Spoonful

3 panels, left to right - blueberry banana smoothie with spinach, berries, and a banana in the background, egg bites with diced veggies on an English muffin, avocado slides on a piece of whole grain bread.

Ask EFNEP: Three Tips to Add Vegetables to Breakfast

— By Chris Finemore, EFNEP Community Education Assistant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension “I want vegetables for breakfast.” … said no child ever. When I read the question about how to add vegetables to breakfast, I realized it probably wasn’t a common request from kids and adults. When I asked local schoolchildren if they eat […]

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Bowl of black bean soup topped with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Speedy Winter Black Bean Soup

— 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 Winter Black Bean Soup recipe and recipe video. We are in the thick of soup season and let’s be honest, who […]

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A plate of sliced, roasted chicken breast with herbs and spices.

Why Buy a Whole Chicken?

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension When buying chicken, you probably have a specific cut in mind based on your recipe, personal preference, or current store sales. You might have noticed that whole chickens are often advertised at lower prices per pound than individual cuts like breasts or […]

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Spoonful Blog Recap 2024. The numbers 2024 are displayed with food photos filling each number. 2 is filled with tomatoes, 0 is filled with pickled vegetables in jars, 2 is filled with green beans, and 4 is filled with cocoa beans and chocolate.

From Tomatoes to Zoodles: A Deep Dive into Your Favorite Spoonful Posts

— By Emily Mott, EFNEP Administrative Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension We’re jumping on the trend (albeit a little late) and reflecting on our last year at the Spoonful Blog! Before we get into that … Hi, I’m Emily and this is my blog writing debut! While I usually work behind the scenes and […]

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Navigating Nutrition Labels: Understanding Carbohydrates and Added Sugars

— By Jen Spann, University of Maine Dietetic Intern and Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension Reading a nutrition label can seem overwhelming, so we’re here to help! Here are a few key points to keep in mind: Nutrition facts labels are based on a standard 2,000 calorie per day […]

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Molasses bars stacked in a pile on a white plate

Mainely Dish: Molasses Bars (Mystery B Bars)

— 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 Molasses Bars (Mystery B Bars) recipe and recipe video. Craving a cozy winter treat? Try UMaine Extension’s Molasses Bars (Mystery B […]

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Scalloped potatoes in a glass bowl with a blue pot holder in the background.

Mainely Dish: Micro-Scalloped Potatoes

— 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 Micro Scalloped Potatoes recipe and recipe video. These Micro-Scalloped Potatoes are a comfort food that is perfect as the weather gets […]

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An image of four food items: a salmon fillet, a glass of milk, spinach leaves, and slices of bread.

Navigating Nutrition Labels: Identifying Nutrients of Concern

— By Jen Spann, University of Maine Dietetic Intern and Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension Reading a nutrition label can seem overwhelming, so we’re here to help! Here are a few key points to keep in mind: Nutrition facts labels are based on a standard 2,000 calorie per day […]

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Oil being poured into a dish.

Navigating Nutrition Labels: The Truth About Dietary Fats

— By Jen Spann, University of Maine Dietetic Intern and Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension Reading a nutrition label can seem overwhelming, so we’re here to help! Here are a few key points to keep in mind: Nutrition facts labels are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. All amounts […]

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Close up of orange carrots

Carrots 101: Selection, Storage, and Cooking Tips for Maximum Flavor

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension Carrots have been a staple in diets for centuries. While the orange variety is most common, carrots come in various colors, including red, purple, yellow, black, and white. A fun fact about carrots is that they are a member of the parsley […]

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