Protein-Packed Snack!

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made using canned chickpeas.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas

(garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

(adjust all spices to your 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 degrees. 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.

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.

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.

Pick up your chickpeas and other WIC foods at Grocery Services North.

May Events – Waco, Tyler, Longview

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May Events – Dallas Area

< October 2021 >
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
        1 2Saturday 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
3
4 5 6 7Fun Ones & Twos Story TimeFun Ones & Twos Story TimeTime: 10:15 am
Fun Ones & Twos Story Time is designed for one and two year olds with singing, dancing, and one to two short stories read aloud & is held at 10:15 a.m. with an identical presentation at 11:15 a.m. Please register for one time only. Story Times are located in the Children's Program Room.
Allen Public Library
300 North Allen Drive, Allen, TX 75013
Grand Prairie Superhero StorytimeGrand Prairie Superhero StorytimeTime: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Join the superheroes of CASA of Tarrant County for a fun Superhero Storytime at the Grand Prairie Memorial Library. We will practice superhero poses, talk about our favorite superheroes, read some superhero stories and do fun superhero activities.
Grand Prairie Library
901 Conover Dr, Grand Prairie, TX
8 9Dallas Fall Arts FestivalDallas Fall Arts FestivalTime: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The inaugural Dallas Fall Arts Festival will feature a FREE afternoon of outstanding dance and music performances. The festival will present entertainment for all ages ranging from jazz and R+B music to African drum and dance, hip hop, classical ballet, Indian dance, folklorico, & more from 1 - 6 PM.
Klyde Warren Park, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 403, Dallas, TX 75201
Family Campout & MovieFamily Campout & MovieTime: 3:00 pm - 8:00 am
Allen’s Recreation Enrichment Vehicle (REV) is packed full of supplies and activities to have fun and get you moving! There’s no cost to play or participate in REV activities. These pop-up events are free to attend, no registration required. All ages welcome! 3pm until 8 am the following day.
Joe Farmer Recreation Center
1201 E Bethany Dr, Allen, TX
10Second 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
Family Campout & MovieFamily Campout & MovieTime: 3:00 pm - 8:00 am
Allen’s Recreation Enrichment Vehicle (REV) is packed full of supplies and activities to have fun and get you moving! There’s no cost to play or participate in REV activities. These pop-up events are free to attend, no registration required. All ages welcome! 3pm until 8 am the following day.
Joe Farmer Recreation Center
1201 E Bethany Dr, Allen, TX
11 12 13 14 15 16Haunted Family CampoutHaunted Family CampoutTime: 2:00 pm - 10:00 am
Join Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve for an evening of outdoor games, nature walks, story-telling near the fire, s’mores, and family fun! There will be a tent decorating contest, pumpkin painting, and be sure to bring some candy for ‘tent or treating’. Price is $12 per person, Children under 2 years are free. Bring your own picnic style dinner, a small pre-packaged breakfast will be provided in the morning. 2 PM until 10 am the following day.
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074
17Haunted Family CampoutHaunted Family CampoutTime: 2:00 pm - 10:00 am
Join Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve for an evening of outdoor games, nature walks, story-telling near the fire, s’mores, and family fun! There will be a tent decorating contest, pumpkin painting, and be sure to bring some candy for ‘tent or treating’. Price is $12 per person, Children under 2 years are free. Bring your own picnic style dinner, a small pre-packaged breakfast will be provided in the morning. 2 PM until 10 am the following day.
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074
18 19 20 21 22 23Spooktacular: Family Friendly Event with Dallas MomsSpooktacular: Family Friendly Event with Dallas MomsTime: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This Halloween season, join us from 10:00AM - 12:00PM for Spooktacular, a family-friendly event & Birthday Celebration for Dallas Moms & Collin County Moms with a Halloween theme. Tickets are $10.00 per child (ages 2+), Adults $5, & children under 2 are free. This includes all the activities, food, and candy plus one free mini pumpkin to decorate on site (per child ticket).
CityLine
3661 N Plano Rd #2500, Richardson, TX
PumpkinfestPumpkinfestTime: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring the whole family for FREE food, fun, photos, inflatables, carnival games, prizes, candy, and more. Wear your favorite costume!
Prestoncrest Church of Christ
6022 Preston Crest Ln, Dallas, TX 75230
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25 26 27 28 29 30Kids Halloween FestivalKids Halloween FestivalTime: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Free Kids Halloween Fall Festival in a spooky kid friendly play zone. Must register for event, tickets are limited. There will be free candy, free mini games, prizes, music, a costume contest, and free family photos in front of a mummy backdrop.
Discover Camp Garland
1250 Northwest Hwy, Garland, Tx
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WIC Foods Perfect For Toddlers

WIC foods are a great way to make sure your little ones are getting good nutrition. When WIC foods are part of a recipe, you know you are giving them healthy choices. Coming up with new ways to get your little ones to try new foods can be very challenging.

These easy recipes are perfect for toddlers, and they feature WIC-approved foods.

PEANUT BUTTER, BERRY OATMEAL

Oatmeal

Berries

Peanut butter

Cook oatmeal according to package directions.

Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter and mashed berries. Mix until well combined and serve warm.

Here is another recipe perfect for your little one, but tasty enough for the entire family to try.

VEGETABLE, LENTIL SOUP

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or canned

2 cups chopped spinach

Juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced vegetables. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add spices to the pot. Cook for another couple of minutes. Add dried lentils, broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach and cook another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

TUNA, AVOCADO SANDWICH BITES

Canned tuna, drained

Avocado, mashed

Whole-wheat bread, toasted

Mash avocado and mix with canned tuna

Spread mixture on whole-grain bread and cut into triangles.

Pick up all your WIC foods at a Grocery Services North store near you!

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!

New Arrival Alert: Oak Farms Milk Now In Stores

Grocery Services North is Now Carrying Oak Farms Milk

Attention WIC Moms: Exciting News – Oak Farms Milk is Now Available at Grocery Services North stores for you and your little ones! 

Oak Farms Milk has arrived at our store, offering a nutritious and wholesome choice. Whether you’re pouring it over cereal or enjoying a glass by itself, you will love the taste of Oak Farms Milk.

To celebrate, here’s a fun recipe featuring milk for a nutritious breakfast treat:

OVERNIGHT OATS

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup regular yogurt (plain or flavored)

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., berries, sliced banana, diced apple, or any fruit you like)

Nuts or seeds for topping (e.g., almonds, chia seeds, or walnuts)

A pinch of salt

In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the rolled oats, milk, regular yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.

Add your choice of fresh or frozen fruit to the mixture. Berries, banana slices, and diced apples are popular options, but you can use any fruit your child enjoys.

Seal the container with a lid and shake it or stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Refrigerate the container overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become creamy.

In the morning, give the overnight oats a good stir to redistribute the ingredients. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Top your overnight oats with your choice of nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Chia seeds, sliced almonds, or walnuts work well. Serve the overnight oats cold, right from the fridge.Enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast!

Visit a Grocery Services North store today to pick up your WIC-approved milk and other foods.

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!