Living Well By Pamela Redwine

FCS After 5 Program for January was Air Fryer Basics. Twelve participants attended the class. They enjoyed learning all about air fryers such as how an air fryer works, different models available, how to choose an air fryer for your needs, how to clean and maintain your air fryer and some helpful tips when using an air fryer. The participants enjoyed making a couple of recipes including bacon wrapped asparagus, kielbasa, fried ravioli, fried apple pies and lemon pepper chicken wings all in the air fryer. Those who participated were (front row l to r) Reeda Cofer, Ruby Bennett, Cathy Sartain, Kin Hayward, Sylvia Clark, Danny Lloyd, Cindy Lloyd, Shay Lloyd, Alice Thompson, (back row l to r) Lowedia Doolin, Aline Brassfield, Roger Hartman. Mark your calendars for the upcoming events: February 4-H Cooking Kits – It’s time to sign up your children for the February 4-H Cooking Kits. The kit is $10 per month and will include a recipe, all of the ingredients you will need to complete the recipe, a kitchen tool, educational information about the featured food and an activity evaluation. The registration deadline is Friday, February 9th and the kits will be ready for pickup on Thursday, February 15th. The Create MHV Club will meet on Wednesday, February 14th at 10 a.m. The craft will be a Playing Card Valentine Wreath. The program leader is Danny Lloyd and all supplies will be provided for $5.00. Healthy You Exercise Class will meet every Wednesday at the Extension Office. Join us for up to 30 minutes of physical activity. If you come, make sure to wear comfortable, cool clothes, good tennis shoes and bring some water to drink. The Looped with Love Crochet MHV will meet on Thursday, February 15th at 10 a.m. The club is free and open to the public. Bring some yarn and a crochet hook and join us! Sewing for Service will meet on Monday, February 19th at 9 a.m. We will be continuing with the children comfort pillows for Blair Batson Children’s Hospital. The Home School 4-H Club will have it’s next meeting on Monday, February 19th at 2 p.m. at the Extension office. For more information contact the Extension office at 662.675.2730. FCS After 5 – There will be no FCS After 5 for February, however, we are registering people for the March FCS After 5 which will be held on Friday, March 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. We will have a Spring Canvas Painting Program. Anissa and Mindy from Coddiwomple Designs will be joining us again. This time you will have the opportunity to paint a canvas of 2 birds or a wreath. The cost of the program is $30 and will cover all of your painting supplies as well as a meal. The last day to register is Thursday, February 15th (or when class fills up. Limited to first 25 to register and pay). Check out our Facebook page at Yalobusha County Extension office to see the two designs to choose from. 4-H Baby Sitting Basics Class for Teens – Coming during Spring Break (March 11-15). If your child has been interested in starting a babysitting business, then this is the class for them. During this class youth will learn all of the basics of childcare, from feeding and diapering, to handling emergencies. Plus you’ll get a certificate of completion and will be certified in First Aid & CPR to show potential clients that you’re serious about your babysitting business. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your skills and earn some extra cash this summer. The class fee is $30 and covers all class materials & First Aid/CPR certification. This class is open to any youth 12 years and older. Space is limited to the first 12 youth to register and pay fee by the March 4th deadline. Class must have at least 4 participants by the registration deadline to be held. Class dates are March 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Time is 1-3, except March 14th will be 1-5 p.m. due to CPR certification. The next ServSafe Class & Exam will be February 22nd at the Extension office. The cost to register is $150 and the deadline to register and pay fees is January 31, 2024. ServSafe Online Exams are set up on an individual basis. If you need to schedule an online exam (this includes no class instruction) please contact the Extension office at 662.675.2730 or email [email protected] to find out how to get registered. Mississippi State is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. Veteran, or another status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662)325-5839. MSU Extension will provide accommodations to persons with disabilities or special needs. Please contact our office at least 5 days prior to a program or event to request reasonable assistance. Kitchen Equipment Checklist Creating a healthful kitchen involves having the right equipment to prepare nutritious meals efficiently and effectively. Here are some essential cooking equipment items for a health-conscious kitchen: 1. Sharp Knives: High-quality, sharp knives are essential for safe and efficient food preparation. Invest in a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. 2. Cutting Boards: Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination. Consider using wooden or plastic boards that are easy to clean. 3. Pots and Pans: A set of nonstick or stainless steel pots and pans in various sizes is essential for cooking a wide range of healthy dishes. 4. Steamer Basket: A steamer basket allows you to cook vegetables, fish, and other foods without losing nutrients to boiling water. 5. Baking Sheets and Pans: Baking sheets and pans are useful for roasting vegetables, baking whole grains, and making healthy desserts. 6. Blender: A high-quality blender is essential for making smoothies, soups, and sauces. Look for one that can handle tough ingredients like frozen fruits and ice. 7. Food Processor: A food processor can be used to chop, slice, dice, and puree ingredients for a variety of healthy recipes. 8. Grill or Grill Pan: Grilling is a healthy cooking method that imparts delicious flavors to vegetables, lean meats, and seafood. 9. Salad Spinner: A salad spinner helps you wash and dry leafy greens quickly, making it easier to prepare salads. 10. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial when following healthy recipes. Make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons. 11. Mixing Bowls: A variety of mixing bowls in different sizes is useful for preparing and storing ingredients. 12. Colander: A colander is handy for draining pasta and rinsing fruits and vegetables. 13. Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is useful for sifting flour, draining small ingredients, and straining sauces. 14. Oven Thermometer: To ensure accurate baking and roasting, consider using an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your oven. 15. Kitchen Scale: A kitchen scale can help you measure ingredients more precisely, which is especially important when portion control is essential. 16. Microplane Grater/Zester: Use a microplane grater for adding zest to dishes and grating ingredients like garlic and ginger. 17. Digital Meat Thermometer: If you cook meat, a digital meat thermometer helps you ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses. 18. Silicone or Wooden Utensils: Use non-stick utensils to protect your cookware and prevent scratching. Wooden utensils are a healthy, eco-friendly option. 19. Glass Storage Containers: Invest in glass containers with lids for storing leftovers and meal prep. Glass is a safer choice than plastic for food storage. 20. Herb and Spice Grinder: Freshly ground herbs and spices can add a burst of flavor to your dishes. A grinder makes this easy. 21. Citrus Juicer: A citrus juicer allows you to extract fresh juice for recipes and beverages. Having these essential cooking equipment items in your kitchen will help you prepare and enjoy nutritious, healthful meals with ease. Remember to maintain your equipment regularly, keeping it clean and in good working condition for optimal results. Article Source: https://www.foodandhealth.com/newsletters-archive/january-2024-newsletter-and-toolkit Pamela S. Redwine Extension Agent IV/ County Coordinator, Yalobusha County Mississippi State University Extension Mailing Address: PO Box 610, Coffeeville, MS 38922 Physical Address: 18025 Hwy 7 Coffeeville 662.675.2730 (Office) 662.769.2981 (Mobile) [email protected] (email) Find us on Social Media! Facebook: Yalobusha County Extension Office Facebook: Yalobusha County 4-H Instagram: yalobushaco_msuext