Baked Apples & Squash

Baked Apples & Squash

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups winter squash cubes
  • 2 cups apple cubes
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until squash is soft.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try adding chopped nuts or seeds.
  • Recipe adapted from Nutrition Matters.

Photo & Recipe Source: https://www.foodhero.org/recipes/baked-apples-and-squash

“Why I’m In…” An Interview with Neal Lemery, Writer & Community Volunteer

“Why I’m In…” An Interview with Neal Lemery, Writer & Community Volunteer

What drew you to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?

I worked in the legal profession where I saw so many situations that called for vibrant and accessible community health services.  After I retired, I volunteered a lot in the community, focusing on improving connections and services with under-served populations. I’ve mentored a number of young people in prison and others in need of emotional support.  Our community is in great need of services that connect people with each other on a personal heart-to-heart level and with essential resources. One day I volunteered at the Homeless Connect event, and saw firsthand the stark disparity of basic health services and human connection, and the need to inform the community on our many social and health needs.  I’m a writer, so I have tried to increase that awareness through the telling and sharing of personal stories and available resources. The Wellness program is “boots on the ground” and focuses on actions that are evidence-based and effective.

What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work? 

There’s an increased awareness of individual education and responsibility, of taking small yet significant steps to change lifestyles, to be pro-active, and to work collectively for social change on a community level. I’m interested in not just physical health changes, but also mental health action steps and services, serving everyone.  “It takes a village” has become an accepted attitude in the community. The Wellness project has brought about an effective gathering of like-minded people who know how to get things accomplished. 

What have you learned from being involved in this work?

As Margaret Mead said, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”

 What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you?  

I need to understand more about the role of trauma in our lives and in our work. Our individual and collective response to emotional and physical trauma is an overarching force in our lives, and we all need healthy tools to respond and heal.  We need more trauma-informed care. Our schools are working on that, and we need to follow their lead.

What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County

I’ve been empowered and I realize that a small group of impassioned, committed people can change community attitudes and provide a collective and effective response to long term problems. Most solutions are found in small communities, and we can effectively work together to make a difference.  The Wellness group doesn’t take “no” for an answer, and keeps exploring and implementing innovative, creative solutions.  This work gives me hope and is an empowering positive force in our community. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Each member of the community matters. We each have something to offer. There is an enormous need for mentorship, and we underestimate the power of empathic, one-on-one relationships to change and heal lives.

Zucchini Zowie

Zucchini Zowie

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  3. Slice zucchini into rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Spread zucchini slices in a pie pan and pour tomatoes and juice over the top.
  4. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and cheese over zucchini.
  5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes:

  • Try other seasonings such as onion powder, oregano or basil.
  • Use 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.

Photo and Recipe Source: https://foodhero.org/recipes/zucchini-zowie

Fresh Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Basil

Fresh Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Basil

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 small ears of corn (silks and husks removed)
  • ¾ cup of grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (chopped)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the corn, reduce heat to medium, and cook, covered, 8 minutes, or until tender-crisp when pierced with a fork. Drain in colander and run under cold water to cool quickly.
  2. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Cut the corn off the cobb and add to the tomato mixture. Toss gently until well blended.

Source: The Diabetes Carb Control Cookbook. https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/fresh-corn-salad-with-tomatoes-and-basil.html

Recipe Credit: Nancy Hughes.

Photo Credit: Kelly Campbell.

Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup square-type whole grain cereal
  • 1 cup o-type whole grain cereal
  • 1 cup puff-type whole grain cereal
  • 1 cup dried fruit of your choice
  • 1 cup small pretzels
  • ½ cup small nuts*

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Set out a bowl of each ingredient with a serving spoon.
  3. Let guests add a spoon of each ingredient to a plastic bag or other container. Shake to mix. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Peanuts and other small foods that are round are easy for your preschooler to choke on when swallowing them. Have your child eat at the table, or at least while sitting down.
  • Always watch your child while he or she eats.
  • Try adding popcorn, plain or seasoned, as another whole grain ingredient.

Photo and recipe source: https://www.foodhero.org/recipes/do-it-yourself-trail-mix