Inexpensive Holiday Gifts
Turkey Noodle Soup Mix
Ingredients:
Layer these ingredients in this order in a jar with a tight lid.
- 1/4 cup red lentils
- 2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup uncooked medium egg noodles
Directions for recipe card to attach to jar of soup mix.
- 1 jar turkey noodle soup mix
- 8 cups water
- 1 16-oz pkg frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups cooked, diced turkey
Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in jar of soup mix. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and turkey meat. Cook 5 minutes more or until vegetables and turkey are heated through and tender.
Chili Seasoning Mix
Mix together in small bowl:
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground pepper
Pour into a small jar. Use a funnel or creased waxed paper or tinfoil to pour into small jar openings.
Directions for recipe card to attach to jar:
- 1 jar Chili Seasoning Mix
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
- 1 can no-salt diced tomatoes
- 1 can white, black or red beans
Brown ground meat in a skillet. Pour off any fat. Add seasoning mix, tomatoes and beans. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Can top with shredded low-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream, sliced green onions. Serve with whole grain tortilla chips or a whole grain cracker.
Hot Chocolate Mix
Mix together and pour into a jar:
- ½ C. sugar
- ½ C. cocoa powder
Directions for recipe card to attach to jar:
- 2 Tbsp. cocoa mix
- ¾ cup of low-fat milk
On a stove-top or in the microwave, heat the milk (do not boil the milk). Stir in 2 Tbsp. of hot cocoa mix until dissolved. Pour into mug and add sugar-free marshmallows or a peppermint stick if desired.
Note: Put the mix in a resealable plastic bag and place in a festive mug with the recipe card attached for a great holiday gift!
-Suzanne
Handle Leftovers Safely
After your Thanksgiving meal is over, the countdown to repurpose leftovers into soups, hash, sandwiches, and other uses begins. But how long can you safely keep leftovers to enjoy after Thanksgiving day?
First, within two hours after dinner has been served, make sure to pack up leftovers right away and store them in the refrigerator. For every 20 minutes over two hours your food sits at room temperature, the level of bacteria doubles in quantity, so don’t wait!
Leftovers can safely keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Follow the following USDA guidelines for handling leftovers safely:
• Throw away hot or cold food that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature happened to be extremely warm, such as above 90°F (for instance at an outdoor event).
• Large quantities of hot food can take longer to cool to a food-safe temperature, thereby increasing the risk of bacteria growth. To speed up the cooling process, store hot food in shallow, small containers so that it cools quickly to a safe refrigerator-storage temperature of 40°F. Along those same lines, cut large portions of hot food (such as a turkey or ham) into smaller portions.
• Store leftovers in airtight packaging such as plastic zip-top bags, plastic wrap covered dishes, or storage containers.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
Read here for more information: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/11/thanksgiving-leftover-safety-keep-your-family-safe-through-the-holidays/#.VHi_xGTF-c8
Video Resource: Tiny Bites Add Up!
Maintaining your weight during the holiday season can often be a challenge. Check out this video to see how those “tiny bites” can add up to extra weight gain.
December 2014 Healthy Times Newsletter
Download your copy of the latest version of the Healthy Times Newsletter here: Healthy_Times_newsletter_December_2014
Maintain Not Gain Weight This Holiday Season
The first day of November marks the start of the holiday season. This means parties, food and fun for the next two months. If you’re like most Americans, you may end up gaining between 1 to 5 pounds. It’s no surprise when many holiday dishes are high in calories, fat, and sugar. This season, strive to maintain not gain weight. Follow these simple strategies to help you be healthy and happy during the holidays:
- Before your holiday feast, avoid skipping meals, which may result in overeating.
- When you do eat, be sure to add high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will fill you without all the calories.
- Go ahead and enjoy the feast but watch your portions. A sliver of pie tastes just as delicious as a large slice!
- Use smaller plates and avoid seconds (unless you’re going back for more tossed salad).
- If you’re in a buffet, start with the salads and fruits.
- Eat slowly and savor every bite.
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
-Lisa
Source: eatright.org