August 22, Eat a Peach Day - Nutrition, Safety and Presentation

Presentation. Transform a peach into an eloquent dessert by cutting it into slices or cubes and serving it in a dessert glass. The presentation somehow makes the peach taste sweeter and the experience more filling.

Peach, a Versatile Fruit

Peach Nutrition

Low fat; saturated fat-free; sodium free; cholesterol free; 

Good source of vitamin C.

From Fruits and Veggies, More Matters:
Peaches

How to Select
Choose peaches with firm, fuzzy skins that yield to gentle pressure when ripe. Avoid blemishes.

How to Store Peaches and Nectarines
Store unripe peaches in a paper bag. When ripe, store at room temperature for use within 1-2 days.

Resources.
Georgia Peach Council
Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Peaches
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Peaches 

National Tooth Fairy Day Nutrition and Your Child's Dental Health

Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For all children, you should
1. Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
2. Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks
3. Schedule regular dental check-ups

Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.

Resources
1. WebMD. Nutrition and Your Child's Teeth
2. National Institute of Health, Child DentalHealth

Growing Together: Connecting Generations Through Gardening & Healthy Eating National Senior Citizen Day

National Senior Citizens Day 

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5847 creating National Senior Citizens Day to be August 21.

On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of older people to home, family and society. It is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for what seniors have achieved in their lives and their contributions to our communities.

Things to do with Older Adults
- Spend time together.
- Show our appreciation.
- Volunteer to help.
- Enjoy a walk together.
- Go out for dinner.

If you are a senior citizen, enjoy your day. Make sure to take advantage of senior citizen discounts and specials.

The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. 

Growing Together: Connecting Generations Through Gardening & Healthy Eating

Resources and References

to Help Eating Well as We Age

Resources for Seniors from Nutrition.gov

Lemonade Day

Lemonade Day
Do you remember the Lemonade Stands? 

Today, the children have better marketing skills.

Lemonade Day is a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate a lemonade stand. Participating cities allow youth to experience entrepreneurship each year by setting up their businesses during their city's community-wide Lemonade Day.

By teaching key analytical skills, financial literacy, and decision-making, we foster self-esteem and new mindsets that can propel youth to success. Our mission is to help today's youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow.

How to Start a Lemonade Stand: A Guide for Kids and Parents

A lemonade stand is more than just a fun summertime tradition; it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore entrepreneurship, learn valuable life skills, and connect with their community. With the support of parents, children can turn a simple idea into a meaningful experience.

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Why Start a Lemonade Stand?

Starting a lemonade stand offers kids hands-on lessons in business basics, including marketing, budgeting, and customer service. Parents play a key role by offering guidance and resources, helping their children learn how to plan, problem-solve, and work toward a goal.

This activity also provides quality family bonding time and teaches core values like responsibility, perseverance, and creativity.

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Benefits of a Lemonade Stand for Kids

1. Developing Entrepreneurial Skills: Kids learn to create a business plan, set prices, manage inventory, and promote their stand. These early lessons provide a strong foundation for future ventures.

2. Learning Responsibility Running a lemonade stand involves handling money, managing supplies, and serving customers—all great ways to build accountability and independence.

3. Encouraging Creativity. From designing signs to inventing new lemonade flavors, kids get to express themselves and build creative thinking skills.

4. Building Confidence. Successfully managing a stand can boost a child’s self-esteem and encourage a positive attitude toward challenges.

5. Teaching Work Ethic Children learn the value of hard work and persistence, key traits for school and life success.

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Planning Your Lemonade Stand Business

Choose a Great Location. Look for areas with high foot traffic, such as parks, beaches, or outside grocery stores.

Design Your Stand and Signage: Use bright colors and fun decorations to make your stand inviting. Eye-catching signs can draw in more customers.

Decide on a Menu and Price. Offer a variety of lemonade flavors or snacks. Price your items to cover costs and allow for a small profit.

Create a Budget and Track Profits. Help your child outline the costs (cups, lemons, sugar, etc.) and calculate potential earnings. This is a great lesson in financial literacy.

Marketing and Running the Stand

Promote Your Stand: Use flyers, social media (with a parent’s help), and word-of-mouth to attract customers. Offering discounts or special deals can increase sales.

Create a Fun Atmosphere. Add music, decorations, or a theme to make your stand stand out and create a memorable customer experience.

Provide Excellent Customer Service. Teach your child to greet customers warmly, answer questions, and thank them for their support.

Handle Money Safely: Give your child opportunities to count change and track sales—important skills in budgeting and accuracy.

Maintain Cleanliness and Safety. Ensure the stand area is clean, drinks are handled hygienically, and safety rules are followed. Teach kids to be mindful of hazards and respectful of their space.

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Starting a lemonade stand is a rewarding journey beyond selling drinks. It teaches kids how to set goals, work hard, and build confidence. With a little support from parents, young entrepreneurs can develop the skills and mindset they’ll carry for life.

Recipe: Raspberry Lemonade

Raspberries contain high levels of ellagic acid, a polyphenol and antioxidant being studied as a food in the fight against cancer. They are also rich in anthocyanins, a flavonoid compound that gives them their red color. Anthocyanins may help protect the circulatory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Raspberries are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber, and are a low-glycemic index food.

Bacon Bonanza

Bacon day celebrations typically include social gatherings during which participants create and consume dishes containing bacon, including bacon-themed breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and drinks.

Bacon Bonanza

Bacon is the "B" in a BLT sandwich, the star of breakfast buffets, the garnish on a spinach salad, and the "pork" in pork and beans. It imparts a smoky flavor to many dishes. This ancient, cured meat now appears in modern forms as shelf-stable or refrigerated fully cooked strips, bacon made from turkey and/or beef, and organic meats.

The term "bacon" describes the cured belly of a swine (hog) carcass. If meat from other carcass portions is used, the product name must identify the portions where the bacon comes from, e.g., "Pork Shoulder Bacon." Bacon is generally produced from young animals (6 to 7 months old) weighing 175 to 240 pounds.

Bacon and Food Safety

Bacon is made with salt as a curing agent, and nitrite (but not nitrate) is the other most frequently used additive. Bacon may also contain other additives such as sugars, maple sugar, wood smoke, flavorings, and spices.

Under certain conditions not yet fully understood, the products from the natural breakdown of proteins known as "amines" can combine with nitrites to form compounds known as "nitrosamines." There are many different types of nitrosamines, most of which are known carcinogens in test animals.

Not all cured meat products contain nitrosamines; however, when present, they usually are in very minute amounts. Many variables influence nitrosamine levels: amount of nitrite added during processing, concentrations of amines in meat, type and amounts of other ingredients used in processing, actual processing conditions, length of storage, storage temperatures, method of cooking, and degree of doneness.

Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found that the addition of vitamin C (ascorbate) and vitamin E (tocopherol) reduced the levels of nitrosamines in fried bacon and in nitrite-cured products. The findings led to changes in Federal regulations and industry processing to minimize consumer exposure to nitrosamines. USDA now requires adding 550 ppm (parts per million) of either sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate to pumped bacon. This addition greatly reduces the amount of free nitrite and, thus, minimizes the formation of nitrosamines. This regulation is found in 9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 424.22 (b)(1).

Nutrition Information

BLT Sandwich

References

1. Wikipedia, List of bacon dishes
2. Eat Right Chicago, Is Everything Really ‘Better with Bacon?’
3. USDA, Bacon and Food Safety

An educated consumer has the knowledge to make healthy choices - Choose Moderation.

National Potato Day

Potatoes are one of the vegetables in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, which includes eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It is a starchy, tuberous crop. Potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice.

Nutrition

One medium potato (5.3 oz) with the skin contains:
110 Calories; Vitamin C (45 % DV); 620 mg potassium; Vitamin B6 (10 % DV); No Fat; No Sodium; No Cholesterol; and Trace amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Potatoes also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity. Among these important health-promoting compounds are carotenoids and flavonoids.

About 20% of the potato’s nutrition is found in the skin.  Most of the vitamin C and potassium are found in the potato’s flesh, but fiber is found in the skin.  That’s why it’s best to enjoy every part of the potato.

According to MyPlate, Potatoes are a vegetable.  It counts toward the total recommended servings of vegetables. One medium-sized potato (5.3 oz.) counts as 1 cup of starchy vegetables.

Recipe

Rose, Gold, and Purple Potato Salad

Ingredients

5 Small Round Potatoes: 
  1 Honey Gold 
  2 Enchanted Rose
  2 Purple Splendor
Dash Curry Powder
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Italian Dressing, fat-free

Directions
1. Roast potatoes and dice.
2. In a bowl combine curry, mustard, and Italian dressing. Mix.
3. Add potatoes to the marinade and coat well.

Nutrition Information

Remembering Julia Child

Julia Carolyn Child was born on August 15, 1912 and died on August 13, 2004. She was an American chef, author, and television personality. Child is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” and her television programs, the most prominent of which was The French Chef, which premiered in 1963.

In 1946 Julia married Paul Cushing Child. The couple moved to Paris in 1948. In Paris, Child attended the Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and later studied privately with master chefs. She joined the women's cooking club Le Cercle des Gourmettes, through which she met Simone Beck. In 1951, Child, Beck, and Bertholle began to teach cooking to American women in Child's Paris kitchen, calling their informal school L'école des trois gourmandes (The School of the Three Food Lovers). For the next decade, as the Childs moved around Europe and finally to Cambridge, Massachusetts, the three researched and repeatedly tested recipes. Child translated French into English, making the recipes detailed, interesting, and practical.

In 1961 the Mastering the Art of French Cooking was published and became a best-seller and received critical acclaim. The book is still in print and is considered an important culinary work. Following this success, Child wrote magazine articles and a regular column for The Boston Globe newspaper. She would go on to publish nearly twenty titles under her name and with others. 

In the 1970s and 1980s, Child was the star of numerous television programs, including Julia Child & Company, Julia Child & More Company, and Dinner at Julia's. In 1989, she published a book and instructional video series collectively entitled “The Way To Cook.”

Child starred in four more series in the 1990s featuring guest chefs: Cooking with Master Chefs, In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs, Baking with Julia, and Julia Child & Jacques Pépin Cooking at Home.

Julia Child’s kitchen can be seen at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. She will be remembered for bringing French cuisine to the American public and her dynamic cooking style and presentation in the kitchen.

References.
1. Wikipedia, Julia Child
2. PBS, Julia Child

3. Julia Child's Kitchen, Smithsonian Institution

Back to School Food Safety

Preparing for the first day of school this weekend? As you’re making your way through those long back-to-school shopping lists, don’t forget these FoodSafety essentials: 

• Insulated lunchboxes
• Gel/ice packs
• Hand sanitizer/hand wipes 

Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy

Resources
1. Back to School Toolkit to Prevent Foodborne Illness, USDA

National Creamsicle Day

Creamsicle® is a frozen dessert with vanilla ice cream in the center and a fruit sherbet on the outside. The classic Creamsicle® flavor is orange and vanilla, but today there are numerous flavors to choose from.

The term “Creamsicle” is a registered brand name owned by Unilever.

Creamsicles are available in several varieties, including 100 Calorie Bars, Low Fat Bars and No Sugar Added Bars.

GoodGuide is a business that provides information about the health, environmental and social performance of products and companies. Its mission is to help consumers make purchasing decisions that reflect preferences and values. GoodGuide includes a team of scientific and technology experts working to acquire and compile high-quality data, which then can be organized and transformed into actionable information for consumers.

GoodGuide Ratings (0 to 10, 10 the most favorable).

Creamsicle, No Sugar Added  5.9
Saturated Fat: Low
Cholesterol: Low
Sugars: Low
Sodium: Low

Creamsicle, Low Fat 5.3
Saturated Fat: Low
Cholesterol: Low
Sugars: Medium
Sodium: Low

Creamsicle, 100 Calorie Bar   5.1
Saturated Fat: Low
Cholesterol: Low
Sugars: High
Sodium: Low

August 13, National Filet Mignon Day - Nutrition Profile, Recipes and Food Safety

Filet mignon is a steak cut of beef taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin. In French, this cut can also be called filet de bœuf, which translates in English to beef fillet. When found on a menu in France, filet mignon generally refers to pork rather than beef.

Some butchers in the United States label all types of tenderloin steaks "filet mignon." In fact, the shape of the true filet mignon may be a deterrent when cooking, so most restaurants sell steaks from the wider end of the tenderloin - it is less expensive and much more presentable.

The tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef and is also the most desirable and therefore the most expensive. The average steer or heifer provides no more than 500 grams of filet mignon. Because the muscle is not weight-bearing, it contains less connective tissue, which makes it tender. However, it is generally not as flavorful as some other cuts of beef and is often wrapped in bacon to enhance flavor, and/or is served with a sauce.

Preparation

Filet mignon may be cut into 1- to 2-inch-thick portions, then grilled and served as-is. One also may find filet mignon in stores already cut into portions and wrapped with bacon. High heat is the usual method for cooking the filet mignon, either grilling, pan frying, broiling, or roasting. Traditionally in European and American restaurants, fillets are most often served in a cognac cream sauce, au poivre with peppercorns, or in a red wine reduction.

Bacon is often used in cooking filet mignon because of the low levels of fat found in the cut, as fillets have low levels of marbling, or intramuscular fat. Bacon is wrapped around the fillet and pinned closed with a wooden toothpick. This adds flavor and keeps the fillet from drying out during the cooking process.

Traditional cooking calls for the filet mignon to be seared on each side using intense heat for a short time and then transferred to a lower heat to cook the meat all the way through. Filet mignon is often served rarer than other meats. Those preferring a more well-done steak can request a "butterflied" filet, meaning that the meat is cut down the middle and opened up to expose more of it to heat during the cooking process. Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145° F.

Nutrition Information

References

1. Wikipedia, Filet Mignon
2. Food Network, Filet Mignon Recipes
3. About.com, What is a filet mignon?
4. Consumer Reports, 6 food safety tips for your summer cookout

  

Chives: A Culinary and Nutritional Gem

Chives: The Secret Ingredient You Need!

 Chives: A Culinary and Nutritional Gem

Aroma:
Chives have a delicate, onion-like aroma with a hint of garlic. Their mild, fresh, and green scent makes them an ideal addition to various dishes without overwhelming other flavors.

Role in Cooking:
Chives are versatile and add a subtle onion flavor to salads, soups, omelets, and baked potatoes. They're often used as a garnish to add a pop of color and a light, savory taste. Chives are best added at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor.

Location of Growing:
Chives thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations. They are hardy perennials, often found in herb gardens or in pots on windowsills. They can grow in USDA zones 3-9 and are easy to cultivate indoors and outdoors.

Health Benefits:
Chives are not just flavorful; they also pack a nutritional punch. They are rich in vitamins A and C and contain compounds that may help lower blood pressure and support heart health. Their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also contribute to overall wellness.

Storage:
To keep chives fresh, store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag. They can also be chopped and frozen for longer storage without losing too much of their flavor.

Nutrition:
Chives are low in calories, with just about 1 calorie per tablespoon, but they're packed with essential nutrients like vitamins K, A, and C. They also contain small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and folate, contributing to bone health and immune function.

Interesting Facts:

• Chives are part of the allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks.
• In medieval times, chives were believed to ward off evil spirits and were hung around the house for protection.
• The purple flowers of chives are also edible and can be used to add a splash of color to salads.

Incorporating chives into your meals not only enhances flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of your dishes. Whether you're growing them in your garden or adding them to your favorite recipes, chives are a wonderful herb to keep on hand!

National Julienne Fries Day Baked Julienne Sweet Potato and Carrot Fries

Julienne is a cutting technique - to "julienne" is to cut veggies, potatoes or other foods into thin strips - matchsticks. 

Baked Julienne Sweet Potato and Carrot Fries

Yields 3 Servings (5 ounces)

Ingredients

1 Sweet Potato (peeled)

4 large carrots

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Cornstarch

1 teaspoon Cumin
Coarse Kosher Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Julienne the sweet potato and carrots.

3. Combine the cumin and cornstarch in a small bowl.

4. In a large mixing bowl, pour the olive oil over the julienne vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Stir in the cumin and cornstarch.

5. Lay the veggies as flat as possible on a large baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, flip the fries halfway through. Watch to make sure they don't get too crisp.
7. During the last 5 minutes, use tongs to stir.

ChefSteps Tips & Tricks: 

Julienne Hella Veggies in a Flash

National S'mores Day

A s'more is a traditional nighttime campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. National S'mores Day is celebrated yearly on August 10 in the United States. The first recorded version of the s’more recipe can be found in the publication Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts of 1927.

Ensure accurate nutrient analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com

Affordable Ways to Order Groceries Online

With the growing popularity of online shopping, the convenience of ordering groceries from the comfort of your home has become a reality. Whether you're looking to stock up on essentials or explore new options, here are eight cost-effective methods for ordering groceries online. As you embark on your online grocery journey, staying vigilant against potential scams is important. We'll also provide tips on avoiding common pitfalls and making the most of your online shopping experience.

1. Boxed - Bulk Shopping Made Easy: Boxed is your go-to destination if you want to purchase bulk products. Enjoy the benefits of free delivery and no membership fees while browsing through a wide range of categories, including snacks, beverages, household essentials, and wellness products. From bestsellers like Glad ForceFlex Plus Drawstring Bags to refreshing Polar 100 percent Natural Seltzer, Boxed offers a diverse selection to fulfill your needs.

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3. Instacart - Your Personal Grocery Shopper: Instacart comes to the rescue for grocery chains that lack their own delivery services. With partnerships across stores like Food Lion, Wegmans, Shop 'n Save, Publix, and The Fresh Market, Instacart serves approximately 85 households in the United States. While not necessarily the cheapest option, Instacart's speedy service ensures your order is in good hands. Personal shoppers act upon receiving your order, even suggesting alternatives if an item is unavailable.

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5. Amazon - The Online Shopping Pioneer: Amazon, the trailblazer of online shopping, extends its reach to non-perishable grocery products. Much like ordering a book or a gadget, you can now have your groceries delivered. Amazon Fresh, available in select cities, offers grocery delivery exclusively to Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Student members by invitation. Dive into the convenience of online grocery shopping through Amazon's well-established platform.

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7. Walmart - Bulk Savings and Unlimited Delivery: Walmart, a retail giant, provides an array of pantry items via mail order. The Delivery Unlimited membership, priced at $12.95 per month or $98 annually, offers unlimited Walmart Grocery Delivery orders. For an added level of convenience, Walmart's InHome Delivery service allows employees to load groceries directly into your fridge. Experience hassle-free shopping and discover the practices nutritionists swear by while grocery shopping.

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9. Jet - Walmart's Urban Shopping Specialist: Building on its online grocery options, Walmart acquired Jet to enhance urban shopping experiences. Jet's delivery services cover all states and the District of Columbia except Alaska and Hawaii. As part of Walmart's evolution, Jet serves as a bridge between convenience and affordability, catering to diverse geographical locations.

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11. Peapod - East Coast Delivery Expert: Flourishing in East Coast and Midwestern regions, Peapod has established itself as a prominent delivery player. Offering pantry items, produce, and refrigerated goods, Peapod provides reasonable prices. With no membership fee, deliveries cost $6.95 for orders over $100, or you can opt for store pickup at just $2.95. Enjoy the convenience of next-day deliveries in most areas and same-day delivery in select locations.

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13. Traditional Grocery Chains: Shop Online with Familiar Names: Major grocery store chains such as ShopRite, Safeway, Kroger, and Albertsons offer online shopping experiences mirroring their physical stores. You can choose between convenient in-store pickups or delivery options based on your location. While exploring your preferred chain's website, be sure to review any associated fees to make an informed decision.

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15. FreshDirect - Freshness Delivered to Your Doorstep: Operating primarily in the New York City area, FreshDirect has expanded to new markets, including Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. Sourcing fresh food directly from farms, fishermen, and artisans, FreshDirect provides a selection that leans toward the high-end spectrum. While you may find higher-priced options, FreshDirect is excellent for obtaining fresh, quality groceries online.'

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Conclusion: Embrace the convenience of online grocery shopping with these affordable and diverse options. By staying vigilant against scams and making informed choices, you can streamline your shopping experience and enjoy the benefits of having groceries delivered right to your doorstep. Explore the various platforms mentioned here and discover the one that best suits your needs and preferences.