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Category: November 2021

Slow Cooker Class

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Join us for a free class on utilizing slow cookers to make family mealtime easy and healthy! Participants will enjoy slow cooker samples and receive slow cooker recipes! Participants will learn:

  • Slow cooker basics and tips
  • How to select a slow cooker to suit your family needs
  • How to clean and care for your slow cooker
  • How to create healthy recipes using your slow cooker

Join us at the Mankato Library on Friday Nov. 5th from 1-2pm (214 North High Street, Mankato, KS 66956). Register by calling (785)524-4432. Registration is free and not required, but appreciated to ensure enough samples and recipes are available.

By: Ashley Svaty

Medicare Open Enrollment

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

If you haven’t reviewed your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for the upcoming year, there is still time. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th to December 7th.  If you take this time to shop and compare plans, you may be able to lower your co-pays and out-of-pocket costs for 2022 by switching to a different plan.

Even if you aren’t changing plans, make sure your pharmacy is still in your plans network next year.  Plans may change their network pharmacies each year.

Call the Post Rock District Extension Office to set up an appointment.  Meetings can be scheduled in the county in the Post Rock District that is most convenient for you.

By: Brenda Langdon

Fall Weed Control

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

During the fall, winter annual weeds start to thrive. Henbit and chickweed germinate in the fall, but are small and often aren’t noticed until spring.

Early November is a great time to control these weeds. Use a postemergence broadleaf herbicide, such as Weed Free Zone, Trimec, Weed-Out, Weed Stop 2X or Weed-B-Gon to kill the weeds.

For more information click here:https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/common-pest-problems/common-pest-problem-new/Henbit%20and%20Chickweed.pdf

By: Cassie Homan

Holiday Food Safety

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

There’s a lot going on when it comes to planning, cooking, and cleaning up after a holiday meal. Keep in mind the following four steps to food safety during the upcoming holidays.

Clean:  Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Use paper towels or clean cloths to wipe up kitchen surfaces or spills. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next item. A solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water may be used to sanitize washed surfaces and utensils.

Separate: Always use a clean cutting board. Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

Cook: Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat, poultry, casseroles, and other food.

Chill: Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow small containers, within 2 hours at room temperature.

For more information about safe food handling, view our At-Home Safe Food Handling: It’s in Your Hands publication

By: Ashley Svaty

Tips for Managing Holiday Spending

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu
  • Pay in cash – By trying to use cash you can keep track of what you are spending and  know what you have left. Some people may keep an envelope of cash or they keep their cash separate so that when they’re done, they’re done.
  • Resist credit card offers – Some stores may offer a discount up-front, but consumers may not realize that they’ll pay more than that in interest if they don’t pay off the bill right away.  Look at what the terms are.  How much are you giving to them in return for this discount.
  • Shop locally – While there may be great deals – and some time savings – found online, buying in your own community not only helps local businesses, but also potentially saves shipping costs. Planning ahead helps you know what items you can buy in your own town.  Delivery times are extending this year.  Because of that, you need to plan ahead and buying local can help with that.
  • Consider what makes you happy – Have a conversation with your family about decreasing the emphasis on gifts and increasing time spent together.  Consider the importance of spending time together, good food and family activities.

By: Brenda Langdon

 

Will My Mum Last?

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

One of my favorite parts of fall are the colorful mums that show up in greenhouses and garden centers. They bring a colorful pizzazz to the fall season. We often get asked if these plants will survive the winter. This short YouTube video will answer those questions.

https://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/will-fall-mums-last-through-the-winter

By: Cassie Homan