Both apples and winter squash make a perfect Fall side dish. You can use your favorite variety of apples (such as Granny Smith or Macintosh) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, or hubbard). Keeping the skin on the apples adds more fiber to the meal! Apples are good sources of fiber and provide our bodies with … Read More
Category: Tips
Avocado Toast
Did you know… Avocados are well known for their bright green color and great taste, but do you know about all of their health benefits? Avocados are a great source of healthful fats, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some of these include vitamins C, E, K, and B, as well as magnesium, folate, potassium…. and … Read More
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is high in vitamins C, E and K. Vitamin C supports our immune system while vitamin E helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin K helps us make proteins needed for building bones. Cauliflower is also a great source of folate and fiber. Folate helps our cells function properly. Fiber helps keep us regular. Storing … Read More
One Pot Pasta
We’re cooking up a delicious and budget-friendly one-pot pasta recipe that’s perfect for the whole family! Makes 6 serving | Serving size: 1/6 of the recipe Ingredients Non-stick cooking spray 1/2 pound ground turkey or lean or extra-lean ground beef 1 (14.5 ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes, not drained 3 cups water 1 … Read More
Pasta Salad
When the temperatures rise and appetites seek something refreshing, a plate of hot pasta might not be the first thing on your mind. This is where the charm of cold pasta salad steps in. This delightful dish not only caters to your pasta cravings but also keeps you fueled with a burst of flavors and … Read More
Kids in the Kitchen
Getting kids involved in the kitchen and familiar with preparing food is important. It sets an example for a healthy lifestyle and creates an interest in food and cooking. Help your kids develop a love of healthy foods by teaching them to make meals as a family. Benefits of Cooking Together Picky Eaters: Children … Read More
Blueberries for Health
Blueberries have many vitamins and minerals that help lower blood pressure, manage diabetes, protect against heart disease, and prevent cancer. They are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while vitamin K helps your blood clot properly. These little berries are low in calories but high in … Read More
National Banana Day
Bananas are high in many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. This fruit is an excellent source of potassium which is a mineral and electrolyte that helps to maintain a healthy balance of water and offset the effects of excess salt intake. Bananas are also easy to digest … Read More
Working With Common Ground Food Pantry
Alyssa Smock, EFNEP educator, and Linda Minges, FCS agent of Gaston County, partnered together to provide healthy recipes and tasting samples to the clients of Common Ground Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church of Stanley. With the help of countless volunteers including ECA members, Extension Master Food Volunteers, and dietetic interns, they were able … Read More
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a nutrient that can help our bodies to make collagen, protect our cells, and support our immune system. It also helps to keep our brain and nervous system healthy. Another benefit of this antioxidant is that it supports our body’s healing process. Because our bodies cannot make Vitamin C, we need to … Read More