4 Recipes for Celebrate National Potato Month with the Family

Being an integral part of the food supply of many countries, a world without potatoes is unimaginable! This month, we have more reasons to take in our favorite vegetable and make wonderful recipes because September is National Potato Month!

To help you get started, here are some great potato recipes that you can make at home to celebrate National Potato Month with the entire family!

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie is an excellent meal for when everyone’s already starving and you’re running short on time. It is a fast and easy comfort food for both kids and adults alike. The following are the ingredients you need.

• 2 medium sized potatoes or 3 to 4 small potatoes
• 1 can of cream chicken soup
• 1 chicken breast
• 1 cup frozen vegetable blend
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 package refrigerated pie dough

Directions: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and the chicken breast should be cut into small cubes. Mix the potatoes, vegetable, chicken, soup and a soup can of water together in a 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Top the mixture with pie dough. Brush the dough with egg. Microwave for 20 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are completely cooked.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring. Just when you thought you have tried every possible variation, this recipe introduces you to mashed potatoes with a twist. The ingredients for the roasted garlic mashed potatoes include:

• 5 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1 and ½ sticks salted butter
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• Heavy cream
• 3 to 5 heads roasted garlic
• Salt and black pepper

Directions: Prepare your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into cubes and boil it for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes for 5 minutes while allowing steam to escape. Then add the cream cheese, butter, cream, half-and-half, roasted garlic, salt and pepper. Mash and mix them together.  Once done, spread the potatoes into a large baking dish and leave a slice of butter at the top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha is going to be your next family’s favorite potato recipe. Why? Because aside from offering a good mix of flavors, this recipe is also healthy. So, without further ado, here are the ingredients and steps to make this dish.

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 and ½ tbsp lime juice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 and ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. bottled mild jalapeno sauce
• 15 oz black beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 7 oz can vacuum packed kernel corn
• 1 and ½ cup sliced green onions

Directions: Cook potatoes in 2 inches of boiling water for 12 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, drain it and allow to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add salt if desired.

Twice baked potatoes

Twice baked potatoes is a recipe that your family will surely love! It features an explosion of flavors including fresh green onion, crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar on top of hollowed out potato halves. Check the list of ingredients below.

• 8 baking potatoes
• 2 sticks salted butter
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup bacon bits
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 green onions

Directions: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the potatoes with canola oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour or until they are well cooked. In a large mixing bowl, place slices of butter in and add the sour cream and bacon bits. Then, remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides and add them in your mixing bowl. Make sure not to tear the shell. Then, place the hollowed out potato halves on a baking sheet. Meanwhile, mash the potatoes into the mixture of butter, bacon and sour cream. Then add milk, cheese, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper. Fill the hollowed out potatoes with this filling and top each potato with more cheese. Pop them into the oven for 15 minutes and they’re ready to eat!

Now that you have these exciting potato recipes, you’re on your way to having a blast this National Potato Month! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get messy in the kitchen and enjoy a wonderful meal with the family!

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Tips for the First Day of Daycare in San Antonio

What to Look for in a Daycare in San Antonio

Finding the right daycare center to send your child to is never easy. But knowing what to look for can make the process a little easier. Whether you prefer a family daycare or a formal childcare center, it is important you know what to look for. To help you pick the best childcare in San Antonio for your family, here are the basics to look for.

A good reputation

A good daycare center should be recognized for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It must also have a nurturing environment. Pay attention to your first impression and how you feel the moment you visit the daycare. To learn about a daycare’s reputation, look online for feedback, reviews and references. You can also drop by the center and approach some parents.

Staff and children interaction

When you get the chance to visit a daycare, pay attention to how the staff interacts with the children. Ideally, the caregiver and/or daycare staff will be actively engaging with them. They should be on the floor playing with the kids, reading them books or having fun and interesting conversations.

During a child’s early years, it is essential they experience warm, loving and close relationships. That’s why it is important that your child’s caregivers are also interactive and responsive.

Pick a daycare which has a low staff-child ratio. It is recommended to have one adult for every three kids especially for infants below 24 months of age. Many states have specific ratios that must be followed. Make sure the center of your choice is within those ratios to ensure plenty of important one on one time.

Childcare policies

When looking for a daycare center, find one which shares your same parenting philosophies. This is especially important when it comes to discipline. Ask about the techniques used by caregivers to impose discipline on children. Do they scold the children? How do they talk to kids when something goes wrong?

Also, learn about their schedules and routines. Are there specific times set aside for playing, sleeping and eating? When are babies allowed to sleep? Are meals and snacks included?  It helps to create a list of exactly what you want to know before you talk to the staff so you don’t miss getting the answers to your questions.

Established regulations

While it is advantageous to send your child to a daycare with more flexible policies, it is better if the childcare center has established ground rules. Find a daycare with clear regulations on schedules, operating hours and handling emergencies. Request a copy of their handbook or policies. The center must also have an open door policy allowing parents to visit anytime even if it’s unannounced. It’s also good if they encourage parents to take part in the activities which help promote the growth and development of their children.

Stimulating and dynamic curriculum

Another sign of a good daycare is a stimulating curriculum. A great childcare center must have structured schedules which involves plenty of time for play, physical activities, and engaged learning. There should be group and individual activities, mealtimes, napping and free time. If television or video watching must be included in your child’s daily routine, ensure they are educational and age-appropriate. Choosing a daycare center with a stimulating curriculum makes learning enjoyable for them and will help promote child development.

Qualified caregivers

Another important consideration in selecting a daycare is the training and qualification of its staff and caregivers. Daycare center employees must have a background and training in early childhood development. They must be educated and should also have a license.

Communication is key

You’ll want to ensure there is consistent and clear communication between you and the staff. Find out if the director takes time to send newsletters regularly. How does the center communicate with the parents? Is there a regular update documenting each child’s progress and development on a daily basis? If the daycare does these things, it’s a good sign.

A good childcare center can significantly help your little one’s development during their early years. If you’re trying to find a daycare in San Antonio which has all the criteria you’re looking for, consider The Pillars Christian Learning Center.

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