Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

Tips & Tricks: How to Select the Perfect Melon

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Thumping. Shaking. Lifting. You have probably seen people using these methods to select a watermelon, but do they really work? Following the steps below will help you choose a melon that is perfect!

Use your eyes.
Look the melon over before you select it. The melon should be firm and symmetrical. It should also be free from dents, bruises, or cuts.

Turn it over.
The main indicator of ripeness is found on the underside of the melon. The underside of the melon should have a creamy yellow spot. This indicates it has ripened in the field.

Use your muscles.
Lift the melon up. A great melon is heavy for its size. Avoid melons which are lightweight if they are larger varieties.

Know your melons.
There are over 1200 varieties of watermelons grown in 96 countries!
The most common types are:

  • Seeded: The seeded watermelon is the most traditional watermelon and can weigh between 10 to 25 pounds!
  • Seedless: Seedless watermelons are the result of hybridization.
    • Some claim they have white seeds, but these “seeds” are really empty seed coats and are safe to eat! Personal: These tiny favorites usually weight 1 to 7 pounds and are perfect for those who don’t want to share!
  • Yellow and Orange Meat: Most watermelons have red meat; however, there are yellow and orange meat varieties which are usually sweeter than the red!

Watermelons : Look for a field patch! A large yellow spot which indicates the watermelon was left on the vine to ripen sufficiently! Cantaloupe: The best indicator of the melon being ripe is smell. A sweet and intense smell. Rind should appear golden and not with a green hue. Honeydew: Slightly harder to choose but best indicator is weight and color. A ripe melon should appear pale yellow in color with a smooth rind. Should seem heavy for its size.

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How to Freeze Blueberries

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Freezing fruit is a great way to reduce the amount of food we waste.  During the spring and summer months you may find blueberries on sale.   Freezing blueberries helps preserve the nutrients and fruit so you and your family can enjoy it in your favorite berry recipe.   For more tips on how to freeze blueberries, watch this video.

Try adding frozen blueberries to a smoothie or on top of yogurt for added flavor!

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5 Tips for Navigating the Super Bowl Snack Table

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Football on green fieldThe Super Bowl is a great time to be with friends and family.   No matter what team you are cheering for!  Whether you come for the food, commercials, or the game; trying to navigate the snacks or food table at a party can seem a little intimidating if you are trying to follow a healthy eating pattern.   Here are 5 tips to help you win on Sunday!

 

  1. Bring something healthy to the party
    • Super Bowl parties are full of different size portions and types of snacks. It can be hard knowing which option might be a healthy pick.  Try preparing and bringing your own healthy snack.  Our Black Bean and Spinach Quesadillas make a great party snack.
  2. Count your mini snacks
    • Mini sized snacks are great as pre-portioned versions of their larger counterparts. However stacking up on mini portions doesn’t mean mini calories. Follow tip 3 below on how to make your plate a healthy win!
  3. Pick the right plate
    • The table is set, the food is out, and the plates are large! When filling your plate for a snack, choose a smaller plate like a salad plate.  Remember to make your plate just like MyPlate.
  4. Vary the foods you choose
    • Try not to fill your plate with one snack. Just as with any meal, be sure to choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across all food groups.   A healthy plate includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.
  5. Stay hydrated with water or unsweetened beverages
    • Try to lessen the amount of sweetened beverages you choose. Opt for unsweetened tea or make your refills water.
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How to Make the Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg

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Did you know there are 11 different ways to cook an egg?

Making hard-boiled eggs might seem easy.  However, there is a proper way of making the perfect boiled egg.   Follow these easy steps and check out our video on making the perfect boiled egg every time.

 

  1. Place eggs in a medium pot.
  2. Fill the pot halfway with water.
  3. Boil over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Drain, then add ice to cool eggs and stop continued cooking.
  5. Peel, season, and enjoy in your favorite recipe or on top of a salad with dinner tonight.
  6. Special Note: Remember food safety when boiling eggs.  It is not recommended to pierce the egg with a needle before boiling.  This can introduce bacteria into the egg before and during cooking.   Also, never microwave eggs in the shell, the egg will explode in the microwave oven.

How to Poach an Egg

Poaching allows you to prepare a delicate yolk, which is perfect for breakfast foods, without adding calories from fat like many other cooking methods!

  1. Heat the water: Add enough water to come 1 inch up the side of a narrow, deep 2-quart saucier. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 2 teaspoons white vinegar and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, crack 1 very fresh cold large egg into a custard cup or small ramekin. Use the handle of a spatula or spoon to quickly stir the water in one direction until it’s all smoothly spinning around.
  2. TIP: Use this whirlpool method when poaching a single serving (one or two eggs). For bigger batches, heat the water, salt, and vinegar in a 12-inch nonstick skillet and do not stir.
  3. Add the egg: Carefully drop the egg into the center of the whirlpool. The swirling water will help prevent the white from “feathering,” or spreading out in the pan.
  4. Let it poach: Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and set your timer for 5 minutes. Don’t peek, poke, stir or accost the egg in any way.
  5. Lift it out: Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and serve immediately. Alternatively, move the egg to an ice bath and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Reheat in warm water just before serving.

Courtesy of Alton Brown’s Perfect Poached Eggs. 

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