Cooperative Extension: Food & Health

Whether you are trying to add more fiber to your meals or trying to prepare more plant-based meals at home, this is a great way to add fiber and protein to your spaghetti sauce. A one cup serving of this spaghetti sauce has 6 grams of fiber (21% of your daily needs) and 10 grams […]

Try this simple make-ahead breakfast recipe idea. I used frozen blueberries and added walnuts for an extra crunch! You can replace the blueberries with your favorite frozen fruit like mixed berries or strawberries, this recipe also has fiber and protein which helps your body feel full and satisfied. I hope you enjoy this recipe as […]

You may be thinking beans and pasta, together? YES! By adding beans to this dish you increase the protein and fiber content. If you are not a fan of beans, that’s okay. Try adding a different cooked lean protein to the recipe like boneless, skinless chicken or lean ground meat. Wait until you smell and […]

This is an easy and healthy grab-and-go breakfast option for your busy week. I love making my mornings as simple as possible, and having pre-made breakfast options ready to go is a huge time saver. This recipe is great because it can be altered based on your taste preferences. I loaded mine with diced red […]

If you’re wondering, yes you do have to massage the kale in this recipe, and yes it’s actually fun. I was unfamiliar with the process of massaging kale until I learned why it is so important. Massaging the kale with oil and lemon juice helps break down the tough fibers and removes the bitterness in […]

This was my first time making a blueberry cobbler, and it was a tasty success! Now that blueberry season is starting in Maine, I think having recipes on hand that include blueberries is essential. Read more about Maine wild blueberries in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s publication Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Wild Blueberries.  […]

Chocolate and peanut butter, could there be a more delicious combination? This recipe has officially been added to my go-to snack rotation because it is easy to make, and it doesn’t require an oven which is perfect for warm summer days. If you haven’t tried meal prepping, now is a great time to start. Even […]

Need a quick lunch or dinner idea? Make your own wrap! All you need is your favorite dressing, cheese, vegetables, protein, and a wrap. To make this a complete MyPlate meal, add a serving of fruit on the side. Fruit can be fresh, frozen, or canned in 100% juice. My favorite canned fruit is pears […]

I love quick and simple recipes, and this one only has 3 ingredients: lemon juice, water, and honey! You can create your own flavored lemonade by adding mint after blending or by adding your favorite fresh or frozen fruit like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches into the lemonade mixture before or after blending. I […]

Zucchini is here and ready to stay for the summer! Whether you are buying zucchini from the grocery store, the farmers market, or growing it yourself, I think we are all going to need recipe ideas to use this delicious squash. Growing up, my mom always made baked goods with zucchini so I never thought […]