FarmBits Podcast: Precision Conservation Conversation
Crunchy Apple Roll-up
Snacking can be an important part of a healthy diet. Plan and choose snacks that are full of good things our bodies need instead of snacks that are full of extra calories, sugar and fat.
Source:
This recipe is provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. For more resources like this, visit the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website at http://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu. Spend Smart. Eat Smart. is a registered trademark of Iowa State University.
Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processorhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/spanish/crunchy-apple-roll-up-spanish-nep.pdfhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/crunchy-apple-roll-up-nep.pdfNewsletter/Program: Nutrition Education Program Archive Link: https://food.unl.edu/nutrition-education-program-nepContact Info: Jean Ann FischerTaxonomy Term Description:The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) delivers evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through a combination of education strategies coupled with multi-level community changes that occur within the environment to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Ingredients:
- 1/2 medium apple, gently rubbed under cold running water, thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 (8 inch) whole wheat tortilla
- 2 Tablespoons crispy rice cereal
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Lay tortilla on a plate.
- Spread peanut butter in a thin layer over the tortilla.
- Place apple slices in an even layer over peanut butter.
- Sprinkle apple slices with cereal.
- Roll the tortilla up and cut in half.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days
Skillet Tuna Melt
The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) delivers evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through a combination of education strategies coupled with multi-level community changes that occur within the environment to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 stalks celery, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced OR ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
- 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, gently rubbed under cold running water OR 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 slices whole grain bread, toasted
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Heat oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add celery, onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and heat through, stirring occasionally.
- Top with shredded cheese. Continue heating until the cheese is melted.
- Serve on toasted whole grain bread.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reading to Infants and Toddlers
There are many benefits of reading to young children. Being read to helps children develop language and emotional skills. Reading also supports bonding between babies and their caregivers. The best part? It is never too early—or too late—to start reading to the children in your life! Sometimes, it can be intimidating to read to infants and toddlers. You may wonder,
“What’s the point—do they even understand?” or think, “They never sit still long enough to hear anything anyway!” However, many researchers argue that reading to children—and from a very young age—is the single most important activity you can do to prepare them to learn to read. Reading to infants and toddlers sets the stage for a later love of reading and the development of pre-reading skills.
ZERO TO THREE offers suggestions for types of books and tips for shared reading at different stages during infancy and toddlerhood. Here are some guidelines for reading to infants and toddlers.
- Don’t worry about finishing every book, or even reading all of the words. Focus on the bonding experience.
- Try to read together every day.
- Ask questions while you are reading, even if your child can’t yet respond.
- Read new books, and also read the same books over and over. Babies learn from repetition.
- When books aren’t available, talk. Describe the things around you. Narrate what you are doing. Make up a story.
Common Concerns
My baby thinks the book is a snack. This is not only common, it is also appropriate! Babies learn about their environment by putting objects in their mouths to explore the taste and texture. It is also common for babies to explore by ripping. If you can, provide sturdy books that will hold up to biting and tearing. You can also provide books with flaps, mirrors, and new textures to explore.
My baby won’t sit still. This is also developmentally appropriate. Continue to read out loud, even as they move away and explore other parts of the room. Show excitement when they show interest in the book.
We don’t have access to books. Start talking! Oral storytelling is a great way to expose young children to new words and ideas. It is also a great way to share family traditions and to help children learn about their cultural identity.
My child doesn’t enjoy reading together. Be flexible. Try new ways of exploring books, such as looking at the pictures together or flipping through to the pages your child likes. Don’t force your child to sit and focus only on the book; allow them to crawl around or engage with other toys. The goal is to keep the reading experience positive.
Resources
- Children may qualify for free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
- Read Aloud provides book suggestions for children birth to five.
- Visit Reading Rockets to learn baby-friendly literacy tips.
- Reach Out & Read provides e-books and tips for learning at home.
AMY NAPOLI, EXTENSION SPECIALIST | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
Peer Reviewed by Jackie Steffen and Lynn DeVries, Early Childhood Extension Educators
Make sure to follow The Learning Child on social media for more research-based early childhood education resources!
The Benefits of Reading to Babies
Applications open for Omaha Fashion Week 4-H Collection
Nebraska 4-H is pleased to partner with Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) to showcase the work of 4-H members during the Spring Showcase Student Night. OFW Student Night, scheduled for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, exclusively features student designers, including a 4-H collection. The 4-H collection will consist of 10 to 12 garments modeled by the 4-H members who made them.
In order to create a complete and dynamic collection, current 4-H members are invited to apply to participate in the show. Garments must be constructed by the 4-H member. Garments should be fashion-forward, runway appropriate, and display high-quality construction. Creativity and attention to detail are highly scrutinized in garment selection. Online applications are open now through January 3, 2022.
Learn MoreRural Fellowship Program Announces Funding, Scholarships
Nebraska communities that participate in Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s 2022 Rural Fellows program will be eligible for financial support. In total, $100,000 will be available to communities that host students to work on projects as part of the Rural Fellows summer internship program.
In addition, 10 $1,000 scholarships to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources will be awarded to high school students who are selected to serve for 10 hours a week for 10 weeks in their hometowns.
Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels
* Can brush pretzels with oil or melted butter and top with coarse salt before baking.
https://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/whole-wheat-soft-pretzels-fffyc.pdfNewsletter/Program: Food Fun for Young Children Archive Link: https://food.unl.edu/free-resources/newsletters/food-fun-for-young-children/food...Subscribe Link: https://food.unl.edu/subscribe-food-fun-young-kidsContact Info: Cami WellsTaxonomy Term Description:Our goal is to help parents and caregivers prepare healthy meals and snacks by sharing recipes, tips and ideas that are geared for children ages 2 to 5. This will help children eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods along with reducing the mealtime stress of feeding young children.
Ingredients:
- 1 envelope (or 2¼ teaspoons) quick rise yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Mix yeast, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
- Stir in warm water and oil to make a soft dough.
- Knead on floured surface until dough is smooth and elastic. Form into pretzels or any other shape.*
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet in a 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
Shake a Sack Cracker Snack
Our goal is to help parents and caregivers prepare healthy meals and snacks by sharing recipes, tips and ideas that are geared for children ages 2 to 5. This will help children eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods along with reducing the mealtime stress of feeding young children.
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup whole grain cheddar cheese crackers
- ⅓ cup toasted oat cereal
- ⅓ cup pretzels
- ½ teaspoon ranch dressing mix
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Place all ingredients in a paper sack or a sandwich-sized plastic bag.
- Spray inside of bag with cooking spray and then add dressing mix.
- Shake well and enjoy!