Quick, Easy Family Meal Features Whole Grains
Whole grains are a great source of nutrition. Texas WIC features several approved-foods that offer whole grains. This recipe for Pasta with Peas from the “staff favorites” from the Whole Grain Council is a super easy, quick meal that can be made in 15 minutes for the entire family. Find more recipes like this one on their website.
Pasta with Peas
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup frozen peas
12 ounces whole wheat pasta
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and break linguini in half and cook according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, combine the eggs and cheese in a small bowl, beat, and set aside. Put peas in a strainer, rinse under hot water, and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté for several minutes, until it softens. Add the peas to the skillet and cook for about one minute longer.
Drain the pasta and add to the skillet. Toss gently to mix. Create a well in the center, add the eggs and cheese, and cook until they are starting to firm up. Toss with the pasta and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Recipe Spotlight Using WIC Foods
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be spotlighting several recipes you can make in your kitchen. This one, “A Simple Mexican Salad” is from the USDA website and came from the Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service. It’s a refreshing salad with a little bite. It’s cool and refreshing flavors are very comforting.
A Simple Mexican Salad
Chili powder and lime juice are the secret ingredients in this cucumber and orange salad.
2 cucumbers
2 oranges
1 lemon or lime (the juice)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wash the cucumbers, oranges and lemon or lime under cold running water. Slice the cucumbers. Peel and cut the oranges into small pieces. Place cucumber slices and orange pieces in a medium size bowl. Add chili powder, lemon or lime juice and salt.
Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any Lone Star Family Market. There are 7 locations in Austin, Round Rock + San Marcos.
Let’s Celebrate Whole Grains!
September is Whole Grains Month!
Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. Texas WIC food packages also include whole grains, including brown rice, whole wheat bread and tortillas, corn tortillas, oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta.
Health experts recommend including whole grains in our diets because they can help “reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity,” according to the Oldways Whole Grains Council.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. If you’re like most people, you’re not getting enough whole grains — so see how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.
Grains can be either whole or refined. Whole grains have the entire grain kernel, and include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal and brown rice to name a few. Refined grains remove fiber, iron and some vitamins. Examples include white flour, bread and rice.
In honor of whole grains month, here is a recipe to try:
Whole-Grain Tuna Rice Cakes
1 can tuna, undrained
2 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 Tbsp finely chopped oniona
1 slice of whole wheat bread, shredded or crumbled
Dash or two of ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna with its liquid, rice, celery, onion, bread and pepper. Stir in the eggs and mix well. Form mixture into 4 patties using about ¼ cup mix for each. Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add patties and brown on each side. Enjoy!
Get all your WIC foods at Lone Star Family Market in one easy stop. Lone Star Family Market is a chain of grocery stores that caters to WIC clients. There are 7 locations in Austin + Round Rock + San Marcos. Visit today!
Easy, Fast Breakfast Or Snack With WIC Foods
Seems like we are always in a rush. Looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack? This one is perfect for you or your littles. It is made using only WIC foods: cereal, peaches and yogurt. Add a little dash of cinnamon for extra taste.
PEACH PARFAIT
1 cup Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds (or any WIC cereal of your choice) 
1 snack size peach cup
1 cup of peach yogurt
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Pour ½ cup of cereal in a cup. Smear ½ cup of yogurt on top of cereal. Add ½ of the peach cup on top. Repeat layers of cereal, yogurt and peach cup. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
GET MORE SNACKS USING WIC FOODS
Get these and all your other WIC foods at Lone Star Family Market, a grocery store chain that caters to WIC clients. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you here.