April 2024
April Events – Dallas Area
March 2024
Easy Family Dinner Featuring WIC Foods
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
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 – Dallas
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Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |||
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 | ||||||
5 | 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 | 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 and LearnPlay and LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm The North Garland Branch Library will offer a 60 minute educational free-play time on Wednesday mornings for families to enjoy. 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 | 9First Friday Playgroup in WacoFirst Friday Playgroup in WacoTime: 10:00 am - 11:30 am Preschool Playgroup is a parent supervised open gym time. They are held on select Friday mornings and is $5 per child. Ages 18 months - 5 years. Texas Dynasty Cheer and Gymnastics 800 Schroeder Drive, Waco, TX | 10Playgroup Saturday Morning in WacoPlaygroup Saturday Morning in WacoTime: 8:30 am - 10:30 am Preschool Playgroup is a parent supervised open gym time. They are held on select Saturday mornings and is $5 per child. Ages 18 months - 5 years Texas Dynasty Cheer and Gymnastics 800 Schroeder Drive, Waco, TX 20th Annual Family History Fair in Tyler20th Annual Family History Fair in TylerTime: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm This fair has something for everyone- all skill levels and interests! Find tools to discover and record memories of those you love. Come downtown and stop by the Tyler Public Library for a class or stay all day to learn more about your ancestors. Fair is open from 9am to 4pm and includes: • Breakout Sessions • 16+ Expert Speakers • Special class about discovering your African American family history • Engaging speakers with decades of experience • Door Prizes, gift cards, & booths! • Learn about free genealogy resources • Great location with easy parking • Hands-on beginner workshop for additional fee • Box lunches and USB of handouts available for purchase • Volunteer opportunities/sponsorships available • Schedule and speakers posted online • FREE to reserve your spot! Tyler Public Library 201 S College Ave, Tyler, TX Family Weekends at Sammons ParkFamily Weekends at Sammons ParkTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Kick off your weekends at Sammons Park with these free outdoor events perfect for the entire family. Enjoy complimentary activities for children like face painting, balloon artists, temporary arm tattoos, a petting zoo and more. Gather the family to play lawn games and a round of mini golf at the Reliant Putting Green. Cool off and splash around the Donor Pool. Our friends from Dallas Animal Services will be onsite with dogs looking for their forever homes. Bring your own picnic or grab lunch at the Center Café to wrap up an ideal family outing! September 10: The Dallas Zoo brings an Animal Adventure program featuring various ambassador animals including birds, mammals and reptiles from 11am-noon. Sammons Park Historic District 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX | 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 | |||
12 | 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 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 | 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 and LearnPlay and LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm The North Garland Branch Library will offer a 60 minute educational free-play time on Wednesday mornings for families to enjoy. 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 | 17 | 18 | |||
19 | 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 | 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 and LearnPlay and LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm The North Garland Branch Library will offer a 60 minute educational free-play time on Wednesday mornings for families to enjoy. North Garland Branch Library 3845 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX Family Movie Night: Coco!Family Movie Night: Coco!Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and visit the Pleasant Grove branch Wednesday, September 21st from 4:30-6:30pm for a screening of the film, Coco! Free popcorn will be available! Pleasant Grove Branch Library 7310 Lake June Rd, Dallas, 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 | 24Playgroup Saturday Morning in WacoPlaygroup Saturday Morning in WacoTime: 8:30 am - 10:00 am Preschool Playgroup is a parent supervised open gym time. They are held on select Saturday mornings and is $5 per child. Ages 18 months - 5 years. Texas Dynasty Cheer and Gymnastics 800 Schroeder Drive, Waco, TX Family Weekends at Sammons ParkFamily Weekends at Sammons ParkTime: 11:00 am Kick off your weekends at Sammons Park with these free outdoor events perfect for the entire family. Enjoy complimentary activities for children like face painting, balloon artists, temporary arm tattoos, a petting zoo and more. Gather the family to play lawn games and a round of mini golf at the Reliant Putting Green. Cool off and splash around the Donor Pool. Our friends from Dallas Animal Services will be onsite with dogs looking for their forever homes. Bring your own picnic or grab lunch at the Center Café to wrap up an ideal family outing! September 24: Come see the amazing birds from Window to the Wild soar and learn all about them during this educational flight program starting at 11am. Sammons Park Historic District 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX | 25 | |||
26 | 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 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 | 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 and LearnPlay and LearnTime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm The North Garland Branch Library will offer a 60 minute educational free-play time on Wednesday mornings for families to enjoy. 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
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
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
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
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!