By DEBORAH LOWERY
EBCI WIC PROGRAM
I remember growing up and my mom saying: “Clean your plate, there are starving children in China.” I never understood that statement and why she wouldn’t send the rest of my food on over there. Well times have changed now- the new statement is eat what you can; don’t overeat! You no longer have to belong to the “clean plate club.”
In today’s economy it is hard to make ends meet. Families are living paycheck to paycheck. Everything, including food, is going up in prices but our salaries remain the same.
Here are some good tips to help get the most “bang for our buck” at the grocery store.
- Buy in bulk on staples, like beans, rice, pasta noodles… Use frequently for main dishes or sides.
- Buy frozen vegetables and fruit. These can be resealed once opened so they last longer.
- Family size packs of meat are usually cheaper per pound. You can freeze portions you will need for more than one meal.
- Large cuts of meat may seem expensive for one meal, but your butcher can cut or slice it up to use for many different meals.
- Make good use of your leftovers. Freeze cooked meats and veggies to use in soups and casseroles.
Here is a good recipe to help use up your leftovers.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
Ingredients:
6 red potatoes chopped and cooked until tender and drain; (or any potatoes you have around)
1/3 c. finely chopped onion
2 Tbsp. butter
2 cups cooked ham (or chicken or steak) chopped
1 ½ c. broccoli chopped and steamed (or any leftover cooked veggies)
4 oz. light cream cheese, cubed
1 ½ c. cheddar cheese, grated
4 slices of cooked bacon
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8×9 baking pan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the butter and once it begins to melt add the onion. Sauté until tender, about 3-4 mines.
- Dump the onion and butter in the pot with the potatoes and add veggies, meat, and cream cheese. Stir to combine. Don’t worry about spreading the cream cheese; it should be left in clumps. Dump into the baking dish.
- Top with cheddar cheese and bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes or until heated through.
- Top with crumbled bacon at last minute and serve!
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children and is opened to all eligible persons.
