Recipes

November 2024

Holiday Treat: Pumpkin Spice Latte For Mom

2024-12-06T14:59:35+00:00November 25th, 2024|Categories: Mom Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , |

Making a canned pumpkin latte at home is easy, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy a cozy, fall-inspired drink without having to go to a café. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own pumpkin latte using canned pumpkin:

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 tablespoon sugar (or sweetener of choice), or less depending on your sugar preference

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)

1/2 cup brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Make the Pumpkin Spice Mixture:

In a small saucepan, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warm and smooth. This will help bring out the flavors of the pumpkin and spices.

Prepare the Milk:

In a separate small saucepan, heat the milk (or non-dairy milk) over medium heat until warm but not boiling. You can also froth the milk using a milk frother for a creamier texture.

Brew the Coffee:

Brew your coffee or make an espresso shot. Pour the hot coffee into a mug.

Combine the Pumpkin and Milk:

Once the milk is warm, whisk it into the pumpkin mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Latte:

Pour the pumpkin milk mixture into the mug with your brewed coffee or espresso. Stir to combine.Top your pumpkin latte with whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

Planning Thanksgiving Recipes: How to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Less Stressful

2024-11-25T21:29:40+00:00November 13th, 2024|Categories: Grocery Services North, Holiday hours, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , |

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and at Grocery Services North, we’re here to help you create a memorable day filled with delicious food, laughter, and fun moments with your loved ones. The key to enjoying the holiday is all in the planning—when you plan ahead, you can minimize stress and focus on having fun. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Start with a Plan

The most important part of Thanksgiving prep is planning ahead. From your menu to your shopping list to prepping dishes in advance, the more you plan, the smoother your day will go. And remember: simple dishes often work best.

1. Plan Your Menu:
Before you head to the store, take some time to plan out your Thanksgiving menu. Think about your must-have dishes, but keep it manageable—there’s no need to overwhelm yourself with complicated recipes or too many ingredients.

2. Get Your Shopping Done Early:
Avoid last-minute store runs by doing your shopping early in the week. Grocery Services North is a great place to stock up on WIC-approved foods – including fresh produce, beans, dairy, and more – all can be used for your Thanksgiving Day recipes. Check out our blog post for special Thanksgiving Week hours so you can plan your trip accordingly.

3. Use Your WIC Benefits:
If you’re shopping with WIC benefits, take advantage of your fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up ingredients for your Thanksgiving sides. Some great options include potatoes, onions, carrots, frozen vegetables, and even fruit for desserts. Beans are another WIC-approved food that make a great side dish, and cheese can add an extra layer of flavor to vegetables like broccoli. Need inspiration? Check out our recipe for  Broccoli and Cheese or try our  Stuffing Recipe for a classic side dish. You also can’t miss this vegetable platter that looks like a Turkey.

4. Keep It Simple
You don’t need to make a 10-course meal to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Stick to simple, familiar dishes that everyone will love. Make a list—either on your phone or the good old-fashioned way with pen and paper—to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything.

Recipe Inspiration for a Healthy, Simple Feast

If you’re looking for some healthy and easy-to-make recipes, check out these great websites that offer simple ideas using WIC-approved foods:

Texas WIC: Find healthy recipes like Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls, Citrus Glazed Carrots, and Carrot Bread.
Cooking Matters: From Banana Pudding to Baked Apples, this site is full of nutritious and family-friendly recipes.
USDA: This site offers a wide variety of Thanksgiving recipes, including ideas for leftovers!

Simple Alternatives for the Turkey

Does the idea of cooking a large turkey overwhelm you? You don’t have to roast a whole bird to have a successful Thanksgiving meal. Consider making a smaller turkey breast or tenderloin, which are easier to cook and typically cost less. If you prefer, you could even skip the turkey altogether and make a different meal your family loves.

If you do decide to roast a turkey, check out the  USDA’s Turkey Cooking Tips  to make sure your bird turns out perfectly.

Enjoy the Day, Not Just the Meal

Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about spending quality time with the people you love. After your meal, take a walk outside or play a game with the kids. It’s a great way to burn off those extra calories and create lasting memories.

At Grocery Services North, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving. Our stores will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we accept SNAP. Find your nearest location. We can’t wait to help you make this holiday the best one yet!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Grocery Services North!

Add WIC-Approved Pumpkin Puree, Cranberries To Your Menu This Season

2024-11-25T19:36:17+00:00November 8th, 2024|Categories: Recipes, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Shop Seasoning Favorite, WIC Foods at Grocery Services North

Grocery Services North stores are now offering seasonal favorites perfect for the holiday season: canned pumpkin puree and fresh cranberries.

As a busy mom, the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance meals for the family with all the other Thanksgiving preparations. But did you know that two ingredients—fresh cranberries and canned pumpkin puree—can make your holiday dishes healthier and easier to prepare? Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they’re also versatile and perfect for adding a little extra nutrition to your holiday meals.

Here’s why these two WIC-approved foods should be on your Thanksgiving shopping list, plus easy and delicious ways to include them in your meals.

Cranberries are a small but mighty fruit. They’re loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost your immune system—something every mom can appreciate, especially with all the extra holiday hustle. Cranberries are also known for supporting heart health, and their tart, tangy flavor adds a fresh pop to your meals. Best of all, they’re super easy to cook with and make your dishes look festive with their bright red color.

Canned Pumpkin Puree (be sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not the sweetened pie filling) is another great choice. It’s packed with vitamin A for eye health, potassium for strong muscles, and fiber to keep everyone feeling full. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it a great option if you’re looking for nutritious, filling meals without the extra sugar and fat. Plus, it’s smooth, creamy, and super easy to use in so many recipes— muffins, smoothies, mixed with pasta and more!

Now, let’s dive into some simple and healthy ways to use cranberries and pumpkin puree this holiday season that everyone in the family will love.

PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree

1/2 cup orange juice or water

3 cups of sugar

3 cups of flour

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 to 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh

Spray 2 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the sugar, eggs and oil. Mix. Then add in the pumpkin puree and mix.  Add the orange juice or water and mix. In another bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda. Mix the ingredients from both bowls together until just moistened. Fold in cranberries. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans. Bake for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes or until done, when toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

CRANBERRY BARS WITH OAT CRUMBLE

For the crumble:

1 1/2 cup of flour

1 1/2 cup rolled oats, not quick oats

2/3 cup coconut sugar or sugar

1 1/2 sticks of butter, melted

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon flaxseed, ground

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

For the Cranberry topping:

1 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries

4 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the following ingredients until combined: Melted butter, flour, rolled oats, 2/3 cup of the sugar, walnuts, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Press into an 8×8 baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

In a saucepan, add the cranberries, juice, zest and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook on medium heat. Once the cranberries have cooked down, add a little bit of water and cook until it looks like cranberry sauce.  Pour this on top of the cooked crumble that is in the 8×8 pan. Bake the bars for 20 more minutes. Let rest until cooled before cutting. Enjoy.

 

CLASSIC CRANBERRY SAUCE

Some might say that the cranberry sauce is one of the most popular sides on Thanksgiving.  It can be made even more flavorful and nutritious with the addition of spices or other fruits. This simple recipe takes advantage of the natural tartness of cranberries and infuses them with a hint of cinnamon and orange zest.

12 oz fresh cranberries

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp grated orange zest

Pinch of sea salt

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-12 minutes). Season with a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors. Cool and serve alongside turkey or as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Visit a Grocery Services North store today for easy WIC grocery shopping. Pick up fresh cranberries, pumpkin puree and other ingredients used in these recipes.

October 2024

It’s PUMPKIN season!

2024-10-14T18:21:24+00:00October 10th, 2024|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Grocery Services North Now Carrying Canned Pumpkin Puree

That’s why Grocery Services North stores are now carrying canned pumpkin. It’s arriving in stores now. Pick it up with your WIC fruits and vegetables benefit.

It’s a great choice for adding fiber, nutrition and flavor to your family recipes including pancakes, muffins and smoothies. Spoon a little into your prepared oatmeal, and toddler’s also love pumpkin puree on its own.

 Here are a few recipes you will enjoy using canned pumpkin:

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

3 eggs

¼ cup peanut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup (or use a substitute of brown sugar by mixing a ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup water)

½ cup pumpkin puree

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Mix all of your ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Add mix to pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until done.

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

1/3 cup of pumpkin puree

1 banana

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of brown sugar – this is optional

Add  all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold.

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September 2024

Refreshing Tuna Fish Ceviche Using WIC-Approved Foods

2024-09-27T19:44:14+00:00September 18th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s approved using WIC-approved foods? Turn canned tuna fish into a refreshing ceviche.

Ceviche is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s popular in many Latin American countries. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be tailored to include a variety of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a topping or on its own, ceviche is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of produce and lean protein.

TUNA FISH CEVICHE Easy Tuna Fish Ceviche Featuring WIC Foods

1 can of tuna fish, drained

¼ cup diced onion

¼ cup diced tomatoes

Juice of 1 lime

½ avocado, diced

¼ cup diced mango (fresh or frozen)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tortillas

1 teaspoon of oil

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

Toast the tortilla (or two)  in the pan until it’s golden and crispy.

In a bowl, combine the tuna, onion, tomatoes, lime juice, avocado, and mango. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add tuna mixture to the tortilla and enjoy!

Pick up all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any Grocery Services North store.

June 2024

Summer Smoothie Series: Green Smoothie

2024-06-13T13:45:30+00:00June 12th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

GREEN SMOOTHIE

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.

2 avocados, pitted & peeled

2 bananas, peeled

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 cup milk

1 ½ cups ice

Blend & enjoy!

Summer Smoothie Series: Berry Smoothie

2024-06-13T13:45:08+00:00June 11th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |

BERRY SMOOTHIE

1 cup vanilla yogurt

½ cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or frozen)

½ cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)

½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 banana, peeled

1 cup milk

1 cup ice

Blend & enjoy!

Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie

2024-06-13T13:45:15+00:00June 5th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

Delightful Summer Treat For Parents

Tired parents, listen up! Get ready to wake up and feel energized with this awesome coffee smoothie. Made with WIC ingredients + coffee, it’s the perfect way to recharge. Plus, it’s a refreshing treat you can enjoy any time of day. Just a heads up though, if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, remember to take it easy on the caffeine.

COFFEE SMOOTHIE

1 banana

⅓ cup peanut butter

1 cup of coffee, cooled to room temperature (you can use caffeinated or decaffeinated)

¾ cup of milk

1 ½ cups of ice

Blend & Enjoy!

May 2024

Protein-Packed Snack!

2024-05-10T20:07:22+00:00May 8th, 2024|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , , |

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.

April 2024

WIC Foods Perfect For Toddlers

2024-05-02T00:56:30+00:00April 29th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Mom Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

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!