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Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

Freezer Success

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Freezing foods is an easy and convenient way to store foods but a lot of people send food to the freezer, never to be used or seen again (until they get thrown away)! Make your freezer work for you with our Tips to Freezer Success.

Here are our top tips for freezer success:

  • Cool foods completely before freezing – you can refrigerate then freeze too!
  • Pack leftover in smaller containers! This makes food freeze faster and reduces the need to thaw more food than necessary
  • Label & Date your packages and containers – don’t waste food by having to throw food away because you don’t know how old it is!
  • Keep an inventory of your freezer items. Don’t forget about freezer meals!
  • Don’t pack too tight! Make sure there is room for air to flow in your freezer, this helps maintain proper and even temperatures.
  • FDA recommends your freezer be set at 0 degrees F.

Another important part is managing your freezer properly: 

  • Place your freezer in a cool, dry area where the temperature is constant.
  • Keep your freezer at least ¾ full for efficient operation.
  • Continue to use and replace foods. Do not simply store them.
  • Open the freezer door as rarely as possible.
  • Make proper use of energy saving features on your freezer.
  • Keep door seals clean and check for proper sealing. Replace when necessary.
  • Defrost manual freezers regularly.
  • Keep the condenser coils clean.

Make sure you’re packaging you goods well, good packaging material should have the following characteristics:

  • Moisture/vapor-proof or at least moisture resistant.
  • Made of food grade material, i.e. designed to be used for food products.
  • Durable and leakproof.
  • Doesn’t become brittle and crack at low temperatures.
  • Resistant to oil, grease or water.
  • Protect foods from off flavors and odors.
  • Easy to fill and seal.
  • Easy to mark and store.

Join Jocelin as she shows you the basics on freezing your food!

Click below to download a printable freezer storage chart from the FDA so you know how long that food in your freezer is good for!

Food-Safety- FreezerFridge Storage Chart

Sources:

Food Freezing Guide – North Dakota State University

FDA.gov

 

Nacho Mac n’ Cheese

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This dish is sure to be a hit with the kiddos! Creamy Mac N Cheese combined with the crunchiness of nachos? Sign me up too!


Nacho Mac n' Cheese
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Nacho Mac n' Cheese
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Instructions
  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  2. In a large skillet brown the ground beef. Once the beef is browned, add corn, diced tomatoes, milk and flour; bring to a slow boil.
  3. Add in the cooked macaroni and the cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and macaroni is coated.
  4. Remove from heat and top with crushed tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes

Nacho Mac n' Cheese Nutrition Facts Serving size (201g) servings per container 10 Amount per serving Calories 350 % Daily Value Total Fat 8 g 10 % Saturated Fat 3.5 g 18 % Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol 50 mg 17 % Sodium 230 mg 10 % Total Carbohydrate 45 g 16 % Dietary Fiber 3 g 11 % Total Sugars 4 g Added Sugars 0 g 0 % Protein 25 g Vitamin D 0 mcg 0 % Calcium 195 mg 15 % Iron 3 mg 15 % Potassium 500 mg 10 %

Roasted Edamame and Corn Salad

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Edamame (soybeans) are high in protein and low in fat. This salad makes a great side dish or light lunch.

Roasted Edamame and Corn Salad
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Roasted Edamame and Corn Salad
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  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Place edamame, corn, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a 13 x 9 pan and stir to combine. Place on middle rack of the oven and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the edamame begins to brown.
  3. Remove from oven and place in refrigerator until completely cool, approximately 30 minutes.
  4. Add tomato, basil and vinegar to mixture and toss to combine. Taste; adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes

Roasted Edamame and Corn Salad Nutrition Facts Serving size (110g) servings per container 5 Amount per serving Calories 100 % Daily Value Total Fat 5 g 6 % Saturated Fat 0 g 0 % Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol 0 mg 0 % Sodium 125 mg 5 % Total Carbohydrate 8 g 3 % Dietary Fiber 3 g 11 % Total Sugars 3 g Added Sugars 0 g 0 % Protein 6 g Vitamin D 0 mcg 0 % Calcium 40 mg 4 % Iron 1 mg 6 % Potassium 361 mg 8 %

Raspberry Strawberry Smoothie

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Nothing beats a hot summer day like sipping on a tasty and delicious berry smoothie.  This exquisite recipe will take your taste buds to the new heights.   It’s packed with antioxidants and rich in vitamin C. After one serving, this delicious summer treat is sure to be a household favorite.

Raspberry Strawberry Smoothie
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Raspberry Strawberry Smoothie
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  1. Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth. Amount of ice will vary depending on desired consistency. Pour into a glass and serve chilled.
Recipe Notes

Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

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Slow Cookers are handy for making dinner but they can also be convenient for making dessert! Try this slow cooker peach cobbler to end the day with a sweet treat without all of the work!slow cooker peach cobbler a recipe brought to you by Dinner Tonight

slow cooker peach cobbler a recipe brought to you by Dinner Tonight
Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
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slow cooker peach cobbler a recipe brought to you by Dinner Tonight
Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
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Slow Cooker Directions
  1. Wash your hands and clean your preparation area.
  2. Preheat your slow cooker by setting it ti the low setting.
  3. In a medium size mixing bowl. mix together the flour, cornmeal,baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  4. Add in Greek yogurt, milk, egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
  5. Add peaches in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker
  6. Pour the flour mixture on top of peaches.
  7. Slow cook on low for a minimum of 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
  8. Store any leftover cobbler in the refrigerator. Do not reheat food or leftovers in the slow cooker; instead reheat on stove top or the microwave.
Multifunction Cooker Directions
  1. Peach Cobbler recipe needs to be halved in order to fit into the standard multifunction cooker! Makes 5 Servings. Wash your hands and clean your preparation area.
  2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  3. Add in Greek yogurt, milk, egg, and vanilla extract; mix well.
  4. Add peaches to the bottom of the multi-function cooker.
  5. Spread the flour mixture on top of peaches
  6. Set on high pressure for 8 minutes. Use the quick steam release.
  7. Store any leftover cobbler in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes