El Paso County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

02/24/2022

Celebrate National Toast Day with our Animal Toast!


https://efnep.tamu.edu/recipe/animal-toast/

02/18/2022

Welcome to Friday! Give our Ole Frijoles Dip to try this weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nZcW6vqQDM&t=1s

02/17/2022

Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium while also providing calcium, protein, potassium, fiber, and many other nutrients. They have been linked to heart health and can be incorporated into your day in many ways - from a snack substitute on the go to a source of protein and healthy fats on a salad.

Try switching out peanut butter for almond butter in our Energy Nuggets!
https://efnep.tamu.edu/recipe/energy-nuggets/

02/14/2022

Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday where we shower our loved ones with affection, gifts, and tasty sweet treats. It’s easy to go overboard on the gifts and sweets come February 14th but moderation is always key.

https://efnep.tamu.edu/2020/02/05/tips-for-a-heartful-and-healthy-valentines-day/

01/25/2022

Calcium is an important nutrient for our body. Its major role is to support the structure and function of healthy bones and teeth throughout the life cycle.

01/20/2022

Take small bites toward better nutrition!

https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/03/03/take-small-bites-toward-better-nutrition/

01/06/2022

Find grains in many areas of the store, including the bread, cereal, snack, and pasta and rice aisles.

Make half your grains whole grains. Types of whole grains include whole wheat, brown rice, bulgur, buckwheat, oatmeal, whole-grain cornmeal, whole oats, and whole rye.

While shopping, check ingredient lists and pick the items that have a whole grain listed first.
Rice and pasta are budget-friendly grain options.

Choose hot cereals like plain oatmeal or whole-grain dry cereal.

Try new whole-grain snack ideas, like switching to whole-wheat crackers or popping your own popcorn.

01/05/2022

Find fruits and vegetables in the produce section, frozen foods, and in the canned and pantry food aisles. Compare prices to find the best buys.

Buy "in season" produce which is usually less expensive and at peak flavor. Buy only what you can use before it spoils. For more info check out the Seasonal Produce Guide from SNAP-Ed Connections.

Choose fruit canned in 100% fruit juice and vegetables with “low-sodium” or “no salt added” on the label. These products are just as nutritious as fresh, and often cost less.

If you have the freezer space, stock up on frozen vegetables without added sauces or butter. Frozen vegetables are as good for you as fresh and may cost less.

Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables last much longer than fresh and are a quick way to add fruits and vegetables to your meal.

12/09/2021

In celebration of National Brownie Day, try out these Black Bean Brownies. https://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/black-bean-brownies_1.pdf

11/25/2021

To ensure that leftovers are safe to eat, make sure the food is cooked to a safe temperature and refrigerate the leftovers promptly.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety

11/25/2021

11/23/2021

11/22/2021

There are several ways to thaw a turkey. Click on the link below for the recommended methods for thawing.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/safely-thawing-turkey/

11/20/2021

Need a Thanksgiving side dish that can be customized for adults and kiddos. Try our Slow Cooker Cheesy Cauliflower.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2F_NNsftE4

Ingredients
24-ounces frozen cauliflower
4-ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
1 ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon onion powder
2-3 green onions, diced (optional)
3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
1. Wash your hands and clean your cooking area.

2. Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.

3. Pour half of the cauliflower in an even layer in the crock. Cut cream cheese into strips or cubes and layer half on the cauliflower. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese, onion powder and bacon bits (optional) over the cauliflower.

4. Repeat by layering cauliflower, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder and bacon.

5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

6. Stir, then sprinkle green onions on top and serve.

11/19/2021

Talking turkey with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - AgriLife Today

Talking turkey with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts provide tips and guidelines for selecting, preparing and cooking a holiday turkey.

11/17/2021

Thanksgiving is fast approaching! What are you cooking up? Comment below.

You can also find some healthy, thrifty holiday menus here: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/healthy-thrifty-holiday-menus/thanksgiving

11/15/2021

Knowing when and what to eat can make a difference in your workouts. Understand the connection between eating and exercise.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20045506

11/12/2021

Needs to quick dinner recipe? Try our BBQ Chicken Pizza. https://efnep.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-bbq-pizza/ 🍕

11/04/2021

We can all play a part in reaching the national food waste reduction goal – to reduce food waste by 50% by the year 2030. Start using these tips today to reduce food waste, save money, and protect the environment. https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/tips-reduce-food-waste

10/28/2021

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween! These versatile vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. To demonstrate different ways you can incorporate this seasonal superstar, MyPlate is showcasing five easy recipes with pumpkin as the main ingredient.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/10/20/fall-here-celebrate-pumpkin-5-different-ways

10/25/2021

Looking for fun games for the kids this Halloween? Try some of these. https://marathonkids.org/pe-games-for-halloween/

10/21/2021

Find savings in your area and discover new ways to prepare budget-friendly foods.

https://www.myplate.gov/app/shopsimple?utm_source=shop-simple&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=desktop-redirect

10/20/2021

Are meal kits making your life easier? Be sure you know how to keep those delicious foods in your meal kit safe! Get tips at fightbac.org/prep-yourself.

10/15/2021

Need a quick Friday night meal. Try our new Cranberry Chicken Salad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Zj55y5ZdU

10/13/2021

Quality Counts! https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/best-diet-quality-counts/

10/12/2021

5 tips to deal with picky eaters

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/5-tips-to-deal-with-picky-eaters-both-kids-and-adults

10/11/2021

Is it okay to be physically active while I’m pregnant and after I have my baby? - YES! But check with your doctor!

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pregnancy/index.htm

09/24/2021

Don't invite bacteria to your next meal. Use this website for healthy tips on enjoying your restaurants leftovers. https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/10-smart-tips-keep-your-restaurant-leftovers-safe

09/23/2021

Food safety is a major concern in the United States but so is food waste. Here's a helpful website that gives you tips to avoid wasting food. https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/maintain-food-safety-while-cutting-food-waste

09/20/2021

09/17/2021

Tomatillos may be delicious, but they aren’t super nutrient-dense. They do have quite a bit of Vitamin C and are good sources of Vitamin K and niacin, and are good sources of zeaxanthin and lutein, both necessary for eye health. They are also fairly high in fiber and low in calories. Try this recipe: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/pan-roasted-tilapia-tomatillo-salsa

09/15/2021

Keep a lid on it: When storing whole grains from bulk bins, use containers with tight-fitting lids and keep them in a cool, dry location. A sealed container is important for maintaining freshness and reducing bug infestations

09/14/2021

Sip smarter: Soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks contain a lot of sugar and are high in calories. Offer water when kids are thirsty. 🥤

09/13/2021

09/10/2021

Whether you tried your hand at baking bread, followed a new recipe on Tik Tok, or even thought up some creative dishes “Iron Chef” style, the past 18 months have turned many more of us into home cooks. For Food Safety Education Month (FSEM) in September, we’re sharing advice on another important part of a tasty meal: How to prevent food poisoning when you cook at home.

Meet Food Safety Chef, who will share ways you can handle and keep food safe in your home kitchen. During September, follow along on social media to see these tips and share them with others: Twitter, FoodSafety.gov Facebook, Twitter, Twitter, CDC Facebook, and CDCgov Instagram. Look for the hashtags and .