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CLAY COUNTY CENTER
NOVEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER |
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AG DAY AND TRACTOR PARADE 2024 |
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USDA Disaster Assistance Programs |
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After a natural disaster, the USDA is one source of aid for impacted farmers. The USDA offers disaster assistance for livestock, farmland damage, crop loss, and farm loans. |
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NC Small Ruminant
Improvement Program
Winter Webinar Series |
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All About Apples Youth Cooking Series |
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Clay Countyβs Youth 4-H Program, in collaboration with Family and Consumer Science Agents, hosted an engaging All About Apples Cooking Series for youth ages 5-18 throughout October. The series took place in the Clay County Centerβs Community Room Kitchen, offering
hands-on experiences focused on essential cooking skills such as kitchen safety, cutting, measuring, baking, and canning. |
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TIPS FOR TIMING YOUR HOLIDAY MEAL |
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Keeping Foods Safe in a Slow Cooker |
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Do your cooking methods and equipment change with the seasons? Backyard grilling (or in my case, back porch grilling) is one of the most popular summer cooking methods. Nothing says summer fun better than the smell of a smoky grill, cooking up some burgers or BBQ chicken for dinner or a picnic. Now that the temperatures are falling and Autumn is in the air, there is just something about needing comfort foods that only a slow cooker can provide. From hearty soups and stews to pot roasts, vegetables and slow cooked desserts, there is a plethora of slow cooker recipes to choose from. In addition to satisfying those cold weather cravings, a meal prepared in a slow cooker saves time. After a long day of work and running the kids to piano lessons or basketball practice, coming home to the smell of a pot roast with yummy vegetables simmering in the slow cooker does a mommaβs heart good. Cook up a few quick sides of whole grain rice, cinnamon applesauce and a dinner roll and wah-lah, a home cooked meal is served in less than 20 minutes! |
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NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL SWEETPOTATO AWARENESS MONTH! |
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Did you know sweetpotatoes are the state vegetable of North Carolina, and that our state grows about 60% of the sweetpotatoes grown in the US?
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Benefits of Sweetpotatoes:
- VITAMIN A When eaten with the skin on, one medium sweetpotato contains over 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, which plays a role in vision, bone development and immune function. For maximum absorption of vitamin A, be sure to pair your sweetpotato with foods that contain some fat β such as a pat of butter or avocado. Sources β NCBI: Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System; Science Direct: Carotenoids and Ξ²-carotene in orange fleshed sweetpotato: A possible solution to vitamin A deficiency
- FIBER Sweetpotatoes are a good source of fiber, which can contribute to feelings of satiety, or feeling βfullβ and can aid in digestion, by helping to help keep you regular. Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, and some types of cancer (a disease associated with many factors). A medium sweetpotato baked in its skin has 4 grams of fiber, more than a packet of instant oatmeal. Sources β Nutritionfacts.org: Where Do You Get Your Fiber? ; Science Direct: Individual differences in the interoceptive states of hunger, fullness and thirst.
- POTASSIUM Sweetpotatoes contain potassium. Diets containing foods that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Source β Nutritionfacts.org: 98% of American Diets Potassium-Deficient.
- CARBOHYDRATES Sweetpotatoes are made of complex carbohydrates that are released at a steady pace for a constant source of energy, so no sugar highs or lows to worry about. Source β American Heart Association, Inc.: Carbohydrates
- CALORIES A medium sweetpotato (approximately 2 inches in diameter and 5 inches in length) contains about 100 calories when baked in the skin. Source β USDA: Basic Report: 11508, Sweetpotato, cooked, baked in skin, flesh, without salt
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Smashed Sweetpotatoes with Browned Butter, Parmesan, Bacon & Sage |
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Ingredients
- 4 medium sweetpotatoes sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
- kosher salt and pepper
- 8 slices bacon diced
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar firmly packed
- Β½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp. fresh sage leaves chopped
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Servings. 8. Calories227 kcal |
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425Β° F degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine sweetpotato slices and olive oil. Toss to coat. Place slices on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an even layer. Sprinkle each slice, top and bottom with kosher salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes. Flip and continue roasting for another 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- While sweetpotatoes are baking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from skillet to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat stirring occasionally. Watch carefully so it doesnβt burn. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter begins to give off a nutty aroma and begins to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When sweetpotatoes are done baking, remove from oven. Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the potato rounds, keeping skin intact. Brush each round with browned butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar. Return to the oven to bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan, bacon and sage leaves. Serve warm.
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Master Gardener Volunteer Interest Meeting |
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Are you interested in becoming a better gardener? How about giving back to your community? Then, join us to learn more about the Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers and how you can become one! |
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Autumn
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Well, I am afraid that fog mists seem to be the only moisture we are to receive this season. Itβs been an βall or nothingβ year of rainfall! That surely puts a crimp in utilizing this perfect planting season unless you are dedicated and have the capacity to water on a regular basis. If you are, then plant away! |
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OPERATION SAVE CHRISTMAS! |
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - Clay County Center, 25 Riverside Cir, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States
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