Pick Up Celery, Now At Lone Star Family Market Stores
NOTE: To keep celery fresh at home, store it in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer. For optimal freshness, wrap the celery stalks in aluminum foil, which helps retain moisture without causing them to become soggy. Alternatively, you can place the stalks in a container with a small amount of water, covering the bottom, to keep them hydrated. Be sure to change the water every few days. If you’ve already cut the celery, wrap the pieces in a damp paper towel and store them in a sealed plastic bag. This will help keep them crisp for up to a week.
Celery may be an often-overlooked vegetable, but it’s a true kitchen powerhouse that should have a regular place in your meal planning. Whether you want to add a refreshing crunch to salads, a savory depth to soups, or a healthy snack for the kids, celery is up for the task. We will dive into the many ways to cook with celery, offering helpful tips, simple recipes, and creative ideas for incorporating this budget-friendly vegetable into family-friendly meals. Let’s embrace the versatility of celery and make it a staple in your kitchen!
Why Celery is a Great Choice for Your Family
Celery might seem like a humble vegetable, but it packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Here are some reasons why celery is a great addition to your family’s meals:
- Low in Calories: Celery is naturally low in calories, making it an ideal snack for both you and your children. It’s a great way to add volume to meals without contributing to excess calorie intake.
- High in Fiber: Celery is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Eating enough fiber supports overall gut health, especially important for growing children.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Celery contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients play key roles in boosting immunity, supporting bone health, and promoting healthy cell function.
- Hydrating: Made up of 95% water, celery helps keep you and your family hydrated, making it a great snack on hot days or as a refreshing addition to meals.
How to Use Celery in Your Meals
Celery is incredibly versatile and can be added to various dishes. Here are some ideas to incorporate celery into your family’s diet:
- Snacks: Cut celery into sticks and pair them with hummus, peanut butter, or cheese for a tasty and healthy snack.
- Soups and Stews: Celery is a classic ingredient in soups, stews, and broths. Its mild flavor adds depth and texture to these dishes, making it a great base vegetable.
- Salads: Add fresh, chopped celery to salads for a satisfying crunch. It pairs well with a variety of greens, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
- Smoothies: Celery can be blended into smoothies for an added boost of nutrients and hydration, especially when mixed with fruits like apples, bananas, or berries.
- Stir-fries: Sauté celery with other vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers for a quick, flavorful side dish.
Storing Celery to Keep It Fresh
Celery is a vegetable that can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Here are some tips to ensure your celery stays fresh longer:
- Wrap in Aluminum Foil: Wrap celery stalks tightly in aluminum foil before storing them in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their moisture and crispness.
- Water Storage: For even better longevity, place the celery in a jar or container with a small amount of water at the bottom, making sure the stalks are submerged. Change the water every few days to keep the celery fresh.
- Freezing Celery: If you find you won’t use your celery in time, you can also freeze it. Simply chop it up, blanch in boiling water for a few minutes, and store it in a freezer-safe bag.
Pick up your celery and other WIC groceries at Lone Star Family Market.
Planning Thanksgiving Recipes: How to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Less Stressful
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and at Lone Star Family Market, we’re here to help you create a memorable day filled with delicious food, laughter, and fun moments with your loved ones. The key to enjoying the holiday is all in the planning—when you plan ahead, you can minimize stress and focus on having fun. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Start with a Plan
The most important part of Thanksgiving prep is planning ahead. From your menu to your shopping list to prepping dishes in advance, the more you plan, the smoother your day will go. And remember: simple dishes often work best.
1. Plan Your Menu:
Before you head to the store, take some time to plan out your Thanksgiving menu. Think about your must-have dishes, but keep it manageable—there’s no need to overwhelm yourself with complicated recipes or too many ingredients.
2. Get Your Shopping Done Early:
Avoid last-minute store runs by doing your shopping early in the week. Lone Star Family Market is a great place to stock up on WIC-approved foods – including fresh produce, beans, dairy, and more – all can be used for your Thanksgiving Day recipes. Check out our blog post for special Thanksgiving Week hours so you can plan your trip accordingly.
3. Use Your WIC Benefits:
If you’re shopping with WIC benefits, take advantage of your fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up ingredients for your Thanksgiving sides. Some great options include potatoes, onions, carrots and even fruit for desserts. Beans are another WIC-approved food that make a great side dish, and cheese can add an extra layer of flavor to vegetables like broccoli. Need inspiration? Check out our recipe for Broccoli and Cheese or try our Stuffing Recipe for a classic side dish. You also can’t miss this vegetable platter that looks like a Turkey.
4. Keep It Simple
You don’t need to make a 10-course meal to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Stick to simple, familiar dishes that everyone will love. Make a list—either on your phone or the good old-fashioned way with pen and paper—to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything.
Recipe Inspiration for a Healthy, Simple Feast
If you’re looking for some healthy and easy-to-make recipes, check out these great websites that offer simple ideas using WIC-approved foods:
Texas WIC: Find healthy recipes like Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls, Citrus Glazed Carrots, and Carrot Bread.
Cooking Matters: From Banana Pudding to Baked Apples, this site is full of nutritious and family-friendly recipes.
USDA: This site offers a wide variety of Thanksgiving recipes, including ideas for leftovers!
Simple Alternatives for the Turkey
Does the idea of cooking a large turkey overwhelm you? You don’t have to roast a whole bird to have a successful Thanksgiving meal. Consider making a smaller turkey breast or tenderloin, which are easier to cook and typically cost less. If you prefer, you could even skip the turkey altogether and make a different meal your family loves.
If you do decide to roast a turkey, check out the USDA’s Turkey Cooking Tips to make sure your bird turns out perfectly.
Enjoy the Day, Not Just the Meal
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about spending quality time with the people you love. After your meal, take a walk outside or play a game with the kids. It’s a great way to burn off those extra calories and create lasting memories.
At Lone Star Family Market, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving. Our stores will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we accept SNAP. Find your nearest location. We can’t wait to help you make this holiday the best one yet!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Lone Star Family Market!
