Peanut Butter, Oat Treats Kids & Adults Will Love

Here’s a simple, no-bake Peanut Butter Oat Balls recipe that’s quick to make, full of energy,

Peanut Butter, Oat Balls

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (omit honey if child is less than a year old)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional add-ins:

¼ cup mini chocolate chips
2 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed or coconut flakes

In a large bowl, mix to combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add dry ingredients – Stir in oats, salt, and any optional add-ins you like. Chill the mixture – Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up (this makes rolling easier). Roll – Scoop about a tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls using your hands. It may help if your hands are slightly wet. Set – Arrange on a parchment-lined tray. You can eat them right away or refrigerate for 1 hour for a firmer texture. Makes about 15 treats.

By |2025-08-08T08:26:36-05:00August 8th, 2025|Categories: Recipes|0 Comments
Read More

Easy Summer Snack Idea for Moms: Peanut Butter Fruit Dip Kids Will Love!

Summer is here, and that means long, sunny days full of fun—and lots of hungry little tummies! If you’re looking for easy, affordable snack ideas that your kids will actually eat, you’re in the right place.

Here is a  go-to snack that’s quick, healthy, and super kid-friendly: Creamy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip. It uses just a few ingredients and pairs perfectly with fresh summer fruit.

Creamy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3 to 4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

A splash of vanilla extract (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor):

1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

A pinch of cinnamon (for warmth)

In a small bowl, add the peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of milk, and the splash of vanilla. Whisk together until smooth. If the dip is too thick, gradually add the remaining tablespoon of milk until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.

(Optional) Stir in honey/maple syrup or cinnamon if using.

Serve immediately with sliced apples, bananas, strawberries, or any of your favorite fruits.

Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

👩‍👧‍👦 Why You Will Love it:

  • WIC-friendly: Uses common WIC foods like milk, fruit, and peanut butter.
  • No cooking required: Perfect for hot summer days.
  • Great for picky eaters: Kids love dipping—this makes fruit more fun!
  • Portable: Pack it in a lunchbox or take it to the park.

🌞 Bonus Tip:

Freeze sliced bananas or grapes for a cool fruit snack. Dip them in the peanut butter dip for an extra-yummy treat that feels like dessert but is still nourishing!

Making summer snacks doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up something that’s fun and filling.

Pick up peanut butter, milk plus delicious fruit to pair with this dip at a JC Food Mart store today.

By |2025-07-18T08:25:27-05:00July 18th, 2025|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
Read More

Fresh, Flavorful & Perfect for Summer: Black Bean Corn Salsa Recipe

At JC Food Mart, we love showcasing how easy and delicious fresh produce can be—especially during the summer months! One of our favorite ways to enjoy the season’s best flavors is with this vibrant Black Bean Corn Salsa. Whether you enjoy it with chips, spoon it over tacos, top off your morning eggs, or serve it as a refreshing side dish, this recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients and bold, zesty flavor.

This simple recipe comes together fast and uses the season’s best produce, many of which you can grab at your local JC Food Mart store. The real stars? Fresh Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro—produce that brings every bite to life.

 

Black Bean Corn Salsa

1 can corn, drained and rinsed

1 can beans, drained and rinsed (we used pinto beans)

4 medium Roma tomatoes, diced

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded, stemmed, and diced

2 teaspoons garlic (fresh or jarred)

½ medium onion, diced

½ cup cilantro, chopped (optional but highly recommended!)

Juice from two limes

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.Stir well to mix all the flavors together. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled—and enjoy!

This salsa keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make it ahead of time or enjoy the leftovers as a snack or side.

Eat Fresh.

The key to a great salsa is fresh ingredients, and we’ve got you covered. Visit your nearest JC Food Mart location to find fresh produce for your next recipe —from crisp Roma tomatoes to juicy limes and spicy jalapeños.

This summer, let your meals shine with the bold, fresh flavors of homemade salsa. Grab your ingredients, and get mixing!

By |2025-07-03T09:29:59-05:00July 3rd, 2025|Categories: JC Food Mart, Meal Planning, Recipes|0 Comments
Read More

Cereal Isn’t Just For Breakfast

Cereal = Smart Snack Time!

Cereals like Cheerios, Multigrain Cheerios, and Kix meet WIC standards—so you know they’re wholesome for kids. They’re made with whole grains, packed with fiber, and stay under sugar limits, making them a great guilt‑free choice for between‑meal munching. 

Fiber + Whole Grains = Full Tummies

  • Cheerios: Made with 100% whole‑grain oats (34 g per serving) plus 1.5 g soluble fiber—heart‑healthy and filling!
  • Multigrain Cheerios: Each serving delivers 28 g whole grain and 3 g fiber, and is low‑fat and cholesterol‑free—a snack that supports heart health.
  • Kix: Whole‑grain corn puffs with about 21 g whole grain per serving, 3 g fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and iron—basic, crunchy goodness.

Nutrients That Matter

Cereals aren’t just crunchy—they’re nutrient powerhouses: iron, B‑vitamins, vitamin D, calcium—and all while being low in fat and cholesterol. They support healthy growth, strong bones, and steady energy.

Snack Hacks That Are Pure Genius

  • Sprinkle into yogurt for a creamy‑crunch combo
  • Pack handfuls in zip‑bags for poolside or car travel
  • Eat by the handful — simple, satisfying, and easy!

We carry a large selection of WIC‑approved cereals that are perfect any time of day, and make the perfect snack. Kix, Cheerios, and Multigrain Cheerios are great staples to keep on hand for healthy breakfasts or easy snack creations.

6 Simple Summer Recipes Kids Will Love

 No‑Bake Peanut‑Butter Cheerios Bars

Quick, portable, and great for picnics—no oven needed! 

Ingredients: 3 cups plain Cheerios, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup honey
Warm peanut butter + honey, stir in Cheerios, press into a pan, chill until firm. Cut into bars.

Cheerios Trail Mix Cups

Ingredients: 2 cups Cheerios or Multigrain Cheerios, ⅓ cup raisins, ⅓ cup pretzels, ½ cup mixed nuts or seeds (if serving to bigger kids).
Combine and store in small containers.Easy to portion and healthy—just mix pantry items!

Frozen Yogurt–Cereal Pops

Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup chopped berries, ½ cup crushed Kix or Multigrain Cheerios, honey to taste
 Stir yogurt + berries + honey, layer with cereal in popsicle molds, freeze 3+ hours.
 Cool and refreshing!

Kix–Fruit Pancake Cones

Ingredients: Pancake batter, a handful of Kix, sliced fruit, whipped cream or yogurt
Make thin pancakes, shape into cones, fill with fruit + yogurt + Kix. A playful, portable twist on breakfast!

Banana‑Cheerio Frozen Bites

Ingredients: 1 banana, ½ cup yogurt melts, 1 cup Cheerios
Slice banana, roll each in yogurt melts then Cheerios, freeze.  Ice‑cream vibes, minimal prep—it’s a kid favorite!

Multigrain Raspberry‑Peach Pops

Ingredients: 1 cup raspberries, ⅔ cup peaches, 1 1/3 yogurt, 5 Tbsp honey, ⅔ cup crushed Multigrain Cheerios
Puree fruit, mix with yogurt + honey, stir in cereal, fill molds, freeze 3‑4 hrs.
 Colorful, fruity and crunchy! Perfect for hot days. 

Summer Snacking Tips

⁠• Prep ahead on Sunday—bars, pops, cones keep well for quick grab‑and‑go snacks.
 ⁠• Kid‑friendly assembly—kids can help stir, layer, or freeze.
 ⁠• On the go—wrap bars or freeze pops in lunchboxes for cooling snacks.

Find Them at JC Food Mart

We stock all WIC‑approved cereals you need—grab Kix, Cheerios, or Multigrain Cheerios are just a few you can use to start making these recipes today. Store shelves are ready for your summer plans!

By |2025-06-23T08:02:07-05:00June 23rd, 2025|Categories: Child Health, Meal Planning, Recipes|0 Comments
Read More

Creative and Nutritious Recipes Using Baby Food for Babies, Kids

From Parfaits to Pancakes, Your Little One Will Love These

Feeding little ones can be a challenge, especially when you’re short on time or dealing with picky eaters. Luckily, baby food isn’t just for spoon-feeding straight from the jar. With a little creativity, those baby food jars can become key ingredients in tasty, nutritious meals your baby or toddler will love. Here are some simple and wholesome recipes using common baby food flavors.

Pick up your organic baby food at JC Food Mart today to start making these fun recipes:

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (Perfect for Baby-Led Weaning)

1 jar Banana baby food

1/2 cup Oatmeal Cereal

1 egg

Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drop spoonfuls of the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Let cool slightly before serving. These make great finger foods!

Fruity Yogurt Parfait (Toddler Snack or Dessert)

1 jar Apple Banana Pear baby food

1 jar Mixed Berry baby food

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

In a small cup, layer yogurt, apple banana pear puree, and berry puree. Top with crushed cereal for texture. Serve chilled with a toddler spoon.

Turkey Veggie Pasta Sauce (Family-Friendly Meal)

1 jar Turkey baby food

1 jar Mixed Vegetables baby food

1/4 cup pasta water

Small (or cut up) cooked pasta

Combine baby food jars and broth in a saucepan. Heat until warmed through and slightly thickened. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.

 

Baby Food Muffins (Soft, Toddler-Friendly & Freezer-Friendly)

1 cup Multigrain Infant Cereal or Organic Oatmeal Cereal

1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1 jar (4 oz) Banana baby food (or Apple, Apple Banana Pear, or Pear)

1 jar (4 oz) Apple Mango or Mixed Berry baby food

1 egg

1/4 cup milk (or formula)

2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the cereal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the baby food purees, egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined (do not overmix). Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool before serving. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for later.

With these easy and delicious ideas, you can turn baby food jars into family-friendly meals and snacks. Whether you’re cooking for a baby, toddler, or just need a quick kid-approved dish, these recipes help reduce food waste and expand your little one’s palate.

Pick up organic baby food at any JC Food Mart store today.

By |2025-05-21T08:29:06-05:00May 21st, 2025|Categories: Baby Food|Tags: |0 Comments
Read More

The Power of Garlic: Health Benefits & Fresh Summer Recipes You’ll Love

Pick Up Garlic Today At JC Food Mart, Make These Recipes

Garlic has been loved for centuries—not just for its strong, tasty flavor, but also for how good it is for your health. Whether you’re a confident cook or just starting out, adding more garlic to your summer meals is an easy and tasty way to feel better and make your food more flavorful.

Why Cook with Garlic?

Garlic is more than a kitchen staple — it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Healthy benefits of garlic, experts say, may help your immune system, heart, and help fight chronic diseases.

With so many health perks, garlic deserves to shine — especially in summer dishes where its bold flavor can elevate fresh produce. Below are some easy, flavorful summer recipes that let garlic work its magic.

Fresh & Flavorful: Garlic-Inspired Summer Recipes

Zesty Garlic-Lemon Vinaigrette

Perfect for leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or even pasta salads.

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a jar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine. Drizzle over your favorite salad or grain bowl.

Creamy Garlic-Yogurt Dressing

A light and tangy alternative to heavy dressings — great on cucumber or tomato salads.

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 small garlic clove, finely grated

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice

1 tsp chopped fresh dill (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and chill before serving.

Garlic-Roasted Tomatoes

Use as a topping for bruschetta, pasta, or grain bowls.

2 cups diced fresh, tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss tomatoes with garlic, oil, and seasonings. Roast for 15–20 minutes until tomatoes are bursting and slightly caramelized. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Garlic isn’t just a bold and beautiful flavor booster — it’s a functional food that supports your health from the inside out. This summer, celebrate the season’s fresh produce by incorporating garlic into your dressings, dips, and roasted vegetables. Simple, wholesome, and packed with benefits, garlic is a kitchen MVP you’ll never want to be without.

Visit a JC Food Mart store today to pick up garlic.

By |2025-05-16T07:24:12-05:00May 15th, 2025|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
Read More

Delicious, Nutritious, And Easy: Canned Hominy Recipes

As a busy mom, it’s important to find nutritious, easy-to-make meals that your family will love. One great WIC-approved food to add to your shopping list is canned hominy.

Hominy is known for its versatility and ability to add both flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes. Canned hominy is particularly convenient since it’s already cooked and ready to use, which makes meal prep a breeze. It’s high in fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients—making it a great choice for your family’s health. Plus, its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it perfect for a variety of traditional dishes with a twist.

Let’s dive into a few simple, delicious recipes using canned hominy that you and your family will love, all while staying within your WIC food options.

Looking for a way to kick off your day with something nutritious and satisfying? This breakfast skillet featuring hominy is a delicious and hearty option that will keep everyone energized.

Hominy Breakfast Skillet

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

4 eggs

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.

Sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the hominy and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and crisp up.

Crack the eggs directly into the skillet, scrambling them into the hominy and vegetables.

Once the eggs are cooked through, sprinkle the dish with shredded cheese and let it melt.

Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Serve hot for a filling breakfast.

Hominy and Bean Tacos

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

1 can of black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Lime wedges (optional)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.

Sauté the onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the hominy, beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until heated through.

Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.

Spoon the hominy and bean mixture into the tortillas.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tip: These tacos can be customized with any toppings your family enjoys, such as salsa, avocado, or cheese.

A warm, comforting soup is perfect for any time of year, and this hominy soup is both filling and nutritious. It’s easy to make and a great way to incorporate hominy into a traditional dish.

Sopa de Hominy (Hominy Soup)

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

1/2 lb chicken (breast or thighs), cooked and shredded

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, sliced

1 potato, diced

1 tomato, chopped

4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomato, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken and hominy. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

This casserole combines the goodness of hominy with tangy salsa verde and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for dinner or a festive gathering. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Hominy and Salsa Verde Casserole

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

2 cups of cooked shredded chicken

1 cup of salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)

1/2 cup of sour cream (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hominy, shredded chicken, salsa verde, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.

Whether you’re making tacos, soups, casseroles, or breakfast skillets, hominy adds a deliciously satisfying texture and boosts the nutritional value of any meal. So, the next time you’re at JC Food Mart, grab a few cans of hominy and start experimenting with these simple recipes. Your family will thank you for it!

By |2025-02-07T10:07:04-05:00January 21st, 2025|Categories: Mom Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
Read More

Delicious & Nutritious: Using Canned Pumpkin Puree for a Family-Friendly Pasta Sauce

If you have little ones, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make quick meals that are both delicious and nutritious. If you’re part of the WIC program, you know that making the most of the healthy foods available is key to feeding your family well. One ingredient that might not always be top of mind but is packed with nutrients and versatility is canned pumpkin puree. It’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a great way to introduce a new flavor to your family’s meals while also sneaking in some extra veggies!

Why Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies and lattes! Canned pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which support immune health, vision, and skin health. It’s also rich in fiber, which is great for digestion and helps keep little tummies feeling full longer. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to use in a variety of dishes, and it’s something you can stock up on thanks to WIC benefits.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe is simple to make and a perfect way to introduce your little ones to the flavors of autumn all year round. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and savory, and it pairs perfectly with any type of pasta!

A Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

1 can (15 oz) of canned pumpkin puree

1 cup of low-fat milk 

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape)

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pumpkin will start to soften and blend with the garlic. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to combine it with the pumpkin. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the seasonings and stir everything together, and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

Once your sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If you like your pasta saucier, add a bit more milk or pasta water to adjust the texture.

Plate the pasta, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately. You can also add a side of veggies or a simple salad to complete the meal.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is an excellent way to introduce your family to the wonders of pumpkin, and it’s an easy meal that you can feel good about serving.

Visit JC Food Mart for easy WIC grocery shopping, and pick up a few cans of pumpkin puree and give this simple recipe a try. Your kids will love it.

By |2025-01-17T11:05:01-05:00January 17th, 2025|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
Read More
Go to Top