Energy Sense

Fueling School Days

Egg-cellent fare will get kids cracking

Affordable and easy to prepare, eggs are a key ingredient for successful days in the classroom. They keep kids full and energized to conquer school days.

As one of the only foods that naturally have vitamin D, eggs offer a nutrient critical for building strong bones. Eggs also help the body absorb nutrients like vitamin E and carotenoids that are found in plant foods, making them a perfect partner for veggies. Additionally, they’re one of the best sources of choline, critical for brain health and development at every age and stage.

What’s more, between learning and down time, many kids spend a lot of hours in front of electronic screens. The lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolks can help protect their eyes from harmful blue light.

These recipes are easy to prepare ahead of time. To find additional egg recipes, search #ProteinPrepSchool on social media or visit incredibleegg.org.

— FamilyFeatures.com

Veggie and Cheese Frittata Fingers

Nonstick cooking spray 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup red bell pepper, diced ½ cup yellow onion, diced ½ cup zucchini, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped 12 large eggs 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté bell pepper, onion and zucchini until tender. Add garlic and spinach; cook until wilted.

In bowl, beat eggs then add sautéed vegetables, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish.

Bake 25–30 minutes until fully set. Allow to cool.

Cut into seven strips, then cut down the middle to create 14 pieces.

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.

To freeze, place cooled frittata fingers in freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. When ready to eat, microwave 60–90 seconds, or until warmed.

Yield: 4 servings Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Nonstick cooking spray 10 large eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup cooked quinoa* 1 cup tomatoes, quartered ½ cup finely chopped broccoli florets ½ cup finely chopped cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, crack eggs. Whisk until well combined. Stir in cheese, cooked quinoa, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and basil, if desired, until well combined.

Use a ¼-cup measuring cup to divide mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups. Bake 16–18 minutes until eggs are set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Refrigerate leftovers up to three days or freeze up to one month.

Yield: 6 servings

*Note: Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah,” is a good source of protein, minerals and vitamins. It’s usually found near the rice in grocery stores. It is soft and a bit fluffy when cooked.

embershipM MATTERS

TWENTY TWENTY TWO

Restoring power during a storm

Step by step...

Restoring power after a major outage involves steps for safely getting the most members restored in the shortest amount of time. Our plan is based on these priorities:

Step 1: Transmission structures and lines that supply power to one or more transmission substations are restored first. These main delivery lines receive first priority because they serve tens of thousands of people.

Step 2: Next are distribution substations, which “step down” (reduce) voltage from transmission lines so it can be distributed to thousands of members.

Step 3: Main distribution supply lines (the ones you see on poles along roads) that carry electricity away from substations are targeted next.

Step 4: The final power supply lines to a member’s home, called “tap lines,” are restored next. These carry power from utility poles or underground transformers.

Step 5: Damage can also occur on the service line leading from the transformer pole into your home. This could be why your neighbors have power and you don’t and is one reason all outages should be reported.

Outages can be reported 24/7 via Blue Ridge Energy’s mobile app, by calling 1-800-448-2383, or by using outage texting. Sign up for outage texting by texting START to 70216 before you have an outage.