Tips and Recipes

Video resource: How to Make Sanitizing Solution

Wiping our kitchen surfaces down with a warm, soapy dish cloth removes the visible dirt and grime but doesn’t remove harmful bacteria and viruses. We need to sanitize our surfaces in addition to cleaning them. Watch to see how you can make your own inexpensive sanitizing solution:

“You” as the role model for physical activity

What is a role model? Someone you look up to, someone you want to model your life or actions after.  Many of us do not see ourselves as role models, especially in the area of physical activity.  With Hollywood actors and actresses portraying unrealistic images of attractiveness, and extreme sports being in the spotlight, it is hard to think about leading anyone, including yourself, to be fit. Fortunately, you do not have to spend hours at the gym to set a good example for others.  Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk after dinner, or attending a dance class consistently relays the message that physical activity is not only fun, but a part of daily life.   Influence the ones you love today by getting (and staying) active! Amber

Back to School Snacks

Check out our latest video, Back to School Snacks, here: https://youtu.be/5MP_F4P_3Hw

Eat together, eat healthier

Did you know August is Family Meals Month? Family mealtime is a time when all members of the family can sit down together and enjoy each other’s company over a delicious meal.
With our busy schedules, it might not always be possible to sit down for a longer meal each night of the week. Some nights it might just be a shorter meal before or after your child’s basketball or soccer game or a quick meal after a busy school night event. If each night doesn’t work, try for most nights of the week, or maybe on some days breakfast time works better instead.
Family mealtime can help the whole family eat healthier and even help your children do better in school. The University of Nebraska has a great resource about the Importance of Family Mealtime. Take a moment to look it over or better yet, print it out and post it on the fridge for all members of your family to read.
This month please join us as we discuss ways we can have more meals together. We’ll share with you some quick weeknight recipes and breakfast recipes. Let us know what else you would like to know. Or if you have tips to share with us about what works for your family mealtimes, please share those too!
Emily

Cool, delicious watermelon recipes

Watermelon Kebabs
An easy, fast, no-mess meal!

Ingredients

• 18 1 inch cubes of seedless watermelon
• 6 cubes of smoked turkey breast
• 6 cubes of cheddar cheese
• 6 coffee stirrers or beverage straws

Instructions
Cut watermelon, turkey and cheese in cubes and skewer on stirrers or straws.

Servings:  Serves 6.
 Watermelon Banana Split
A healthy twist to an old favorite
Ingredients

• 2 bananas
• 1 watermelon medium sized
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup caramel fruit dip
• 1/4 cup honey roasted almonds

Instructions
Peel bananas and cut in half lengthwise then cut each piece in half. For each serving, lay 2 banana pieces against sides of shallow dish. Using an ice cream scooper, place three watermelon “scoops” in between each banana in each dish. Remove seeds if necessary. Top each watermelon “scoop” with a different fruit topping. Drizzle caramel fruit dip over all. Sprinkle with almonds.

Servings:  Makes 4 servings.
Chicken Salad with Watermelon and Peaches
Ingredients

• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dried dill leaf or
• 1 tablespoon fresh snipped juice from a lemon
• dash of salt and pepper to taste
• 2 peaches seeded and chopped
• 2 cups chopped seeded watermelon

Instructions
Mix together the chicken, yogurt, mayonnaise, dill and lemon juice.
Servings:  Makes 4 to 6 Servings.

Kid’s Watermelon Strawberry Shake and Frozen Smoothie Pops
Easy to find and now affordable home ice cream machines and popsicle sleeves make for a great dessert. Check out your Costco and Target stores for some good finds.
Ingredients
Strawberry Shake

• 1 container (8 ounces) lemon nonfat yogurt
• 2 cups cubed, seedless watermelon
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled
• 1 banana medium, peeled and sliced

Frozen Smoothie Pops

• Strawberry Shake
• Small paper cups
• Popsicle sticks

Instructions
Strawberry Shake
In blender or food processor, process yogurt, watermelon, strawberries and banana until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.
Frozen Smoothie Pops
Pour prepared Watermelon Strawberry Shake into small paper cups. Freeze, inserting popsicle sticks or plastic spoons when mixture is partially frozen. Or, pour Watermelon Strawberry Shake into ice cream machine. Set and enjoy!
Servings:  Makes 4.

Find more recipes at www.watermelon.org