The apples and dried cranberries give this stuffing a nice tart flavor. Using a slow-cooker makes holiday cooking a little less crowded. Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Stuffing 12 cups bread (whole-wheat, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 pound))1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 cup onion (washed and chopped (about 1 medium onion))4 cups celery (washed and chopped... Continue Reading →
Let's get ready to roast a turkey. Use our handy chart to find the right times to thaw and roast. Then get some pointers to enjoy a safe and tasty Thanksgiving turkey dinner . NEVER DEFROST AT ROOM TEMPERATURE- Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan... Continue Reading →
Easy Turkey Skillet Dinner This recipe is a wholesome Fall dinner dining option incorporating a lean protein, and a variety of vegetables. This cuisine would be best paired with a whole grain rice or pasta. A benefit of this dish is that different vegetables or protein sources can be substituted depending on flavor preferences. With... Continue Reading →
Spiced Warm Cider Homemade Holiday Favorite Crockpot or Stove top 1 cup Unsweetened apple juice1 cup Water1/2 cup Orange juice concentrate1 tsp Brown Sugar1/4 tsp Nutmeg1/4 tsp Ginger (ground)1/4 tsp Cloves (ground)1/4 tsp Cinnamon (ground) Wash hands with soap and waterCombine ingredients in a pot or slow cooker, cook until warm. In a slow... Continue Reading →
Everyone seems to have at least one holiday meal that will never be forgotten…for the wrong reason. The neck and giblet bag cooked in the bird, forgotten eggs in the pumpkin pies, or our furry four-legged family member being the first to sample the holiday feast. These are just a few of the mishaps that... Continue Reading →
Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Nachos A quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! 3 medium sweet potatoes1 can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed1 medium red bell pepper, diced1 small red onion, diced1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded1 cup low-fat Greek yogurthot sauce to taste1/2 cup cilantro, chopped1 medium lime, zest and... Continue Reading →
Holidays may look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some of our favorite holiday meals! To keep ourselves and loved ones safe this Thanksgiving it is important to keep food safety in mind. As you are buying food for your holiday feast, it is important to be aware of... Continue Reading →
This soup comes together quickly- a perfect Halloween meal! Seven Can Chicken Tortilla Soup 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained1 14.5 oz can chicken broth2 14.5 oz cans cream of chicken soup1 10 oz can chunk chicken1 15 oz can black beans1 10 oz can diced tomatoes, drainedSpices of choice such as cumin... Continue Reading →
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 →
Adding more whole grains to your day doesn't mean that you have to compromise flavor. Try this whole grain recipe as part of your "baby steps" to eating more whole grains! Quick, easy and full of flavor! Chili Mac and Cheese This Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, while still being healthy... 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 →
Peanut Butter Banana Pockets are a great snack that your kids can help prepare. Getting your kids involved in the kitchen will teach them skills they will use throughout their lives. While helping prepare recipes kids will be building their math, science, reading, communication, and decision making skills. Another bonus is kids are more likely... Continue Reading →
Water is just fine, thanks: Serve water or milk instead of soda. Print or create a water tracking chart for your family. Pick out a cup or water bottle that you enjoy using and determine the number of cups or ounces that it holds. Draw a row of cups/bottles to represent 8 ounces (1 cup)... Continue Reading →
Water is just fine, thanks: Serve water or milk instead of soda. Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened waters are associated with a range of health conditions, including weight gain/obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. When you substitute water for a single 20-ounce sugar sweetened soda, you can reduce... Continue Reading →
Here is a printable list of healthy donation suggestions.
Kids grow best in motion: Encourage 1 hour of physical activity a day. Workout videos are a great way to get moving at home with family members. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends Fit Kids, a website with a range of home workouts for children. Videos are divided into four groups: warmups,... Continue Reading →
Kids grow best in motion: Encourage 1 hour of physical activity a day. If your family is primarily at home, set a timer for walking or movement breaks. At the beginning of the day, plan where you will walk or what exercise your will do each time the timer goes off. Even if you just... Continue Reading →
Garlic can either enhance or overwhelm a recipe. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best qualities this little gem has to offer. When shopping, choose firm, whole heads of garlic with no mold nor sprouting.Store whole heads of garlic bulbs in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Replace when it... Continue Reading →
Play time, not screen time: Cut screen time to 2 hours or less a day. Are you new to meal planning? Start small. Which meal would be easiest to plan for in advance? Breakfast may be a busy time, or difficult to plan for if household members awake at different times. Dinner tends to be... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee – University of Idaho Extension According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness that is unlikely to be transmitted through food. However, it is important to practice hand hygiene and follow safe food handling steps to keep you and your family safe. Foodborne... Continue Reading →
Whether you are new to cooking or have a lifetime of experience in the kitchen, there are always new tricks you can learn to take your cooking skills to the next level. Here are some of our favorite tricks: Toast nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, before adding them to your favorite dishes. Save... Continue Reading →
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Quench your thirst with this refreshing Summer beverage. 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (chopped)2 tbsp Honey or sweetener of choice2 lemons (juiced)3.5 cups sparkling water Puree strawberries and honey in blender or food processor.Pour sparkling water into a pitcher, then stir in strawberry puree and lemon juice.Serve at room temperature or... Continue Reading →
Many of our schedules and routines have been disrupted during this time, which can make it difficult to make sure we are getting enough water. Approximately 60 percent of our body consists of water, so it is essential to make our bodies function. Water is vital to the life of every cell in our body,... Continue Reading →
Stay active, even while indoors. Physical activity plays an important role in mediating mood, improving sleep, and reducing risk of chronic disease. With physical distancing guidelines still in place, it is important to continue providing kids with opportunities to release energy and build strong muscles and bones. Try a plank contest and see which family... Continue Reading →
“Wait, you’re trusting students with real, sharp knives?” That was one of the questions teachers heard most often at the Edible Schoolyard Project kitchen classroom in Berkley, CA. Since schools closed, their Edible Education for the Home Classroom is a huge hit, with lessons on topics such as “Growing Food From Your Food Scraps”, and... Continue Reading →
Learning how to use a knife can decrease the time you spend preparing meals and can save you money by chopping your own ingredients instead of buying costly, pre-chopped ingredients. However, working with sharp tools can be a little intimidating. With knife skills, a little practice goes a long way. To start, choosing the right... Continue Reading →
Raise your hand if you have ever burned a batch of beans… or just dinner. *Raises hand slowly* You leave a pot on the stove, get distracted, and suddenly dinner is a bit more charred than you would like. You might ask yourself, “What can I do?” An easy solution is to pull out that... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee – University of Idaho Extension As the meat supply in the nation is possibly disrupted due to COVID-19, you might find some stores that have placed limits on purchase amounts and have smaller selections of meat. With meat prices expected to rise, this could be a good time to consider expanding... Continue Reading →
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 →
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD – University of Idaho Extension Fruits and vegetables taste better and cost less when they are in season. As you enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness, you also save money because in-season produce are typically on sale at the store. Before heading to the store or... Continue Reading →
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health issues do not all fit in one box. They come in different forms and shapes, but no matter which form someone is experiencing, it can be a struggle to function on a normal, day to day basis. Here are some tips to help yourself, a family... Continue Reading →
We open the fridge to find our spinach has wilted to a slimy mess and the zucchini we had planned to eat before the stay-at-home had been placed is shriveled to almost nothing. We know it is important to eat vegetables and fruits, but how do we purchase enough to get us through until our... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD – University of Idaho Extension As many of us continue to stay home, you may wonder how to maintain healthy eating habits. The good news is that it’s still possible to consume a balanced, healthy diet during this restrictive time. Having a variety of healthful foods on hand and... Continue Reading →
Serve 5 fruits and vegetables a day. A variety of fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals important for growth, development, and a healthy immune system. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower rates of diseases like high blood pressure, stroke heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables may... Continue Reading →
Spring is in the air and although we are still practicing social distancing, there are many outdoor opportunities for physical activity. In fact, during this season of Covid-19, it is even more important to be as active as possible, whether indoors or outdoors. Physical activity benefits both the body and mind. On top of having... Continue Reading →
Lately, we are all hearing about the importance of hand washing and for good reason. Hand washing is one of the best ways to remove germs and prevent the spread to others, and it just takes 5 simple steps! Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). To save water, turn the tap... Continue Reading →
Grocery shopping has become one of the most exciting adventures. As you enter the grocery store you try to navigate the signs on the floor directing traffic and hunt for those staple items that seem to have disappeared a few weeks ago. The announcer reminds you once more to stay 6 feet away from one... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD - University of Idaho Extension Fruits and vegetables provide many nutrients that are essential to our health. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. During a pandemic like COVID-19, it is especially... Continue Reading →
