Healthy Living

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

This recipe features lean protein, veggies, dairy and carbohydrates to fuel your family through the busy back to schedules.

Farmers Market Gazpacho

Garlic, cumin, and lemon juice give a zesty flavor to this cold, blended vegetable soup.

Ice Cream in a Bag

Find the ingredients and directions on this page.

Guacamole in a Bag

Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid.

Bread In a Bag

Here’s all you need to know to bag some bread. Get moving!

Roasted Walnut & Basil Pesto

Read through your list of ingredients and the instructions first.

Crawfish Fettuccini

Crawfish Fettuccini is a Louisiana favorite. Click here to get recipe.

Mushroom & Spinach Bread Pudding

According to chefs and dietitians across the country, mushrooms are an “it” food for 2019. Learn more.

Crawfish Jambalaya in a Rice Cooker

An old "throwback recipe" that I have revamped since the last the last time it was done in 2008.

Shrimp PoBoy Pasta Salad

Fresh Gulf Shrimp is in season and better than ever in this refreshing pasta salad. Click here to get recipe.

Beef and Sweet Potato Slow Cooker Stew

Beef can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet. Click here to view recipe.

Farmer's Market Fajita Skillet

This dish was recently prepared at fun cooking demonstration at the Alexandria Farmer's Market in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Spring 2019 Lunch and Learn Schedule

Click here to view 2019 Lunch and Learn Spring Schedule.

"Live Healthy, Live Longer"

The LSU AgCenter Rapides Parish Extension Nutrition Team kicked off the 2019 Spring Lunch and Learn Series on Wednesday, January 16.

Louisiana Gumbo: Electric Pressure Cooker Version

Quincy Vidrine demonstrates how to makegumbo in an electric pressure cooker.

Sweet Potato and Turkey Sausage Appetizer Squares

Sweet Potato and Turkey Sausage Appetizer Squares with lemon garlic mayo just in time for Thanksgiving.

Fancy Sweet Potato Citrus Cups

Try this sweet potato recipe for your upcoming holiday meal.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

It’s tailgating time! All over the south and especially here in Louisiana. Click here for this great dip recipe and tips on food safety.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is a winter squash that is high in vitamin A.

Ice Cream In a Bag - July 15 is National Ice Cream Day

Click the link to get the recipe.

Creole Tomato Vinaigrette

Looking for a good tomato recipe? Here is a tasty creole tomato vinaigrette with a little kick of spice...

Sugar Snap Peas with Honey & Pecans

This recipe was prepared using locally grown fresh sugar snap peas.

Louisiana Seafood Lasagna

This Louisiana Seafood Lassagna was featured on Jambalaya News Channel 5 in March 2018.

Gumbo Des Herbes

With St. Patrick’s day and the Lenten season upon us, why not GO GREEN when it comes to gumbo? Read more.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili featured on Jambalaya News Channel 5 for October 2017.

Maple & Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

This Maple & Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with avocado oil marinade was featured on Jambalaya News Channel 5. (September 2017)

Pressure Cooking 101 Workshop

Participants learn how to use the new electric pressure cooker.

Cinnamon Roll Bread with Low Fat Cream Cheese Icing

Pressure Cooking 101

These classes will focus on the basics of using the new electric pressure cookers.

It’s Crawfish Time in Louisiana : Slimmed Down Crawfish Monica

If you want to make this well-known New Orleans Jazz Festival Crawfish dish, right now is a great time to stock up on peeled tail meat.

Asparagus 3 Ways

Asparagus is plentiful right now so you will most likely find it at your local farmers market and grocers. Read more.

Louisiana Red Beans in an Electric Pressure Cooker

The article tells how to cook Louisiana Red Beans and rice safely in an electric pressure cooker.

Baked Taquitos with Ham, Egg & Spinach

The new year is upon us and if one of your goals for 2017 is to shed a few pounds and improve your health – rethink your breakfast. Click here to learn more.

Shrimp Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes

Shrimp Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes featured on Jambalaya, News Channel 5 for February 2015.

Louisiana Sweet Potato & Spinach Bisque

Recipe for Louisiana Sweet Potato & Spinach Bisque featured on Jambalaya - January 2015

Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Soup

Recipe for Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Soup featured on Jambalaya - January 2015

Rocking Your Recipes with Quincy

Quincy Cheek will show viewers how to make a healthier version of their recipes on KALB News Channel 5.

Honey-Pecan Chicken Thighs

Recipe featured on Jambalaya for Honey-Pecan Chicken Thighs for May 2014

Lunch and Learn: Spring Series

A list of upcoming Lunch and Learn Meetings for the Spring months in Rapides Parish.

Southern University Focus Television Program

Quincy Cheek is featured in a cooking segment produced by Southern University AgCenter.

Rapides Parishs Pumpkin Patch

The Rapides Parish Extension Office planted a pumpkin patch during the 4th of July holiday.

Louisiana Commodities: Lunch & Learn Fall Series

The fall series will highlight agricultural commodities grown in Central Louisiana and across the state.

Its Mayhaw Time in Louisiana

This article provides information on the mayhaw and recipes from the 2013 Louisiana Mayhaw Association's Cookoff.

Commodity Cookery Images for 2013

This article provides images from the 2013 Commodity Cookery Contest held at the Alexandria Mall for the Central Region.

Beef Burgundy

Recipe for Beef Burgundy featured on News Channel "Jambalaya" for March 2013.

2013 Cause We Care "Wrap-Up"

Images from the 2013 Cause We Care Fair held at the Alexandria Mall in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Cabbage Soup

Recipe for Cabbage Soup featured on Jambalaya 2013

Winter Time Blues Set In? Eat Citrus for a Pick-Me-Up!

This article provides consumers information on the many benefits of citrus in your diet.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Recipe featured on Jambalaya "News Channel 5" for November 2012

2012 Race For A Cure

This article features Rapides Parish AgCenter "Team Lou" fundraising efforts for breast cancer awareness.

Rapides Parish Lunch & Learn Series

Quincy Cheek, FCS Agent, will conduct several Lunch & Learn meetings in the upcoming months. Click to here for more information.

Kid Chef Nutrition Camp Highlights

Highlights from the 2012 Kid Chef Nutrition Camp held July 25-27, 2012.

The Kid Chef Nutrition Camp will be held July 25-27, 2012 at the Dewitt Livestock Facility in Rapides Parish. It is open to kids 9-12 years of age. The cost for the camp is $35 per child. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day. Download flyer for more details.

Cajun Seasoning Blend

Cajun Seasoning Blend recipe featured on News Channel 5's "Jambalaya" program for February 2012.

"Almost" Stuffed Cabbage

Recipe for "Almost" Stuffed Cabbage featured on Jambalaya - January 2012

White Turkey Chili

White Bean Chili recipe featured on "Jambalaya" for November 2011

Caribbean-Style Pork

Recipe for Caribbean-Style Pork featured on News Channel 5 "Jambalaya" for October 2011.

Lunch N Learn Spring Series

The article contains topics and dates for the upcoming Lunch 'N Learn Spring Series.

Master Nutrition Volunteer Training Certification Program

The LSU AgCenter's Rapides Parish Extension Office held a recognition ceremony and reception for the Master Nutrition Volunteer Program graduates. Click to view images.

Baked Bean Stew

Baked Bean Stew recipe featured on Jambalaya, January 2011.

Pantry Storage Chart

The attached chart gives information regarding food pantry storage recommendations. Information includes: recommended storage times and handling tips for condiments, mixes, canned foods, dried foods, meat substitutes and packaged foods. For more tips on food storage, contact Quincy Cheek at 318-767-3968.

Employee Health Expo and Benefit Lunch

The Dean Lee Employee Health Fair and TEAM Lou benefit was held on Oct. 1, 2010.

Local Church Donates to the Evac Shelter

First Baptist Church of Pineville, Louisiana donated items to State Evac Shelter next to LSU-Alexandria.

Kid Chef Image Gallery

Images from the 2010 Kid Chef Summer Camp held in Pineville, Louisiana.

Central Region Participates in the Race for the Cure

LSU AgCenter Central Region employees join over 4,000 participants in the inaugural Race for the Cure held in Alexandria in October 2010.

Avoyelles Sweet Potato Crunch

Recipe for November 2010 demonstrated on Jambalaya, the News Channel 5 TV program.

Top Ten Health Concerns for Men

Pennington study outlining the 10 health threats that men face.

Slow Cooker Tips

This article lists 10 helpful hints for cooking in a slow cooker.

Crustless Crawfish Quiche

Recipe featured on the TV program Jambalaya, Crustless Crawfish Quiche - April 2010

Mardi Gras Safety Tips

Quincy Cheek, agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, provides helpful information about Mardi Gras safety.

Is it a "Sweet Potato" or a "Yam"?

This article compares the sweet potato to the yam. Is there a difference. Let's find out.

Use Family Mealtime to Build More Healthful Lifestyle

This article describes how family mealtime promotes healthy nutrition habits for children and adults, as well as giving tips on meal preparation and a recipe for a B.L.T. in a Bowl.

Cajun Crawfish Salad

Recipe featured on Jambalaya "TV" for April 2009

Enjoy Louisiana Blueberries

Blueberries are nature’s No. 1 source of antioxidants among more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables studied. They also are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Information on pick-your-own operations, selection, storage, preparation, freezing, canning and using Louisiana blueberries can be found in this publication. (PDF Format Only)