Members of Mothers forum sampled the Chicken Salad recipe and Mango Pineapple Mint infused water made by OSU Extension Educator, Candace Heer at their March meeting last week.

Several Mothers Forum members shared their challenges in cooking for two after many years of cooking for family before their children left home. Heer gave the group several examples of healthy recipes that can be enjoyed by one or two; such as Chicken Apple Salad and Breakfast Burrito with Salsa.

Heer demonstrated the updated nutrition guide “My Plate” for the group. It’s great for showing how to make good food choices. The key messages are to eat whole grains, vary your vegetables and focus on more fruit while eating calcium-rich foods and lean protein. Choosemyplate.gov is the USDA website Heer offered with many suggestions for healthy nutrition.

Some tips on cooking for one or two that Heer shared include: reducing recipes, freezing half of a large recipe for future use, use your crockpot for efficient planning of your menu. Left overs might be appreciated more when known as “planned overs.” Planned over pasta or macaroni can be used in quick casseroles, salads and soups. Baked potatoes or hot dogs can be topped with planned over chili and cheese.

Planning ahead for meals for two is as important as for a family. Keeping basic items in your pantry avoids the “there’s nothing to eat” syndrome. Frozen or canned ingredients are good to have on hand along with pasta sauce, boneless chicken breasts and frozen bread dough.

Websites for recipes for one or two given by Heer include: www.mealsforyou.com, and www.allrecipes.com.

Heer announced a program “Aging and eating” at Perry Cook Library in Johnsville on March 23, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. To register for this or inquire about other programs in food and nutrition you can contact the OSU Extension office in Mount Gilead at 419-947-1070.

Mothers Forum President, Sharon Hickson thanked Heer for her hospitality and insights. Hickson announced the date for the Ohio Children’s Conservation League District Conference in Fredericktown on Sat. April 22. Mothers Forum members decided to put together a basket of Morrow County items to take to the conference.

Alberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel OSU Extension Educator, Candace Heer serves Chicken Apple Salad to Mothers Forum members
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/03/web1_DSCN1393-2-1-.jpgAlberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel OSU Extension Educator, Candace Heer serves Chicken Apple Salad to Mothers Forum members

Alberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel OSU Extension Educator, Candace Heer makes a Chicken Salad recipe with the help of Mothers Forum member, Carol Bush while other members watch.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/03/web1_DSCN1388-2-1-.jpgAlberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel OSU Extension Educator, Candace Heer makes a Chicken Salad recipe with the help of Mothers Forum member, Carol Bush while other members watch.

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel

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