Back to School Smoothie

Although the calendar still says it's summer, the relaxed summer schedule is coming to an end  as the first day of school is approaching rapidly for families everywhere.  Even though my boys are no longer in school, I don't think I will ever forget those first of the school year moments of excitement mixed with a little anxiety.

 We often struggled with returning to routine bedtime hours and making sure breakfast was not traded for an extra minute in bed! It's been shown that breakfast is a brain booster and an  important part of the school success equation.   To help ease into the schedule, you may want to offer a Fruity Splash Smoothie as part of the breakfast routine.

You can find more Back to School nutrition tips and nutritious recipes  at DairyMakesSense. 

Fruity Splash Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup fat-free milk
5 to 7 large unsweetened frozen strawberries
1 medium banana,cut into chunks
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth and creamy. Pour in glasses.

Servings: 2

Substitution Idea:
For frozen fruit pops, pour leftover smoothie into small plastic cups. Cover cups with plastic wrap; insert stick and freeze.

Back to School Breakfast

A protein packed dairy and egg  Back to School breakfast is a winning combination for any student or  hard working parent. I'm thinking even an old dairy farmer might enjoy this recipe!

Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwich

Ingredients:

2 frozen round waffles (4 inch)
1 egg, beaten
1 slice co-Jack or American cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Place waffles on baking sheet.

Spoon egg over waffles, spreading to fill cavities. Bake in 400 degree oven until egg is set and waffles are crisp, 10-12 minutes.

Top one waffle with cheese. Cover with remaining waffle and press together. Let stand 1 minute to allow cheese to melt.

Helpful hint: For more servings, multiply ingredients by the number of sandwiches desired. Use a second baking sheet if needed.

You can find more Back to School recipes at Incredible Egg or Dairy Makes Sense.

Back to School Breakfast Tips

 

If you're getting back into the school moood this week,  make sure to include breakfast every day as part of the formula for your child's  success.

 

Midwest Dairy Registered Dietician Stephanie Cundith developed these  5 quick tips to help families incorporate a nutrient-rich breakfast into the morning routine:

1. Stock a mom-approved breakfast bowl with grab-and-go nutritious foods, like cereal, yogurt, string cheese, and fruit.
2. Mix it up! Mix oatmeal with milk instead of water. Or, use yogurt to whip up a smoothie or build a parfait for a simple kid-friendly breakfast that can be enjoyed at home or on the go.
3. Break breakfast boredom by thinking outside the cereal box. Consider eating lunch, dinner or snack foods like a ham and cheese sandwich, pizza or Rainbow Fruit and Cheese Kabobs.
4. Role model good breakfast behavior. When kids see breakfast is a priority for adults, they will be more likely to eat it themselves.
5. Take advantage of the School Breakfast Program, which supplies 25 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowances of nutrients that a child needs.

 

                                  You can find helpful Back to School nutrition information at

                                                                         Dairy Makes Sense.

                                                   

August Green

                               Did you ever see a color in the crayon box called August Green?

 If I were naming a crayon color for this school season, the green of our pastures and fields could be  called August Green. The normal  farm August color  in Northwest Arkansas is typically a burnt to the crisp brown color so--- it's easy to love August Green!  As I watched our Holstein  cows walking through the pasture to the milk barn for the evening milking, it was quite a beautiful sight.

 

Even though I won't get to name any color in the crayon box, I do have the awesome privilege of working every day  to produce high-quality nutritious milk for you and your family to enjoy at home and at school!