Monday, January 24, 2011

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!

Friday, January 7, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know I've been a slacker...I haven't written in this blog for over two months! It's been a crazy time at our house (again!). Our son was in the hospital for two weeks in November and then the holidays were upon us. We had all of our children and grandchildren here for about 10 days over Christmas and I had to force myself to get my work done. I just wanted to play, play, play!

In November I neglected to take the opportunity through this blog to tell you how thankful I am for each of you. You continually amaze me with your empathy, unselfishness, and dedication to the families you work with. I feel very blessed to work with such amazing peer parents.

In December I should have taken the opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday season. In retrospect, I hope all of you had good health, love of family and friends, and feelings of joy and peace.

It's January now and with it, comes my sincere wish that you will all have a great 2011! I have already heard from some of you of illness and deaths within your families as well as other difficulties. Please know that my heart goes out to each of you in your trials. May you find peace and comfort in the days to come.

My new year's resolutions include keeping this blog more up to date...so keep me on track by offering comments now and then as well as sending me suggestions and ideas that I can post.

A few things to remember:
  • Our first advanced training of 2011 will be Saturday, January 22, from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Clearfield Office. We'll be covering the skills of Nutrition and Cooking. You should all be receiving a flier and a training schedule for the rest of the year.
  • I will be out of town from January 31st until February 6th. My family has the opportunity to all take a trip together for a few days and I'm so excited; however, it being the first week of the month means a billing issue for all of you. (I would have chosen a different week but this was the only time we could all get together.) All January billing that is turned in to me that week will not be processed until the following week. If anyone brings their billing to my house, please put it in the locked mailbox and not on my front porch. I am very sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause you.

Well, once again, I wish each of you a happy new year...and I'll be blogging again soon!