November 2024

Volume 2 Issue 11

Upcoming Events

Join us for a class, visit us at an event!

Pie Baking 101

November 19 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dig Your Dinner (Virtual): Sweet Potatoes

November 20 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Kitchen Restore

Donation Drop Off

November 21 | 10:00-12:00 PM

Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

December 5 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Families Cook Together! Brunch Edition

January 18 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Couples Cook Together! Brunch Edition

February 15 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Stay Tuned... More Exciting Things Coming in 2025!

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foodhelp@jocogov.org

November marks American Diabetes Month, a time to recognize the impact of the disease on many lives. In honor of this month, let’s explore healthy practices that improve daily life for those living with or trying to prevent diabetes.

Balance Meals. A healthy diet includes vegetables, whole fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole-grain foods, and seafood and lean protein foods. Foods that contain excess added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat should be consumed in moderation. Focus on consuming foods from at least 3 different food groups each meal.
Regular Exercise. Staying active can help maintain a healthy weight, balance blood sugars, and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic physical activity every week. Take a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week. Remember to move your body frequently throughout the day as well.
Avoid Nicotine. Did you know nicotine can increase risk of diabetes and make managing blood sugars more difficult? Smoking can also reduce good cholesterol and increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Avoid smoking and smokeless tobacco to reduce risk of diabetes and other health conditions.

For those living with diabetes (and those trying to prevent diabetes), it’s essential to prioritize your health. Work to build these better habits today to improve your health tomorrow!

In Good Health,

Mary Barnes, Dietetic Intern

Fun Food Facts

A Bountiful Harvest!

Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621 with a three-day harvest feast that likely included lobster, venison, and corn products. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the turkey became the star of the show, as they were plentiful and big enough to feed a whole family. Since its establishment as a national holiday in 1863, families have been gathering for the occasion. Today, it is estimated that more than 46 million turkeys, totaling around 736 million pounds, are eaten on Thanksgiving Day!

Recipe of the Month

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large apple, sliced
1/4 cup 100% orange juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup dried cranberries

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350F.
Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, add the orange juice, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and dried cranberries.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Remove from heat once complete.
Place the potatoes and apples in the casserole dish and coat with the orange juice sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for one hour or until the potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, stir the mixture to evenly coat the potatoes and apples with the liquid and serve.
Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Kitchen Corner

As the holidays approach, and gatherings with friends and family focused on delicious food occur, it’s essential to follow safe food handling practices. The best way to ensure food safety during the holidays is by keeping it out of the temperature “danger zone”, which is between 40F and 140F. This is where bacteria grow rapidly.

Hot dishes should be maintained at 140F or higher, while cold dishes should stay at 40F or below. If you discover that any of your dishes have been in the danger zone for 2 or more hours, it's best to throw them out.

All safe leftovers should be kept in airtight packaging. Leftovers placed in the refrigerator should be consumed within three to four days, while all freezer items consumed within three to four months for best quality. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, ensure they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165F.

Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your foods! By following these tips, you can safely enjoy all of the delicious food this holiday season!

K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the JoCo KSRE Office two weeks prior to the start of the event at (913) 715-7000. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.