Growing up, I was not a big fan of breakfast. I would skip breakfast, make all kinds of excuses as to why I couldn’t eat breakfast, or grab something like a candy bar. I still am not a big fan of traditional breakfasts, but I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day … Read More
Category: Tips
Fuel Your Way Back To School
The food we eat helps supply our brains with the energy they need to function well. During the school year, children spend roughly 35 hours per week in school where they are focusing, learning, communicating, and thinking. All of these tasks require children’s minds to be alert, and a balanced diet to supply them with … Read More
Try a pita pocket sandwich
Sandwiches are a common staple food on a lunchbox menu for children, but I’ve noticed sandwiches have gotten a reputation as being boring or bland because children get tired of eating the same old sandwich for lunch every day. Sure, spreading some peanut butter and jelly on bread or just slapping on a few cold … Read More
Who wants watermelon?
When I was growing up, watermelons were a favorite summer time fruit in our household. On a hot day, the taste of a cool slice of watermelon (with a pinch of salt) was not only refreshing, but also helped us stay hydrated. My mom, who is a lover of watermelons herself, very rarely purchased the … Read More
Festive Fish Taco
Makes 4 servings (Serving Size: 2 tacos) This recipe is a 3-step recipe. First, make the salsa. Second, make the coleslaw. And third, cook the fish and assemble the tacos. The salsa and slaw can be made the day before to allow flavors to blend. SALSA – Ingredients: 1 mango, finely chopped ¼ cup green … Read More
Help Your Child Enjoy the Benefits of Physical Activity
We know being physically active provides numerous benefits. To name just a few, it helps us maintain a healthy weight, build stronger bones, sleep better at night, and keep a positive mental attitude. Research has shown that an active child will become an active adult. As parents or caretakers, it’s our responsibility to make sure … Read More
Freezing fruits and vegetables for "plan-overs"
Let me tell you, I recently stumbled upon a few great resources for freezing fruits and vegetables. Planning my meals has been a top priority, but with the abundance of local North Carolina produce here in the summer, it has become increasingly important to me to make the most out of my purchases. Before I … Read More
Quick and Healthy Homemade Pizza
When my children were young, they always asked for pizza, so I decided that we would start making our own. Ours were not only healthier pizzas, but also more economical. This also gave us an opportunity to “cook” together, providing us with another fun family activity. Here are some of my suggestions: Start with a … Read More
NC EFNEP's Peach Pointers
North Carolina peaches are a great summertime fruit. They are most abundant and least expensive June through September. Learn how to select, store, and prepare them in this short video.https://youtu.be/_37xcn1ImSMFor the recipes featured in the video, check the links below: Peach Salsa: http://www.great-salsa.com/peachsalsarecipes.html Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Peach Marinade: http://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-chicken-with-balsamic-peach-marinade-133801 Spinach Salad with Peaches and … Read More
Hit the beach, keep it safe
My favorite beach is Emerald Isle. I love having a picnic lunch while I am there. Here are some of the ways I keep my family safe: 1. My lunch usually isn’t anything fancy. It usually consists of finger foods such as cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelon or carrots. I always include wraps such as tuna salad … Read More