pinto, navy, and kidney beans as well as chickpeas, split peas, and lentils.... Continue Reading →
Baked Tomatoes with Cheese
Baked Tomatoes with Cheese A seasonal summer recipe. KnifeBaking DishSmall bowl 2 Tomatoes (large)1/3 cup low-fat cheese (parmesan, Swiss, or cheddar)1 tsp dried oregano1/4 tsp ground black pepper1/4 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced) Wash hands with soap and water.Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash tomatoes and cut into 1 inch thick slices.Place tomato... Continue Reading →
Tomatoes: A Favorite Seasonal Food
Tomatoes are plentiful and affordable in the summer because they are in season. There are many varieties of tomatoes to choose from. Whether it be bite sized cherry tomatoes or larger Heirloom tomatoes, they are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Tomatoes can be eaten raw, cooked, or made into... Continue Reading →
Hummus
Hummus is another tasty way to add plant protein to your day! Hummus can be spread on sandwiches, served with crackers, or used as a dip for veggies.
Plant Based Protein
Every person needs protein in their diet to build and repair their body. This article talks about a few plant foods to keep your body fueled with the protein it needs!
Camp Cooking- Foil Packet Recipes
Before trying these recipes, see our previous blog post, Camp Cooking Safety. Foil Packet Camping Dinners Great for camping! Choose a protein: (Ground beef or turkey sausage, cubed chicken or steak, fish. Smaller pieces of meat cook more quickly. )Add lots of veggies: (For ease, wash and cut veggies ahead of time. Onions, potatoes, carrots,... Continue Reading →
Camp Cooking Safety
While you’re packing the sunscreen, bug spray and camping gear, don’t forget basic food safety. Here are some camp-specific tips. Plan Ahead! To avoid leftovers, plan menus and portion sizes ahead of time. Plan meals that require one pot to lighten your load. If possible, bring shelf stable foods. Keep Cold Foods Cold! Pack foods... Continue Reading →
Beet Sauerkraut
Fermenting your own vegetables can help save money, especially if you eat them regularly. By fermenting sauerkraut at home, you can make a jar for a fraction of the price that you would pay in the supermarket. Beet Sauerkraut An easy at home fermentation recipe for the whole family! kitchen scalebowlmason jar/glass jarSpoonkifecutting boardGrater 500... Continue Reading →
Fermenting Vegetables
Fermenting vegetables at home can reduce food waste, save money, and can promote a healthy gut. Sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi are a few fermented vegetables that provide a variety of health benefits. Why make fermented vegetables? Fermented vegetables can be healthy for your gut and improve your digestion.The fermentation process increases the vegetables’ naturally occurring... Continue Reading →
Berry Banana Popsicles
Berry Banana Popsicles A refreshing frozen snack. Mixing bowlKnifePaper cupsPlastic spoons 1 cup Strawberries (diced)1 Banana (medium sized, diced)2 cups Vanilla Yogurt (non-fat) Wash hands.Dice strawberries and bananas with a knife. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Pour mixture into paper cups. Place in freezer until starts to solidify.Place plastic spoons in mixture... Continue Reading →
Popsicles: Healthy & Homemade
As the temperature rises this summer why not stay cool with a healthy and homemade popsicle? Traditionally popsicles aren’t known as the healthiest of snacks. Many frozen popsicles have large amounts of added sugar, and not a lot of vitamins and minerals. Some do add some vitamin C, but not much else. An easy way... Continue Reading →
Fruit Leather
Fruit Leather is nutritious, delicious, easy to prepare, lightweight, and simple to make. Fruit leather 3 cups strawberries Wash hands and wash fruitBlend 3 cups strawberries or other fruit in a blenderSpread evenly on a silicone baking mat on a cookie sheetBake at lowest setting for 3-4 hoursCheck often as each batch will vary depending... Continue Reading →
ENJOYING SUMMERS BOUNTY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
There is nothing quite like eating fresh fruit and vegetables when they are at their peak of freshness, but in order to enjoy them throughout the year they must be preserved. There are many ways of preservation such as canning, freezing and drying. When canning, the food is boiled in a can or jar to... Continue Reading →
Cherry Salsa
This sweet and spicy salsa tastes great on tacos, with grilled with meats, with cheese & whole grain crackers baked tortilla chips. Try our Pork Tacos with Cherry Salsa.
Idaho Cherry Season- Just the Beginning of Idaho Stone Fruit Season
We chose a few orchards where you can pick your own fruit, but we would like to hear from you: Where do YOU pick fresh fruits during summer in Idaho? Read more...
Tangy Summer Crunch Salad
Tangy Summer Crunch Salad cutting boardKnifeMixing bowlSpoon 1 large cucumber (about 2 cups (or summer squash))1 large tomato1 small onion (or 3 large green onions)1 handful fresh herbs (ex: dill, cilantro, mint, etc. )2 Tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon (or vinegar))black pepper (to taste) Wash all vegetables under clean water, prepare vegetables as... Continue Reading →
3 Summer Activities for the Whole Family
As we enter a bright and beautiful season, the plants are springing up, the kids are out of school for summer, and you are hoping for this summer to be the best! How do you make this happen? Beginning of summer is the perfect time to plan some fun family activities that embrace nature and... Continue Reading →
Fruit Yogurt Smoothie
Fruit Yogurt Smoothie Mix and match with your favorite seasonal berries. BlenderMeasuring cupsSpoon 3 cups frozen strawberries2 cups low-fat milk1 banana (large)Âľ cup Low-fat vanilla yogurt Wash hands with soap and water.Slightly defrost frozen fruit so it will blend easily.Pour milk into blender.Add frozen fruit, banana and yogurt to blender.Blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds.... Continue Reading →
June is National Dairy Month
It is recommended that we consume 3 servings of dairy like low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese each day. However, most Americans fall below that recommendation, getting only an average of 1.8 servings per day. Why dairy? Dairy products provide calcium, potassium and vitamin D.Dairy foods have health benefits. They have been shown to help... Continue Reading →
Watermelon Pizza
Watermelon Pizza Customize with your favorite berries. KnifeSpoon 1 Watermelon (sliced 1" thick and cut into 8 wedges)2 cups low-fat Greek yogurt (vanilla flavored)2 cups mixed berries Wash hands with soap and water.Wash and slice watermelon into 1 inch slices. Cut the rounds into triangular wedges.Spread 1/4 cup yogurt on top of each slice.Sprinkle mixed... Continue Reading →
Watermelon – A Summer Treat
With the peak of summer coming many fruits are coming into season, including watermelon. Watermelon is available year-round, but during the summer months they are in season, so become more affordable. Watermelon is nutrient packed and fun to eat! What are some of the health benefits of watermelon? Watermelon helps with hydration. As the name... Continue Reading →
Berry Bran Muffins
Great for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Wilting Fresh Berries? Don’t let them go to waste!
Fresh fruits, especially berries, are one of the best things about the spring and summer months. Read more!
Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef
This basic sauce is perfect with cooked pasta, polenta, spaghetti squash, and more! Get the recipe here.
Canned Tomatoes
This week we talk about types of canned tomatoes and ways to use them. Read more.
Turkey Spinach Meatballs
Turkey Spinach Meatballs Baking sheetMixing bowlKnifecutting board 1 lb. ground turkey1 egg1 onion (small)2 cloves garlic (finely chopped (or 1 tsp ground garlic))1 cup spinach (finely chopped)1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)1/2 tsp ground black pepper (optional)salt to taste (about 2 tsp) Preheat oven to 400°F.In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until fully... Continue Reading →
How to Add Dark Green Vegetables to Your Family Meals
Spring is a time for new beginnings and clearing out winter stillness with bitter, astringent foods like dark green leafy greens. Intentionally adding in more dark green vegetables to your family meals is a great way to embrace new spring beginnings and slowly incorporate healthy habits. What are your family's favorite dark green vegetables? Some... Continue Reading →
Black Bean & Veggie Quesadilla
Black Bean & Veggie Quesadilla Mix and match with your favorite veggies GraterCan openerKnifecutting boardSkilletSpatula/Turner 6 Whole wheat tortillas1 1/2 cups Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded1 can Low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed1 cup Zucchini1 cup Low-sodium corn, drained and rinsed1 cup Spinach Wash hands.Top whole wheat tortilla with:Low-fat cheddar cheeseBlack beansZucchiniCornSpinachFold.Cook in skillet on medium... Continue Reading →
Why Plant a Garden?
You don’t need a huge yard to experience the benefits of gardening. Container gardens are great for small spaces, and are perfect for balconies, patios, or places where you can't plant in the ground. You will be amazed by how much food you can grow in just a couple of pots! Starting a garden of your... Continue Reading →
Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Herbs
Roasted vegetables fast easy to prepare. Depending on the season, use other veggies. Consider white potatoes, winter squash, and sage. Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Herbs Roasted vegetables are fast and easy to prepare. Depending on the season, use other veggies. Consider white potatoes, winter squash, and sage. 3 sweet potatoes (medium-size, peeled and cut into 1”... Continue Reading →
Cooking with Fresh HerbsÂ
Whether you are a new cook or an experienced chef, using herbs can increase the flavor of any food, and they have natural health benefits. Fresh herbs increase the flavor in food more than dried because of all the oils in the leaves. In addition, fresh herbs are full of antioxidants, To incorporate fresh herbs... Continue Reading →
Oatmeal ChocoChip Bean Cookies
Oats & whole wheat flour increase the nutrition in these tasty cookies. Oatmeal ChocoChip Bean Cookies 1 cup whole wheat flour1 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 cup white beans (low sodium, cooked & pureed or mashed)1 cup brown sugar1 cup granulated sugar½ cup butter (softened)2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla2 cups quick-cooking oats3/4... Continue Reading →
Spring Forward with Fun Physical Activities for the Family
You made it through the shortest days of Winter. Now that the days are longer, take time to add more physical activity to your family’s day. Balancing the work and school day can be hectic but making small changes this spring can lead to big rewards. Think about times when your family is sitting and... Continue Reading →
Cabbage & Radish Coleslaw
Cabbage & Radish Coleslaw Small bowllarge mixing bowlSpoonKnifecutting board 1/2 medium red cabbage (finely shredded or sliced)1 bunch radishes (chopped)2 green onions (chopped)1/2 cup golden raisins Dressing1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt1 Tbsp oil (any variety)2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar1/2 tsp saltblack pepper to taste Wash all produce and prepare as listed above. Place in a... Continue Reading →
April- What’s in Season?
What is seasonal eating? Eating foods that are at their peak ripeness and nutritional value during a specific time of the year. Often times, these foods are less expensive, more flavorful, support local famers, and provide health benefits. Planning meals around seasonal fruits and vegetables is an easy way to save on groceries. Just look... Continue Reading →
Scrambled Egg Muffins
Scrambled Egg Muffins Customize these with your favorite veggies. Muffin TinKnifeMixing bowlGrater Non-stick cooking spray6 Eggs1/2 cup Onion (washed and diced)1/2 cup Broccoli (washed and diced)1/2 cup Red bell pepper (washed and diced)1/2 cup Green bell pepper (washed and diced)1/4 tsp Ground black pepper1/4 tsp Garlic powder1/2 cup Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded Wash hands. Preheat... Continue Reading →
Egg Tips
Eggs are packed full of essential nutrients. There are only 70 calories, 13 essential vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, and antioxidants all combined into one egg! If you will be dyeing and hunting for Easter eggs this year, it’s important to follow some food safety rules to prevent illness. Keep fresh eggs refrigerated in the... Continue Reading →
Radish and Cucumber Salad
Radishes are a fun and easy vegetable for kids to grow. This salad is a tasty way to eat them. Radish and Cucumber Salad Radishes are great vegetables for kids to grow and this salad is a tasty way to serve them! ÂĽ cup nonfat plain yogurtÂĽ teaspoon garlic powderÂĽ teaspoon pepperÂĽ teaspoon salt1 bunch... Continue Reading →
5 Reasons to Grow Your Own Food
March is a great time to start planning to plant your own garden. Even if you do not have a patch of ground, you can plant in containers for a patio or porch garden. All you need is containers, soil, sunlight, water, and seeds. Now is the time to start making your plan and deciding... Continue Reading →
Veggie Mac & Cheese
This recipe uses items that are good to have on hand such as whole grain pasta, low-fat cheese, and veggies of all kinds (Fresh, frozen, or canned). Try it once and it might become a family favorite when meal planning. Veggie Mac & Cheese This creamy mac & cheese is fill of veggies. To make... Continue Reading →
Meal Planning Made Easy
Planning meals ahead can help you stick to healthy eating and save money. MAP OUT YOUR MEALS Outline meals for the week ahead. Sit down and think about the week ahead. Do you and your family have plans or special events? Think about what foods you have on hand and wouldn't have to buy. FIND... Continue Reading →
DIY Veggie Tostadas
DIY Veggie Tostadas Get the whole family involved! Spice it up with different toppings. Baking sheetmixing bowlsspoonscutting boardKnife 10 corn tortillas (6 inch)1 (16 oz.) can refried beans (fat-free)cooking oil sprayAdditional Toppings:1/2 cup onion (chopped)1 jalapeno chili (seeded and minced)guacamolenon-fat sour cream1 cup tomato (chopped)1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded)3 cups lettuce (shredded) Preheat oven... Continue Reading →
Giving Kids Choice-Developing Healthy Eating Habits
Giving your kids a choice of the foods they eat will help to develop healthy eating habits. A path where kids have control in their food choice promotes an open mind towards food. Kids will become curious about the foods presented to them and begin to have conversations about why certain foods affect their bodies... Continue Reading →
Lemon Spring Vegetable Pasta
Lemon Spring Vegetable Pasta A quick, easy, and tasty recipe. Sauce panstrainerKnifeFrying panWooden spoon 12 oz whole grain noodles or pasta, cooked according to instructions2 cups leafy greens12 oz Frozen peas4 each green onions (sliced)1 cup Grated parmesan cheese1 each lemon (juiced)1 tbsp olive oil Boil pasta and drain.Reserve 1 cup pasta water.Saute 2 green... Continue Reading →
March is National Nutrition Month®
The National Nutrition Month® campaign from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrated each year during the month of March. It focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, Celebrate a World of Flavors, showcases how flavors from different cultures around the... Continue Reading →
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Chicken Enchilada Casserole 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)1 cup mushrooms (slices)1/2 cup green bell peppers (diced)2 cups cooked or canned chicken (shredded)10 ounces red enchilada sauce (divided)12 corn tortillas ((6" round))1 cup queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese (divided) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Wash hands with soap and water.Gently rub vegetables under cold running... Continue Reading →
Family Meals Are Good for “All Parts” of You and Your Family
Getting together to have a family meal may seem like a challenge with differing schedules and the all-important question, of what to have for dinner. These barriers may seem impossible to overcome on some nights when you are tired from a long day at work or being with the kids. But the benefits of having... Continue Reading →
Cinnamon Black Bean Brownies
This one bowl recipe is fun to make with kids and makes a tasty brownie that everyone will like! Cinnamon Black Bean Brownies One bowl, one potato masher, and one baking pan! 1 15 ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)ÂĽ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)1 teaspoon baking powderÂľ cup sugarÂĽ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cinnamon4 eggsÂĽ... Continue Reading →
5 Tips for Baking Healthier with Kids
Baking sparks creativity, teaches how to follow instructions, involves math & counting, improves kitchen skills and safety, and always brings smiles. Enjoy these 5 Tips for Baking with Kids 1. Accept the Mess and Take your Time: Baking with kids can be messy, but that’s part of the fun. Messy doesn’t mean dirty though, so... Continue Reading →
Chocolate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bark
Chocolate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bark A sweet, nutritious snack or dessert for the whole family! Baking sheetSpoonKnifecutting boardparchment paper 3 cups vanilla Greek yogurt (or regular vanilla yogurt)1 cup frozen strawberries (cut into pieces or slices)2 Tbsp. chocolate chips Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.Stir yogurt until slightly runny. Spread the yogurt... Continue Reading →