Princess Takes Role Seriously

By MARY ANN GASSMAN

For information on dairy products or milk production, visit www.midwestdairy.com or www.dairyfarming today.orgIt’s unusual to find a 17-year-old who is dedicated and passionate about anything – much less work. But this young lady is not only passionate and dedicated, but knowledgeable about the profession she’s worked in all her life.Teresa Decker grew up on a 380-acre farm in Bernard, Iowa, taking her turn at milking the family’s 250 head of holsteins. It was a twice-a-day routine that began at an early age. The process takes about three hours from set up to clean up. For her, that 5:30 a.m. shift is “just a natural process and part of my daily routine.”It was that matter-of-fact attitude, dedication, passion and knowledge that earned her the 2008 Dubuque County Dairy Princess title, a title that she does not take lightly. With it comes responsibility, duties, education and personal endorsement appearances.”As the Dubuque County Dairy Princess, I am honored to promote the wholesome, nutritious dairy products we – as dairy farmers – work so hard to produce every day while caring for our animals, and the land we call home,” she said. “We take personal pride in producing only wholesome, high-quality dairy foods.”Teresa especially wants to reinforce the importance of the 3-a-day motto of dairy products which the American Dairy Association stresses is important to maintaining good health. Only about 2 percent of the U.S. population lives on a farm and therefore may not be as aware of the benefits of dairy products.”I believe if I inform these people on how milk and dairy foods are produced, they will make better purchase and consumption choices down the road,” said Teresa. “Milk and dairy products offer a powerful package of calcium and eight other essential nutrients for you and your family to enjoy.”Many people don’t know that eating dairy foods helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as osteoporosis and obesity.”I do believe in the future I will still be involved in the dairy industry. Dairy farming is a noble and rewarding profession.”You can see one of Teresa’s favorite recipes from the Midwest Dairy Association on page 4D. Try it during June Dairy Month and all year long:You can contact Mary Ann at mgassman@wcinet.com or write to her at the Telegraph Herald, P.O. Box 688, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0688.n Turn to page 4D for a recipe.n Turn to page 4D for the recipe.Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Yogurt SauceFILLING:1 (3-ounce) package of cream cheese2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast12 ounces chunky salsa1 cup Mexican- blend cheese, shredded8 (6-inch) flour tortillasYOGURT SAUCE:2 cups low-fat plain yogurt1 cup chopped cilantro1 teaspoon ground cuminFor Filling: Heat cream cheese in large skillet over medium heat until soft. Stir in chicken and 1/2 cup of the salsa; mix well. Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese; stir until melted. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla; roll up. Place seam side down in a 12-by-8-inch baking dish. Top with remaining salsa and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with Yogurt Sauce. Makes 8 servings.For Yogurt Sauce: Combine yogurt, cilantro and cumin. Chill until needed.Nutrition analysis per serving: 290 calories; 21 grams protein (7 grams dairy protein); 21 grams carbohydrate; 13 grams total fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 700 milligrams sodium; 60 milligrams cholesterol; 25 percent daily value calcium.

Originally published by MARY ANN GASSMAN TH food columnist.

(c) 2008 Telegraph – Herald (Dubuque). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.