NUTRITION/COOKING ADVANCED TRAINING

Saturday's advanced training was fun. We had a good turn-out but missed those of you who couldn't make it. There were lots of handouts and some good food for tasting (this picture was taken before most of the food arrived!) I'm including a couple of recipes below.

I'm always on the look-out for good training ideas so if you have any, please share. I'd love to have any of you take a turn at training if you'd like (I know you get tired of hearing from me!)

Thought for the day:

10 THINGS MY MOM TAUGHT ME ABOUT BEING A MOM...

*When they cry... kiss them.

*When they are afraid... hold them.

*When they speak... listen.

*When they ask... answer.

*Let them explore...dirt washes off.

*When you say 'please' and 'thank you' to them, they will say it to you.

*Silly is a good thing to be.

*Always do the right thing...even when nobody's looking.

*There are many crises in the world...spinach on the wall isn't one of them.

*Faith opens many doors.

Garden Vegetable Appetizers

1 package pie crust mix

1 (0.4 oz.) package ranch dressing mix

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups chopped vegetables (whatever you like - I used broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green onions and bell pepper)

6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Stir pie crust mix, 2 teaspoons of the dressing mix (dry), baking soda and water until pastry forms a ball. Press mixture evenly in bottom of ungreased jelly roll pan (15 1/2 x 20 1/2 x 1 inch) with floured hands. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown; cool completely.

Beat cream cheese, sour cream and remaining dressing mix with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread evenly over pastry. Sprinkle evenly with vegetables and bacon.

Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours. Cut into 3 inch squares. Cut each square diagonally in half to make triangles. Serves 30.

Apple Dip

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla is best)

1/3 cup brown sugar

Mix well. Serve with sliced apples.

Thanks to all who brought food to share. It was yummy!