Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

How to Quick-Soak Black-Eyed Peas

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quick-soak-black-eyed-peas-squareHave you ever asked yourself the question whether you should soak or not soak when preparing beans?  The black-eyed pea, which is also known as a cowpea, doesn’t necessarily need to be soaked. But if you find yourself short on time, soaking black-eyed peas can make a true difference in regards to cooking time. So if time is ever your enemy, this simple method will make your day!

Step 1: Rinse the beans in cool water

Step 2: Pour the beans in boiling water, and boil them for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Remove the from heat and let them sit aside for an hour to cool.

Step 4: Discard the water. Then you can start cooking with the beans!

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Tips & Tricks – Easily Peel Potatoes

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Do you dislike peeling potatoes? Do you wish that there was a way to easily peel potatoes? We have a simple trick that will make the process a lot easier and faster so you can move on with the rest of your cooking!1-hate-peeling-potatoes

  1. Cut a thin line around the circumference of the potato just deep enough to pierce the skin.
  2. Boil the potatoes as you normally would.
  3. Fill a bowl with ice-cold water and transfer the potatoes into it when they are done boiling.
  4. Simply pull off the skins and they’ll come right off your potatoes!

Now that you can easily peel more potatoes, try your hand at one of our recipes! Here are some recipes that feature potatoes:

Smart Starch Food Safety

Potatoes are among some of the most common leftover food items, especially during the holiday season. Be sure you’re storing and reheating all of your leftovers safely before reserving them for friends and family. For more information on why potatoes pose a food safety concern and how to properly handle them.

Learn more about the nutritional value of potatoes here. 

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Get Fresh with Fruits and Vegetables

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With so many fruits and vegetables, it can be hard to remember how to store everything to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Stretch your dollar by properly storing your fruits and vegetables. Print the guide below to help you remember what gets stored where. Keep it near the refrigerator so you and your family can easily access it later!

 

 

 

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Healthy Holiday Tips

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1-tips-for-healthy-holiday-websiteTis the season for holiday gatherings! This month begins the start of many different holidays; all of which can bring the need for parties and food.   The biggest question we always ask, “How do you stay healthy through the holidays?”  Here are a few tips you can remember when celebrating this season.

Tip 1: Bring a dish you enjoy!

The hardest part in holiday gatherings is trying to find a food or dish which can be part of your healthy holiday. If you are going to a party which you can bring a dish, bring something which is part of your healthy meal plan. Here is a list of our absolute favorite options for appetizers, snacks and sides perfect for a holiday party.

Tip 2: Be smart with your beverages

Every holiday party has a punch, cocktail, or sweetened beverage.  Our tip is not to drink your calories during a gathering.  Not only do many of these beverages have lots of added sugar but are high in calories.  Save your calories and added sugar and choose either water, sparkling water or unsweetened tea.

Tip 3: Don’t starve yourself throughout the day.

As much as we would like to save all our calories for a holiday party; not eating regular meals throughout the day can lead to overeating.   Instead eat regular meals during the day and make those meals count.  Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and a good source of protein to help keep you satisfied.

Looking for more tips on making healthier holiday choices? Visit choosemyplate.gov for more tips on nutrition during the holiday season.

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