Kids love Veggies

When given good choices, kids will make good choices. Studies show that kids with greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables will consume more throughout their day and make healthier food choices.

If you haven't heard the good news, our school lunch program now includes Salad Bar Days. Every Wednesday and Thursday, our school lunch program will include the option of creating your own salad (with the help of our friendly cafeteria staff!).

Take a look at some of the photos taken by our PTA VP of Community, June Mancillas.

Help your kids reach their full potential in school and in life by fueling them with fresh, nutritious foods.

Growing Healthy Kids One Garden at a time

Back in 2014, OHE was awarded a Garden Grant from Whole Kids Foundation and we've had the pleasure of watching our gardens and kids flourish. 

School gardens are an excellent way to bring the classroom outdoors.When kids connect with how foods are grown and where they come from, they are more likely to consume these nutritious foods. 

Next time you are at school, be sure to check out our School Garden. Mr Cumings and his team that comprises of other faculty and 3rd-5th graders have done a remarkable job curating a lovely garden. It's a beautiful addition to our campus. 

Listen to what our OHE Garden Club members think about it all. 

"Just Breathe"

Our great school counselor, Ms Ahumada recently shared this remarkable and poignant video by film maker Julie Bayer Salzman and Josh Salzman that captures kindergartners, unscripted, talking about mindfulness. 

There are many wonderful elements to take away from watching this video; tips to apply to everyday life. It's not just our kids who need to practice mindfulness and coping with emotions. All humans can benefit from the positive effects of these practices.

Watch, learn and just breathe.

Go Eagles Go

The cold, chilly windy air didn't stop our OHE families from participating in the school's annual Family Fun Run. 

Earlier this month, we celebrated the start of 2016 with a tremendous event supporting family fitness, healthy nutrition and just plain fun. Families circled our school's 1/4 mile track for nearly an hour-long run followed by healthy snacks and samples from our PTA and Sustainable Food Center. 

Thank you to the many volunteers and participants that made this event a success. Watch some highlights from the morning here. 

GO Eagles GO!

Happy 2016

Happy New Year OHE Families

Our fantastic P.E team is at it again. They hosted a 3 day iGame4 Fitness Program Trial allowing our students to experience the program during their scheduled P.E. class. 

So what is this program all about? 

I had the pleasure of meeting both Andrew and our very own Eddie who shared some of the effective benefits of the iGame4 Program. 

• Program uses active video games to improve endurance, flexibility,balance and the overall health of children. 
• Designed by education and fitness professionals.
• Creates excitement using innovative and fun technology.
• Proven and effective way to get children to move their bodies, burn calories and improve their quality of life. 

Watch how much fun our students had playing video games learning about different ways technology and fitness can go hand in hand. 

Hello OHE Families!

Welcome back to our Healthy Living Blog.

It's been a fun-filled year already and we are only at the half way point. As you know from the busy lives your kids live, there are activities going on almost every day at Oak Hill. Before school, during school and after school.

Healthy Living happens daily; step by step. Oak Hill wants to support healthy living through encouraging programs, events and discussions focused on optimal nutrition, fitness and movement, and total wellness.

One of the best examples of this is our Fun Fall Event led by our fabulous P.E. department. Coach Palmer and Coach Shaw create multiple stations throughout the campus challenging students' strength, coordination, fine motor skills and more.

Check out the highlights here.

We'll be sure to share more videos showcasing Healthy Living at Oak Hill from our students and faculty.


http://inspirationalpicturequotes.blogspot.com

Jenny Corbin
Healthy Living Coordinator

Thank You!

I thought I would have time for a last blog but like you, I'm too busy with the end of the school year and the summer vacations.

I want to thank you for reading my posts, all of you! I know that the Healthy Living Corner will stay alive, that is wonderful.

Have a great summer and keep making healthy choices!

More recipes

Here are just few ideas of what could be for dinner. I did not write the detailed recipe. 

Cold entrees:

*Mix 1/2 cup of peas - 1/2 cup of artichoke heart- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa - one boiled egg - red bell pepper or green - garlic - herbs like parsley and basil.

Add homemade vinaigrette:
1 spoon mustard - 2 spoons balsamic vinegar or wine vinegar - 3 spoons do olive oil.

Note: if you use canned food, make sure you rinse the veggies very well. 

*Mix cooked rice with shredded carrots, sliced red radish, tuna with vinaigrette. Roll a tablespoon of this mix in a lettuce leaf.

*Shredded carrots with few pecans and vinaigrette 

*Red cabbage with blue cheese and pecans with homemade vinaigrette

*Sliced tomato with mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, parsley. You can also put it on a piece of bread and toast it for few minutes.

*A boiled egg with artichoke hearts -1 tomato - quinoa with vinaigrette and herbs.

*One avocado (keep a spoon to make a mask for your face later) with homemade vinaigrette. You can substitute vinaigrette for lemon juice.

Hot entrees:
*Salmon sautéed in a tbsp of olive oil with fresh pasta.

*Bake a layer of zucchinis - Parmesan cheese - layer of sliced tomatoes- goat cheese - sliced mushrooms - parsley - garlic -
Add 1/4 of tomato paste mixed with half and half cream and put in oven 350 for 30 to 45 minutes.

*Chicken sautéed with onions and garlic and fresh green beans

*Grilled shrimps
Mix paprika-curry-oregano-olive oil-lemon juice-turmeric and make a marinade for the shrimps. Cook on the grill.

*Pork on the BBQ

Let your pork marinate with basil/cilantro/onions/garlic/olive oil/paprika

Grill for 30 to 40 minutes.

*Lentils cooked with 3 tablespoons of mustard. Add a pinch of baking soda in the water. Add one bay leaf.

*Carrots cooked for 15 minutes in a 1/4 cup of water. Salt pepper and basil. It is really good. You can add some nutmeg (just a pinch).

Recipes

Quiche with no crust:

I compared the French and American recipes and the French one has flour and the American one doesn't. So you can chose if you want gluten free or not.
This is the link for a recipe online:
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/main-dish/quiche/crustless-quiche/
Ingredients for 1 quiche
1 cup of flour
3 eggs
 2 1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup gruyere
3 leeks - Use only the white part

1/2 onion

garlic
3/4 cup of pancetta or bacon cut in really small piece.
In a saucepan, sauté the pancetta (or bacon) with the leeks and half onion and garlic that you previously diced . Keep the greener part of the leek for a soup. Salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes and let set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a big bowl, mix the eggs, milk and herbs and spices. Add the flour and the cheese. Salt and pepper. Add leeks and pancetta to the eggs.Pour the mixture over in the buttered pie pan. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes/until lightly browned on top.

Hachis parmentier:
It is simply some mashed potatoes over some ground meat cooked with onions and garlic. I like organic beef but you can use turkey. You can add (or hide) any vegetables you want. In a glass pan, put a layer of mashed potatoes, then meat, and another layer of mashed potatoes. Add Swiss cheese on top and broil it to a nice golden brown color. Kids love this dish.

Homemade Tomato sauce:

This is another great recipe where you can hide all the vegetables you want.
Sauté in a little bit of olive oil in a big saucepan:
Onion - garlic - mushrooms - celery - carrots - zucchinis- peas - tomatoes - greens beans
Add 1 big can of tomato sauce. I like the brand Cento - add one pound of organic beef meat or the meat of your choice. Although you can go meatless if you are vegan.
You may need to add 1/2 cup to a cup of water. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes. Let set for another 15 minutes and purée. When it is cold, you can freeze small portions in glass containers. Children love it with pasta, mashed potatoes, and rice or beans.

Green beans with tomatoes:
Sauté a diced onion with 2 cloves of garlic and 3 tomatoes cut in 4. Add parsley and cilantro, even fresh thyme is delicious. After few minutes, add fresh greens beans, about 1/2 cup of water and cook for 15 minutes or at your preference. If you do not have fresh green beans, a can will do.

Bruschetta:
Dice a tomato, a shallot (a small onion will do) and one garlic clove in a bowl. Add fresh herbs. I like fresh basil and thyme. It can be parsley and cilantro, or tarragon. Any herb, fresh or dry will do. Add a teaspoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Let this mix set for few minutes and then drain the juice or better, keep it for your soup. 

Top a toasted piece of bread with the tomatoes. Add fresh mozzarella on top and broil until the cheese melt.
You really can top the bread with any vegetables you want. Same for the cheese. Serve with green lettuce, it is delicious.
I buy my bread at the authentic French bakery at bee caves and 71. I buy 5 baguettes at once and I freeze it. I cut it horizontally and about 3 inches long. It can be kept for a month easily. And you use what you need, no waste.

After thoughts on Fed Up

I went to see the movie and hopefully you did too. I left the theater upset and sad. It is so sad to see those children struggling with their weight and for some even diabetes. My heart goes to them and their families as we know how difficult it is to resist to the call of sugar. Yet the food industry doesn't make it easy on us. "Au contraire", they are targeting our children to sell the "pretend food" and adding sugar to any form possible. 

From the website Healthwize.com:
...The average American consumes 100 to 160 pounds of toxic, inflammatory, chlorine bleached, chemically-refined sugars every year, and this is one of the primary reasons for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, a large percentage of American foods are artificial. The chemical industry has entered the kitchen, and every processed food now contains a variety of chemical compounds.
...The massive amount of refined sugars that we eat each year destructively inflames the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. When these organs finally become dysfunctional from such abuse, people develop a condition known as carbohydrate intolerance. Carbohydrate intolerance is a condition in which a body can no longer properly metabolize carbohydrates and sugars."

You can read the full article here:

http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/252-special-investigative-report-curing-diabetes-naturally-and-holistically.html

It is never too late to change your life around. Clean your fridge and your pantry and start a new challenge, a new life. Change your relation with food by honoring it. Making time to prepare the food that will help you to heal you is a part of the process to becoming well.

After few weeks, it won't be a challenge anymore and you will feel energy going thru your body. Then the pounds will shade off. 

Here are some ideas to start your new eating habits. Make everything from scratch, do not use already made packages. Be in control of what is in your food. And keep it simple!

Breakfast:

Always start your meal with a full glass of water.

1/2 cup of homemade oatmeal

a bowl of fruit salad

Snack on almonds not roasted and unsalted if you feel that you are hungry. Drink another glass of water.

Lunch:

In a plate, put a little bit of tuna/cucumber/shredded carrots/tomatoes/quinoa and add some parsley. Pour a tablespoon of homemade vinaigrette. Do not use the pre made sauces. 

Eat a cup of beans or lentils.

add fruit of your choice

Diner:

Start with half of grapefruit

In a saucepan, put a tsp of oil, then add  an onion/garlic/zucchinis/tomatoes and parsley. Once cooked, make room in the middle and cook 2 eggs. 

A plain yogurt and add fresh strawberries

I have a lot of healthy recipes that I can send you if you contact me @

marielledessureault@hotmail.com

Stay healthy so you can enjoy your life

Movie FED UP reminder

Please make time in your busy agenda to see the movie FED UP. It opens tomorrow and you can see it at Regal Harbor 8 at Great Hills theater at 12.05pm, 2.20pm, 4.40pm, 7.10pm, 9.45pm

This is a documentary rated PG and last about 1h 30 min.
Here is the link for the trailer:
https://movies.yahoo.com/video/fed-trailer-161051027.html

I hope you will decide to go see this movie, it will change your life.This is a critical subject that everybody needs to know about. 

There is also this great documentary on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pEkCbqN4uo

Have a wonderful and healthy weekend!

Eat Clean

I believe you can improve your eating habits and choose healthier options, cut back on refined grains, added sugars, salt and unhealthy fats. Watch the portion you eat, I promise, you will feel a lot better.

Limit your intake of process food!
It is so important since they are loaded of excess sodium. Look at the ingredient list on the packages. When you see a long list of ingredients that you have never heard of or can't even pronounce, it can't be good for your body, therefore your mind.
Instead, make homemade version of your favorite recipes. Increase your intake of vegetables, cut down on saturated fats but keep in mind that your cells need good fat that you find in fatty fish, nuts and oil. These good fats can help raise your good cholesterol, while saturated fats increase the risk of heart disease.

Cut back the sugar!
This is a serious threat to your health and weight. Look on the cereal box and see yourself how much sugar it has been added. I just will remind you that the AHA recommends no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons for men. Just a soda a day is more that you need: 40 gr of sugar in a 12 oz can of coca cola is about 10 teaspoons.

Watch your daily intake salt 
Too much salt increase your blood pressure. Look how much salt is in the food you buy. Choose a can of green beans with no salt added if you don't buy them fresh.

Eat more vegetables and fruits
It will boost your immune system!

Drink water
Avoid all refined fruit juices and sodas.

Have a great week end!

A movie that everybody must see

On May 9th, the movie "Fed Up" is coming out and I recommend and urge all families to watch it. Mark your calendar!
Here is a link to the trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCUbvOwwfWM&feature=youtu.be

There is another documentary that I really liked. It is called "the weight of the Nation". It is available on youtube.

Have a great Easter!

Keep it simple

If you don't have much time to fix dinner, keep it simple in your kitchen. 

I often say that you don't need fancy tools to make a healthy and tasty meal. A good knife and 2 cutting boards, one for the meat only, a good sauce pan and a skillet and you are all set!

Of course, now you need healthy ingredients. When doing your groceries, again keep it simple. 

Buy fresh vegetables and fruits. For the meat, if you buy certified organic meat, you will notice the difference. Unlike natural and other eco-label claims, only organic offers government-backed assurance that products are grown and processed without the use of toxic chemicals, antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones. 

I know, organic is more expensive. But look at it this way: if you skip buying the things you don't really need, (juices, chips, sauce already made, the unhealthy breakfast cereals loaded with sugar, the yogurt that have 22 gr of sugar, but still low fat, etc...), you really save enough to buy organic. 

By buying less pre made food and more healthy whole food, I save a good amount of money. It is amazing how many products you can find in stores that you don't even need. 

So with those savings, I can afford to buy organic vegetables more often and so will you.

Now that we have all these great and healthy ingredients, let's make dinner. 

Yesterday, I made some sautéed turkey cutlets with shallots and spinach and a purée with sweet potato and carrots. Then we had goat cheese on crackers.

Cut out a sweet potato, 2 carrots and 2 garlic cloves. Boil until cooked. Keep the water to make a soup later. Mash the ingredients together and add some butter, salt and pepper. I like to add fresh parsley on the top.

Cut in small cubes 2 turkey cutlets and make sure the meat is well dried before placing it in a saucepan. When the meat is well dry, it is easier to obtain that nice brown color. I like to add some fresh garlic and shallots in the saucepan. Shallots will give a subtle smoky taste. 

Leave it until it is well browned. This should take about 5 minutes. Only then stir the meat, adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and let it cook about 2 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let the meat rest for few minutes before serving.

Now chese time. 

Crumble 4 oz of fresh goat cheese in a bowl. Combine the following:

1/4 of red bell pepper sliced in very fine cubes

1 teaspoon of chives (dried or fresh if you are lucky to have some), 

1 teaspoon of fresh parsley 

1 teaspoon of fresh basil

1 tablespoon of olive oil

salt - pepper

I sprinkle this with tomatoes, lettuce, even pasta. Otherwise with crackers, it is delicious.

Enjoy your week end,

Hyperactive children

Healthy Living also means peaceful home.

I was talking to a friend recently and she was exhausted because her 3 year old boy was restless. I found this website and I want to share it with you. All the good advices are not only for hyper kids, but for all the children and us, poor parents!!!

It is truly helpful, concise and yet simple... on paper. But give it a try! It's worth it.

If you don't have time to read it, here are the focus points:

• Set clear rules, consequences and boundaries 
• Establish regular routines 
• Free time to take a trip to the park, read a special book together.
• Exercise is a very beneficial way to help refocus energies. It is also helpful in improving mood function
• Children respond to praise, and are more likely to seek your attention by doing something good, if they are reinforced when they behave well. 
• Avoid visual overstimulation
• Don’t fault a child for what he or she can’t control

Even though all these recommendations sound familiar to you, it is still good to revisit them once in a while. I know it helps me to stay on top of it. And let me know what you think. Thanks!

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-some-tips-for-dealing-with-hyperactive-kids.htm

Joyeux Noël

If you're anything like me, getting ready for the Holidays means running around frantically trying to get everything done on time. Whether you're traveling to be with your family, or hosting Christmas at your house this year, remember to enjoy this special time and stay safe.

Do you and your family have a special tradition for Christmas? We would love to hear your story and how your tradition got started.

Perhaps you don't have a Christmas tradition, but it's never too late to start one. Putting up the Christmas tree together, baking cookies for Santa, or even taking a family picture at your favorite location can become a great tradition.

Each country celebrates Christmas differently. Let me share with you what a traditional dinner would be in France.

Christmas Eve dinner is called "Le Réveillon de Noël". The menu varies region to region and family to family, but the common attributes will be special-occasion foods served over multiple courses. Yes, we can sit for hours at the table!

We start with a festive aperitif, which in this case will most often be Champagne and Amuse-gueules (small appetizers). That includes everything from peanuts in a bowl to an assortment of elaborate canapés. Then we will serve the foie gras, on sliced bread with a sweet wine (Sauternes). Oysters, shrimps and smoked salmon will follow. Let's not forget the escargots!

At my house, we had a roasted goose, or duck served with chestnuts. It can also be venison, or a rack of lamb depending of the region. We usually accompany our meats with green beans or mashed potatoes. After that comes the plate of cheeses! Lots of wonderful flavors. for dessert you can't find anything more traditional than "La bûche de Noël". It is a log shaped cake made with a buttery cream, topped with colorful figurines. So as you can see, Christmas Eve dinner would be our family's tradition."

Joyeux Noël 

Merry Christmas

 

Lentils

Lentils are small, disc shaped legumes. (It is funny because "legume" in French means vegetable).They grow on bushy plants, in pods containing one or two lentil seeds. They come in many color: red-orange, yellow, green and black.
They are believed to have originated in central Asia. Ancient Egyptians often included lentils in the treasures packed inside tombs.
Lentils have been listed as a superfood for a number of reasons: 

• 26% protein, lacking only a few of the amino acids that would make them a complete protein food
• low in fat and high in “good carbs”
• a great source of iron, providing increased energy
• full of cholesterol lowering soluble fiber
• known for helping to stabilize blood sugar
• high in dietary fiber.

Lentils are also high in vitamins and minerals, including:

• folate
• vitamin B1
• manganese
• magnesium
• phosphorus
• copper
• potassium

Because of their long shelf life, the fact that they are inexpensive, lentils are an economical and convenient addition to your pantry.

Here is how my mom used to cook them:

In a pan, saute 1 medium sliced onion in 2 tsp of cooking oil. Dice 3 slices of bacon, and add it to the pan with 2 tablespoons of moutarde de Dijon. Wait for the bacon to get a little crispy. Then add a cup of any kind of lentils, 2 carrots sliced in about one inch piece. Carrots cook quicker than lentils so make sure they are cut big. Adjust salt and pepper. Add a bay leave.

You also can add a diced leek. Cover the lentils with at least 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Check regularly that there is enough liquid so it doesn't burn at the bottom. The cooking time may vary from 20 to 30 minutes. You can add some curry if you like.

Look online for more recipes.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/lentil-recipes-00100000102468/index.html

http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/vegetarian/r/Lentils_Recipe.htm

Bon appetit!

Open Market

Next Saturday, I want to go to the market at the Tony Burger Center.
Have you been on a weekend morning to an open market around Austin yet? It is a great opportunity to buy local products, and a good way to support our farmers. Not only can you find fresh local produce, you can also listen to great music. Some artisans have a booth so there is something for everybody. And the kids will enjoy the "petting zoo".
There is a list of all their vendors on the website below, something is going on almost every weekend! Check it out!

http://www.bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org/

SFC FARMERS' MARKET - DOWNTOWN
Saturdays 9am - 1pm
Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe
Really nice recipes on this website.

SFC FARMERS' MARKET - SUNSET VALLEY
Saturdays 9am - 1pm
3200 Jones Road at the Toney Burger Center

SFC FARMERS' MARKET - EAST
Tuesdays 3pm - 7pm
MLK & Miriam Avenue

SFC FARMERS' MARKET - THE TRIANGLE
Wednesday 3pm - 7pm 
46th and Lamar at Triangle Park

"Trader Joe's" opened its doors back in September on Bee Caves Road, close to Loop 1. 

And have you visited "Wheatsville" on South Lamar? It is a brand new store by Hancock Fabrics. Very nice and clean look, lots of great organic products are available. I wish the prices would be more "friendly budget" though but I understand. 

I like Sprout, just across on South Lamar, as they have sometimes great organic vegetables or fruits on sale. I got some organic pink ladies this summer for 99 cents a pound. 

I enjoy the cooler weather and I made a lentil soup yesterday. So good!
In my next post, I will share with you the health benefits of this legume and suggest different ways to prepare them. 

About stress

I hope all of you had a great Halloween. With Halloween comes a lot of candy! 

Oh well, Halloween without candy wouldn't be Halloween, right? Just try your best to not eat all of it! 

What about taking the leftovers to a nursing home? Pick some colorful to decorate your gingerbread house or donate them to the troops. 

So now that Halloween is already behind us, that means Thanksgiving is around the corner, then Christmas! And you may have some birthdays in between. I personally have 3, my children, 20 and 21 of December, and my grandson the 11 of November. I'm already feeling the stress!

Talking about stress, what is it really? Is it something each of us create? Can we have control over it?

I found this definition online:

 "Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you - without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. However, when the stresses undermine both our mental and physical health they are bad."

A different article described it like this:

 "We generally use the word "stress" when we feel that everything seems to have become too much - we are overloaded and wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures placed upon us."

(Yep! that's it!)

The effects of stress can be emotional, psychological, and physical. Signs of stress are different in everyone, with some people expressing more physical signs, like fatigue or high blood pressure, and others expressing more emotion or psychological signs, like irritability or depression.

Let's stay on top if it during these coming Holidays! Maybe you will find some ways to relief your stress by doing one of these activities below. Or even better, tell us what you do to manage your stress.

Meditate

Breathe deeply

Walk

Be present - Slow down 

Exercise

Tune in to your body

Laugh 

Be grateful

Stay positive

Eat well

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/FourWaystoDealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsp

http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/manage-stress

Did you know?

Taken from the website ewg.org. Check out Good Food on a Tight Budget on their website.

• A pear a day keeps the pesticides away - more fiber, potassium and folate than an apple, and fewer pesticide residues.
• Eat your garnish - parsley packs a punch as potent as kale for a quarter the price.
• Not a carrot lover? Sweet potatoes pack twice the fiber, potassium and vitamin A of carrots.
• Super okra? Okra beat out more than 100 other veggies to rise to the top of our lists.
• One serving of filling oatmeal is about half the cost of a bowl of sugary cereal? For animal sources of protein, roast turkey tops the list. But to eat on the cheap, you can't beat pinto beans or lentils at one-fifth the cost.

Easy little things you can do!

This is important: wash your hands with soap and water, it is sufficient! 

No need to put anything else with harsh chemicals in it that will dry out your hands. Anytime you come back home from the stores, make it an habit and wash your hands right away, before spreading the germs!

Teach your children to sneeze/cough in their elbows rather than covering their mouth! I know, I have been told to cover my mouth too, but when you think of it, it is NOT the way to do it.

When washing thoroughly your vegetables, add a tablespoon of vinegar in the water. If there are little creatures, they won't like the sting and will detach. 

To neutralize cooking odors (like onions) in your house, boil a cup of water  or white vinegar with 5 cloves and add some cinnamon.

Use ice cube trays to freeze small portions of pesto, broth, applesauce and tomato sauce (or anything you can think of). Transfer the cubes to a Ziplock bag or other freezer-proof container and it will be easy to pull out exactly how much you need.

Did you know that if you store your potatoes in the fridge, they will go sweet on you? 

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/02/09/real-food-tips-34-random-food-cooking-tricks/