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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.
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.
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.
Planning Thanksgiving Recipes: How to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Less Stressful
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and at JC Food Mart, we’re here to help you create a memorable day filled with delicious food, laughter, and fun moments with your loved ones. The key to enjoying the holiday is all in the planning—when you plan ahead, you can minimize stress and focus on having fun. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Start with a Plan
The most important part of Thanksgiving prep is planning ahead. From your menu to your shopping list to prepping dishes in advance, the more you plan, the smoother your day will go. And remember: simple dishes often work best.
1. Plan Your Menu:
Before you head to the store, take some time to plan out your Thanksgiving menu. Think about your must-have dishes, but keep it manageable—there’s no need to overwhelm yourself with complicated recipes or too many ingredients.
2. Get Your Shopping Done Early:
Avoid last-minute store runs by doing your shopping early in the week. JC Food Mart is a great place to stock up on WIC-approved foods – including fresh produce, beans, dairy, and more – all can be used for your Thanksgiving Day recipes. Check out our blog post for special Thanksgiving Week hours so you can plan your trip accordingly.
3. Use Your WIC Benefits:
If you’re shopping with WIC benefits, take advantage of your fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up ingredients for your Thanksgiving sides. Some great options include potatoes, onions, carrots, frozen vegetables, and even fruit for desserts. Beans are another WIC-approved food that make a great side dish, and cheese can add an extra layer of flavor to vegetables like broccoli. Need inspiration? Check out our recipe for Broccoli and Cheese or try our Stuffing Recipe for a classic side dish. You also can’t miss this vegetable platter that looks like a Turkey.
4. Keep It Simple
You don’t need to make a 10-course meal to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Stick to simple, familiar dishes that everyone will love. Make a list—either on your phone or the good old-fashioned way with pen and paper—to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything.
Recipe Inspiration for a Healthy, Simple Feast
If you’re looking for some healthy and easy-to-make recipes, check out these great websites that offer simple ideas using WIC-approved foods:
Texas WIC: Find healthy recipes like Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls, Citrus Glazed Carrots, and Carrot Bread.
Cooking Matters: From Banana Pudding to Baked Apples, this site is full of nutritious and family-friendly recipes.
USDA: This site offers a wide variety of Thanksgiving recipes, including ideas for leftovers!
Simple Alternatives for the Turkey
Does the idea of cooking a large turkey overwhelm you? You don’t have to roast a whole bird to have a successful Thanksgiving meal. Consider making a smaller turkey breast or tenderloin, which are easier to cook and typically cost less. If you prefer, you could even skip the turkey altogether and make a different meal your family loves.
If you do decide to roast a turkey, check out the USDA’s Turkey Cooking Tips to make sure your bird turns out perfectly.
Enjoy the Day, Not Just the Meal
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about spending quality time with the people you love. After your meal, take a walk outside or play a game with the kids. It’s a great way to burn off those extra calories and create lasting memories.
At JC Food Mart, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving. Our stores will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we accept SNAP. Find your nearest location. We can’t wait to help you make this holiday the best one yet!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at JC Food Mart!
The Flavors of Fall: Delicious Roasted Pumpkin
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for roasted pumpkins that brings out all the flavor of fall. These roasted pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.
Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds to roast for a snack or to use to top your favorite salad.
ROASTED PUMPKINS
2-4 mini pumpkins or 1 larger pumpkin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage; optional)
Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, or chopped fresh herbs
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Wash the mini pumpkins and cut them in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy insides using a spoon. Then cut them into slices for easier roasting. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs if using. Rub the seasonings into the flesh of the pumpkins to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and lightly browned. You can check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily. Once cooled, You can now remove the skin from the outside.
Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, drizzle with balsamic glaze, or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
These roasted mini pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.
Roast Homemade Pumpkin Seeds From Fresh Pumpkins
It’s the season. You got your pumpkin, and you have decided you don’t want it to be used for cute seasonal decoration.
One popular way to enjoy pumpkin is to roast the seeds. Be sure to save the rest of the pumpkin for another delicious recipe.
Here is a basic recipe to get you started.
Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Seeds from pumpkin
1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter
Salt to taste
Seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, paprika or even cinnamon)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Scoop the seeds from your pumpkin by cutting off the top and reaching in to grab them. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse seeds in colander under cold water and remove any remaining pumpkin pulp.
Arrange the seeds in single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake the seeds in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Sprinkle on a salad or enjoy as a snack.
JC Food Now Offering Pumpkins In 3 Sizes
Swing by a JC Food Mart store today to pick up your pumpkins. 
Stores are now offering them in three different sizes. Stores are currently offering these sizes will supplies last:
Mini pumpkins – $1.50
Pie pumpkins – $5 each
Jack o’ Lantern pumpkins – $7 each
Pumpkins are perfect for decorating, and for making your favorite seasonal recipes. Check back for ideas about how to use your pumpkin.
It’s Pumpkin Season!
JC Food Mart Now Carrying Canned Pumpkin Puree
That’s why JC Food Mart stores are now carrying canned pumpkin. It’s arriving in stores now. Pick it up with your WIC fruits and vegetables benefit.
It’s a great choice for adding fiber, nutrition and flavor to your family recipes including pancakes, muffins and smoothies. Spoon a little into your prepared oatmeal, and toddler’s also love pumpkin puree on its own.
Here are a few recipes you will enjoy using canned pumpkin:
PUMPKIN MUFFINS
3 eggs
¼ cup peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup (or use a substitute of brown sugar by mixing a ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup water)
½ cup pumpkin puree
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Mix all of your ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Add mix to pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until done.
PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
1/3 cup of pumpkin puree
1 banana
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of brown sugar – this is optional
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold.
Visit a JC Food Mart today to redeem your WIC benefits for pumpkin puree and pumpkins along with all your other WIC foods.
