Food, Fun, 4-H in Our Great State

Welcome to Food, Fun, 4-H in Our Great State!

This summer we are exploring agricultural commodities grown and produced in Oklahoma. We are excited to introduce you to new recipes and learn more about our great state. We partnered with the Made in Oklahoma coalition and are identifying M.I.O. products in hopes of further supporting our fellow Oklahomans.

Each month we will focus on a specific Oklahoma commodity. Each commodity will include downloads for 1) an educational packet with an introduction to the theme, educational information, conversation starter topics, and ideas for a family physical activity; and 2) a recipe packet with a shopping list, recipes for a complete meal, and nutrition facts.

Beef

A plate on a table with beef in a salad on the plate

Beef is Oklahoma’s largest agricultural commodity. Oklahoma is the nation’s second-largest beef-producing state with 2.1 million beef cattle and $2.5 billion in gross income. Beef is a great source of protein and important nutrients including iron, zinc, riboflavin, and magnesium.

For this meal, you’ll learn how to make Beef Confetti Taco Salad, Easy Cheesy Enchilada Rice, Country Cornbread, and Lucky Lime Pie.

Chicken

A plate on a table with chicken pizza, fruit, and a cinnamon roll

Chickens are a top Oklahoma commodity and are dominant in the eastern part of the state. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, low in fat, simple to cook, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

For this meal, you'll learn how to make BBQ Chicken Pizza, Corn & Edamame Succotash Salad, Bruschetta, Cucumber Limeade, and Fruit Pizza.

Pork

A plate on a table with pork kabobs, a tomato salad, and deviled-eggs

Pork is the most consumed meat in the world and the third most consumed meat in the U.S. It has been debated whether pork is a red meat or white meat, but it is considered a red meat. Pork contains all nine essential amino acids and is particularly high in thiamine, which converts carbohydrates into energy. According to Pork Checkoff, no animal provides a wider range of products than pigs.

For this meal, you'll learn how to make Honey Pork Kabobs, Classic Deviled Eggs, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Grilled Veggie Packets, and Peach Pecan Crisp.

Wheat and Dairy

Pasta, carrots, a spinach salad, and cookies on a plate display

For our final month, we are learning about not one but TWO Oklahoma commodities: wheat and dairy. Wheat is the top grown crop in Oklahoma. Wheat supplies about 20% of food calories for people around the world. Dairy is Oklahoma's fifth largest agricultural commodity. Milk is the official state drink of Oklahoma and the only food that contains all nine essential nutrients.

For this meal, you'll learn how to make Ham & Swiss Baked Penne, Ranch Carrots, Spinach Apple Salad, and Haystack Cookies.