Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds.
Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy.
Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages.
Scheduling and methods of irrigation.
Explore our Extension locations around the state.
Commercial row crop production in Arkansas.
Agriculture weed management resources.
Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches.
Learn to ID forages and more.
Explore our research locations around the state.
Get the latest research results from our county agents.
Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation.
Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster.
Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education.
Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Find educational resources and get youth engaged in agriculture.
Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills.
Creating beauty in and around the home.
Maintenance calendar, and best practices.
Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini.
What’s wrong with my plants? The clinic can help.
Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers.
Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions.
Enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor.
Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA.
Growing together from youth to maturity.
Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases.
Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information.
Grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Schedule these timely events on your gardening calendar.
Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions.
Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures.
Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit.
Position your business to compete for government contracts.
Find trends, opportunities and impacts.
Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues.
Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved.
Research-based connection to government and policy issues.
Support Arkansas local food initiatives.
Read about our efforts.
Preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals.
Preserving water quality and quantity.
Cleaner air for healthier living.
Firewood & bioenergy resources.
Managing a complex forest ecosystem.
Read about nature across Arkansas and the U.S.
Learn to manage wildlife on your land.
Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas.
Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors.
Timely updates from our specialists.
Eating right and staying healthy.
Ensuring safe meals.
Take charge of your well-being.
Cooking with Arkansas foods.
Making the most of your money.
Making sound choices for families and ourselves.
Nurturing our future.
Get tips for food, fitness, finance, and more!
Understanding aging and its effects.
Giving back to the community.
Managing safely when disaster strikes.
Listen to our latest episode!
Family meals can be difficult, especially during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you "dine in" in December.
Nashville, Ark. – With holiday parties, band concerts, parades, and all the activities associated with this time of the year, it seems almost impossible to sit down together as a family and enjoy a meal together. Family Consumer Sciences across the nation are inviting families to join the movement and commit to “Dining In” at least one night the first week of December.
Families can participate in “Dining In Day” by planning a simple, healthy meal to cook and eat at home. Your meal doesn’t need to be anything fancy – just a wholesome meal prepared at home. Something the whole family will enjoy sharing together. Soup, tacos, a simple casserole, or a meat with two side vegetables is easy to prepare and serve.
Research suggests that both parents and children benefit from sharing a meal together. It may be dinner or breakfast. It doesn’t really matter as long as all family members are able to participate. A shared meal, without distractions, allows the family time to bond. They can share stories, talk about their day and listen to each other. It is also a great opportunity for parents to be a good role model for their children.
Both younger and older children who share family meals three or more times per week are more likely to be in a normal weight range and have healthier eating habits than those who share fewer than three family meals per week according to research.
Planning, shopping and eating together as a family fosters better nutrition, improved family communication, and teaches life skills such as meal planning, budgeting, and food preparation. It allows time for the family to be together and lets each other know how important they are.
Here are some tips for making dining in easy and enjoyable:
You might share your favorite family meal recipes to a “Dining In” Pinterest board. The important thing is to have fun and strengthen your family bonds.
For more information on meal planning, budgeting, and food preparation and safety, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse.
Need a recipe for “Dining In” day? Here is one that your family will enjoy. It only costs $0.97 per serving, is low in calories, but high in nutrition. It is easy to prepare and tastes great! Add a green salad, corn or other vegetable for a complete meal.
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
½ pound lean ground beef
½ cup salsa
1 package (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix
1/3 cup light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 can (4.25 ounces) diced green chilies
1 egg
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cook onion, bell pepper, and ground beef until beef is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in salsa. Stir in cheese.
Spray an 8-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture on the bottom of the plate.
Mix corn muffin mix, sour cream, green chilies, and egg until combines. Spread on top of the meat and vegetable mixture.
Bake until corn muffin topping is golden brown and set, about 30 minutes.
Yield: 6 servings (Serving size 1 slice)
Nutrition Information per Serving: 270 calories, 9g fat, 600 mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 14g protein
By Jean Ince County Extension Agent - Staff ChairThe Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince County Extension Agent - Staff ChairU of A Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852 (870) 845-7517 jince@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.