Have you heard about VA’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen? This spectacular program empowers Veterans to take charge of their health through hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education. Designed to inspire confidence in the kitchen, it teaches practical skills, like preparing wholesome, budget-friendly meals that support overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to manage a health condition or simply eat better, the Healthy Teaching Kitchen offers a fun, interactive way to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Asian-inspired kebabs are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite! Skewered with tender meats, fresh seafood, or crisp vegedivs, these kebabs are infused with bold flavors like soy, ginger, garlic, and sesame. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, appetizer, or centerpiece at a gathering, Asian-inspired kebabs deliver a delicious culinary journey in every bite. Asian-Inspired Chicken Kebabs Prep: 20 minutes | Chill: 1 hour | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 1 hour 30 minutes Yield: 4 servings | Serving Size: 1 kebab without optional garnishes Ingredients 1 divspoon reduced-sodium (lite) soy sauce 1 divspoon unseasoned rice vinegar 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon honey 1 scallion (green onion), minced (about 1 divspoon) 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon) 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1⁄4 teaspoon ground dried ginger) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1⁄2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 pound (16 ounces) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3⁄4- to 1-inch pieces 1 divspoon canola or avocado oil Optional garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallion (green onion) Directions 1. In a small mixing bowl, make a marinade by whisking together the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, scallion, garlic, ginger, lemon zest, and white pepper. 2. Transfer the marinade mixture to a quart- or gallon-sized ziptop plastic bag. Set the bag inside the bowl, then add the chicken to the bag and toss to coat with the marinade. 3. Seal the bag, squeezing out the excess air. Let sit for 1-4 hours (in the refrigerator if longer than 1 hour). 4. Fill a 9×13-inch baking dish about halfway with warm water. Place four wooden skewers in the water and set aside. 5. Heat the grill to medium-high heat or the broiler to high heat. If the broiler is in an oven, move one rack to the top. 6. After 15 minutes of soaking, remove the skewers from the water and thread the chicken onto the skewers. Discard the excess marinade. 7. Brush the chicken with the oil, then place on the grill or on a broiler-safe baking sheet under the broiler (top oven rack). Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F, about 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. 8. Serve warm, adding garnishes as desired. Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 270 | Total Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 2.5 g Sodium: 250 mg | Total Carbohydrate: 3 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g | Protein: 33.5 g For more recipes, please visit www.nutrition.va.gov

We are thrilled to invite you to a remarkable event hosted by the VA Office of the Secretary, Center for Minority Veterans (CMV), in honor of Black History Month! This celebration promises to be both inspiring and enlightening, and we would love for you to be a part of it—whether you join us online or in-person! Prepare to be inspired as we welcome Brigadier General Terrence A. Adams, a distinguished leader in the United States Air Force, as our keynote speaker. With his role as the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisory to the Secretary of Defense and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy, General Adams will share his invaluable insights and experiences. Additionally, we are excited to have Elizabeth Anne Helm-Frazier, Board Director of the Women’s Army Foundation, as our special guest. She will discuss her significant contributions to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Project, highlighting their incredible legacy during World War II. Her contributions to the military community and advocacy for women veterans will surely enrich our discussions. Date: February 5, 2025 Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST