Author: emott

A woman and her son prepare an omelet

From Picky Eaters to Kitchen Helpers: Making Mealtime Fun

— By Debbie Barnett, EFNEP Community Education Assistant in Kennebec County, University of Maine Cooperative Extension If you have children or work with them, you know it can be a challenge to get everyone on board with what is on the plate. Johnny wants tacos, but not beef. Eva wants beef, but no dairy. Nea […]

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strawberries cooking in a pot

5 Tips for Making Delicious Jam and Jelly This Summer

— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension During the summer I usually get a few calls from frustrated preservers asking why their jam or jelly didn’t come out right. It’s annoying to try and make a nice, spreadable jam and instead end up with something that’s too runny or too […]

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Berry pops on a table.

The Summer Snack Scene

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Summer means longer, warmer days, outdoor activities, and for many of us, a house full of hungry kids. Summer snacks don’t have to be expensive to be healthy or take a lot of time to prepare. Below are ideas and tips to […]

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Cinnamon yogurt dip in a glass bowl served on a tray with green and red apple slices and graham crackers—whole red and green apples displayed in the background.

The “Secret Ingredient” Dip That Will Win Everyone Over

— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension Visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s recipe website for the Cinnamon Yogurt Dip recipe and recipe video. My sister-in-law is usually suspicious of the food I bring to an event because […]

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Collage of four photos: coconut milk, ground flaxseed, baking soda, and tofu.

Ask Spoonful: Substitution Fails

— By Spoonful Bloggers, University of Maine Cooperative Extension We have all tried making swaps in the kitchen while cooking and baking, but not all of them have been successful. In this edition of Ask Spoonful, the UMaine Cooperative Extension food team shares some of their substitution fails. Dietitian Mom: When Rebranding Goes Wrong – […]

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Vegetables in crates at a farmers' market.

Storing and Washing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables or buy them at a local farm or grocery store, you don’t want your money to go to waste because they are stored improperly and rot (decompose) quickly. Understanding how to store and wash […]

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fried rice served on a plate with green onion garnish and a skillet full of fried rice next to it.

Quick & Simple Meal: Customizable Fried Rice

— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension Visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s recipe website for the Fried Rice recipe and recipe video. Do you have fresh vegetables that you need to use before they spoil because you […]

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Cottage cheese on a wooden spoon.

Cottage Cheese: Don’t Call it a Comeback…

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension It’s been here for years. Cottage cheese is all over social media. Your social media pages are probably filled with cottage cheese recipes, influencers singing its praises, and a sudden 180-degree turn about love for this dairy product. Many of us remember […]

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Level Up Your Ramen Noodles

— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension Visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s recipe website for the Ramen Noodle Skillet recipe and recipe video. Growing up, ramen noodle soup and grilled cheese was one of my favorite meals, […]

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Ham on a cutting board.

Ham: Carving Up the Food Safety Facts

— By Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Once upon a time, I found myself at the Kentucky State Fair in the Hall of Hams. Yes indeed, a whole hall dedicated to showcasing hams that had been entered for judging. It was a jaw dropping experience. I was certainly in awe over […]

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