Cook Dry Beans in 3 Easy Steps:
❁ Sort and Rinse - Sort to remove stones, seeds or damaged beans. Rinse well to remove dust.
❁ Fresh corn has the best flavor and the lowest price when it is in season during the summer in your local area.
❁ Farm stands and farmers markets usually have corn that was picked that day. Corn is usually best when eaten shortly after picking.
Sweet corn - sweeter and less starchy than field corn. Sweet corn is available fresh, frozen or canned and can be yellow, white or bicolor (a mix of yellow and white kernels on the same cob).
❁ Refrigerate fresh corn in the husk when possible. Although corn is best when eaten soon after picking, newer varieties keep their flavor and texture for up to a week or longer.
When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it.
Show kids how to :
❁ pull the husk and silk off the corn.
❁measure ingredients.
❁wash vegetables under cool running water.
❁ For eating fresh, choose table grapes. They have thinner skins and are sweet and juicy. Grapes grown for juice or wine have thicker skins and much more sugar.
❁ Look for firm, plump grapes that are firmly attached to green, flexible stems.
❁ Depending on the variety of grape, raisins (dried grapes) become dark brown or golden.
❁ Look for tightly-sealed containers or covered bulk bins. Raisins should feel soft and pliable.
❁ Store raisins in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.
■ Leave grapes on the stem but remove any grapes that are shriveled, brown, or moldy.
When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:
❁ rinse grapes under cool running water.
❁ cut grapes in half or smaller to reduce the chance of choking.
❁ Look for a date on the package to help you know how soon to use it.
❁ Milk sold in larger cartons and jugs is usually cheaper per ounce. Buy only the amount you can use before it spoils, or plan to freeze any extra.
❁ Powdered milk may cost the least.
