Delicious, Nutritious, And Easy: Canned Hominy Recipes

As a busy mom, it’s important to find nutritious, easy-to-make meals that your family will love. One great WIC-approved food to add to your shopping list is canned hominy.

Hominy is known for its versatility and ability to add both flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes. Canned hominy is particularly convenient since it’s already cooked and ready to use, which makes meal prep a breeze. It’s high in fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients—making it a great choice for your family’s health. Plus, its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it perfect for a variety of traditional dishes with a twist.

Let’s dive into a few simple, delicious recipes using canned hominy that you and your family will love, all while staying within your WIC food options.

Looking for a way to kick off your day with something nutritious and satisfying? This breakfast skillet featuring hominy is a delicious and hearty option that will keep everyone energized.

Hominy Breakfast Skillet

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

4 eggs

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.

Sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the hominy and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and crisp up.

Crack the eggs directly into the skillet, scrambling them into the hominy and vegetables.

Once the eggs are cooked through, sprinkle the dish with shredded cheese and let it melt.

Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Serve hot for a filling breakfast.

 

Hominy and Bean Tacos

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

1 can of black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Lime wedges (optional)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.

Sauté the onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the hominy, beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until heated through.

Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.

Spoon the hominy and bean mixture into the tortillas.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tip: These tacos can be customized with any toppings your family enjoys, such as salsa, avocado, or cheese.

A warm, comforting soup is perfect for any time of year, and this hominy soup is both filling and nutritious. It’s easy to make and a great way to incorporate hominy into a traditional dish.

Sopa de Hominy (Hominy Soup)

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

1/2 lb chicken (breast or thighs), cooked and shredded

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, sliced

1 potato, diced

1 tomato, chopped

4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomato, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken and hominy. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

This casserole combines the goodness of hominy with tangy salsa verde and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for dinner or a festive gathering. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Hominy and Salsa Verde Casserole

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

2 cups of cooked shredded chicken

1 cup of salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)

1/2 cup of sour cream (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hominy, shredded chicken, salsa verde, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.

Whether you’re making tacos, soups, casseroles, or breakfast skillets, hominy adds a deliciously satisfying texture and boosts the nutritional value of any meal. So, the next time you’re at JC Food Mart, grab a few cans of hominy and start experimenting with these simple recipes. Your family will thank you for it!

By |2025-01-21T10:56:17-05:00January 21st, 2025|Categories: Mom Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Delicious & Nutritious: Using Canned Pumpkin Puree for a Family-Friendly Pasta Sauce

If you have little ones, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make quick meals that are both delicious and nutritious. If you’re part of the WIC program, you know that making the most of the healthy foods available is key to feeding your family well. One ingredient that might not always be top of mind but is packed with nutrients and versatility is canned pumpkin puree. It’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a great way to introduce a new flavor to your family’s meals while also sneaking in some extra veggies!

Why Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies and lattes! Canned pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which support immune health, vision, and skin health. It’s also rich in fiber, which is great for digestion and helps keep little tummies feeling full longer. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to use in a variety of dishes, and it’s something you can stock up on thanks to WIC benefits.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe is simple to make and a perfect way to introduce your little ones to the flavors of autumn all year round. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and savory, and it pairs perfectly with any type of pasta!

A Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

1 can (15 oz) of canned pumpkin puree

1 cup of low-fat milk 

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape)

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pumpkin will start to soften and blend with the garlic. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to combine it with the pumpkin. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the seasonings and stir everything together, and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

Once your sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If you like your pasta saucier, add a bit more milk or pasta water to adjust the texture.

Plate the pasta, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately. You can also add a side of veggies or a simple salad to complete the meal.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is an excellent way to introduce your family to the wonders of pumpkin, and it’s an easy meal that you can feel good about serving.

Visit JC Food Mart for easy WIC grocery shopping, and pick up a few cans of pumpkin puree and give this simple recipe a try. Your kids will love it.

By |2025-01-17T11:05:01-05:00January 17th, 2025|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Fun Way To Use Chex™ For Holiday Snacking

The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to make some fun, tasty memories with your family! As a busy mom, you know how important it is to find quick, budget-friendly ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. 

Chex cereal, which is WIC-approved, is a cereal that is perfect for making a snack mix.

Ready for some holiday treat inspiration? Here is a recipe from BettyCrocker.com:

Slow Cooker Chex™ Mix

3 cups Corn Chex™ cereal

3 cups Rice Chex™ cereal

2 cups Wheat Chex™ cereal

2 cups bite-size pretzels

6 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

 In oval 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together cereals and pretzels.

 In small bowl, mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce and spices with whisk until well combined. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Cook uncovered on High heat setting 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.

 Spread cereal mixture on ungreased cookie sheet or sheet of waxed paper. Cool 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Pick up your WIC-approved cereal and other WIC foods at JC Food Mart.

By |2024-12-10T12:38:35-05:00December 10th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Add WIC-Approved Pumpkin Puree, Cranberries To Your Menu This Season

Shop Seasoning Favorite, WIC Foods at JC Food Mart

JC Food Mart stores are now offering seasonal favorites perfect for the holiday season: canned pumpkin puree and fresh cranberries.

As a busy mom, the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance meals for the family with all the other Thanksgiving preparations. But did you know that two ingredients—fresh cranberries and canned pumpkin puree—can make your holiday dishes healthier and easier to prepare? Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they’re also versatile and perfect for adding a little extra nutrition to your holiday meals.

Here’s why these two WIC-approved foods should be on your Thanksgiving shopping list, plus easy and delicious ways to include them in your meals.

Cranberries are a small but mighty fruit. They’re loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost your immune system—something every mom can appreciate, especially with all the extra holiday hustle. Cranberries are also known for supporting heart health, and their tart, tangy flavor adds a fresh pop to your meals. Best of all, they’re super easy to cook with and make your dishes look festive with their bright red color.

Canned Pumpkin Puree (be sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not the sweetened pie filling) is another great choice. It’s packed with vitamin A for eye health, potassium for strong muscles, and fiber to keep everyone feeling full. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it a great option if you’re looking for nutritious, filling meals without the extra sugar and fat. Plus, it’s smooth, creamy, and super easy to use in so many recipes— muffins, smoothies, mixed with pasta and more!

Now, let’s dive into some simple and healthy ways to use cranberries and pumpkin puree this holiday season that everyone in the family will love.

PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree

1/2 cup orange juice or water

3 cups of sugar

3 cups of flour

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 to 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh

Spray 2 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the sugar, eggs and oil. Mix. Then add in the pumpkin puree and mix.  Add the orange juice or water and mix. In another bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda. Mix the ingredients from both bowls together until just moistened. Fold in cranberries. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans. Bake for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes or until done, when toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

CRANBERRY BARS WITH OAT CRUMBLE

For the crumble:

1 1/2 cup of flour

1 1/2 cup rolled oats, not quick oats

2/3 cup coconut sugar or sugar

1 1/2 sticks of butter, melted

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon flaxseed, ground

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

For the Cranberry topping:

1 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries

4 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the following ingredients until combined: Melted butter, flour, rolled oats, 2/3 cup of the sugar, walnuts, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Press into an 8×8 baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

In a saucepan, add the cranberries, juice, zest and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook on medium heat. Once the cranberries have cooked down, add a little bit of water and cook until it looks like cranberry sauce.  Pour this on top of the cooked crumble that is in the 8×8 pan. Bake the bars for 20 more minutes. Let rest until cooled before cutting. Enjoy

CLASSIC CRANBERRY SAUCE

Some might say that the cranberry sauce is one of the most popular sides on Thanksgiving.  It can be made even more flavorful and nutritious with the addition of spices or other fruits. This simple recipe takes advantage of the natural tartness of cranberries and infuses them with a hint of cinnamon and orange zest.

12 oz fresh cranberries

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp grated orange zest

Pinch of sea salt

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-12 minutes). Season with a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors. Cool and serve alongside turkey or as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Visit a JC Food Mart store today for easy WIC grocery shopping. Pick up fresh cranberries, pumpkin puree and other ingredients used in these recipes.

The Flavors of Fall: Delicious Roasted Pumpkin

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for roasted pumpkins that brings out all the flavor of fall. These roasted pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.

Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds to roast for a snack or to use to top your favorite salad.

ROASTED PUMPKINS

2-4 mini pumpkins or 1 larger pumpkin

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage; optional)

Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, or chopped fresh herbs

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Wash the mini pumpkins and cut them in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy insides using a spoon. Then cut them into slices for easier roasting. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs if using. Rub the seasonings into the flesh of the pumpkins to ensure they’re evenly coated.

Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and lightly browned. You can check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily. Once cooled, You can now remove the skin from the outside.

Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, drizzle with balsamic glaze, or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

These roasted mini pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.

By |2024-10-07T08:38:54-05:00October 7th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Roast Homemade Pumpkin Seeds From Fresh Pumpkins

It’s the season. You got your pumpkin, and you have decided you don’t want it to be used for cute seasonal decoration. 

One popular way to enjoy pumpkin is to roast the seeds. Be sure to save the rest of the pumpkin for another delicious recipe. 

Here is a basic recipe to get you started. 

Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Seeds from pumpkin

1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter

Salt to taste

Seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, paprika or even cinnamon)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Scoop the seeds from your pumpkin by cutting off the top and reaching in to grab them. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse seeds in  colander under cold water and remove any remaining pumpkin pulp.

Arrange the seeds in single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake the seeds in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Sprinkle on a salad or enjoy as a snack. 

It’s Pumpkin Season!

JC Food Mart Now Carrying Canned Pumpkin Puree

That’s why JC Food Mart stores are now carrying canned pumpkin. It’s arriving in stores now. Pick it up with your WIC fruits and vegetables benefit.

It’s a great choice for adding fiber, nutrition and flavor to your family recipes including pancakes, muffins and smoothies. Spoon a little into your prepared oatmeal, and toddler’s also love pumpkin puree on its own.

 Here are a few recipes you will enjoy using canned pumpkin:

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

3 eggs

¼ cup peanut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup (or use a substitute of brown sugar by mixing a ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup water)

½ cup pumpkin puree

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Mix all of your ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Add mix to pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until done.

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

1/3 cup of pumpkin puree

1 banana

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of brown sugar – this is optional

Add  all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold.

Visit a JC Food Mart today to redeem your WIC benefits for pumpkin puree and pumpkins along with all your other WIC foods.

Refreshing Tuna Fish Ceviche Using WIC-Approved Foods

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s approved using WIC-approved foods? Turn canned tuna fish into a refreshing ceviche.

Ceviche is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s popular in many Latin American countries. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be tailored to include a variety of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a topping or on its own, ceviche is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of produce and lean protein.

TUNA FISH CEVICHE

1 can of tuna fish, drained

¼ cup diced onion

¼ cup diced tomatoes

Juice of 1 lime

½ avocado, diced

¼ cup diced mango (fresh or frozen)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tortillas

1 teaspoon of oil

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

Toast the tortilla (or two)  in the pan until it’s golden and crispy.

In a bowl, combine the tuna, onion, tomatoes, lime juice, avocado, and mango. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add tuna mixture to the tortilla and enjoy!

Pick up all your WIC foods at a JC Food Mart store.

WIC Foods Perfect For Toddlers

WIC foods are a great way to make sure your little ones are getting good nutrition. When WIC foods are part of a recipe, you know you are giving them healthy choices. Coming up with new ways to get your little ones to try new foods can be very challenging.

These easy recipes are perfect for toddlers, and they feature WIC-approved foods.

PEANUT BUTTER, BERRY OATMEAL

Oatmeal

Berries

Peanut butter

Cook oatmeal according to package directions.

Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter and mashed berries. Mix until well combined and serve warm.

 

Here is another recipe perfect for your little one, but tasty enough for the entire family to try.

VEGETABLE, LENTIL SOUP

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or canned

2 cups chopped spinach

Juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced vegetables. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add spices to the pot. Cook for another couple of minutes. Add dried lentils, broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach and cook another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

TUNA, AVOCADO SANDWICH BITES

Canned tuna, drained

Avocado, mashed

Whole-wheat bread, toasted

Mash avocado and mix with canned tuna

Spread mixture on whole-grain bread and cut into triangles.

Protein-Packed Snack!

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made using canned chickpeas.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas

(garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

(adjust all spices to your preference)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: a pinch of any other

spices you like (e.g., curry powder,

chili powder, onion powder, etc.)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can add any other optional spices at this point as well. Toss the chickpeas until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. You can shake the baking sheet or toss the chickpeas halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.

Once roasted to your desired crispiness, remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pick up your chickpeas and other WIC foods at JCFoodMart.com

Go to Top