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3 strips of venison (deer) jerky on white plate

Choose the best jerky: Smart buying tips and homemade techniques

October 21, 2026

From hunters and campers trying to pack light to desk workers looking for a snack, jerky and other "shapes" of meat sticks and bar are tasty examples of using dehydration to preserve food for longer storage. By taking out water, it is...

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Sliced apples and apple halves on wood cutting board with knife

3 apple side dishes for fall

September 9, 2026

USApple notes that the U.S. grows more than 100 apple varieties. So, no matter what flavors, colors, or crispness level you're looking for, there's likely a variety you'll enjoy. Now that we're close to autumn and it's apple season, I'm ready to...

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Tomatillos on a round wood board with a decorative red and white towel

Try the new food (featuring tomatillos)

July 29, 2026

Along with sardines, jicama, and pawpaw, tomatillos are on the list of foods I probably never would have eaten, if not for my job where people ask me about food. It's to my benefit to learn about foods I know nothing about. ...

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Could your salad make you sick? Understanding Cyclosporiasis

July 16, 2026

Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness, specifically a parasite, that has been causing outbreaks of intestinal illness across the United States recently. How do you get it?Cyclosporiasis is caused by eating food or water that contains the parasite (so small it can only be seen...

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Wicker basket filled with live grass, flowers, and dyed eggs

Create earthy eggs with plant dyes for spring

March 18, 2026

Yes, the flowers and grass in the basket in this blog's cover photo are real! Our horticulture staff added grass seed and soil to the baskets a week before class and then helped class participants plant pansy flowers into the baskets....

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Women filling a blue pot with water at kitchen sink

Save water while cooking in a drought

February 18, 2026

Many areas of Illinois are experiencing effects of little rain in 2025. This includes a community I work in that is asking its residents to practice water conservation. Beyond not using lawn irrigation...

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Red nonstick skillet cooking two venison steaks

Flavorful venison recipes for winter

December 17, 2025

Partnerships are a big part of Illinois Extension programs. This one started more than five years ago with a conversation about deer hunting and turned into recipes, videos, a webinar, and Hunters Feeding Illinois. As someone who did not grow up hunting...

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How long do holiday leftovers really last?

November 21, 2025

“How long has this turkey been in the fridge?” “Are these mashed potatoes still good?” “Will this stuffing last until Christmas?”These are common questions you might hear echoing from the kitchen after the holidays. Sharing food with family and friends makes great memories, but no one wants to...

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Repeating pattern of walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts

Nuts need food safety too

November 12, 2025

What are your favorite nuts and seeds? Maybe pecans or walnuts? Sunflower or pumpkin seeds? Fortunately, no matter your favorites, nuts are a nutritious choice!NutritionNutritionally, 1/4 cup of most nuts and seeds - or 2 Tablespoons nut butter - contains 14-18g fat, 5-7g protein, 2-4g fiber,...

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Bowl of red pepper flakes next to 3 red chilis on dark gray background

Make your own red pepper flakes

August 20, 2025

Although National Pepper Month is celebrated in November, sweet and hot peppers are coming out of gardens and farmers markets in mid- and late-summer here in Illinois. While the peppers are peak quality, I'll enjoy them fresh as a crunch snack with dip or use in...

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