December Calendar

• 2nd - Walkin' in Ouachita - Louisiana Delta Community College Track 12 pm
• 2nd - The Learning Lab in Columbia - Caldwell Parish Library 1:30 pm - Must pre-register
• 4th - West Carroll Parish Advisory Leadership Council Meeting - West Carroll Parish Extension Office 11 am
• 5th - Richland Parish Advisory Leadership Council Meeting - Delhi Library 11:30 am
• 6th - Walkin' Out West Nutrition Education - West Carroll Parish Extension Office 10 am
• 7th - Barbershop Bash (Food Demos & Cancer Screenings) - Celebrity Barber Shop in Monroe
• 9th - Taste of Herb and Spice (Nutmeg) - Union General Hospital
• 11th - Walkin' Out West Nutrition Education - West Carroll Parish Extension Office 10 am
• 12th - The Learning Lab - West Carroll Parish Extension Office 5 pm to 7 pm
• 12th - Taste of Herb and Spice (Nutmeg) - Louise Williams Library
• 18th - Walkin' Out West Nutrition Education - West Carroll Parish Extension Office 10 am

Kids Corner

by Brittney Newsome

As the holiday season is approaching, there are a variety of ways to keep kids entertained during their time from school or even on the weekend. It is important to allow time for kids to decompress from their busy schedules but also encourage interactive activities together as a family to strengthen their physical health and mental well-being. The best way to plan daily activities ahead of time is to create a schedule with your kids input so when downtime arises, you will already have the tools needed for the planned activity. Here are a few ideas for a fun-filled quality time together with your kids.

Activity #1: Make a kid-friendly recipe together such as an orange sunrise smoothie, banana tortilla snack, or pink lemonade yogurt pops.

Activity #2: Complete a puzzle together to help advance cognitive development to help with critical thinking, concentration, and focus.

Activity #3: Plan an "in-home" food safety science experiment titled "Glitter Germs" to teach about fighting bacteria and the importance of handwashing.

Activity #4: Have a YOGA Day outdoors in the beautiful fall weather to promote relaxation and a healthy lifestyle.

Preparing your Holiday Turkey Safely

by Markaye Russell

Fresh baked turkey is a tradition for many families during the holiday season. So, to keep your tradition a happy one, let's talk turkey food safety. Turkey and its juices can be contaminated with germs that can make you and your family sick. Whether you're cooking a whole bird or a part of it, such as the breast, you should take special care. Follow the steps below to safely thaw, handle, and cook your turkey. Frozen raw turkey should be stored in the freezer until you are ready to thaw it. There are several recommended thawing methods. One of the best ways to thaw your turkey is in the refrigerator. Keep your turkey in its original wrapping and place it in a container before putting it in the refrigerator. The container will prevent the turkey's juices from dripping on other food. Allow about 24 hours of thawing for each 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. A turkey thawed in the refrigerator can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking. Another way is to thaw your turkey in cold water. Be sure your turkey is in a leak proof plastic bag before you place it in the sink. The bag will prevent the turkey's juices spreading in the kitchen. It will also prevent the turkey from absorbing water, which can make your cooked turkey runny. Make sure your turkey is fully covered with the cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing for each pound of turkey. A turkey thawed in cold water must be cooked immediately after thawing. Raw turkey and its juice can contaminate anything they touch. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after handling turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey. Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that held raw turkey. Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing raw turkey and before you prepare the next item. Do not wash or rinse raw turkey. Poultry juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other foods, utensils, and countertops. To roast a turkey in your oven, set the oven to at least 325 degrees F. Place the thawed turkey in a roasting pan that is 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep. Cooking times depend on the weight of the turkey. Use a food thermometer to make sure the turkey reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Check by inserting a food thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the turkey. Even if your turkey has a pop-up timer, you should still use a food thermometer. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before carving the meat. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent food poisoning. Freeze leftovers to store them longer. For more food safety tips visit the following link https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety.

Recipe of the Month

by Ana-Alicia Gouge

Deviled Eggs

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, plain, whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika plus more for topping
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Cut each egg in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks into a small bowl. Arrange the whites on a plate.
2. Use a fork to mash the egg yolks.
3. To the mashed yolks, add Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Mix well until smooth.
5. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
6. Sprinkle smoked paprika on top.

Walk This Way

by Cathy Agan

Being physically active at least 150 minutes a week (or 30 minutes a day) can do wonders for your health. Walking is a great way to get physically active since it is free and does not require special equipment. Walking regularly can help lower the risk of chronic conditions, strengthen bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress.

Fall weather is finally here, and it is a great time to get outside and enjoy a walk. If you would like to join a walking group, check out the new programs in Ouachita and West Carroll Parishes: “Walkin’ in Ouachita” and “Walkin’ Out West”! Both groups will meet weekly this Fall to help you boost your health and learn about healthy lifestyles. This is your opportunity to be active while learning. You may even get to taste a new recipe or two. Participants will receive incentives after each session, and there is no cost to participate!

Walkin’ in Ouachita: Mondays at noon through December 2, 2024. (Location varies) - Sign up by going to this link: https://forms.office.com/r/DvpS8Ucfba. Contact Cathy Agan at 318-323-2251 for more information.

Walkin’ Out West: Wednesdays during Fall months at 10:00 AM at 195A Community Road in Oak Grove – Sign up by contacting Brittney Newsome at 318-428-3571.

We would love to have you join one of our groups, so come on out and walk and talk with us!