It’s National Fig Week, November 1-7!
As California’s Dried Fig season takes off and the fresh season winds down, it’s time to get figgy! Celebrate National Fig Week, November 1-7, by enjoying delicious California Figs.
Figs offer romance, nutritional superiority and an array of creative, culinary opportunities. Not just another pretty fruit, California Figs deliver a wealth of essential nutrients and fiber, including calcium, iron, potassium and antioxidants. Their unique texture and natural sweetness make them welcome additions to cheese trays, salads, entrees, side dishes and desserts. As a snack right out of the bag, figs provide a tasty, quick energy source.
For tips, recipes and fascinating fig facts, visit www.valleyfig.com. Here are some recipes to help you celebrate each day of National Fig Week.
Fig-Walnut-Gorgonzola Grilled Cheese from Cook’s Country
Lemon Turkey Cutlets with Arugula, Orange and Fig Salad from Joanne Weir
Pork Medallions with Honey-Glazed Figs and Apples
Vanilla Pudding with Figs and Toasted Coconut from Cook’s Country
Dark Chocolate Bark with Figs and Nuts
Individual Sticky Toffee Pudding Cakes with Figs from Cook’s Country
Our Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and California’s dark purple Mission Figs and amber Golden Figs add exceptional flavor and grace to this festive occasion. Here are some of our favorite recipes. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mushrooms Stuffed with Fig, Bacon, Spinach and Blue Cheese from Cook’s Country
Savory Jarlsberg Thumbprints with Fig-Pepper Jelly (photo)
California Fig and Arugula Salad from the girl & the fig
Dried Fig, Orange, Fennel, and Sweet Onion Salad with Mixed Greens from Marie Simmons
Bread Stuffing with Sausage, Dried Figs and Pecans from Cook’s Country
Healthy Tips and Counting
This year we’re highlighting one new lifestyle tip each month that you can incorporate into your day. By the end of the year, you’ll have 12 new ways to help you live a healthy, happy, active lifestyle.
Tip #1 for January—Vegetarian for a day…or two…or three
Tip #2 for February—Focus on fiber
Tip #3 for March—Be a breakfast believer
Tip #4 for April—Add a smart snack or mini-meal
Tip #5 for May–Get Moving
Tip #6 for June–Size Matters
Tip #7 for July–Reduce, Don’t Eliminate Your Favorite Food
Tip #8 for August–Grill Safe
Tip #9 for September–Shop with a List and a Healthy Recipe
Tip #10 for October—Enjoy California figs
Tip #11 for November—Healthy Holidays
The holidays are a time to enjoy friends, family and good food. Contrary to popular belief, you can have all three without putting on the extra pounds!
In preparation for a big holiday party, don’t skip meals throughout the day. It’s especially important to have breakfast. Include lots of fiber in your diet by eating fruits (hint—figs), vegetables and whole grains. High-fiber foods (hint—figs) are terrific for satisfying hunger.
There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating at parties. Use a smaller plate. Fill your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts. Eat slowly and savor every bite. Before you go back for seconds, wait ten minutes to see if you really are still hungry.
Finally, after dinner, get some physical activity. This is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family members, or you can play catch or a game of basketball with the kids.
Adapted from: A Healthy Approach to Holiday Eating, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.