2023 here we are! At the beginning of each year, I always think of a clean slate. We have the whole year ahead of us for growth, memories, activities, and so much more. I hope that you are looking forward to a new year with a grateful heart.

I do want to let you know, that in the middle of this month, my role will be changing. I will be a SNAP-Ed County Agent covering both Crawford and Sebastian Counties. This means that I will focus on nutrition education for both counites. My office will remain in Van Buren and contact information will be the same. I am excited for the opportunity to reach new audiences and create new partnerships.

As for the Family & Consumer Sciences role here in Crawford County, we will work to fill that position shortly. If you know of anyone who would be interested, please send them our way.

-Tristin

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Announcements
Up Coming Events
Healthy Recipe!

A New 4-H Enrollment System for 2023

will be available SOON!!!

2023 Congressional Award Record Books

The deadline to submit your Congressional Award Record Book to be included

in the 2023 Gold Medal Class is February 1, 2023.

(Any Gold Medal submissions after the February deadline

will be reviewed for the 2024 Gold Medal class.)

Save the Date!!! 4-H County Meeting!

Thu., Feb. 23rd

MORE INFORMATION TO COME SOON!!!

Shop 4-H – Arkansas Collection

We are very excited to announce that Arkansas 4-H now has its own state collection on the Shop 4-H website! You can find all kinds of AR branded t-shirts, sweatshirts, corduroy jackets, bags, and so much more. Use the Arkansas affiliated link which gives a percentage back to our program!

The Arkansas 4-H Teen Star, Ambassador, and State Officer candidate applications are now OPEN

and DUE on March 15, 2023.

You have to:

· Be 14 years old to apply for Teen Star

· Have been named Teen Star in previous year to apply for Ambassador

· Have been an Ambassador for at least 1 full year before applying for State Officer candidacy

Click on the links for more information on Teen Stars, Ambassadors, and State Officers.

If you have questions about the applications, requirements, etc. please contact Ashley Dingman.

Recipe of the Month!

Roasted Sweet Potato Soup

(12 – 1 cup servings)

Ingredients

3 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 4 medium-large sized),
2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 oz. uncured diced pancetta
1 cup white onion, chopped
1 cup celery hearts, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced (Approx. 5 teaspoons)
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
5 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups 1% milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
Peel, cut, and quarter sweet potatoes into chunks. Toss with olive oil and place on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until lightly brown.
After roasting sweet potatoes about 20 minutes, heat butter on stovetop over medium heat in a large stock pot/dutch oven. Once melted, add in pancetta, and stir together until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Then take pancetta out and set aside in small bowl with paper towel.
In the same pot, add in the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add in chopped celery and carrot, stir together, and cook for another 3 minutes. Add in garlic and continue cooking mixture until garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, allspice, and ginger seasonings, mixing well to combine.
Add in roasted sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and milk. Stir everything together until fully combined. Cover pot with lid and let mixture simmer together for 15 minutes.
Remove soup from heat, uncover pot, and use a hand blender to fully blend everything together until desired consistency is reached. Taste soup and adjust seasonings to preference.

Serve soup warm. (Optional - top with croutons and diced pancetta.)

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.