WIC Foods Perfect For Toddlers
WIC foods are a great way to make sure your little ones are getting good nutrition. When WIC foods are part of a recipe, you know you are giving them healthy choices. Coming up with new ways to get your little ones to try new foods can be very challenging.
These easy recipes are perfect for toddlers, and they feature WIC-approved foods.
PEANUT BUTTER, BERRY OATMEAL
Oatmeal
Berries
Peanut butter
Cook oatmeal according to package directions.
Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter and mashed berries. Mix until well combined and serve warm.
Here is another recipe perfect for your little one, but tasty enough for the entire family to try.
VEGETABLE, LENTIL SOUP
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or canned
2 cups chopped spinach
Juice of 1 lemon
In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced vegetables. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add spices to the pot. Cook for another couple of minutes. Add dried lentils, broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach and cook another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
TUNA, AVOCADO SANDWICH BITES
Canned tuna, drained
Avocado, mashed
Whole-wheat bread, toasted
Mash avocado and mix with canned tuna
Spread mixture on whole-grain bread and cut into triangles.
Pick up all your WIC foods at a Lone Star Family Market store near you!
Protein-Packed Snack!
Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made using canned chickpeas.
ROASTED CHICKPEAS
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas
(garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
(adjust all spices to your preference)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of any other
spices you like (e.g., curry powder,
chili powder, onion powder, etc.)
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can add any other optional spices at this point as well. Toss the chickpeas until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. You can shake the baking sheet or toss the chickpeas halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
Once roasted to your desired crispiness, remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Pick up your chickpeas and other WIC foods at Lone Star Family Market stores.
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Easy Family Dinner Featuring WIC Foods
Red Beans & Rice
1 cup diced onion
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tomato, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
½ cup diced bell pepper of any color
1 ½ cups of rice
1 can kidney beans
3 tbsp+ hot sauce (Louisiana, Tabasco, or your favorite hot sauce)
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
Salt & Pepper, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Heat oil in a large skillet then add onions. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes then add in garlic, tomato, and celery then stir together and cook for a few minutes. Add in jalapeno and bell pepper then stir together. Cook until all vegetables are tender. Add in the cooked rice and kidney beans, stir and cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the seasonings and sauces, then cook for about 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. Serve and enjoy!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Colcannon Mashed Potatoes
Serve up a bowl of good luck with this Colcannon Mashed Potato recipe. This St. Patrick’s Day favorite features WIC-approved vegetables like potatoes, cabbage and milk. It’s sure to be a hit with your family this St. Patrick’s Day and all year long.
COLCANNON MASHED POTATOES
3 large russet potatoes, cut into chunks
7 tbsp butter
⅓ head of cabbage, shredded
2 tbsp garlic, minced
4 stalks of green onion, sliced
1 cup milk
Salt, pepper, garlic powder – to taste
Cut 3 large russet potatoes into chunks and add to a large pot of water with salt. Boil until fork tender then strain the potatoes in a colander. In the same large pot, add about 4 tbsp of butter and melt. Add in shredded cabbage, green onion, and garlic then stir. Cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 10 minutes. Add in the potato chunks, mash with a fork, and stir. Add in the milk ½ cup at a time, along with 2 more tbsp of butter, and stir thoroughly. Add in salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Top with a slice of butter and enjoy!