Recipe of the Month

October is a month full of sweet treats. But not all treats have to be unhealthy. Here are a few ideas for fun Halloween treats sure to be fun for the whole family.

“Boo” Nana Pops

Although this is made with white chocolate (only half an ounce each pop), it’s much healthier than candy, and certainly a frozen Halloween snack that the kids will love! They will also enjoy being your little kitchen assistant on this one.

“Candy Corn” Veggie Platter

This arrangement will make the kids forget they’re eating something healthy! It’s also very colorful and festive on a party table. Serve it with a side of ranch, hummus, or your favorite veggie dip.

“Monster Mouth”

Apples  smeared with peanut butter and filled with marshmallows or white candy eggs for the teeth.

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September 12th is National Banana Day! Celebrate with the family by trying this fun and easy banana recipe.

http://www.chiquitabananas.com/Banana-Recipes/peanut-butter-banana-chocolate-sandwich-recipe.aspx

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try out some of these other creative ways to use bananas – from salads to desserts, bananas can be used in a variety of recipes.

http://www.chiquitabananas.com/Banana-Recipes/index-best-healthy-recipes.aspx

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August 3rd is Watermelon Day! Did you know watermelon is considered a fruit AND a vegetable? This fruit/vegetable can help relieve sore muscles and helps boost your immune system.

To celebrate this amazing food, we have a refreshing watermelon slush recipe for you to try out http://www.food.com/recipe/watermelon-slush-35162

Or stick to the basics and just use cookie cutters to make fun shapes with the watermelon for the kids. Whatever you prefer, just make sure to celebrate and cool off this month with some juicy watermelon!

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July is a month of barbecues, picnics and reunions.  Click on the links below to find some healthy potluck recipes to try out this month!  The following recipes and many more may be found on the USDA website recipe links below as well.

Red Chile Stew
Indian Pudding

A Simple Mexican Salad

Ambrosia

Apple Tuna Sandwiches

Baked Chicken Nuggets

Bean Enchiladas

Broccoli Salad

Brown Rice Pilaf

Colorful Quesadillas

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Easy Fruit Salad

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In Honor of National Eat Your Veggies Day June 17th

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pita-pizza-2/

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Treat yourself or show that special mom your love by adding heart healthy nuts to a beautiful fruit & veggie salad.  Included is a recipe for home-made dressing.  This recipe is easy to modify!  Try it with different fruits, nuts and raw veggies.  Note:  instead of balsamic vinegar you can substitute apply cider or regular vinegar and use half the amount.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/strawberry-and-spinach-salad-with-honey-balsamic-vinaigrette/

Planning on celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or just in the mood for a hearty salad?  Try these recipes that are filling enough to be their own meal.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hearty-ground-beef-salad
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/southwestern-barley-salad  – Note:  cooked brown rice may be substituted for the barley.

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Egg Salad Week is the first week of April.  With Easter just behind you, find lots of good recipes for those Easter eggs.

My favorite Egg Salad

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March 26th is Spinach Day.  Click here for some great information on spinach nutrition, tips on buying and storing spinach and a Chicken Florentine recipe.

Leek Potato and Spinach Stew

Spinach Potato Au Gratin

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February is Sweet Potato Month.  Try these new recipe ideas to get all the healthy benefits of sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Empanadas

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Looking for healthy recipe ideas?  Try the popular websites:

mealsmatter.org

eatingwell.com

CookingLight.com

foodnetwork.com