Love At First Sight – Cheese and Zucchini

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

By Diane Ruyack

You are invited to a marriage!  Love at first sight, Cheese and zucchini go together like…..

All squashes, including zucchini, originated in the Americas. Archaeologists have found evidence of zucchini in Mexico as early as 7000 BC. Ancient Central Americans ate a diet rich in corn, beans and squash, a combination known today as “the three sisters.” When European explorers conquered the region in the 1500s, they brought back exotic foods from the New World, including zucchini.

Celebrate with Flavor

By DeDe Hausmann

The folks at Wellcat.com are at it again.  They must love to celebrate for they’ve created many special days for our calendars.  On August 29^th, they want us to really look at foods we prepare with salt (sodium) and substitute herbs for that spice.  We all need to reduce our sodium intakes for better health!!

New School Lunch Rules

By Mary Nicholson

Aah, back to school time.  I always got a kick out of the Staples commercial where the family is shopping for back to school supplies, and the parents are smiling and frolicking while “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plays.  And of course, the kids are sulking and looking unhappy.  I’m not sure that’s so typical these days, but there’s still a change in dynamics when it’s time to go back to school.

A Day Gone to the Dogs- National Dog Day

Gunther

August 26^th – A day that has gone to the dogs! It is National Dog Day! This is a special day for dogs and dog lovers that is celebrated annually in the United States. I am an animal lover and especially love dogs. Gunther, my dog who should have his own reality show, has provided me with so much happiness.

He also causes me a little stress. He likes to get into the trash, ignores me when I say ‘Gunther come!’, eats whatever he can get is grubby little paws on, and the list goes on and on. He also will only eat his dog food if it is mixed with cottage cheese. I don’t blame him, because I do love cottage cheese plus it’s high in protein and calcium. (But he doesn’t know that- he is just being difficult.)

This little brown 30 pound ball of fur is a handful. This is one of the many reasons why I have an immense respect for dairy farmers. Not only does the average Indiana dairy farmer take care of  100 + cows that weigh about 1400 pounds a piece, they help produce a wholesome product for the Hoosier state! A dairy cow helps feed the world. Gunther eats my shoes.

What he does provide is great companionship and happens to be a great motivator to go for a run or walk. After all, dogs are man’s best friend, right? If you need a couple more reasons to have a dog let me rattle off some for you:

• If you drop food on the floor- they will clean it right up!
• They are always happy to see you.
• They listen and provide unconditional love.
• They help teach responsibility.

If you have always wanted to adopt a dog but just never found the right time to do so – today is the day!

Don’t Miss the 3rd Annual Dig IN

By Michelle Plummer

The third annual Dig IN event is Sunday, August 26 from Noon until 5:00 pm!  This could be the best sampling of wonderful Indiana agriculture you will find! Dig IN spotlights food grown by Indiana farmers and prepared by local chefs doing their best to promote and entice Hoosiers on the bounty at our fingertips daily.

FUTP60: The New Year Begins!

Wil Hampton from the Colts interviews Mt. Healthy Elementary’s Nathan Fairchild, FUTP60 School Ambassador

Back to school time also means a fresh start to Fuel Up to Play 60! So what’s new? Here are a few things that Program Advisors AND students can use:

For Program Advisors: The Competition Stadium

• New! Kick off Fuel Up to Play 60 with a friendly competition in your school! Visit your Dashboard at FuelUpToPlay60.com and enter “The Stadium” for great ideas and guidance on how to start a Fuel Up to Play 60 competition in your school.
• Want to get your students excited about the new school year and about Fuel Up to Play 60? Start a competition in your school! Challenge another grade or classroom to see who tracks more days or to see how many badges are earned over a time period you control! It’s all at your fingers tips in The Stadium, available on all Program Advisor Dashboards at FuelUpToPlay60.com

Don’t Miss Your Last Chance To See The Indiana State Fair Year of Dairy Cows!

By Kimmi Devaney

If you haven’t been to the Indiana State Fair yet this year you still have a few more days to join in the fun.  Wherever you go on the fairgrounds you are bound to learn more about why milk is good for you, how dairy farmers take care of their animals and land, and why dairy is good for the economy. There is fun at every turn!

Cow Jokes for ‘Tell a Joke Day’

By Kimmi Devaney

Did you know that August 16 is ‘Tell a Joke Day’? Since it is the Year of Dairy Cows at the Indiana State Fair (going on now through the 19^th), I went searching for some cow and milk jokes that might brighten your day. I found some written by elementary school students that are pretty good. Enjoy these with a creamy milkshake, scrumptious grilled cheese sandwich, fresh glass of milk or your dairy product of choice.

Panini Anyone?

By DeDe Hausmann

August is National Panini Month and if you haven’t tried a PANINI, you are missing out! Get out of the sandwich rut and try a PANINI.  It can be very healthy if you make it with whole grain bread or rolls, a lean protein such as cooked beef, pork, poultry or fish, veggies and fruits (yes I said fruits), low-fat cheese, and whatever other goodies you choose to add.  Do note that nutrient-rich cheese in a Panini is very important for as the cheese melts, the flavors of the other ingredients come alive!!!

National S’mores Day!

By Diane Ruyack

What is oooey, gooey and is made usually out of doors?  What delicious white beverage goes with this decadent treat?  We all want some more s’mores and milk around the fire. August 10 is always National S’More Day! This holiday is for honoring and enjoying the fun, delicious and messy fireside snack called s’mores. A s’more is a traditional campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a slab of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.