Author: emott

three recipe final products, chickpea pot pie slice on a plate, fajita fillings on a whole wheat tortilla, and ramen noodle skillet in a glass bowl.

3 Dinners Under $15

— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension Visit University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s recipe website for the Chickpea Pot Pie, Fajitas, and Ramen Noodle Skillet recipes. Looking for a new family favorite recipe that is quick and affordable to […]

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Paperbags

Resources for Times of Food and Financial Stress

— By Spoonful Bloggers, University of Maine Cooperative Extension When circumstances create financial or food insecurity, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has resources that individuals and organizations may find helpful. Below is a list of UMaine Extension publications and websites, as well as a few external resources that may be helpful as you or your […]

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Jars of jam with fruit.

Spread Joy this Season: Making Jam as Holiday Gifts

— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension The scent of cranberries, citrus, and spice signals the start of the holiday season, and what better way to get into the festive mood than by making homemade jam? Jamming for the holidays transforms your kitchen into a sweet-smelling workshop and lets you […]

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Three pictures in a row: one of canning jars of green and red relish; a bowl of kale leaves; and an apple next to two canning jars of apple butter.

End of Season Preserving Ideas and Recipes

— Mary Kate Reny, UMaine Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer We have officially turned the corner into comfort season, bringing with it the seasonal shift in food preferences and a whole different set of recipes to try. Wait! Too soon? Are your counters and garden still bursting with summer harvest that you need to preserve […]

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Pumpkin bread with cinnamon sticks and a small pumpkin.

Ask Spoonful: Our Favorite, Must Try, Fall Dishes

— By Spoonful Bloggers, University of Maine Cooperative Extension With summer ending and fall beginning, the time for warm, cozy meals is here! Check out the Spoonful Bloggers’ favorite fall dishes. The Ultimate Weeknight Pot Pie – Alex Gayton If you need a vegetarian option at your next get-together, I would highly recommend UMaine Extension’s […]

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A large variety of different-sized and colored pumpkins on a wooden table.

Pumpkins: More Than Just a Jack-O-Lantern

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Pumpkins are a type of winter squash and are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is what gives them their deep yellow to deep orange color. Vitamin A is important for keeping your skin healthy, preventing eye problems, and promoting a […]

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A family picking out sweet potatoes at a farmers market.

Ask EFNEP: Cooking for Busy Families – Using Local Ingredients

— By Mikaela Greenwald, EFNEP Community Education Assistant in York County, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Using local ingredients in your cooking is a great way to incorporate fresh, in-season foods. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are picked and sold at their peak ripeness and are often less expensive. Ripe in-season fruits and […]

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A variety of green herbs on a white background

The Art of Preserving Herbs

— By Lali Constantino, UMaine Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer Drying is one of the most ancient and cost-effective methods for preserving food. This simple technique relies on the natural energy of the sun or the dry heat of a hot summer day. You can easily do it by hanging herbs in a warm, shady […]

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Mother and son at a farmers' market.

Food Safety When Buying Directly from Farmers

— By Chesley Ferris, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Did you know that Maine has around 115 summer farmers’ markets and 30 to 35 winter farmers’ markets? One of my favorite things about living in Maine is visiting our farmers’ markets. I love connecting with local farmers and finding unique fruits and vegetables. […]

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a close up of whole cucumbers sprinkled with salt, garlic cloves, and herbs

Tips for Making Crunchy Homemade Pickles

— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension It’s green bean and cucumber season here in Maine, and pickling is my favorite way to preserve these vegetables. I always can a batch of crunchy dilly beans and sweet bread-and-butter pickles to enjoy throughout the year. But every year, I hear from […]

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