Trying to eat a little better this year?  Shari Steinbach has some easy ways to incorporate healthier foods into your daily diet.

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Welcome to 2012- I hope the new year is off to a great start Where You Live!  On this weekend’s show we’ll explore simple ways you can recharge, re-energize and revamp things for your family!  We’ll shop with Shari from Meijer and see how simple switches in the groceries you buy can make a big difference in your family’s  health.  Our friends at Holland Aquatic Center will share great shape up moves you can do at home and Priority Health has five ways to make living healthier a little easier.  A Pine Rest Expert will share practical ways to reconnect with those you love.  Plus, you’ll love the great finds at Goodwill that will inspire you to re-do your wardward and your living room all for under $10!!  Plus, it’s time to kick-off the 35th Anniversary of the Fifth Third River Bank Run-find out how you can get involved!  Watch “Where You Live” this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 7;30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and Sunday at 11:30 on WOOD TV 8.

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As 2011 draws to a close I’m taking a minute to reflect on all the amazing things that have happened this past year.  It’s been an incredible year and so many good things have happened.  Here’s a few of the highlights for me:

*In just one year, we have given away over 12,800 prizes to kids and families in West Michigan. 

*We are blessed to have loyal viewers who join us each week for “Where You Live” where we have shared some incredible stories, explored some wonderful family fun destinations and weekly presented relevant information to help families live a little healthier and happier.

*Partnering with over 100 local libraries over 70,000 kids participated in the 2011 Summer Reading Club!

*This past summer over 42,000 kids and families enjoyed free food, free entertainment and free fun at our Park Parties.

*We were involoved in great community events like the Fifth Third River Bank Run, Beautiful U, Teacher Wish List, the grand opening of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the first ever Santa’s Pool Party, Cruiserfest, the Bethany Caring for Families shopping event at Meijer and so many other amazing events. 

*We visited over 220 schools and non-profit events.

It’s been an amazing year and I’m so thankful to each person, organization, community and company that partnered with us to make it all happen!  Happy New Year and here’s to an incredible 2012!

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Maranda heads to Meijer with an expert on toys from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to see which toys are for the best ages to increase development.

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Maranda talks with our Meijer Healthy Living Advisor, Christina Miller, about some great ways to eat healthy and save some money when tailgating the Lions game. Enjoy fresh fruits, simple seven layer dip, and other delicious munchies.

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Lions Tailgating 2011

Tina Miller, MS RD Meijer Healthy Living Advisor www.meijerhealthyliving.com

Taste of the Tailgate Menu

Snacks:

Fiesta 7-layer dip with tortilla chips

Chipotle Chicken Wrap bites

Sides:

Apple dippers (with caramel, bare naked fit granola and crushed peanuts)

Broccoli-Gouda Salad

Hot off the grill:

Fiery Adobo Pork Skewers

Johnsonville Apple Chicken Sausage with Apple-Onion Relish

Recipes:

Fiesta 7 Layer Dip

Makes: 14 servings (½ cup each)

Ingredients:

1 can (10 oz.) Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained, liquid reserved

1 can (16 oz.) Rosarita® Traditional Refried Beans

1 container (12 oz.) refrigerated guacamole

1 container (16 oz.) Meijer Sour Cream

1 pkg. (1.25 oz.) taco seasoning mix (Old El Paso 40% less sodium)

1 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend

1 can (2.25 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained

¼ cup sliced green onions

Directions:

1. RESERVE ½ cup drained tomatoes; set aside. Blend remaining tomatoes and reserved liquid with beans in medium bowl.
2. SPREAD bean mixture in 8×8-inch glass baking dish or round casserole dish. Top with guacamole.
3. BLEND together sour cream and seasoning mix in small bowl. Spread over guacamole. Top evenly with layers of cheese, olives, green onions and reserved tomatoes.
4. CHILL 2 hours prior to serving. Serve with tortilla chips, if desired.

Recipe source: Meijer Taste of the Game, Try-foods Int’l., www.meijermealbox.com

Adobo Chicken Wrap Bites

Serves 4 (makes 20 bites)

1/4 cup KRAFT® SANDWICH SHOP Chipotle Flavored Reduced Fat Mayonnaise

4 Meijer whole wheat or multi-grain tortillas (8 inch)

4 slices KRAFT® Big Slice 2% Milk Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese Slice, cut in half

4 pcs. Leaf lettuce, wash and pat dry

1/2 cup Pico de Gallo

8 slices (approx. ½ lb.) Deli sliced chicken

Directions:

1. SPREAD mayonnaise onto each tortilla, spreading evenly to all edges of tortilla.
2. TOP with remaining ingredients; roll up.
3. Cut each roll into 5 pieces.  Secure with toothpicks.  Chill until ready to serve.

Adapted from: Meijer Taste of the Game, Try-foods Int’l., www.meijermealbox.com

Apple Dippers with Dip

Serves 8

Ingredients:

4-6 Michigan apples (try honey crisp, gala, Jonagold or red delicious)

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1 container Marzetti Caramel dip

1 1/2 cups Bare Naked Fit Almond Crunch Granola

1 cup Planters roasted peanuts, ground

Directions:

1. Wash apples and cut into wedges using apple slicer.
2. Place apples in a gallon size zipper lock bag.  Add pineapple juice and turn to coat apples (to prevent browning.  Place in refrigerator.
3. Place caramel dip, granola and ground peanuts into separate serving bowls. When ready to serve, remove apples from zipper lock bag and place on a serving platter; serve with caramel dip, granola, and peanuts.  Dip apples and enjoy!

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Broccoli–Gouda Salad

Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients:

½ cup Meijer Light Italian Salad Dressing

½ tsp. dried basil

1 garlic clove, minced

3 cups small broccoli florets

½ cup coarsely chopped Roma tomatoes

½ cup slivered almonds, toasted

½ cup halved, thinly sliced red onion

5 oz. smoked or plain Gouda, cut into ¼-inch cubes (about 1 cup)

Directions:

1. MIX salad dressing, basil and garlic in a measuring cup; set aside.
2. PLACE 3 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to boiling. Add broccoli; cook 1 minute or until broccoli brightens. Drain; rinse in cold water.
3. COMBINE broccoli, tomatoes, almonds, onion and cheese in a medium bowl; toss to mix. Whisk dressing; drizzle over salad. Toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe source: Meijer Taste of the Game, Try-foods Int’l.,www.meijermealbox.com

Fiery Adobo Pork Skewers

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Pork Skewers:

3 tbsp. puréed chiles in adobo sauce

3 tbsp. Meijer Light Brown Sugar

2 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 (1-lb.) pork tenderloin, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes

1½ orange, yellow or red bell peppers, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

Broccoli Slaw:

1 (10-oz.) pkg. broccoli–slaw mix

¼ cup Meijer Lite Mayonnaise

2 tbsp. fresh lime juice

2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. COMBINE puréed chiles, brown sugar and lime juice in a large bowl for Pork Skewers; season with salt and pepper to taste. Add pork; stir to coat. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.
2. COAT grill rack with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat grill to medium (350°F). Remove pork from marinade; discard marinade. On each of 4 skewers, alternately thread bell pepper, onion and pork. (If using wooden skewers, soak at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.)
3. PLACE skewers on grill. Grill 6 to 8 minutes per side for (145°F medium-rare) or to desired doneness. Remove skewers from grill; let stand 5 minutes.
4. MAKE SLAW: combine slaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice and cilantro in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve pork skewers with slaw.

Recipe source: Meijer Taste of the Game, Try-foods Int’l.,www.meijermealbox.com

Johnsonville Apple Chicken Sausage with Apple-Onion Relish

Sausage:

2 (12 oz). Packages (8 Sausages) Johnson Apple Chicken Sausage Links

8 sandwich rolls

Honey-Dijon Mustard

Directions:

Preheat grill to medium-low. Grill 10-12 minutes or until heated through, turning links often. Serve in sandwich rolls topped with apple-onion relish (recipe follows) and honey-Dijon mustard.

Apple Onion Relish

Ingredients

2 cups chopped red onion

3/4 cup Meijer distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon(s) tricolored peppercorns, crushed

1/4 tsp. ground McCormick cumin

1 cup chopped Michigan apple (about 1 large apple)

Directions

1. Combine onion, vinegar, sugar, peppercorns and cumin in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook the onions for 15 to 18 minutes.
2. Add apple and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.  Cool completely. Place the relish in a covered container and let marinate, in the refrigerator, overnight before serving.  Keep refrigerated up to two weeks.

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The Detroit Lions are restoring the roar and families around West Michigan are thrilled to be cheering on their team!  This week on “Where You Live” we’re heading to Detroit-we’ll interview players, watch a practice and workout session and then we’ll head to the Lion’s Den-Ford Field!  Plus, Tina from Meijer will share some tasty ideas on family friendly foods to serve at your next Lions party!  And to make it even more exciting we’re giving away four tickets to the Dec. 11th Detroit Lions game-seats in the Meijer Family section at Ford Field!  Meijer is even providing a $50 gas card!  Watch “Where You Live” for your chance to win big-Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on WOOD TV 8.  Go Lions!!

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The best tips for holding an office baby shower!

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It’s time for Halloween fun “Where You Live!’  We’re working on a great show for you and your family featuring all sorts of exciting Halloween Tricks and Treats!  We’ll be at the Zoo Goes Boo at the John Ball Zoo-see how they have transformed the Zoo into a kooky, not spooky place for families!   My friend Shari from Meijer has some very clever ideas on treats you and your kids can make together.  Jennifer from Safe Kids at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital will share practical tips on ways to make your childrens’ costumes safe and Elizabeth from Fifth Third Bank will share great ideas on ways to make last minute deocrations and costumes without breaking the bank.  Plus, we’ll chat with magician Allan Kazam and he’ll show you how to do a magic trick that will wow your Halloween guests!   And my favorite part of the show is photos submitted by our Facebook fans showcasing super cute costumes!   We’re brewing up all kinds of fun for you this weekend-Watch “Where You Live” Saturday, October 29th at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on WOOD TV 8.

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