Labor Day weekend is almost here! For Texas WIC mothers, this occasion offers a perfect opportunity to step back, recharge, and revel in the joys of this well-deserved break.
Honoring Your Labor
As a mother on the WIC program, you are engaged in one of the most important jobs of all – nurturing and caring for your precious family. This Labor Day, take a moment to recognize the labor of love you invest in your family every single day.
Quality Time with Family
Labor Day weekend extends the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether you choose to have a picnic in a local park, organize a family barbecue, or simply have a movie night at home, cherish these moments together. Create memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen the bonds that make your family unique.
Relax and Rejuvenate
Labor Day weekend is also a prime time to practice self-care. As a devoted mother, you’re constantly putting the needs of others before your own. Use this break to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s indulging in a soothing bubble bath, reading a book you’ve been meaning to delve into, or simply enjoying some quiet moments alone, remember that taking care of yourself is essential.
Embracing the End of Summer
As Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of summer, it’s a great opportunity to embrace the seasonal shift. Consider organizing a farewell-to-summer gathering with friends and family. Plan a potluck, where everyone brings a dish representing their favorite summer memory. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the past few months and welcome the autumn season with open arms.
Whether it’s spending time with family, exploring local gems, or simply enjoying moments of peace, embrace this opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, your labor of love is worth celebrating, and this weekend is all about honoring the incredible efforts you put into your family every day.
Labor Day Recipe Ideas Using WIC Foods
Labor Day is a great time to enjoy delicious and hearty recipes with family and friends. Here are some recipes that you can make using WIC-approved ingredients, perfect for a Labor Day gathering:
CORN, TOMATO SALAD
Combine the following in a bowl:
Corn kernels
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Red onion
Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing summer salad.
CREAMY COLESLAW
Make coleslaw using shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped apples. Create a creamy dressing using plain yogurt, a touch of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a hint of honey (optional)
CARROT AND APPLE SLAW
¼ cup of Carrots, grated
¼ cup of Apples, grated
¼ cup of Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Grate carrots and apples. Mix with Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Refrigerate and serve as a refreshing side.
The kitchen can be a fun place for kids and parents to spend time together. Parents can help foster a positive relationship between their children and food by letting them help in the kitchen. Kids ages 1 to 5 are curious, eager to learn and want to spend time together. Here’s a guide on how to get your little ones engaged and having fun in the kitchen.
Safety First
Before getting in the kitchen together, prioritize safety. Clear the cooking area of any hazards, like sharp objects or hot surfaces. Use kid-friendly utensils with blunt edges, and make sure to supervise closely during all kitchen activities.
Create a Kid-Friendly Space
Set up a dedicated area within the kitchen where your little chef can comfortably work alongside you. A step stool (depending on age) can make reaching the counter easier or using the kitchen table, allowing them to feel more involved in the cooking process.
Easy Tasks
Let them get involved in washing vegetables, tearing lettuce, or stirring ingredients. Praise their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments to boost their confidence.
Engage the Senses
Cooking is a sensory experience. Encourage your child to touch, smell, and even taste different ingredients. Allow them to explore the textures of flour, the aroma of herbs, and the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables.
Texas WIC has resumed full program services at its offices.
On Aug. 10th, 2023 the agency returned to offering its full, regular services at its offices across the state. The agency was modified during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Texas WIC offers nutrition screenings, breastfeeding support, weighing and measuring pregnant women, infants and children to assess growth. Nutrition classes, counseling and even personalized referrals to other programs are part of their offerings.
The Texas WIC program is open to qualifying pregnant women, mothers and children up to age 5. It provides nutrition education, counseling and free food packages to help ensure children get a healthy start.
To learn more about the program or to apply, visit TexasWIC.org.
This green smoothie has quickly become a breakfast favorite, as it’s packed with lots of good fats that give you a great start to the day by feeling nourished and energetic.
Beat the heat with this Strawberry Banana Smoothie from our Summer Smoothie Series! Using all WIC approved ingredients, this smoothie makes a great breakfast or snack that’s sure to cool you down.
When it comes to stocking up your pantry with versatile, healthy ingredients, few items can rival the incredible benefits of canned chickpeas. These tiny legumes may not wear capes, but they certainly possess superhero-like qualities that can transform your meals and save the day in the kitchen. Adding canned chickpeas to your recipes can unlock a world of nutritious and versatile meal options. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a powerhouse of nutrients and offer various health benefits for both you and your children. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many reasons why canned chickpeas should be a staple in every mom’s pantry and share some creative recipe ideas to inspire you.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Canned chickpeas pack a powerful nutritional punch, making them an ideal choice for growing children and health-conscious moms. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, chickpeas can contribute to a well-rounded diet and promote healthy growth and development. With iron, zinc, folate, and magnesium among their impressive nutrient profile, these legumes can help combat iron deficiency and support overall well-being.
Convenient
Canned chickpeas are incredibly versatile and require little effort to incorporate into your family’s meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a busy mom looking for quick meal solutions, these legumes can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes. From salads and soups to curries and stir-fries, the possibilities are endless.
Kid-Friendly
Getting your kids to eat healthy can sometimes be a challenge, but canned chickpeas can come to the rescue. These legumes have a mild, nutty flavor that kids often find appealing. You can mash them into spreads for sandwiches, blend them into smoothies for added nutrition, or even turn them into crunchy, roasted snacks for those after-school hunger pangs.
Plant-Based Protein
For WIC moms who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or are looking to reduce meat consumption, canned chickpeas are a fantastic plant-based protein alternative. Their protein content makes them an excellent meat substitute, ensuring your family gets the necessary protein intake for healthy growth and maintenance.
Recipe Ideas
Chickpea and Vegetable Curry: Whip up a hearty and nutritious chickpea and vegetable curry by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger with your favorite curry spices. Add canned chickpeas, diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, and let it simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve with rice or whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal.
Chickpea Avocado Salad: Create a refreshing chickpea and avocado salad by combining canned chickpeas with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy lemon dressing. This simple and delicious salad is perfect for a light lunch or a quick side dish.
Chickpea, Vegetables and Pasta: For a protein-packed pasta dish, toss cooked pasta with sautéed spinach or mixed vegetables, canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The creamy texture of chickpeas complements the pasta wonderfully, making it a family favorite.
Canned chickpeas are undoubtedly a pantry superhero for WIC moms, offering a myriad of benefits that are hard to resist. From their nutritional prowess to their budget-friendly nature and incredible versatility, these legumes are a must-have for every health-conscious mom. By incorporating canned chickpeas into your family’s meals, you can ensure a delightful and nutritious dining experience that saves time and stress in the kitchen. So, let these humble legumes unleash their superpowers and elevate your culinary adventures to new heights!
Here are a few of our favorite recipes using chickpeas:
HUMMUS
You may have purchased pre-made hummus from the grocery store, but this dip is so easy to make at home. Plus, you can enjoy your homemade hummus without tahini! It’s a delicious and healthy dip that you can easily make using canned beans and their liquid. Here is a recipe for you:
1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and liquid reserved
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt, to taste
Water (or the reserved liquid from the canned beans) for adjusting consistency
Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and reserve the liquid from the can.
In a food processor or blender, combine the drained chickpeas, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Start blending the ingredients together. Gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil while blending to help create a smooth texture.
If the mixture seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved liquid from the canned chickpeas or water. Continue blending until the hummus reaches your desired consistency.
Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed. Once the hummus is smooth and well combined, transfer it to a serving bowl. You can drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on top and sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the homemade hummus with pita bread, sliced vegetables, or your favorite dipping options.
A refreshing and nutritious salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
CHICKPEA, VEGETABLE SALAD
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Chopped fresh vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, etc.)
Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint)
Feta cheese (optional)
Dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and herbs. If desired, add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and drizzle over the salad.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
ROASTED CHICKPEAS
Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made using canned chickpeas.
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (you can also use regular paprika)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of any other spices you like (e.g., curry powder, chili powder, onion powder, etc.)
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It’s important to remove excess moisture to achieve crispy roasted chickpeas.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can add any other optional spices at this point as well. Toss the chickpeas until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not too close together to allow for even roasting.
Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. You can shake the baking sheet or toss the chickpeas halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
Once roasted to your desired crispiness, remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your roasted chickpeas as a nutritious and flavorful snack. They can also be used as toppings for salads, soups, or as a crunchy addition to various dishes.
Note: Roasted chickpeas are best when served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Keep in mind that they might lose some of their crispiness over time.
