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March 2024

Easy Family Dinner Featuring WIC Foods

2024-03-24T23:34:38+00:00March 24th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

Red Beans & Rice

1 cup diced onion

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tomato, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 jalapeno, diced

½ cup diced bell pepper of any color

1 ½ cups of rice

1 can kidney beans

3 tbsp+ hot sauce (Louisiana, Tabasco, or your favorite hot sauce)

2 tbsp Soy Sauce

Salt & Pepper, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder

Cook the rice according to package instructions. Heat oil in a large skillet then add onions. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes then add in garlic, tomato, and celery then stir together and cook for a few minutes. Add in jalapeno and bell pepper then stir together. Cook until all vegetables are tender. Add in the cooked rice and kidney beans, stir and cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the seasonings and sauces, then cook for about 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. Serve and enjoy!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Colcannon Mashed Potatoes

2024-03-08T13:29:53+00:00March 7th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Serve up a bowl of good luck with this Colcannon Mashed Potato recipe.  This St. Patrick’s Day favorite features WIC-approved vegetables like potatoes, cabbage and milk.  It’s sure to be a hit with your family this St. Patrick’s Day and all year long.

COLCANNON MASHED POTATOES

3 large russet potatoes, cut into chunks

7 tbsp butter

⅓ head of cabbage, shredded

2 tbsp garlic, minced

4 stalks of green onion, sliced

1 cup milk

Salt, pepper, garlic powder – to taste

Cut 3 large russet potatoes into chunks and add to a large pot of water with salt. Boil until fork tender then strain the potatoes in a colander. In the same large pot, add about 4 tbsp of butter and melt. Add in shredded cabbage, green onion, and garlic then stir. Cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 10 minutes. Add in the potato chunks, mash with a fork, and stir. Add in the milk ½ cup at a time, along with 2 more tbsp of butter, and stir thoroughly. Add in salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Top with a slice of butter and enjoy!

March Event Calendar – East Texas

2024-03-06T19:10:17+00:00March 6th, 2024|Categories: East Texas, Kid Activities, Waco|Tags: , , , , , , , |

< June 2023 >
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
      1Free One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoFree One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoTime: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions will be at the South Waco Library in the South Waco Conference Room from 10 AM - 5 PM to give free specialized help for job seekers. Bring your questions about applications, interviews, and more. Get the help you need to find a job you'll love!
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
Family Story Time - WacoFamily Story Time - WacoTime: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Once school and the workday are done, enjoy some time with your favorite people at your favorite place - the library! Everyone will listen to stories, sing songs together, and maybe even play with puppets, so pop in for some fun.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
2 3Legos at the Longview LibraryLegos at the Longview LibraryTime: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join Longview Public Library on Saturdays at 11:00 AM in the children's department. Youth services staff will announce a new LEGO build theme for the day. Then it's up to your kids to create something original based on the theme. They have until 1:00 PM to complete their builds. Library staff will judge the submissions and choose a creative champion from three different age brackets to issue a small reward to!
Longview Public Library
222 W. Cotton St.
Longview, TX 75601
4
5Zoo Tales (3-5yrs)Zoo Tales (3-5yrs)Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
ZOO TALES CAMP: Every day is an exploration of Cameron Park Zoo and the animals that call the Zoo their home. Students will learn about animals through books, games, animal encounters, and art activities. There will be a minimum of two classes for each session.
Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th St, Waco, TX
6Move & Play Story Time Outside - WacoMove & Play Story Time Outside - WacoTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Little people, ages 3-6, need to move and play. This storytime will have books (of course!) but the focus is on being active, making music, and exploring our world. Weather permitting, we will be moving and playing outside in the grassy area behind South Waco Library.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St, Waco, TX 76706
7 8Free One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoFree One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoTime: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions will be at the South Waco Library in the South Waco Conference Room from 10 AM - 5 PM to give free specialized help for job seekers. Bring your questions about applications, interviews, and more. Get the help you need to find a job you'll love!
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
Family Story Time - WacoFamily Story Time - WacoTime: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Once school and the workday are done, enjoy some time with your favorite people at your favorite place - the library! Everyone will listen to stories, sing songs together, and maybe even play with puppets, so pop in for some fun.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
9 10Legos at the Longview LibraryLegos at the Longview LibraryTime: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join Longview Public Library on Saturdays at 11:00 AM in the children's department. Youth services staff will announce a new LEGO build theme for the day. Then it's up to your kids to create something original based on the theme. They have until 1:00 PM to complete their builds. Library staff will judge the submissions and choose a creative champion from three different age brackets to issue a small reward to!
Longview Public Library
222 W. Cotton St.
Longview, TX 75601
11
12 13Move & Play Story Time Outside - WacoMove & Play Story Time Outside - WacoTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Little people, ages 3-6, need to move and play. This storytime will have books (of course!) but the focus is on being active, making music, and exploring our world. Weather permitting, we will be moving and playing outside in the grassy area behind South Waco Library.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St, Waco, TX 76706
14 15Free One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoFree One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoTime: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions will be at the South Waco Library in the South Waco Conference Room from 10 AM - 5 PM to give free specialized help for job seekers. Bring your questions about applications, interviews, and more. Get the help you need to find a job you'll love!
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
Family Story Time - WacoFamily Story Time - WacoTime: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Once school and the workday are done, enjoy some time with your favorite people at your favorite place - the library! Everyone will listen to stories, sing songs together, and maybe even play with puppets, so pop in for some fun.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
16 17Legos at the Longview LibraryLegos at the Longview LibraryTime: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join Longview Public Library on Saturdays at 11:00 AM in the children's department. Youth services staff will announce a new LEGO build theme for the day. Then it's up to your kids to create something original based on the theme. They have until 1:00 PM to complete their builds. Library staff will judge the submissions and choose a creative champion from three different age brackets to issue a small reward to!
Longview Public Library
222 W. Cotton St.
Longview, TX 75601
18
19 20Move & Play Story Time Outside - WacoMove & Play Story Time Outside - WacoTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Little people, ages 3-6, need to move and play. This storytime will have books (of course!) but the focus is on being active, making music, and exploring our world. Weather permitting, we will be moving and playing outside in the grassy area behind South Waco Library.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St, Waco, TX 76706
21 22Free One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoFree One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoTime: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions will be at the South Waco Library in the South Waco Conference Room from 10 AM - 5 PM to give free specialized help for job seekers. Bring your questions about applications, interviews, and more. Get the help you need to find a job you'll love!
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
Family Story Time - WacoFamily Story Time - WacoTime: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Once school and the workday are done, enjoy some time with your favorite people at your favorite place - the library! Everyone will listen to stories, sing songs together, and maybe even play with puppets, so pop in for some fun.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
23 24Legos at the Longview LibraryLegos at the Longview LibraryTime: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join Longview Public Library on Saturdays at 11:00 AM in the children's department. Youth services staff will announce a new LEGO build theme for the day. Then it's up to your kids to create something original based on the theme. They have until 1:00 PM to complete their builds. Library staff will judge the submissions and choose a creative champion from three different age brackets to issue a small reward to!
Longview Public Library
222 W. Cotton St.
Longview, TX 75601
25
26 27Move & Play Story Time Outside - WacoMove & Play Story Time Outside - WacoTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Little people, ages 3-6, need to move and play. This storytime will have books (of course!) but the focus is on being active, making music, and exploring our world. Weather permitting, we will be moving and playing outside in the grassy area behind South Waco Library.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St, Waco, TX 76706
28 29Free One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoFree One-on-One Job Skills Training - WacoTime: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions will be at the South Waco Library in the South Waco Conference Room from 10 AM - 5 PM to give free specialized help for job seekers. Bring your questions about applications, interviews, and more. Get the help you need to find a job you'll love!
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
Family Story Time - WacoFamily Story Time - WacoTime: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Once school and the workday are done, enjoy some time with your favorite people at your favorite place - the library! Everyone will listen to stories, sing songs together, and maybe even play with puppets, so pop in for some fun.
South Waco Library
2737 S 18th St,
Waco, TX 76706
30    

March Event Calendar – Dallas

2024-03-06T18:47:55+00:00March 6th, 2024|Categories: Dallas, Kid Activities|Tags: , , , , , , |

< June 2023 >
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
      1Fun Ones & Twos Story TimeFun Ones & Twos Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Thursday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, for families with toddlers ages 1-2. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
2 3Saturday Make & Take Crafts at The Coppell Arts CenterSaturday Make & Take Crafts at The Coppell Arts CenterTime: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Coppell Arts Center hosts free make-and-take craft workshops for kids 3 to 12 on the first Saturday of each month from 9 AM - 12 PM.
The Coppell Arts Center
505 Travis St, Coppell, TX
4
5Mother Goose TimeMother Goose TimeTime: 10:45 am
A lap-sit class designed to encourage one-on-one interaction between adult and child through songs, stories, and play. For children ages 0-15 months. A parent or caregiver must attend with infants. Ticket required. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street, Lewisville, Texas 75067
6Toddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryToddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryTime: 10:00 am
Join Lewisville Public Library every Tuesday at 10:00 AM for Toddler Time. Designed for walkers, we focus on early literacy skills through stories, songs, movement, and fingerplays. A parent or caregiver must attend and participate with children. Free ticket required, space is limited. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street
Lewisville, Texas 75067
Allen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeAllen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Tuesday morning at 10:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Bilingual Storytime at Lewisville Public LibraryBilingual Storytime at Lewisville Public LibraryTime: 6:00 pm
Join Lewisville Public Library for a bilingual storytime with books, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish! A free ticket is required for entry. Tickets are handed out 30 minutes before class starts on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W. Main Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
7Together Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTogether Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTime: 10:15 am
Allen Public Library - Join every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Play & LearnPlay & LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Garland Libraries for free-play time for families to enjoy. A variety of toys, STEAM toys, games, and stations will be available to explore!
North Garland Branch Library
3845 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX
8Fun Ones & Twos Story TimeFun Ones & Twos Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Thursday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, for families with toddlers ages 1-2. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
9Baby PlaytimeBaby PlaytimeTime: 11:15 am
Parents, caregivers, and grandparents! Bring baby to experience a variety of sensory play areas including building boxes, art activities, shakers, and much more! For babies ages 6-18 months and an adult. Pre-registration not required. This program meets on the second Friday of the month at 11:15 a.m
Flower Mound Public Library
3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound, TX
10 11Second Sunday FundaySecond Sunday FundayTime: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Second Sunday Fundays is a hands-on art afternoon that offers parents & children projects they can create together in the creative atmosphere of Irving Arts Center.
Irving Arts Center
3333 North MacArthur Blvd,
Irving, TX, 75062
12Mother Goose TimeMother Goose TimeTime: 10:45 am
A lap-sit class designed to encourage one-on-one interaction between adult and child through songs, stories, and play. For children ages 0-15 months. A parent or caregiver must attend with infants. Ticket required. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street, Lewisville, Texas 75067
13Toddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryToddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryTime: 10:00 am
Join Lewisville Public Library every Tuesday at 10:00 AM for Toddler Time. Designed for walkers, we focus on early literacy skills through stories, songs, movement, and fingerplays. A parent or caregiver must attend and participate with children. Free ticket required, space is limited. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street
Lewisville, Texas 75067
Allen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeAllen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Tuesday morning at 10:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
14Together Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTogether Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTime: 10:15 am
Allen Public Library - Join every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Play & LearnPlay & LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Garland Libraries for free-play time for families to enjoy. A variety of toys, STEAM toys, games, and stations will be available to explore!
North Garland Branch Library
3845 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX
15Fun Ones & Twos Story TimeFun Ones & Twos Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Thursday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, for families with toddlers ages 1-2. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
16 17Saturday StorytimeSaturday StorytimeTime: 3:00 pm
Enjoy stories, rhymes, music and movement for the whole family! Saturday Storytime will be held on the third Saturday of the month at 3 p.m.
Flower Mound Public Library
3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound, TX
18
19Mother Goose TimeMother Goose TimeTime: 10:45 am
A lap-sit class designed to encourage one-on-one interaction between adult and child through songs, stories, and play. For children ages 0-15 months. A parent or caregiver must attend with infants. Ticket required. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street, Lewisville, Texas 75067
20Toddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryToddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryTime: 10:00 am
Join Lewisville Public Library every Tuesday at 10:00 AM for Toddler Time. Designed for walkers, we focus on early literacy skills through stories, songs, movement, and fingerplays. A parent or caregiver must attend and participate with children. Free ticket required, space is limited. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street
Lewisville, Texas 75067
Allen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeAllen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Tuesday morning at 10:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Bilingual Storytime at Lewisville Public LibraryBilingual Storytime at Lewisville Public LibraryTime: 6:00 pm
Join Lewisville Public Library for a bilingual storytime with books, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish! A free ticket is required for entry. Tickets are handed out 30 minutes before class starts on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W. Main Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
21Together Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTogether Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTime: 10:15 am
Allen Public Library - Join every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Play & LearnPlay & LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Garland Libraries for free-play time for families to enjoy. A variety of toys, STEAM toys, games, and stations will be available to explore!
North Garland Branch Library
3845 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX
22Fun Ones & Twos Story TimeFun Ones & Twos Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Thursday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, for families with toddlers ages 1-2. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
23 24 25
26Mother Goose TimeMother Goose TimeTime: 10:45 am
A lap-sit class designed to encourage one-on-one interaction between adult and child through songs, stories, and play. For children ages 0-15 months. A parent or caregiver must attend with infants. Ticket required. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street, Lewisville, Texas 75067
27Toddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryToddler Time at Lewisville Public LibraryTime: 10:00 am
Join Lewisville Public Library every Tuesday at 10:00 AM for Toddler Time. Designed for walkers, we focus on early literacy skills through stories, songs, movement, and fingerplays. A parent or caregiver must attend and participate with children. Free ticket required, space is limited. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Youth Services Desk, 30 minutes before the start of the class.
Lewisville Public Library
1197 W Main Street
Lewisville, Texas 75067
Allen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeAllen Public Library - Baby & Me Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Tuesday morning at 10:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
28Together Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTogether Time Storytime at Allen Public LibraryTime: 10:15 am
Allen Public Library - Join every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, especially for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Play & LearnPlay & LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Garland Libraries for free-play time for families to enjoy. A variety of toys, STEAM toys, games, and stations will be available to explore!
North Garland Branch Library
3845 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX
29Fun Ones & Twos Story TimeFun Ones & Twos Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Join every Thursday morning at 10:15 AM & at 11:15 AM in the Children's Program Room for fun literacy based activities that incorporate reading, talking, playing, singing and writing, for families with toddlers ages 1-2. Registration required.
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
30    

January 2024

Black Bean Brownies

2024-01-10T01:55:08+00:00January 9th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Craving something sweet? Whip up a batch of tasty black bean brownies using WIC-approved ingredients like black beans and peanut butter! Trust us, you won’t even notice the difference!

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
3 eggs
3 tbsp oil (vegetable, olive, or avocado)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 can of black beans (15oz)
Optional:
½ cup chocolate chips for topping
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a 9×9 inch baking pan with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Drain and rinse the black beans. Add all ingredients aside from toppings into a blender and blend until the ingredients look well mixed. Pour into the greased baking pan and cook for 25-30 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting into pieces and serving. Enjoy!

December 2023

Breakfast Casserole Featuring WIC Foods Is Perfect For Christmas Brunch

2023-12-12T02:15:52+00:00December 11th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , |

You’re in for a treat with this easy and delicious breakfast casserole using WIC approved foods like eggs, milk, and potatoes!

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

20 oz shredded hash browns, thawed (or you can shred fresh potatoes)

1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and drained

1 ¼ cup diced mix of onions and bell peppers

2 ½ cups shredded cheese

8 eggs

1 ⅓ cup milk

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and brown the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat in a strainer.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 inch pan with oil or butter.

Add the hashbrowns, cooked sausage, diced onion and bell pepper mix, and 2 cups of cheese. Mix the ingredients together and spread them out evenly.

Crack the eggs into a large bowl, then add the milk and seasonings. Mix until well blended. 

Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the pan and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.

November 2023

Thanksgiving Stuffing

2023-12-12T02:18:37+00:00November 21st, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , |

Impress your Thanksgiving guests with this delicious stuffing recipe, where every bite is a grateful celebration of savory goodness.

STUFFING

1 loaf of bread*, cut into ½ inch cubes  

½ onion, diced (about 1 cup)

3-4 stalks celery, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)

1 medium carrot, grated

½ lb ground sausage (I use Turkey sausage)

¾ cup unsalted butter

⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely minced

3 tsp fresh sage, finely minced

2 cups chicken broth*

Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder, to taste

NOTES: 

Bread: For best results, use a heavier bread like wheat bread, cornbread or sourdough, not a light and airy sandwich bread like Wonderbread.

Make ahead instructions: Prepare the stuffing 1 day in advance to give the flavors time to soak in. To make ahead of time, prepare as directed but don’t bake it. Store in a covered casserole dish in the fridge. Before your Thanksgiving meal, remove the stuffing from the fridge and allow it to sit on the counter for 30 minutes to bring to room temperature, then follow the baking instructions. 

Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this vegetarian, leave out the sausage. To make this recipe vegan, use oil instead of butter and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 

Cut the bread into cubes using a sharp serrated knife. Try not to smash the bread too much as you’re cutting. Spread the bread cubes out onto a baking sheet to dry out for at least 24 hours, OR set your oven to 200 degrees F and cook for 2 hours to dry, tossing them occasionally.

Finely dice the onion and celery, grate the carrot, and mince the parsley and sage.

Brown the sausage and break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the sausage well and use a paper towel to soak up excess grease. 

Melt the butter in a pan on medium heat and add the onions and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the carrots and cook for 3 more minutes. Add in the sage and gently stir in, cook until the sage is starting to wilt and release its flavors. 

Add the dried bread cubes into a mixing bowl, sprinkle in the parsley, add the cooked sausage, and gently mix together. Pour the veggies with butter over the dried bread cubes and sausage and gently mix again to combine. 

Slowly add in the chicken broth. Start with 1 cup and slowly pour small amounts of broth as you stir gently. It is important not to pour all of the broth in at once, as it will make soggy spots in the bread. You want to make sure the bread is slightly moist, but not overly wet. Add in your seasonings at this time as you’re stirring.

Pour the stuffing into a greased casserole dish and cover with tin foil.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Enjoy your Thanksgiving stuffing!

Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

2023-11-21T14:15:13+00:00November 21st, 2023|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Cozy up with a filling split pea soup slow-cooked in a crock pot. A bowlful of goodness that’s great for chilly days, and perfect for using up holiday leftovers like ham or a ham bone!

Split Pea Soup

1 onion, finely diced

2 celery stalks, finely diced

2 large carrots, diced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 bag (16 oz) of split peas

1 box (32 oz) of chicken broth

2 tbsp butter

1 ½ cups of diced ham, or a leftover ham bone

Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Celery Seed

Add all ingredients into a crock pot and set to high heat. Cover and cook for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. If you like your soup thinner, you can add extra chicken broth or water. Enjoy!

October 2023

Halloween Stuffed Peppers

2023-10-18T19:47:40+00:00October 18th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Use WIC approved foods to make these Halloween stuffed peppers!

Ingredients:

1 cup steamed rice

1 can black beans

½ can of corn

1 cup of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

½ cup minced cilantro

1 cup shredded cheese

4 large bell peppers

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. 

Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a large bowl, then mix in ¾ of the shredded cheese.

Use a small knife to cut the bell peppers like a jack-o-lantern and use a spoon to fill the bell peppers with the mixture. Set the filled peppers into a baking tray and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 25 minutes then let them cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Halloween Deviled Eggs

2023-10-05T13:20:22+00:00October 4th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Use WIC approved foods to make this fun Halloween recipe!

6 boiled eggs

1 avocado

Green & Purple or Red food coloring

Paprika, Salt & Pepper to taste

Boil 6 eggs. Crack the shell of each egg all around with a spoon, but don’t peel them! Add the boiled eggs into a bowl filled with water that covers all of the eggs, and add red or purple food coloring to the water. Let them sit in the fridge overnight to soak up the food coloring and give a spooky spider web effect. Peel the eggs and cut in half. Remove the yolk and add to a bowl along with a sliced avocado. Mix the yolk & avocado together and add green food coloring to enhance the color. Add a spoonful of the green mixture to each egg and top with paprika, salt & pepper.