Category: December 2017

Christmas Plants Brighten the Holiday

Christmas plants such as poinsettias, holiday cactus, and amaryllis bulbs are a fun way to bring some color to the winter months. They like a bright, sunny location in your home and regular watering. With proper care these plants can be kept from year to year for lasting value.

View the whole article for even more tips;

http://www.uky.edu/hort/sites/www.uky.edu.hort/files/documents/christmasflowers.pdf

By: Cassie Homan

THRIVE: Focus on a better version of you in 2018!

Join us in Beloit to participate in an interactive self-care program that will help you meet your personal goals! Throughout the 3-week program over the lunch hour in January, participants will explore strategies to embrace each day and practice habits that will help you get the most out of each stage in life! Adults – individuals, couples, families, and caregivers – are encouraged to participate. The program is free and participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch while they learn! Complete details are posted at http://www.postrock.k-state.edu/events/

By:  Nora Rhoades

Focus on the “Stars” For your Holiday Cooking!

Ashley Svaty
Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent

Many favorite holiday entrees, sides, and desserts are filled with added fat, sugar, and sodium.  There’s good news though, we can do something about it!  Focus on the healthy “star” ingredient of each dish and cut out the extras that usually bring on the added unnecessary calories. For example, there is a recipe featured in this newsletter for a fall apple crisp.  Compare the nutrition facts with a traditional apple pie and you save 180 calories, 11 fat grams and 18 carbohydrates per serving!

For more information about healthy holiday cooking, view our Focus on the Stars Cooking Healthy for the Holidays publication here.

By:  Ashley Svaty

Transition Planning: 12 Steps to Keep the Family Farming

While many family-owned businesses have the long-term objective of “passing the business on to the next generation,” this is not an easy process. A great deal of planning, preparation, and communication is needed in order to accomplish the feat of moving the business from one generation to the next. The aspirations of both generations need to be addressed along with the financial feasibility of the operation supporting all involved. Checkout the K-State Research and Extension publication “Transition Planning: 12 Steps to Keep the Family Farming” and watch the video below as you work through the farm succession planning process!

By:  Nora Rhoades

Fall Apple Crisp

Makes 9 servings

  • 7 cups cored, sliced apples (about 2 lbs. or 5 large apples)
  • ⅓ cup 100% apple juice
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 5 tablespoons soft tub margarine, cut into small pieces
  • 3 Tablespoons slivered almonds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Peel apples, slice, and toss in a mixing bowl with apple juice to coat.

3. Combine flour, both kinds of sugar, and oats in another mixing bowl. Cut       in margarine using two knives until mixture is crumbly. Stir in almonds.

4. Spray a square 8-inch by 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.       Pour apples into baking dish and sprinkle with crumb mixture.

5. Bake 45 minutes or until topping turns golden brown.

Source: North Carolina Eat Smart, Move More. Nutrition per 1⁄9 of recipe: 200 calories, 8 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 22 g sugars, 2 g protein.

For more nutritious recipes, view pages 4-6 of the leaders guide!

By:  Ashley Svaty