Let’s Get Our Breakfast Plate in Shape National Nutrition Month

March 12, Girl Scouts of USA Founded Key Skills

On March 12, 1912, the Girl Scouts of the USA was founded. "The Girl Scouts of the USA maintains a strong influence on girls in an accepting and nurturing environment; girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth."

In the 1960s, my mother was our girl scout leader. While cleaning up some old files, I found a home video of my mother and other girl scout leaders who took a group of us on a field trip to an Animal Farm and Botanical Gardens (Nassau County, Long Island, New York).

It was a wonderful experience and extra special since mom was our leader. I learned about charity, commitment, friendship, family, and much more. However, we did not learn about nutrition in the early 1960s.

To complement the video is a sample of the song called "Julliette" (Girls Scout Founder) by Melinda Carroll. 

Meet the Cookies
(Nutrition Information Available)
    

In 1960, licensed bakers first began wrapping Girl Scout Cookie boxes in printed aluminum foil or cellophane to protect the cookies and preserve their freshness. In 1961, 14 licensed bakers were mixing batter for thousands of Girl Scout Cookies annually. By 1966, several varieties were available. Among the best sellers were Chocolate Mint, Shortbread, and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies. Nutrition information was not required on the labels during this time.

In the early 1990s, eight varieties were available, including low-fat and sugar-free selections. By 2007, Girl Scouts of the USA announced that all their cookies now had zero trans fat per serving; many required reformulation to accomplish this.

Girl Scout cookies are listed as having "0 trans fat per serving" and will have packaging saying Trans Fat-Free. The cookies are not truly trans fat-free, as various partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs, i.e., trans fats) are still listed in the ingredients. Nonetheless, they now have a sufficiently small amount per serving to comply with the government's official standards for the Trans Fat-Free label. (The official rules allow the label to appear where there are fewer than 0.5 grams per serving.)

In addition, the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a research review entitled Weighing In: Helping Girls Be Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Weighing In addresses various underlying causes leading to the epidemic of obesity and being overweight among children and adolescents and the lifestyles, cultures, and behavior that have contributed to this condition. Read more about this research review.

One Girl

Girl Scout Promise:
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Promise is often recited at Girl Scout troop meetings while holding up the three middle fingers of the right hand, which forms the Girl Scout sign. Girl Scout policy states that the word "God" may be interpreted depending on individual spiritual beliefs. When reciting the Girl Scout Promise, "God" may be substituted with the word dictated by those beliefs.

Girl Scout Law:
I will do my best to be honest and fair,
Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring,
Courageous and strong, and
Responsible for what I say and do,
And to respect myself and others,
respect authority, use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Motto:
"Be Prepared."

Slogan:
"Do a Good Turn Daily"

February 18, Crab Stuffed Flounder Day

Serves 6

Ingredients
6, 4 oz fresh flounder fillets
1/2 cup(s) celery, chopped
1/2 cup(s) chopped green onions
1 clove(s) minced garlic
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup fresh crab meat
2 tablespoon(s) chopped parsley
1 egg, slightly beaten
Salt, black and red pepper to taste

Directions
1. Sauté celery, onions, and garlic in 2 Tbsp of melted butter.
2. Add breadcrumbs, crabmeat chopped parsley, and egg to sautéed vegetables. Mix well.
3. Season to taste with salt, black and red pepper.
4. Brush the flounder fillets well with additional melted butter, salt, and pepper the fillets.
5. Laying the fillets flat, place an equal amount of prepared stuffing on each fillet.
6. Roll the fillets ensuring that the stuffing mixture remains in the center.
7. Melt remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in shallow baking dish.
8. Place stuffed fish in a pan.
9. Cover and bake at 375 F for approximately 30 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
10. Remove cover and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown.

Nutrient Analysis

Nutrient Analysis Services

Purchasing nutrient analysis software and learning how to use the program is only useful if you have the knowledge to convert “as purchased” ingredients to the “edible portion.” 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 Nutrient information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954.294.6300

Tortellini, Chicken, and Arugula Salad

 This comes together in a cinch thanks to the use of a few quality items, such as hearty cheese tortellini and shredded rotisserie chicken. Prepare the dressing and pasta ahead of time to make the final assembly even faster. Who knew making dinner on busy weekday nights could be so easy?

Ingredients:
1 (9-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (such as Buitoni), cooked according to package directions
8 ounces skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups baby arugula
1/3 cup thinly sliced shallot
3/4 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions:

1. Place tortellini and chicken in a large bowl.
2. Combine garlic and salt on a cutting board. Mash with the side of a knife to form a paste. Place in a small bowl. Add oil, rind, juice, sugar, and pepper; stir with a whisk.
3. Add 2 tablespoons dressing to tortellini and chicken; toss to coat. Gently fold in arugula, shallot, and remaining dressing. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Oatmeal Monday: A Nourishing Tradition from Scotland

In the heart-warm corridors of Scotland's ancient universities, a unique tradition known as Meal Monday, or Oatmeal Monday, carved its niche in the academic calendar. Every second Monday of February, this tradition offered a respite to the scholars of yore.

Back in the 17th century, the life of a Scottish university student was marked by simplicity and self-sufficiency. Their lodgings were basic, demanding that each student bring their own fuel, such as firewood or peat, to keep the hearth warm. Their meals were equally humble, with oatmeal being the staple from which they crafted their daily porridge. This simple diet and lifestyle persisted well into the late 1800s. The Rev. James Sharp, reflecting on his days at the University of Edinburgh, remarked that the pursuit of knowledge in arts, sciences, and theology was fueled by oatmeal, with the occasional indulgence in a glass of beer come Saturday night.

Given the considerable distance between the students' rural homes and the urban universities, the institution of an occasional extended weekend became a necessity. This allowed students to journey home and replenish their stores of essentials. Initially, Meal Mondays were a regular occurrence, with the University of Edinburgh marking the first Monday of each month for this purpose. By 1896, this evolved into a singular official holiday set on the second Monday of February.

The observance of Meal Monday persisted through the late 19th and into the 20th century, with universities in Glasgow and Aberdeen also embracing this academic holiday. As recently as three decades ago, Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith recalls Meal Monday being a part of student life, albeit without the actual collection of oatmeal. However, as the 21st century dawned, the official recognition of Meal Monday by universities faded away, with the exception of the University of St. Andrews, which still honors it as a statutory holiday for manual staff.

Meal Monday stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Scotland's academic traditions, a day rooted in the pragmatic needs of students past but remembered for its contribution to the rich tapestry of university life.

Oatmeal Recipes.
Oatmeal Recipes So Good You'll Actually Want to Eat Oatmeal. Delish.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon: A Feast of Color, Flavor, and Fortune

As we usher in the Year of the Dragon this Chinese New Year on February 10, 2024, we're not just marking another calendar date but embarking on a vibrant journey through a mosaic of traditions, colors, and, most importantly, flavors that promise luck, health, and prosperity.

The Chinese New Year is a time when families come together, not just in China but around the globe, to honor past traditions and welcome the future with open arms and full tables.

The Feast of Fortune

The Dragon, a symbol of strength, luck, and health, guides us through this year's festivities, where food plays a pivotal role in attracting good fortune. Here's a glimpse into the symbolic banquet:

• Dumplings: Shaped like ancient gold ingots, devouring dumplings is believed to bring wealth. Whether filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables, the more you eat, the richer your year will be.

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• Longevity Noodles: These uncut noodles represent a long and prosperous life. Handle them with care to avoid cutting short your luck.

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• Tray of Togetherness: A platter divided into sections, usually six or eight, brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and sweets, symbolizes family unity and a harmonious blend of luck and fortune.

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• Spring Rolls: Golden and filled with vegetables or meat, they resemble gold bars, ushering in wealth and prosperity.

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• Oranges and Citrus Fruits: Their golden hue and sweet taste are auspicious symbols of luck, wealth, and abundant happiness.

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• Sweet Rice Balls: Their round shape and sticky texture represent family togetherness and reunion, essential values during this festive time.

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• Fish: A staple for ensuring abundance, the word for fish sounds like 'surplus,' promising a year of plenty.

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• Year Cake: The name of this sticky rice cake is a homophone for 'higher year,' symbolizing growth, success, and reaching new heights.

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• Eight Treasure Rice: Adorned with eight lucky ingredients, this dessert promises sweetness and prosperity in the year ahead.

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• Prosperity Cakes: With their cracked tops resembling flourishing flowers, these cakes are believed to bring blossoming fortunes.

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• Almond Cookies: Round-like coins; these cookies are a crunchy nod to a year filled with financial fortune.

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• Whole Chicken: A symbol of completeness and unity, serving a chicken in its entirety, including the head and feet, ensures a prosperous and united year ahead.

As we celebrate, let's remember that while the Lunar New Year is a shared moment across various cultures, each brings its own unique flavors and traditions to the table. Whether you're feasting on dumplings, savoring the sweet stickiness of nian gao, or enjoying the festive crackle of spring rolls, every bite is a step into a year filled with promise, health, and prosperity.

Happy New Year! May the Year of the Dragon roar with joy, luck, and success for you and your loved ones.

Feeding Tube Awareness Week Meet People Leading Active Lives

The overall objective of Feeding Tube Awareness Week is to help raise awareness of enteral/tube feeding as a positive and often life-saving medical intervention for those who are unable to eat and drink enough on their own to sustain life and thrive (and in the case of children, grow and develop).

Moreover, Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation hopes to break down the social stigma that is currently attached to tube feeding by:

• Highlighting the positive outcomes associated with tube feeding
• Giving more information about the reasons people require tube feeding
• Countering stereotypes and misinformation about tube feeding

Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation is raising awareness of tube feeding through Feeding Tube Awareness Week

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Tube Feeding Program at
 Medical Service Company

How Do G-Tubes Work?

February 6, National Frozen Yogurt Day

Ingredients
1/2 cup (102 g) Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Variety of Fresh Fruits. 1 Tablespoon of each: Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Kiwi, Raspberries, & Mango

Nutrition Information

How to Make Frozen Greek Yogurt

Nutrient Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutrient analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services
contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND

recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

Happy Valentine's Day with the Healthy Heart Collection

A Collection of heart-shaped and heart-healthy foods with a
special valentine messages for a heart-healthy life.

Wishing you love, laughter, health, and friendship.

National Corn Chip Day

Each portion of food equals
60 calories
Dips: Salsa (10 kcal/Tbsp) and
Fat free Ranch Dressing (15 kcal/Tbsp)

Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services

contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

Origins of Seed Swapping

 

National Seed Swap Day is a special event for gardening enthusiasts, celebrated on the last Saturday of January each year. This day is dedicated to the practice of seed swapping, which is both an ancient tradition and a practical way to share and preserve diverse plant species. Here's an overview of its history and traditions:

History

Origins of Seed Swapping: The practice of exchanging seeds predates recorded history and is rooted in agricultural communities worldwide. Traditionally, farmers and gardeners would swap seeds to diversify their crops, share local varieties, and preserve heirloom species.


Modern Revival: In recent decades, there's been a resurgence in seed swapping, partly as a response to the increasing commercialization and patenting of seeds by large corporations. This modern movement emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, community, and sustainable gardening practices.


Establishment of National Seed Swap Day: National Seed Swap Day was first organized in 2006 by Washington Gardener Magazine in Washington, D.C. The idea was to create a day where gardeners could come together to exchange seeds and stories, fostering a sense of community and sharing.
Traditions and Practices

Seed Swap Events: Of course, the core tradition of National Seed Swap Day is the seed swap itself. These events can be small, local gatherings or larger, organized events. Gardeners of all levels of experience come together to exchange seeds they've saved from their own gardens.


Education and Learning: Many seed swap events also include educational components, such as workshops or talks on topics like seed-saving techniques, gardening tips, and preserving plant diversity.


Community Building: These events often serve as a meeting point for local gardening communities, encouraging networking, sharing of experiences, and building relationships among gardeners.


Promotion of Biodiversity: Seed swaps play a crucial role in promoting and preserving biodiversity. They allow rare, heirloom, or local varieties of plants to be shared and propagated, which might otherwise be lost.


Sustainability Focus: The event also emphasizes sustainable gardening practices. By exchanging seeds, gardeners reduce dependence on commercially purchased seeds, many of which are treated with chemicals or genetically modified.

Modern Relevance

In today's context, National Seed Swap Day has taken on additional significance. It's not just a day for gardeners to come together; it's a statement about the importance of preserving plant diversity, practicing sustainable gardening, and fostering community resilience. The day aligns with broader environmental and sustainability movements, highlighting the importance of maintaining our connection with nature and our role in preserving it.

This celebration resonates with people worldwide, extending beyond the United States, as the concept of seed swapping is universal in the gardening community.

Reference.

Seeds and Plants, USDA

January 27, National Chocolate Cake Day

Chocolate cake is a cake flavored with melted chocolate or cocoa powder. The history of chocolate cake goes back to 1764 when Dr. James Baker discovered how to make chocolate by grinding cocoa beans between two massive circular millstones. from Wikipedia

Double Chocolate Pound Cakes Slices, Sara Lee®

Allergen Statement:
Contains wheat, eggs, milk, and soy

Ingredients: Sugar, enriched bleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), soybean oil, eggs, water, high fructose corn syrup, milk chocolate [sugar, cocoa butter, milk, chocolate liquor, soy lecithin, vanillin (artificial flavor)], corn syrup, skim milk, cocoa processed with alkali, modified corn starch, glycerin. Contains 2% or less of each of the following: caramel color, leavening (sodium aluminum phosphate, baking soda, monocalcium phosphate), corn starch, natural and artificial flavors, natural cocoa extract, mono- and diglycerides, salt, potassium sorbate (preservative), gums (xanthan, gellan), wheat starch, soy lecithin, soy flour.

Nutrition Information

The Double Chocolate Pound Cakes Slices made by Sara Lee® is not the best choice. It has far too many artificial ingredients and additives and lacks significant nutrients.

Try EatingWell, Chocolate Decadence

Per serving: 164 calories; 6 g fat ( 3 g sat, 0 g mono ); 35 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 23 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 49 mg sodium; 92 mg potassium.

January 26, National Peanut Brittle Day

Peanut Brittle is a type of confection consisting of flat broken pieces of hard sugar candy embedded with peanuts. 

A mixture of sugar and water is heated to the hard crack stage and to a temperature of approximately 300 °F (149 °C). Some recipes call for ingredients such as corn syrup and salt in the first step. Peanuts are mixed with the caramelized sugar. At this point spices, leavening agents, and often peanut butter or butter are added. The hot candy is poured out onto a flat surface for cooling, traditionally a granite or marble slab. The hot candy may be troweled to a uniform thickness. When the brittle cools, it is broken into pieces. -  from Wikipedia

Making Peanut Brittle