Hello November!

Thank You for Reminding Us That We Have So Much To Be Grateful For.

As the month of November blows in and we make plans for the Holiday Season, take a moment each day to “Slow Down and Appreciate the Good in Life.” 

November 2021 Happiness Calendar >>

November Health Observances

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: You can lower your risk of lung cancer in many ways. More information on Lung Cancer, CDC Lung Cancer Awareness Feature

National Family Caregivers Month: National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. More information and ways to support caregivers, visit National Today’s website.

American Diabetes Month: Prediabetes is a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes—that’s 88 million people—but the majority of people don’t know they have it. More information on ways to prevent Diabetes: NIH National Diabetes Month 2021.

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, each November, reminds us that over 5 million Americans suffer. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a form of dementia, impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. AD ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the most common form of dementia in 60-80% of all diagnosed cases. Alzheimer’s Disease may be one of the cruelest diseases because a sufferer seemingly “disappears” until the person they were — no longer exists. Visit Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging for more information about about Alzheimer’s Disease.

How Much to Buy for Holiday Dinner

Figuring out how much to buy can be tricky. It depends if you want leftovers or not and how many foods you will be serving. Generally the more different sides you have the less of each one will be eaten. Here is a starting point for planning. (This doesn’t include extras for leftovers.)

How Much to Buy >>

Getting Ahead of Holiday Meal Cost

As the holiday season approaches, canned foods are likely to be found on the menu. Canned items offer convenience over fresh or frozen since they can be stored in the pantry for extended periods of time (check the label), and in some instances the canned variety of some food items can be preferred. In Part One we focused on getting the kitchen ready and having favorite recipes on hand. In this blog, we will feature canned foods with the hope of assisting you in planning to fill your shelves with tasty foods.

Part 2- Canned Food Items Canned goods offer a wide variety of foods. Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats are found at most local grocery stores and typically cost between $1 – $3 depending on the brand. More information on Shopping for Canned Food Items. 

Part 3- Dry Ingredients Now that canned items are taken care of, nonperishable dry ingredients are next. If you already created your menu, you’ll know exactly what grocery items remain. If not, this list might spark some ideas and assist you in identifying additional items to add to your menu. More information on Dry Ingredients.

Part 4- Spices Now that canned goods and dry ingredients are taken care of, we are moving on to the ingredients known to add flavor and distinction to your dish, Spices! List of the Most Common Holiday Spices

November Baking

Bakers asked, “What’s the best pie baking pan or plate?” Check out the infographic below for the best recommendation.

Why Bake With Glass?

Remember the Vegan in Your Family

You may have a vegan join you for your Holiday Dinner. If you’re having trouble finding Vegan Dinner Recipes or Vegan Dessert Recipes these recipes may help!

• Vegan begins with being all plant based-so you will not use any animal sourced ingredients, replacing butter with plant butter, nut butters, apple sauce, or even an avocado
• Keep in mind that since you’re replacing a high-fat animal product, one of the most straightforward substitutions is a high-fat plant-based product, like olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other number of options
• All grain flours and meal, beet and cane sugars are vegan.

Whole Grain Baking 101 >>

• Other ingredients to use: Flax meal for egg, and nut-or-soy based milk for dairy

Holiday Treats Baking Class

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center welcomes you to learn how to make various Holiday treats in a simple, time-efficient way.

Join us on Monday, Dec. 6th.

• TIME: 6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Franklinton Senior Center, 602 E Mason St., Franklinton, NC
• COST: $15 per person

Holiday Treats Class Flyer >>

“Don’t wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks.

Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!”

Charmaine J. Forde