Thanksgiving

November 2023

Thanksgiving Stuffing

2023-11-21T23:58:55+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!

Potato Sides Perfect For Thanksgiving, Fall

2023-11-14T14:13:45+00:00November 13th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , |

Using WIC-Approved Foods For Your Family Dinner

Fall is the perfect time to dish out comfort food, and Thanksgiving is the perfect place for these foods. Many may argue that the perfect side dish is the potato. It’s also a perfect side for Thanksgiving.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving you might already be thinking about your menu. To help make preparing for the day easier, you might need a few ideas of sides your family will love. Here are a few recipes – featuring WIC-approved foods – we think you will like.

What’s better than hot, comforting cheesy potatoes? This dish is so good it can be a dinner on its own.

SCALLOPED POTATOES

4 cups of thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized potatoes)

2 cups of grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

3 cups of whole milk

1/4 cup of unsalted butter

1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the roux is light golden brown. Whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the first layer of potatoes. Repeat with another layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake until the top is golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

This next recipe is classic, and many like to serve for Thanksgiving. It’s also perfect for fall. 

MASHED POTATOES

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup milk 

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized pieces. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce the potatoes with a fork without them falling apart. Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and place it back on the stove over low heat. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes. Start by adding half of the milk and butter and then adjust to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a hand mixer. Mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.

THE PERFECT OVEN FRIED POTATOES 

4-5 medium-sized russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like paprika and garlic powder. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned potato pieces in a single layer on the hot baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow them to crisp up. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them once or twice during cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Grocery Services North Announces Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

2023-11-13T14:21:35+00:00November 10th, 2023|Categories: Dallas, East Texas, Grocery Services North, Holiday hours, Meal Planning|Tags: , , , |

Grocery Services North will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

The following two stores will be open from 9 am – 3 pm the day after Thanksgiving:

Lake June – located at 6921 Lake June Rd., Dallas, TX 75217

Spring Valley – located at 8202 Spring Valley Rd. Ste. 300, Dallas, TX 75240

Stores will resume regular hours on Saturday, Nov. 25th.  All Grocery Services North stores will also be open the day before Thanksgiving. Stop by a store to pick up popular WIC-approved foods that can help you make some of your favorite holiday favorites. Looking for Thanksgiving recipes, check these out and this fun appetizer.

October 2023

November Events – Dallas Area

2023-10-31T19:54:19+00:00October 31st, 2023|Categories: Dallas, Kid Activities|Tags: , , , , , , , |

< December 2023 >
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
Slappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasSlappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasTime: 1:00 pm
Experience a classic European Circus with holiday-themed puppets, magicians, clowns, contortionists, and jugglers in a fun show that’s free for the entire family. Show times are 1PM & 3PM every Saturday through Dec 23rd.
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX, 75240
Level 1, near Zara
Christmas in the ParkChristmas in the ParkTime: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Bring your holiday spirit to Westlake Park, 600 Gross Rd. on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 for a two-day family friendly event. Enjoy a variety of low-cost and free attractions, including: inflatables, free arts and crafts, free photos with Santa, community performances, and a Santa sendoff with a fireworks finale! Admission and parking is free. Some activities require a $10 wristband.
Westlake Park
601 Gross Road, Mesquite, TX 75149
3Christmas in the ParkChristmas in the ParkTime: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Bring your holiday spirit to Westlake Park, 600 Gross Rd. on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 for a two-day family friendly event. Enjoy a variety of low-cost and free attractions, including: inflatables, free arts and crafts, free photos with Santa, community performances, and a Santa sendoff with a fireworks finale! Admission and parking is free. Some activities require a $10 wristband.
Westlake Park
601 Gross Road, Mesquite, TX 75149
4Mother 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
5Toddler 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
Parenting Class at Birth ChoiceParenting Class at Birth ChoiceTime: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join Birth Choice for a FREE in-person parenting class discussing single mothers and navigating risks after divorce & holidays/school.
Birth Choice Dallas
8610 Greenville Ave, Ste 200 Dallas, TX 75243
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
6Together 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
7Fun 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
8Baby 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
9Slappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasSlappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasTime: 1:00 pm
Experience a classic European Circus with holiday-themed puppets, magicians, clowns, contortionists, and jugglers in a fun show that’s free for the entire family. Show times are 1PM & 3PM every Saturday through Dec 23rd.
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX, 75240
Level 1, near Zara
10Family Holiday Photos at Ikea Grand PrairieFamily Holiday Photos at Ikea Grand PrairieTime: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 10th, and head to IKEA Grand Prairie! Dress up, down, or even put on your matching PJ's and capture the perfect family holiday photo in the Swedish Restaurant. Registration is required to make sure there’s enough holiday cheer for everyone. Only one (1) picture per family will be taken and printed, but please feel free to bring your own camera and/or cell phones to capture more photos.
IKEA Grand Prairie
1000 IKEA Wy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Second 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
11Mother 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
12Toddler 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
Jungle Bells at Dallas ZooJungle Bells at Dallas ZooTime: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Visit the Dallas zoo on Tuesday, December 12th for the ultimate zoo experience, Jungle Zoo. This is a free event and no registration needed.
Dallas Zoo
650 RL Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX
13Together 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
14Fun 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
15 16Storytime in the ParkStorytime in the ParkTime: 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Bring a blanket or chairs and join for a special storytime at Heritage Park! There will be a reading of the StoryWalk® together with other stories and songs. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Heritage Park
600 Spinks Rd, Flower Mound, TX
Slappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasSlappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasTime: 1:00 pm
Experience a classic European Circus with holiday-themed puppets, magicians, clowns, contortionists, and jugglers in a fun show that’s free for the entire family. Show times are 1PM & 3PM every Saturday through Dec 23rd.
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX, 75240
Level 1, near Zara
Saturday 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
17
18Mother 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
19Toddler 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
20Together 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
Kids Holiday Craft Time at IKEA Grand PrairieKids Holiday Craft Time at IKEA Grand PrairieTime: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join IKEA Grand Prairie for daily craft and storytelling! Pack up the family and create a different craft each day. Please register to reserve a free spot. Also, IKEA Family members can enjoy 2 free kid's meals with the purchase of an adult entree.
IKEA Grand Prairie
1000 IKEA Wy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
21Fun 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
Kids Holiday Craft Time at IKEA Grand PrairieKids Holiday Craft Time at IKEA Grand PrairieTime: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join IKEA Grand Prairie for daily craft and storytelling! Pack up the family and create a different craft each day. Please register to reserve a free spot. Also, IKEA Family members can enjoy 2 free kid's meals with the purchase of an adult entree.
IKEA Grand Prairie
1000 IKEA Wy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
22Kids Holiday Craft Time at IKEA Grand PrairieKids Holiday Craft Time at IKEA Grand PrairieTime: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join IKEA Grand Prairie for daily craft and storytelling! Pack up the family and create a different craft each day. Please register to reserve a free spot. Also, IKEA Family members can enjoy 2 free kid's meals with the purchase of an adult entree.
IKEA Grand Prairie
1000 IKEA Wy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
23Slappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasSlappy's Holiday Circus at Galleria DallasTime: 1:00 pm
Experience a classic European Circus with holiday-themed puppets, magicians, clowns, contortionists, and jugglers in a fun show that’s free for the entire family. Show times are 1PM & 3PM every Saturday through Dec 23rd.
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX, 75240
Level 1, near Zara
24
25Mother 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
26Toddler 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
27Together 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
28Fun 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
29 30 31

November 2020

Tips For A Successful Thanksgiving 2020

2023-11-10T19:55:56+00:00November 25th, 2020|Categories: Meal Planning, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

From Shopping and Cooking WIC Foods & More

There isn’t anything typical about 2020. Thanksgiving won’t be either. It might even be better than normal. We have tips for grocery shopping and recipes (including WIC foods) to activites for the whole family. Health officials are also urging us to change how we celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead of large family gatherings, opt for a feast with just your household, they advise. So maybe you won’t be traveling to grandma’s house this year, but you can still have some of your family traditions – even if it is smaller scale. Maybe you will even find a few new favorites to be thankful for this year.  The change of plans might mean you are preparing a bird and all the trimmings for the first time. Here are a few of our best tips if you are preparing a feast this year: 

COOKING THE BIRD

There is no shortage of tips and tricks to cook a turkey, but the USDA has put all the essential information in one place. They cover how to select your turkey, how to defrost your bird, how to cook and store leftovers. All the details are on their website.

WIC SHOPPING

Plan and shop safely. If you are a WIC client, get as much as you can from a primarily WIC grocery store, like Grocery Services North.  We can help you get your WIC shopping done and be in-and-out of the store in no time. You won’t have to spend extra time searching for WIC-approved items among all those that aren’t. Also, make a list of the items you need. It will also be helpful when you start planning your dinner. Don’t forget to wear a mask.

PLAN YOUR  MEAL USING WIC FOOD

When it comes to preparing Thanksgiving dinner – no matter how big or small – preparation is everything. We can help plan your menu using WIC food.

  • Review your recipes. Make sure you have a well-balanced meal that incorporates healthy fruits and vegetables.  If you are looking for recipe inspiration, visit the collection at Texas WIC.  There you can find great and healthy side dishes and desserts like apple crisp, cauliflower with lemon, citrus glazed carrots, fruit salad and roasted sweet potatoes
  • Keep it simple. One of the main themes of Thanksgiving Day 2020 is to keep it small. Even though we might miss spending the day with our extended family and friends, having a smaller gathering might also be less stressful. Keep your menu simple and well balanced too.
  •  Also, don’t forget about the leftovers. Texas WIC also has a few great recipes to help use up your leftover poultry: chicken and rice casserole and chicken tortilla soup.

FUN FOR THE KIDS

This may be the perfect year to incorporate a few new family traditions. Here are a few ideas to consider: 

  • Let your kids help prepare a side or take part in the cooking. Of course, what they help prepare will depend on their age. Younger children can help make a side with your supervision. Toddlers can make crafts to decorate the table. Some fun ideas include turkeys made by tracing your hand. 
  • Older kids can also be in charge of setting up a group phone call with extended family and friends. You can FaceTime from an iPhone or Zoom, which is free for group calling (up to 100 people) for 40 minutes or less. Both options are free of charge.
  • Everyone in the family can help prepare a side dish or help you research how to cook a bird online. It’s also a fun family tradition to tell others why you are thankful. You can write notecards for the table or take turns sharing a few words before you eat.
  • Don’t forget to rest and have FUN!

Grocery Services North, a primarly WIC grocery store chain, provides a safe and easy shopping experience. Visit a location near you today.