Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

Stone Fruits

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Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Nectarines, Cherries, and Prunes are all what is known as a stone fruit, due to their hard stone-like pit in the center of the fruit. Read more about caring for and using these fruits below.

If you’re in Texas and are curious about growing a stone fruit tree and stone fruit production, start by reading this article about how stone fruit trees fair in Texas from Aggie Horticulture.

 

Besides being a great treat for eating – these stone fruits are great for slicing to throw in salads or for desserts! But how do you remove that pesky stone? Watch our video below and follow along step by step!

    • On a cutting board with a sharp knife, make a slice into the center of the fruit along the lengthwise side – try to follow the fruit’s natural seam.
    • Rotate the fruit around on the cutting board with the knife still inside – this should split the fruit in half.
    • Using your hand or a spoon grab and remove the stone pit.
    • Slice and use as your recipe calls for!

Convert Recipes into Multifunction Cooker Recipes

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If you love using your multifunction cooker, brand name Instant Pot®, but have recipes that don’t have multifunction cooker directions don’t worry! Convert your regular recipes into multifunction cooker recipes with these simple tips.

Reduce your cooking time.

The whole point of a multifunction cooker is it’s reduced cooking time. The pressure cooker functionality does cook food quicker than traditional methods. If you’re trying to convert a recipe, first look for similar recipes using a multifunction cooker and use those as a guide. Or follow this rule of thumb: If you’re using a recipe that requires the oven, lower the cook times for meat by one to two thirds. Always check the meat’s minimum internal temperature to ensure it’s reached safe temperatures.

Use less liquid.

Because the lid on your multifunction cooker seals tightly, there is little to no evaporation while cooking. That means you won’t lose any liquid, so be light-handed with broths and other liquids to avoid a dish that is too watery or lacking flavor. But make sure you have at least one cup of liquid before turning it on—it’s necessary to create steam inside the bowl and to avoid burning. Always follow your manufacturers instructions.

Fill appropriately.

Your multifunction cooker needs room to build pressure (that’s how it cooks the food, after all) so don’t cram in your ingredients. Fill your pot two thirds to be safe and only half if you are making any type of grain, pasta, or legume, as they will grow in size while cooking. And whatever you do, do not add ingredients past the MAX fill line—it’s there for a reason!

Be wary of dairy.

Adding dairy products to your pressure cooker at the beginning can make them curdle because of the high temperatures. It’s best to wait until the end (preferably once you’ve removed whatever you’re cooking) to mix in any cheese, milk, or cream. The exception to this rule, of course, is when you’re making yogurt with the appliance’s specific yogurt function.

Pick the right release.

A multifunction cooker has two different options for releasing pressure: quick pressure release and natural release. The natural release can be used for most recipes (pasta, meat, oatmeal, etc.) but, if you’re dealing with something that you don’t want to overcook like vegetables, the quick pressure is a better choice as it lets the steam out very quickly. Always follow safety protocols for both release methods.

*Not all recipes can be converted to a multifunction cooker i.e. baked goods, other recipes may not retain certain qualities you are used to.

See our basic operating tips on a multifunction cooker here. 

Source:

Taste of Home. Here’s How to Make *Any* Recipe Work with your Instant Pot. Amanda Tarlton

Shopping Smart

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Save money? Yes, please! You might be surprised to know some of these smart shopping practices can be made into grocery store habits that make your food dollars stretch even more!

Here are a few tips to follow:

1. Price Compare with Grocery Store Apps

Browse store flyers to find the best deals for what you definitely need. You can find out what’s on sale on stores’ websites or apps. Some show specials, and others allow you to clip coupons digitally. You can even build your grocery carts in different apps and see which one comes out cheaper, then complete your order with that retailer.

2. Shop with a Calculator

If you’re trying to stick to a specific budget, then decide on that number—like not spending more than $50 at the store—and hold yourself accountable. One way to do this is to calculate every item as you add it to your cart. You have a calculator built into your phone, so there’s no excuse!

3. Plan Meals Based on What’s in Your Pantry

I.e. if you have a ton of chickpeas in the cupboard, look for recipes featuring them before you go to the store. Think of grocery shopping based on what’s in your pantry as your own Chopped challenge to see what you can make without spending any money.

4. Use a Smaller Cart or Basket

Using a basket or a small cart at the store will force you to only buy what you need instead of tossing in impulse purchases.

5. Buy in Bulk—Online

If you want to save money by buying in bulk, do it without purchasing a membership to a warehouse store! But only buy in bulk for what you know you’ll eventually use and have pantry space for—you probably don’t need 10 pounds of pork chops or 30 cans of tomatoes.

6. Vacuum Seal Meat and Freeze It

If you use chicken breasts every single week and can get them for $0.99 per pound in bulk versus $5.99 per pound for a regular package, then use a vacuum sealer to store them properly. Check out our tips for freezing food here.

7. Shop Bottom Shelves and Outer Aisles

Grocery stores put the pricier name brands at eye level so you’re more likely to grab it without looking around for a better deal. Scan from top to bottom before you purchase.

8. Go Generic

If you aren’t brand loyal to a product, then try generic.

9. Shop from the Bulk Bins 

Not sure if you like a certain ingredient? Only need a cup of quinoa for a salad, or a sprinkle of peanuts to finish a dish? Hit the bulk bins. It’s a great way to experiment with new grains, dried beans, nuts, or even spices instead of committing to an expensive bag and letting it collect dust in the pantry.

10. Get Dried Beans Instead of Canned

Cooking with dried beans requires a little extra time to soak to save a lot of money. Canned is fine for convenience, but if you eat a lot of beans, dried will take your dollar further. Instead of paying $1 per 15 oz. can (which is almost half liquid and half-cooked beans, so $2 per pound), you could get FOUR pounds of dried beans for $5 ($1.25 per pound dried, and they double in size when cooked). Look at the price per ounce when comparing products such as dried vs canned beans, this will give you an idea which is the better deal.

11. Buy Frozen 

Frozen veggies can be more inexpensive than fresh some times, plus they keep longer and create less food waste if you are unsure about dinner plans. Buying frozen meat may also be a less expensive option, always double-check!

12. Buy Everything Else In-Season

In-season produce will be cheaper because it’s so bountiful, even at a farmers’ market. It’s more common to find peaches or tomatoes on sale in the summer than in the winter.

13. Wash Your Own Lettuce

Buying pre-washed bagged greens is always more expensive. A 7 oz. tub of romaine leaves is $4.49, while three whole hearts (about 12 oz.) is $2.99. Buy and wash a ton of kale at once too—a bunch is typically at least 7 oz. for $2.50, while a washed bag of 5 oz. runs $4.50.

Source:

Bon Appetit. 17 ways to save money on groceries. By Alyse Whitney. Feb 7, 2018. 

Dollar Store

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Are you shopping on a Budget? No matter what your income is, we all like to save money where we can. Here are some tips for spending less money on food, especially when shopping at your local dollar store(s).

Tip 1: Be Familiar with the Food (Items/Products) Offered

Every dollar store offers different items; some may have a frozen aisle while others serve primarily canned goods. Do a little research before buying your groceries, so you know which food items (perishable, fresh, or frozen) you can get for a bargain.

Tip 2: Try a Different Food Brand 

Sometimes we are afraid to try something new or fear that the dollar store only carries low-quality food items. However, dollar stores often offer well-known national brands as well as regional foods that you may have never heard of before.  Although just because you haven’t heard of it, doesn’t mean its low quality. Do a little homework and compare those ingredients. You’ll be surprised by the similarities. If the ingredients look similar, why not give it a try? It can be tasty to save money.

Tip 3: Notice the Price

When we think of Dollar Stores, usually we think cheap. However, that’s often not the case. You’re not always getting a bargain for your money, so compare prices to similar food items to see if you’re truly getting the best deal.

Tip 4:  Observe the Package Size(s)

Dollar stores may seem inexpensive, but if you look closely, you’ll notice it’s because of how they package their items. Compared to other grocery stores, dollar stores may sell items in smaller packages. Thus, this may be useful for someone who only needs a small amount of a product, because then the portion size is relevant for the individual. However, if you need to buy in bulk, you may want to reconsider because audiences who have a set budget may be spending more if they’re buying groceries based on unit price. Therefore, observe those packages to determine if these items are going to help or hinder your wallet.

Tip 5: Lookout for Expiration Dates

This tip applies to all food products/items. It’s essential to lookout out for those “sell-by” or “use-by” stamped dates. You want to get the best quality food for your dollar. Thus, by buying only what you can eat before the expiration date. Otherwise, you’re not getting the most out of your purchase, and the excess food goes to waste. So be savvy with those dates.

Tip 6: Read What You’re Buying (aka Food Labels)

It’s essential to read food labels in general, so you know what you’re buying. As mention above, it’s good to check the ingredient list and compare it to other items. However, it’s also wise to know the nutritional content. For example, canned fruit can be packed with juice or heavy syrup. Both have different calorie and sugar amounts. Therefore, read your label because cheap food isn’t always the most nutritious.

Bonus Tip: Coupons, Benefits, and Apps, Oh My!

Most dollar stores accept coupons, SNAP benefits, and WIC Vouchers.  Although, call your local dollar store first because coupon and benefit/voucher policies vary among dollar store chains. If your dollar store does accept coupons, check on their limit. Some stores have a limit on the number of coupons they’ll take from a customer in a single day.

You may also want to check your dollar store website.  Some dollar stores even offer coupons that you can save/download from the internet as well as let you shop online. They may also have an app that can help you with your grocery shopping savings.  So do a little digging to help with your everyday shopping needs.

**Information focuses on dollar stores; however, these tips may be applied to any discount or close-out store. **

Download the full Dollar Store Handout here.

Reference:

Dinning at the Dollar Store by Jenna D. Anding, Ph.D., RDN, LD: Associate Department Head for Extension, Professor and Extension Specialist; Department of Nutrition. Texas A&M AgriLife.

Infused Water

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A Splash of Flavor – Infused Water Basics

How many times have you been told to drink water? We know it’s essential, but sometimes we need some flavor. Thus, infused water (flavored water) is a great sweet beverage substitute – plus, it’s cost-efficient and easy to make!

Infused water is a combination of fruits, herbs, and vegetables mixed into plain old water.  Whichever fruit or vegetable that use can either be sliced or mashed when adding it to the mix.  Below is the breakdown of how to make your own infused water:

  1. Pick your produce. You can use one item or a combination of fruit and vegetables.
  2. Decide if you want to add a garnish (fresh herbs).
  3. Get your water. You’ll need at least 4 cups to every ½ – 1 cup of fresh produce.
    • It depends on your taste! How sweet do you want it? You can add more or less produce to sweeten your water.
  1. Then infuse – Infusion takes about 2 hours, depending on the temperature.
    • Warm climates – 1 hour (left on the counter for example)
    • Cold climates – 2 hours (placed in the refrigerator)

Now, some things to consider when making it. Here are the following food safety tips:

  • Make sure to use a clean your container (glass) for your infused water.
  • Wash your fruits, vegetables, and herbs before making your recipe.
  • During the infusion process – decide hot (warm) or cold.
  • Whether you place the water in the refrigerator or leave the container on the counter, once infused (done), place in the refrigerator or add ice after to avoid spoilage.
  • Chill for later – If you are not going to drink the flavored water right away, put the container in the refrigerator.
  • Lastly, if you plan to keep your flavored water for more than a day, strain out the produce before storing it in the refrigerator.

Let’s get creative! Several different combos can be mixed. It just depends on your taste buds. Some combo ideas:

  • 4 Mix Combo: Veggie + Citrus + Berry + Herb
  • 3 Mix Combo: Citrus + Berry + Herb
  • 2 Mix Combo: Citrus + Melon

Honestly, mix what you like and get creative!  Other ways to splash flavor is to do the following:

  1. Squeeze fresh lime or lemon wedge in the water (classic)
  2. Add a splash (like a tablespoon or teaspoon) of juice to a glass of water.
  3. Make ice cubes using 100% juice – then add one or two cubes to a large glass/bottle of water.

For a full pdf handout version download the Infused-Water-Basics-Handout.pdf

Infused-Water-Basics-Handout.pdfReferences:

  • Rethink Your Drink BLT Walk N Talk Curriculum Lesson 3
  • https://www.allrecipes.com/article/fresh-ideas-for-making-infused-water/
  • Onufrak SJ et al., The relationship of perceptions of tap water safety with intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and plain water among US adults. Public Health Nutrition, 2012.
  • Onufrak SJ et al., Perceptions of Tap Water and School Water Foundations and Association with Intake of Plain Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. Journal of School Health, 2013.