Healthier Holiday Meal
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent, Family and Community Health Agent, [email protected]
The upcoming holiday season is rapidly approaching. This is usually the time of year when we overindulge on our food choices. However, holiday meals can be made healthier without any significant difference in taste by using some basic recipes substitutions of alterations. Dr. Jenna Anding, Specialist in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at College Station, reiterates what I have taught in my diabetes classes.
- Reducing fat, sugar, and calories in traditional recipes: If a recipe calls for a cup of sugar, try using three-fourths or two-thirds of a cup. If it calls for a half-cup of oil, shortening, or other fat, try one-third cup instead. For recipes using cheese, milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, or mayonnaise, use reduced-fat versions instead. And mashed potatoes taste great with defatted broth instead of butter. This reduces both fat and calories. Modifying a complicated recipe may not always produce the desired texture, so test it on family or close friends before going “all in” on a holiday meal.
- Keeping traditional holiday foods nutritious: A sweet potato contains fiber as well as vitamins A & C. A medium-sized baked sweet potato contains about 100 calories, but many people add sugar, butter, marshmallows, and other ingredients which really ups the calorie count. Opt for just a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon for a healthier solution. Fresh cranberries contain phytonutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties that can promote health and may reduce the risk of disease. Adding fresh cranberries to salads and baked items such as muffins and cookies adds a little extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cooking methods for healthier eating: You may leave the skin on the turkey during cooking and then remove the skin before serving to reduce overall fat content. For holiday vegetable dishes, steaming vegetables brings out the flavor without adding extra fat. Adding herbs and spices instead of salt can add flavor without upping the sodium content.
Even with healthier ingredients and preparation techniques, it is important to show restraint when eating holiday meals. You can expect to take in some extra calories during the holidays, but try to plan accordingly so you can keep your calories in check. While you’re enjoying the holiday season, don’t forget to schedule in some type of physical activity to help burn off those extra calories!
Hot Fruit Compote
(Serves 12)
Ingredients:
- 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
- 15-ounce can peach slices, drained
- 15-ounce can sliced pears, drained
- ¼ cup butter
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 10 maraschino cherries (optional)
Directions:
- Heat oven to 375ᵒ F
- Combine fruit in a 1 ½ quart casserole.
- In saucepan, combine the rest of the ingredients, except the maraschino cherries. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted.
- Pour over fruit; bake 25 minutes until heated. If desired, garnish with cherries and serve.
Note: I also like to add slivered almonds for a little crunch and protein!
Closing Thought
Opportunities are never lost – someone will take the ones you miss. – Andy Rooney
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Grocery Supply Company Enterprises, Inc. Held its 34th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
On October 31, GSC Enterprises, Inc. held its 34th annual charity golf tournament at The Tribute and Old American Golf Club in The Colony, TX. The company raised $90,000.00 that was presented to six local and regional charities. These charities included Morgan’s Mercy Mansion, Lake Country Casa, Child Advocacy Center, Community Chest, and The SSISD Education Foundation.
Morgan’s Mercy Mansion: Not pictured
Lake Country CASA: Amy Glenn
SSISD Education Foundation: Ryan McKenzie
Community Chest: Heather White & Cathy McElroy
GSC: Michael Williams, John Prickette, Ryan McKenzie, David Burns, Rob Cody
Greater Emmanuel MBC Presents Friends and Family Day November 6th
Send-Off Planned For State-Bound Wildcat Band
A send-off is planned Nov. 8 for the state-bound Wildcat Band, who will be providing a Community Performance of the show which has earned recognition at several competitions last month.
First, the Sulphur Springs Wildcat Band invites the community to “Come Fly With Us” at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. This is a great opportunity for local fans to catch the Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band in the students’ final home performance at Gerald Prim Stadium before heading off to state.
Then, those who wish to show their support for the Wildcat Band are invited to meet in the SSHS student parking lot at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, to give the band a big send-off with well wishes. Encouraging posters, signs, cheering and clapping are encouraged as the band bus departs for San Antonio.
The SSHS Wildcat Band is then slated to take the Alamodome field at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, to perform in the preliminary round of competition at the UIL State Marching Competition in San Antonio. The top teams will then advance to the finals to compete for the state marching title.
These musician have been working since summer, striving to get better with each performance, on their show.
The Wildcat Band advanced to state first by earning straight first division ratings from all judges at the District UIL Marching Contest, then by finishing second at the UIL Area Marching contest.
They hope the most recent improvements will allow them to “fly” atop the state marching list.
NOTICE OF SCHEDULE CHANGES
- SSHS Administrative Assistant Johna Shipley Friday morning noted that the Wildcat Band will still be in San Antonio on Veteran’s Day so SSHS’ annual Veteran’s Day program has been moved to Monday, November 14.
- Absences for students who wish to attend the Wildcat Band’s state performance in San Antonio on Wednesday and Thursday will be excused as well.
A Pizza Party at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
PIZZA PARTY
Students were treated to a pizza party at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus recently. Enjoying their share of the pizza were June Busby, Vivyan Muniz and Maci Wright.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
City Council Agrees To 4-Way Stop At College, Jackson, Franklin Drive Intersection
Sulphur Springs City Council approved a resolution reconfiguring the College Street, Jackson Street and J.D. Drive intersection into a 4-way stop and considered on first reading a proposal to amend a traffic ordinance regarding the speed limit on Mockingbird Lane.
Intersection Resolution
The City is getting ready to open up the first phase of the reconstructed College Street, and is nearing the completion of the intersection of Jackson Street and J.D. Franklin Drive at College Street. All new sidewalks are being constructed along College Street to provide a network of sidewalks from downtown along College Street, east toward Interstate 30. Prior to the current project, sidewalks were missing from sections of College Street, and there were only stop signs on Jackson Street and J.D. Franklin Drive.
Although the contractor was scheduled to construct several driveway approaches on College Street, the decision was made for the City of Sulphur Springs Capital Construction Division to construct the intersection at College Street at Jackson Street, adding brick crosswalks and squaring it up. That, the city manager noted, is too complicated for the contractor to do, so the contractor signed a deductive change of order.
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski asked the City Council at the Nov. 1 meeting to approve a Resolution No. 1318 authorizing four-way stop signage at the intersection of College with Jackson Street and J.D. Franklin Drive.
The red brick brick crosswalk will be red to signify a pedestrian crosswalk at that busy intersection. With the crosswalk, Niewiadomski recommended that stop signs be installed on College Street for pedestrian safety. Stop signs would required motorists to stop for safety of any pedestrians that may be walking along that street of city roadway.
Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash made a proposal, which Place 7 Councilman seconded, approving Resolution No. 1318, allowing the four-way stop signs to be put into place. The City Council unanimously agreed, allowing the City Capital Construction personnel to begin on the project.
Proposed Speed Ordinance
The City Council also was asked to consider on first reading an Ordinance amending section 25-35 in Chapter 25 in the city’s Code of Ordinances, which would set a prima facie sped limit on Mockingbird Lane from East Shannon Road to Posey Lane.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson presented data collected during a speed survey of Mockingbird Lane, conducted after a City Council member asked him to look into the speed limit on the city street between the Interstate 30 south service road and State Highway 11 east. The councilman had indicated that traffic through that area sometimes backed up, creating traffic congestion in the area at times. A speeding profile was developed by placing a machine that gauges speed of motorists as each vehicle passed it. Information was also pulled from police records regarding traffic crashes at that location.
Essentially, using Texas Department of Transportation guides, the study showed the average vehicle was traveling at 33 to 34 mile per hour. Of the more than 61,000 vehicles that passed the trailer with radar, 85% were rolling at speeds just over the current 30 mph speed limit for Mockingbird Lane, but under 35 mph. Based on the occupation along that stretch of roadway, which is heavily populated, has a primary school and restaurants and a shopping center, city official said even without a posted limit. The average person would reasonably slow down to that speed to accommodate the traffic and pedestrians in the area.
City officials have over the past 10 years responded to four major and one fatal crash, and 69 minor crashes.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins made a motion to approve on first reading Ordinance No. 2819 setting the speed limit at 35 mph on that stretch of Mockingbird Lane, which would still be safe for those in the area.
The school zone would not be impacted, as the school speed limit would still be enforced just as it is during peak school hours.
Place 2 Councilman Nash noted while 30 seemed slow, it should not be 45 mph either. He then seconded Spraggins’ motion to approve the ordinance amendment setting the speed limit at 35 mph. The motion received unanimous approval of the City Council.
The ordinance is expected to be presented again at the December City Council meeting for second reading. In order for Ordinance 2819 to become official, the City Council will be required to approve it on second and what at that time would be final reading at a future meeting.
Steak with Brandon Williams
Steak is the tuxedo of meats… pair that up with a ThermoPro Instant-Read Thermometer, Lighter Cubes, and 2 hours with Brandon Williams, and you have the making for a made-for-TV movie.
This unique culinary opportunity will be up for grabs going to the highest bidder at the Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction November 19th, 2022. Bid early bid often.
RECALL: Issue With “Gluten Free” Labeling on Cedar Creek Popcorn Box Containing Gluten
Cedar Creek Popcorn of Sac City, Iowa is recalling its 18 oz. Old-Fashioned Caramel Holiday Popcorn Box because the side of the box features a Gluten Free claim when there are elements with gluten contained in the product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Cedar Creek’s 18 oz. Old-Fashioned Caramel Holiday Popcorn Box was distributed nationwide at Tractor Supply Company stores. It carries a UPC code of 025606000612.
The product comes in a cardboard box – photographs follow this release. All lots and dates of manufacture are included in the recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The recall was initiated because the Gluten Free claim on the side of the packaging did not match with the product’s ingredient label and allergen information. Procedures are being put in place to assure that food safety issues are taken into consideration for the design and approval of all future packaging.
The product has been removed from sale at Tractor Supply Company stores.
Consumers who have purchased this product and would like a refund, or that have questions regarding this recall can contact the company at 319-573-7409, Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00pm CST.
Week 5: Hopkins County United Way At $107,507, Leaving $42,500 Of Goal To Raise
With just one week remaining in the 2022-2023 fundraising campaign, Hopkins County United Way remains $42,492.92 shy of the $150,000 campaign goal, which benefits 18 local nonprofit agencies serving Hopkins County residents of all ages and segments of the community.
The community generously contributed another $37,325.29 in donations to the 2022-2023 campaign over the past week, bringing the total received so far to $107,507.08 as of the campaign workers report meeting Tuesday.
HCUW has one more campaign workers meeting, at which campaign officials hope to close out the 2022-2023 campaign. All campaign workers who are able are encouraged to attend, what hopefully will be a celebration in meeting the $150,000 goal to provide funding as allocated for 18 agencies.
[Click HERE to see HCUW 2022-2023 campaign allocations and recipient agencies]
Campaign workers are reminded to follow up on an outstanding donation packets so that those donations can be counted toward the 2022-2023 campaign.
While most campaign donations and pledges are made through workplaces and civic organizations, anyone who is not contributing through one of the traditional channels may still make a contribution to help support HCUW. They can even be made in memory or honor or memory of a loved one, friend, mentor or someone of importance.
Check donations may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way campaign headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made by debit or credit card or PayPal on the Hokins County United Way website, hcuw.org, by clicking “Make a Donation”, or via the Hopkins County United Way Facebook Page by clicking “Shop on Website.”
Campaign workers who have received packets but are not able to attend the weekly meeting can contact HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning by phone or text message at 903-243-4066, or by email, to arrange to get the pledges and contributions to her, contact Glass or drop them by Landers Creek Outfitters on Main Street.
The final campaign workers report meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office. However, instead of meeting on Tuesday as usual, the last HCUW report meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.
AG: Agreement In Principle Reached In Opioid Settlement With CVS Pharmacy
Texas to Receive $276 million Under Proposed Deal
An agreement in principle has been reached with CVS Pharmacy for its role in the nationwide opioid epidemic. Under the $5.034 billion multistate settlement, more than $276 million will be designated for Texas. The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement with opioid distributors that was executed in July 2021, according to Texas Attorney General’s Office.
“Millions of Americans have died or are sick due to the opioid epidemic. While significant work remains, a broad coalition of states reached certain terms with CVS, and we are hopeful that we will be able to reach a final agreement on all terms,” Texas Attorney General Paxton said. “Pharmaceutical companies that have been at the root of the problem must be involved in not only changing their business practices to keep this tragic epidemic from taking more lives in the future, but also by providing treatment for those currently still struggling with opioid addiction.”
This agreement is the latest opioid settlement negotiated for Texas. With the addition of the CVS funds, General Paxton will have secured over $2.37 billion for Texas from Allergan, Mallinckrodt, Teva, Endo, Johnson & Johnson, and McKinsey & Company distributors.
Texas’ AG worked closely on these negotiations with the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, the news release from Paxton’s office stated.
