National Sandwich Day - Endless Possibilities

The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. During the 1700s, it is said John Montagu created the sandwich because he wanted to eat his meal with one hand.

Greatest Movie Sandwiches

August 24, National Waffle Day: Portion Control and Variety

Whole Grain Waffle with 
Crunchy Peanut Butter and
Blueberries and Strawberries

From Garden to Table: The Journey of Zucchini

From Garden to Table: The Journey of Zucchini

Due to the overzealous planting of zucchini, people are asked to drop off baskets of squash on their neighbors’ doorsteps.
Annually, on August 8.

Hot weather brings an abundance of summer squash. Yellow crookneck, straight neck, zucchini, pattypan, and Mediterranean are some of the popular varieties.

Fruits and Veggies More Matters has a list of 10 ways to enjoy zucchini.

The Produce Lady in the following video provides
preparation ideas, cooking tips and recipes for squash.

Sesame Street: Veg Side Story
Sesame Street introduces the zucchini to children
everywhere through music and a delightful story.

National Farmers Market Week

We visited a local market in Tamarac, Florida, to celebrate National Farmers' Market Week. The group is known as the Community Farmers Markets of South Florida. 

"As a food photographer, my visual senses came alive; as an explorer of foods, the smells and flavors were enticing; and as a dietitian, my mind raced with the food combinations, satisfying the senses and nutritional needs." Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LN, FAND

Farmer's markets are worldwide and reflect an area's culture and economy. They often feature locally grown produce, meats raised humanely, handmade farmstead cheeses, eggs and poultry from free-range fowl, and heirloom produce.

"Farmers grow the food, talk about how they grew the food, and learn from the shoppers who, in turn, prepare the food for family dinners. The farmers market is where food is both fuel and culture, and thus where we grow healthy communities." - Richard McCarthy, founding President of the Farmers Market Coalition and Executive Director.

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers' markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities. 

Twelve Reasons to Visit a Farmers' Market

 Alice Henneman, RD

Food Safety and the Farmers Market

With the number of farmer's markets increasing throughout the country, food safety inspectors are working harder to ensure consumers get safe products when they shop.

Abbey Harding is a food safety inspector for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Part of her job is to inspect farmer's markets, like the one in Grand Rapids, to ensure vendors comply with current regulations.

An inspector looks at the labeling. Vendors need to specify where their products are grown. Typically, packaged goods vendors must list weights, ingredients, and whether the product requires refrigeration.

"If it's coming from a licensed source, we'd check with license control," Abbey Harding said. Michigan vendors need to be licensed, and if they process food, they may be subjected to inspection at their facility.

Resources.

USDA, Farmers Markets

Community Farmers Markets of South Florida. Current Farmers Markets are located at the following places:

• Plantation Farmers Market, a year-round adventure, every Saturday from 8-2, in Volunteer Park on Sunrise Blvd, between NW 188th Ave and Flamingo Road.
• Tamarac Farmers Marke is also a year-round market, held every Sunday from 9 to 2 on the NW corner of Southgate and University.
• Boynton Beach Farmers Market, year-round every Saturday from 9-2, on the SE corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Federal Highway.
• Margate Farmers Market is a seasonal market open from November to April.

August, National Sandwich Month - Use Your Creativity

August is National Sandwich Month. The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. During the 1700s, it is said John Montagu created the sandwich because he wanted to eat his meal with one hand.

Resource: Build a Better Sandwich, @Healthyfamprj

 

Greatest Movie Sandwiches

National Mustard Day - All About Mustard

Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant (white or yellow mustard; brown or Indian mustard; or black mustard). Whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, salt, lemon juice or other liquids, and sometimes other flavorings and spices to create mustard ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown. Mustard often has a sharp, pungent flavor.

There are many varieties of mustard, which come in a wide range of strengths and flavors. The basic taste and heat of the mustard are largely determined by seed type, preparation, and ingredients. Black-seed mustard is usually the hottest type. Preparation also plays a key role in the outcome.

The National Mustard Museum, located in Middleton, Wisconsin was founded by Barry Levenson in 1986. The Museum has a collection of more than 5,300 mustards and hundreds of mustard memorabilia.

The Mustard Museum hosts the Annual National Mustard Day festival in Middleton, Wisconsin. The festival is considered the "world's largest condiment party." There will be mustard tastings, mustard-themed games, kid's activities, live music, and special treats. Last year, some 6,000 people turned out and the festival raised more than $3,500 for charity.

World Famous Mustard Museum

The world's foremost collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia
with curator Barry Levenson in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Culinary Uses

Mustard is often used at the table as a condiment. It is also used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, marinades, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing. Mustard is popular with hot dogs, pretzels, and sausages. Mustard is also an emulsifier which can stabilize a mixture of two or more unblendable liquids such as oil and water.

Weight Control Tip. Mustard is low in calories and depending on the brand contains a moderate amount of sodium (see table below). Instead of mayonnaise, tartar sauce or other high fat-high caloric dressings try mustard. Use prepared mustard with fish, instead of tartar sauce to create a wonderful flavor that saves 50 calories per tablespoon.

Mustard Nutrition Information

A strong mustard can cause the eyes to water and inflame the nasal passages and throat. Mustard can also cause allergic reactions: since 2005, products in the European Union must be labeled as potential allergens if they contain mustard.

How Mustard is Made
Discovery Channel

Resources:
National Mustard Museum
Mustard (condiment), Wikipedia

The Ultimate Balancing Act: Meet the Sandwich Generation

The Sandwich Generation refers to a group of individuals who find themselves in a unique position, caring for their elderly parents while also supporting their own children. This generation embodies dedication, patience, and compassion, making it a cause for celebration and recognition. The primary aim is to raise awareness about the unwavering efforts of these individuals and ensure they receive the support they need.

Sandwich Generation Month is observed annually in July in honor of this extraordinary group. During this time, the community comes together to better understand the specific challenges faced by this generation and highlight the various support systems available to them as they navigate the complexities of maintaining multi-generational households.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, slightly over one in eight Americans aged 40 to 60 finds themselves in this dual role of raising their own children while caring for aging parents. This statistic underscores the growing significance of the Sandwich Generation and the importance of acknowledging their remarkable contributions.

Sandwich Generation

Reference.
1. Learn more about the Sandwich Generation. 
2. Sandwich generation moms feeling the squeeze, American Psychological Association.

A Special Father's Day Gift to Show You Care

A Gift from the Heart for the Heart

A Special Father's Day Gift to Show You Care
"Health is the Greatest Gift and Happiness the Greatest Wealth"
1. Print the card and cut along the grey outer border.
2. Fold the card in half. It's about the size of a business card.
3. Place wallet size photos on the blank side of the card.
4. Optional Gifts to place inside:
    Lottery Ticket, Dinner at his Favorite Restaurant, a Day at the Beach,
    Voucher to Wash His Car, Family Picnic, Tickets to a Sporting Event,
    Time Together

Your father will carry around photos of loved ones with health reminders.
A perfect gift for a Special Father.

Sample Outside

Checklist to Stay Healthy

Celebrate World Oceans Day

The Ocean Gives—Let’s Give Back

June 8th is World Oceans Day

The Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network have helped coordinate events and activities throughout the world. In December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution making World Oceans Day officially recognized by the UN on June 8th each year.

Nearly three-quarters of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and the oceans have played a crucial role in the history and sustenance of all life.

World Ocean Day

“Together, let’s ensure oceans can sustain us in the future. Let us reflect on the multiple benefits of the oceans. Let us commit to keep them healthy and productive and to use their resources peacefully, equitable, and sustainable for the benefit of current and future generations.”      -Ban Ki-moon



From the Ocean Project: 
The World's Oceans...

*Generates most of the oxygen we breathe

*Helps feed us

*Regulates our climate

Celebrate World Oceans Day

Why the Ocean?

Goals of World Oceans Day

World Ocean Day encourages us to reach out to young people in our community and help inspire them. Discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected.

Celebrate - whether you live inland or on the coast, we are all connected to the ocean; take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean, and then organize or participate in activities that celebrate our world ocean.

It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations. Please don't just leave memories of the wonders of the Oceans for our children and grandchildren.

Explore http://www.oneworldoneocean.com/ to learn more about the amazing places and critters
in the world's ocean habitats.

Ocean Facts

1. The oceans occupy nearly 71% of our planet's surface.

2. More than 97% of our entire planet's water is contained in the ocean. 

3. Fish supply the greatest percentage of the world's protein consumed by humans. More than 3.5 billion people depend on the ocean for their primary source of food. In 20 years, this number could double to 7 billion. 

4. Each year, some 70 to 75 million tons of fish are caught in the ocean. Of this amount, around 29 million tons are for human consumption. 

5. Eighty percent of all pollution in seas and oceans comes from land-based activities.

6. Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters cost the global economy $12.8 billion (US) a year. 

7. Plastic waste kills up to 1 million seabirds, 100,000 sea mammals, and countless fish each year. Plastic remains in our ecosystem for years, harming thousands of sea life every day. 

8. Over the past decade, an average of 600,000 barrels of oil a year has been accidentally spilled from ships, the equivalent of 12 disasters the size of the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige in 2002. 

9. Although coral reefs comprise less than 0.5 percent of the ocean floor, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of marine species are directly or indirectly dependent on them. 

10. Species of fish endangered by overfishing are tuna, salmon, haddock, halibut, and cod.

Recipe: Crabmeat on Pita

Resource.
1. Ocean Conservancy
2. World Ocean Day

June 7, Chocolate Ice Cream Day Scoop Size Matters

Chocolate Ice Cream
Which one to choose?
What meets your needs and taste?
Test the Brands, Read the Portion Size,
Check the Calories and Fat.
Make an Educated Choice.

Scoop Size Matters

How to choose a healthier ice cream

with Heidi Diller, Registered Dietitian

"How to choose healthier ice cream"

Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD, CSSD

Whip up Some Red, White, and Blue for Memorial Day

Memorial Day Foods

Memorial Day Weekend Food Safety

visit www.fightbac.org

and Home Food Safety

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials of soldiers who lost their lives protecting our freedoms.  On Memorial Day the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. At 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance takes place.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season. Families gather together for a long weekend marked by barbecuing, fireworks, and trips to the beach. This is an important time to remember food safety practices.

USDA Joins Grill Sergeants For Safe BBQ Advice

Celebrating Mr. Potato Head: 70+ Years of Creativity & Inclusion

Potato Head is a beloved American toy. He has undergone many changes, but over the last few years, he has become increasingly involved in physical fitness and healthy eating. In this birthday video, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head discuss reducing their intake of salt, butter, and sour cream, as well as increasing their physical activity.

Mr. Potato Head Celebrates his Birthday

History

Mr. Potato Head was invented by George Lerner in 1949 and first manufactured and distributed by Hasbro in 1952. Mr. Potato Head made his debut on April 30, 1952, as the first toy advertised directly to children on television. Before this, all toy advertising was directed to parents. This commercial revolutionized marketing. Over one million kits were sold in the first year.

In 1952, the original Mr. Potato Head kit provided separate plastic parts to be stuck into a real potato or other vegetables. By 1964, due to government regulations, Hasbro was forced to include a plastic potato "body" in its kits. This change was made due to choking hazards and the presence of sharp pieces.

          Special Appearances
                 and Awards

1987. Mr. Potato Head gives up his pipe to Surgeon General C. Everett Koop in Washington, D.C. and became the "Spokesspud" for the American Cancer Society's annual "Great American Smokeout" campaign. 

May 1, 1992. Mr. Potato Head turns 40 years old and receives the President's Council for Physical Fitness award at the third annual Great American Workout.

1995. Mr. Potato Head made his Hollywood debut with a leading role in the Disney/Pixar movie, Toy Story.

1996. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head joined the League of Women Voters and their "Get out the Vote" campaign.

1997 Mr. Potato Head became the "spokesspud" for Burger King’s new French fries campaign.

1999. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head starred in Toy Story 2.

March 24, 2000. Mr. Potato Head is inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.

February 12, 2002. Mr. Potato Head rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

2002. On his 50th birthday, Mr. Potato Head is awarded his own official AARP card.

2002. The Rhode Island Legislature gave the approval to feature Mr. Potato Head on a state auto license plate in order to raise money for charity.

2005. Mr. Potato Head became the national “spokesspud” for the United States Potato Board.

2010. Mr. Potato Head appeared in Toy Story 3.

2011 Hasbro unveils a new, noticeably thinner Mr. Potato Head at the 2011 International Toy Fair convention in New York City.

Vintage Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head Commercial

 

Toy Story 2 Bloopers with

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head

Resources.

Hasbro, Inc. is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of toys, games and other family entertainment. Hasbro is the manufacturer of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. Hasbro has a long tradition of supporting children worldwide through a variety of philanthropic programs.  Their mission is to assist children in triumphing over their life obstacles and to bring the joy of play into their lives.  Visit Hasbro Community Relations to learn about the many programs Hasbro supports.

Diverse and Delicious Ways to Enjoy Mushrooms

Growing Your Own Mushrooms

Different Ways to Enjoy Mushrooms

1. Add mushrooms to egg white omelet.
2. Sauté, Grill, Broil, Roast, or Steam mushrooms. Add to soup, salads, pasta, rice - the combinations are numerous.
3. Add fresh mushrooms to a salad.

4. Stuff mushrooms

Herby Barley Salad with Butter-Basted Mushrooms

by Chris Morocco, Bon Appétit 

Resources
1. Fruits and Veggies, More Matters: Mushrooms: Nutrition, Selection, and Storage

2. Wikipedia, Mushrooms

3. Kitchen Dictionary: Mushroom