Spoonful

Close up of mixed frozen peas, corn, and carrots.

Keep it Safe: Cooking and Handling Frozen Vegetables

— By Chesley Ferris, MPH, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Buying frozen vegetables saves time and money. Frozen vegetables also stay fresh longer, helping to reduce food waste. However, did you know that not all frozen vegetables are safe to eat straight from the freezer? In fact, most frozen vegetables need to be […]

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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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6 mason jars of canned low sugar strawberry jam

How to Make Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam

— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Strawberry jam season is right around the corner in Maine, and one of my favorite fruit jams is strawberry jam (strawberry-rhubarb is a close runner up). I love to go to my local pick-your-own strawberry field, and then come home and make strawberry […]

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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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