How many different ways can you use a pumpkin?

I am sure many of you have caught a glimpse of a pumpkin already, as this Fall season slowly creeps up on us! Each year we all purchase pumpkins during the fall season for one reason or another. With well over two dozen ways to use a pumpkin, I want to share just SOME of the various ways with you.

#1. To decorate! At the start of Fall you may see pumpkins painted to help spice up an otherwise boring front porch, but especially around Halloween, you will see pumpkins carved with all kinds of spooky faces and eerie designs. 

#2. Pumpkin bread. Mmmmmmm.. who doesn't love the smell of pumpkin bread baking to really give that full feeling of Fall in the air?

#3. Pumpkin pie. Some people may find pumpkin pie more of a holiday treat while others may enjoy it all year round.

#4. Pumpkin seeds. Save those seeds! There are several ways to use up those seeds that are scattered on the inside of the pumpkins. You can roast them, bake them and even plant them!

#5.  Pumpkin muffins. Don't have time to slice that pumpkin bread up? Grab a muffin instead! Maybe even add a few chocolate chips to the mix to satisfy that sweet tooth.

#6. Pumpkin pancakes. Breakfast anyone? Let's make breakfast a little more fun for the family. Top off your pancakes with a serving of fruit and a dash of cinnamon for delicious flavor.

#7. Pumpkin spice latte. With that chilly Fall air, nothing will warm you up like a delicious pumpkin spice latte! This is my personal favorite to help get in the seasonal mood.

Still not in the Fall mood? Go grab yourself a slice of pumpkin bread and a latte and I guarantee you will change your mind. Happy Fall y'all!

-Christy Redmond, Nutritionist Senior

In Season Now: Apples

One of our most well known and beloved fruits, apples, are in season in our area now. Apple season is from September until November although you can find them in stores year round. They taste the best and are usually the cheapest in the Fall.



Apples provide fiber and antioxidants and a great sweet crunch.

If you come across a good deal on apples, or if you have a bunch that will go bad soon, try this recipe for homemade apple sauce in the microwave. You will be surprised at how different it tastes from the applesauce we are used to buying from a jar!


Microwave Applesauce


I used 6 apples and had about 4 servings of applesauce. You can adjust the recipe and make more or less if you want!



Cut apples into small chunks. Leave the skins on for nutrition and fiber (plus it is easier than peeling them). You won't even notice them!



Place apples in a large, microwaveable bowl that you can cover tightly.



You can use regular sugar or brown sugar. I also like to add cinammon.



Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinammon (if desired). Stir to cover apples evenly.



Cover and microwave on HIGH for about 10 minutes.



Remove and stir apples. Replace cover and cook an additional 5-6 minutes or until apples are very tender. Cooking time will depend on your microwave and the type of apples used.



Continue cooking and stirring until your apples are easily mashed with a fork. You can make the applesauce more chunky the less you mash and stir the apples.



Here's how I ate mine. As you can see I like my applesauce chunky!

-Allison Leonard RD

A look at Rappahannock WIC's World Breastfeeding Week

Here are a few pics from RAHD WIC's World Breastfeeding Week events.

We held a breastfeeding baby shower for participants on August 3. The theme for this year's shower was "Special Delivery":




The next day on August 4, RAHD WIC hosted a Zumbathon party for the community:



Thanks to everyone who came out for these events and to all the staff who worked hard to make it happen! Check out our facebook page to view more pics from these events and be sure to "like" us on facebook while you are at it!

- Allison Leonard RD

Let fall begin!

This Saturday, September 8th, is the 13th annual Hartwood Day's Festival from 9-5 that takes place across from Hartwood Elementary.  From bugs to building, from precious rocks to Rock Climbing, from NASA to Gnomes, from Re-enactors to Robots, there's a lot happening this year at the 13th Annual Hartwood Days Festival.  WIC will also be there handing out information and a special prize to the first 4 people that mention this blog!  Come out and have some fun at this great event!
http://www.hartwooddays.org/

The Farmer's Market at the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is wrapping up.  Yesterday, the market was lucky enough to have Rob Wittman do a meet and greet. 

Local farmers got the chance to talk to the congressman and bring up any concerns they have.  The last day for the market is September 26 -but don't worry, the market in the commuter lot at Gordon Road and Route 3.

This is also the last month "Lunch in the Park" takes place from 11:30 - 1:30 at Hurkamp Park.  It is a great family event with kid activities and local artists performing for free!  Tables are set-up for you to enjoy your own picnic lunch or you can buy from local vendors that set-up on site. The last day for this evedt is September 25th, so come by and enjoy it while it lasts!

We are also participating in three local mobile pantry's.  On the second Wednesday of each month, we will be at Partlow Ruritan Building at 9:30AM and at Livingston Elementary at 12:30PM.  The Fredericksburg Food Bank has also started a new mobile pantry at Hartwood Presbyterian, which is taking the place of the one at the corner of Route 1 and Route 17.  This will be on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:30PM.

Maria Garcia-Rios, Outreach Worker