Nutrition Matters – March 2021
go.ncsu.edu/readext?778784
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲Holiday Meal on a Budget: In the weeks and months leading up to a holiday it can be hard to figure out where you are going to find the time and money for gifts, activities, and festive food. With friends, family and co-workers telling you what they are preparing to do for the holidays it can be tempting to copy their plan, even when you have different financial situations. With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, think of how to make a plan that may be uniquely yours. One that fits your needs, budget, and your unique expression.
You can experiment making a delicious meal that is cost efficient. Cooking at home has many benefits compared to eating out. Here are a few benefits to be mindful of:
- It costs less to cook at home and you won’t overspend on adding an appetizer or dessert.
- You can control what ingredients you buy and can choose healthier options.
- You can use your SNAP dollars towards buying groceries for your special meal, rather than spending from your “eating out” budget or funds dedicated to another purpose.
Spinach is one of the few vegetables that is in season during March in North Carolina. The recipe below can be prepared for less than the minimum monthly FNS/SNAP benefit ($15). Try this Italian Spinach and Chicken recipe for St Patrick’s Day this year:
Italian Spinach and Chicken Recipe: Prep time: 5 minutes, Cooking time: 30 minutes and Makes: 7 cups
Shopping List: 1-24 oz jar tomato paste: $0.88, 3 pounds chicken breast at $1.98/lb: $5.94, 1-package frozen spinach: $1.00, 1-16 oz. bag shredded mozzarella cheese: $2.77, 12 count bag of rolls: $1.98. Total: $12.57
Pantry Staples: Salt (26 oz): $0.36, Pepper (3 oz): $2.68 Tip: Space out buying pantry staples over the course of a month so that you don’t go over your budget for any one week.
Ingredients: 1 cup tomato pasta sauce, 1 pound chicken breast cut or pounded into 1/2 inch thick slices, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper, 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained or 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour 1/2 cup of pasta sauce in a large baking dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken and add to the dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup of pasta sauce, spinach and mozzarella. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is no longer pink inside and cheese begins to turn brown. Refrigerate leftovers with 2 hours. Warm the bread in the oven when your dish has about 10 minutes left to cook. Enjoy spending less and saving money on your holiday meal!
For additional foods, health and nutrition information contact Shelina Bonner, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Greene County Center at (252) 747-5831.