WIC Inspired Recipes – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup onion, diced

2 tbsp garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

½ cup carrot, finely diced

1 green onion stalk, sliced

1 cup brown rice

1 head of cabbage

2 cups Tomato sauce

Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Basil, Thyme, & Paprika

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare ingredients by chopping vegetables and cooking brown rice according to the package instructions.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onions until golden, about 10 min. Add garlic, mushrooms, carrot, green onion, and seasonings. Cook until the veggies are tender, about 8 – 10 minutes. Stir in the brown rice and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, then remove from heat. Coat the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce. 

Core a head of cabbage and bring to a boil in a large pot, until the cabbage leaves start to come apart. Fill each cabbage leaf with 2 – 4 tablespoons of the rice and vegetable mixture (depending on the size of the cabbage leaves), then roll the leaf up like a burrito, tucking in each end. Continue filling the leaves until there is no more mixture left, line the filled and rolled cabbage leaves in the baking tray.

 Cover with the remaining tomato sauce and cook for 45 minutes. Makes about 5 servings.

Make (and Eat) The Perfect Easter Egg

Making Easter Eggs is fun for kids and adults. Here are a few tips to make the perfect eggs and recipes to use when eating them.

Making the perfect Easter eggs involves a combination of boiling the eggs correctly, preparing a dye solution, and then decorating them creatively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create beautiful and festive Easter eggs:

Boiling the eggs

  •         Place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan.
  •         Cover the eggs with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
  •         Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  •         Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and cover with a lid.
  •         Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
  •         Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool them down and stop the cooking process. Leave them in the ice water for at least 5 minutes.

 Preparing the dye solution

  •       Choose your desired food coloring or natural dyes (such as beet juice, turmeric, or red cabbage).
  •       In a small bowl or cup, mix 1/2 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 10-20 drops of food coloring (or the equivalent amount of natural dye).
  •       Stir the dye solution until the color is evenly mixed.

Dyeing the eggs

  •       Use a spoon or egg dipper to lower a cooled egg into the dye solution.
  •       Let the egg soak in the dye for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired color is achieved. The longer the egg is submerged, the deeper the color will be.
  •       Carefully remove the egg from the dye and place it on a drying rack or paper towel-lined plate to dry.

 Decorating the eggs

  •       You can use a variety of tools and materials to decorate your Easter eggs, such as markers, stickers, glitter, or paint.
  •       For a simple design, you can use a white crayon to draw patterns on the eggshell before dyeing, which will create a resist effect and leave the drawn areas white.
  •       You can also use rubber bands, tape, or stencils to create patterns and shapes on the eggs.
  •       If you want to add more colors, repeat the dyeing process with different colors and let each layer dry in between.

 Displaying your Easter eggs

  •         Once the eggs are completely dry, you can place them in a decorative basket, egg cups, or create an Easter egg tree by hanging them with colorful ribbons.

 Remember to be creative and have fun experimenting with different colors and designs. Happy Easter!

Once you have boiled Easter eggs, there are many delicious recipes you can make with them. Here are some ideas:

 DEVILED EGGS

6 boiled Easter eggs

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Paprika for garnish

Cut the eggs in half lengthwise, remove the yolks and place them in a bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork, then mix in the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and serve chilled.

 EGG SALAD

6 boiled Easter eggs

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon mustard

1/4 cup chopped celery

2 tablespoons chopped red onion

Salt and pepper to taste

Chop the eggs and mix them with the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on bread, toast, or with crackers.

AVOCADO EGG SALAD

Avocado egg salad is a delicious and creamy twist on the classic egg salad. It’s a perfect option for a light and healthy lunch or snack. Here’s a simple recipe to make avocado egg salad:

6 boiled eggs, chopped

2 ripe avocados, diced

1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped celery

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large mixing bowl, mash the diced avocados with a fork until they reach your desired consistency. You can leave it chunky or make it smoother, depending on your preference.

Add the mayonnaise (if using) to the mashed avocados and mix until well combined. The mayonnaise will add creaminess to the salad, but you can skip it for a healthier version or substitute it with Greek yogurt.

Gently fold in the chopped boiled eggs, red onion, celery, and cilantro or parsley. Make sure all the ingredients are well distributed throughout the mixture.

Squeeze the lemon or lime juice over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly combined.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the avocado egg salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Serve the avocado egg salad on its own, with crackers, on toast, in a sandwich, or on a bed of lettuce. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful twist on a classic egg salad recipe!

Note: Avocado egg salad is best consumed the same day it is prepared, as the avocado may start to brown over time.

 COBB SALAD

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

2 boiled Easter eggs, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon

1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Your favorite dressing

Arrange the lettuce on a large plate or platter. Top with rows of chopped eggs, avocado, bacon, chicken, tomatoes, and blue cheese. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and serve.

 POTATO SALAD

4 cups cooked, cubed potatoes

4 boiled Easter eggs, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped pickles

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped celery

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the potatoes, eggs, mayonnaise, pickles, red onion, celery, and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

 Enjoy these delicious recipes!

 

Visit Today To Pick-Up WIC-Approved Formula

WIC-Inspired Recipes For Family Dinner

Shepherd’s Pie Is Budget-Friendly, Nutritious Family Favorite

This shepherd’s pie is so tasty, you’ll forget that it’s meatless! This recipe is sure to be a new comfort food staple, and a great way to get your veggies in and use up any leftover mashed potatoes, or potatoes you may have lying around the kitchen.

VEGETABLE SHEPHERD’S PIE

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup diced onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 ½ cups diced mushrooms

1 stalk thinly sliced celery

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ cup chicken broth

2 cans mixed vegetables, drained

3 cups of mashed potatoes

½ cup shredded cheese

Seasonings: Paprika, Thyme, Black Pepper

Bring olive oil to medium high heat in a skillet then add onion and garlic, cook for about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and celery, then worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and spices. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes. Add canned vegetables, stir gently and bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Transfer to an 8 x 8 baking dish and spread evenly in the pan, flattening as you go. Add mashed potatoes on top & spread evenly.  Top with your choice of cheese and herbs if you like!

Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until light golden brown. 

Allow to cool, and serve. Makes 4 – 6 servings.

 

 

Serving Up Good Luck

Green Fruits, Vegetables Packed With More Than Good Luck For St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by incorporating some delicious green foods into your meals! Not only are green foods a festive way to celebrate the holiday, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are important for overall health. These green fruits and vegetables are available through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program so you can celebrate the Luck of the Irish while eating healthy.

6 Green WIC Foods For St. Patrick’s Day

  1. Broccoli: This green veggie is a great source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It can be steamed, roasted, or stir-fried to make a delicious and healthy side dish.
  2. Limes: These fruits are small, green citrus fruits that are packed with nutrients and health benefits. They are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and can be used in a variety of recipes to add a zesty flavor and boost of nutrition. Plus, they taste great squeezed into water. Looking for a recipes for broccoli? Try this recipe for broccoli tater tots.
  3. Lettuce: This leafy green is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and iron. Lettuce also contains fiber and antioxidants, which can help to promote digestive health and protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, the high water content of lettuce can help to keep the body hydrated and promote healthy skin. Lettuce is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. Here are a few recipes for salads we love.
  4. Avocado: This creamy green fruit is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. Mash it up to make guacamole, spread it on toast, or use it as a topping for tacos or salads. Avocado Toast Recipes To Try
  5. Peas: A nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are a great source of plant-based protein and are also low in fat and calories. Peas contain a range of important nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, iron, and zinc. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against cell damage and chronic diseases.  Enjoy them in a variety of ways, from salads and soups to side dishes and main meals, making them a versatile and delicious addition. Try this recipe featuring peas
  6. Cabbage: We can’t leave this one off for St. Patrick’s Day. This vegetable is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even have anti-cancer effects. Additionally, cabbage is low in calories and can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet. Whether enjoyed raw in salads, fermented as sauerkraut, or cooked in a variety of dishes, cabbage is a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal.

These are just a few examples of the many WIC green foods that you can incorporate into your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. By choosing these healthy WIC options, you can ensure that your family is getting the nutrition they need while celebrating the holiday in a fun and festive way. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Here are a few recipes your family will enjoy:

ROASTED CABBAGE

1 head of green cabbage

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides of the cabbage rounds with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Season the cabbage rounds with salt and pepper to taste. Roast the cabbage in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Remove the cabbage from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top the roasted cabbage with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy roasted cabbage.

EASY WIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Visit a JC Food Mart store to pick up all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Find a store near you here.

You might also be interested in these articles:

Black-Eyed Peas, Cabbage Recipe

WIC Breakfast Foods

WIC Inspired Recipes – Broccoli Tater Tots

Broccoli Tater Tots

3 large russet potatoes

2 (12 – 14 ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed, or 8 cups steamed broccoli florets

2 cups shredded parmesan cheese (or mozzarella)

2 teaspoons salt, plus more for sprinkling on top

Olive oil

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and cook for 25 minutes, until fork tender but still have some give in the middle. Drain water and let potatoes cool until they are comfortable to handle. Once potatoes are warm enough to handle, remove the skins.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grate potatoes on the large side of a grater and place into a large bowl.

Place the broccoli into a food processor and blend until it’s in very small pieces, 30 seconds – one minute. You may need to do it in two batches. Place broccoli onto paper towels and squeeze all excess water out.

Add the broccoli to the grated potatoes along with the salt and mix everything together well.

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands to form small cylinders with the mixture. Use about 1 tablespoon per tater tot. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Brush the top of each tater tot with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle each one with salt. Bake tater tots until browned crispy, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway though.

This recipe works great in an air fryer too!

Enjoy!

 

Baby Teething Cookies

Your Little One Will Love These Valentine-Shaped Biscuits All Year Long

If your baby is learning to eat table food, these are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. 

These teething biscuits are made with WIC-approved baby cereal and baby food. Use any baby food flavor your little one likes. Experts recommend that you have tried each of these food items separately before combining them, in the event there is a food allergy. So try a baby food flavor and baby cereal your little one likes. 

The texture, flavor and even fun shapes are sure to be a hit. The consistency is a little chewy, perfect for a baby to learn how to use their mouth to chew. As always, make sure you watch your baby eat while they test out these lovable cookie treats. These are also perfect for mom because they are super simple to make.

BABY TEETHING BISCUITS 

1 jar of baby food, any flavor

¾ cups of flour for cookies

Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

½ cup of flour for dusting

3 tablespoons of water

1 cup of baby cereal (we used oatmeal)

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Mix wet and dry ingredients until fully incorporated. You may need to add a bit more water to make sure all the dry ingredients are moist. Form a ball. Prepare the surface and rolling pin by dusting with flour. Roll out your dough like you would cookies. Cut using cookie cutters or just use a knife to make bars. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. Let them cool entirely before you give them to your little one. Make sure they are cool to the touch. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

JC FOOD MART

Get all your WIC foods, including your baby food and cereal, at any JC Food Mart store. You can get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. SNAP also accepted. Find a store near you online.

Love Texas WIC Program All Year Long

There are so many things to love about Texas WIC. 

For starters, it’s a great place for parents to turn for help. The pros at Texas WIC can also show parents the ropes for self love during pregnancy and after. Plus, nutrition tips and free healthy food packages help moms and babies eat healthy.

PRO PARENTING TIPS

Texas WIC is the perfect place to turn for your parenting questions. Whether you are pregnant and wondering what is safe for expecting moms to eat or you want help feeding your infant, Texas WIC has the answers. Plus, the program is free for qualifying Texas mothers. 

As your baby grows, Texas WIC offers tips and guidance about developmental milestones and how to care, feed your baby so they grow up healthy. 

SELF LOVE DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Texas WIC also helps mothers stay healthy. A healthy mother helps create healthy babies. Texas WIC pros offer tips on how to eat, exercise and take care of you and your baby while you are pregnant and while breastfeeding. 

HEALTHY NUTRITION

Some might say the best part of Texas WIC is the free healthy food packages for WIC clients. The packages start when moms learn they are expecting. They are also adapted for children until they turn 5 years old.  So mom and babies can get free, nutritious foods like milk, bread, healthy cereal, baby formula, fruits and vegetables and so much more. The Texas WIC program is for qualifying Texas mothers and children up to age 5. To apply for Texas WIC, visit them online at Texaswic.org.

JC FOOD MART

JC Food Mart stores help WIC clients get all their WIC foods in one easy stop. Bilingual clerks help customers shop for their foods. Find out how easy WIC shopping can be, and visit a store today. JC Food Mart is a service provider for the WIC program, not a part of the WIC program.

Ways WIC Helps Moms, Babies

Mothers only want the best for their babies, and that usually starts with the news you are expecting. Luckily for qualifying Texas residents there is a program that helps mothers make sure their nutritional needs are being met to help ensure the best healthy start for their babies. Texas WIC offers nutrition education, free supplemental foods and support for moms and babies.

Here are some of the best ways Texas WIC offers help to expecting moms and moms with children up to age 5.

  1. WIC provides supplemental foods to qualifying pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women.
  2. WIC helps to improve the health of pregnant women and their babies. That includes providing baby formula to babies in need.
  3. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy food choices. 
  4. WIC helps participants access other social services. 
  5. WIC has been shown to reduce the incidence of low birth weight babies, according to studies on USDA’s website.

If you want to learn more about Texas WIC, visit their website at texaswic.org. You can also apply on online at texaswic.org/apply.

For easy WIC grocery shopping, visit JC Food Mart stores in San Antonio. Bilingual clerks help WIC clients get all their WIC foods in one easy stop. There are 10 stores throughout San Antonio. Visit today to find out how easy WIC shopping can be. Find a store near you at jcfoodmart.com/locations

Product Spotlight: Nicho’s Best Soup Mix

All The Vegetables You Need To Make Homemade Soup In One Bag!

If you are looking for an amazing family meal this winter, pick up Nicho’s Best Soup Mix at JC Food Mart. 

This soup mix comes with fresh vegetables to make a hearty, homemade soup for your family. Inside the bag are the fresh vegetables you need to start your soup: cabbage, carrots, potato, celery, squash, corn and bell pepper.  

Cut and dice these veggies to start the base of your homemade soup. Add water, and any additional spices and seasonings you like to make it your own. Add any combination of your favorite soup flavors, including any rinsed and drained canned beans, peppers, canned tomatoes or sauces, garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasonings, cumin, salt and pepper. 

Your homemade soup will definitely be a family favorite. 

Pick up your Best Soup Mix at any JC Food Mart in San Antonio. JC Food Mart makes it easy to redeem all your WIC benefits in one easy stop. Find a location near you, and visit today!

 

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