How does your garden grow?

vegetable garden

Over the past few years I have been a volunteer chef along with some friends at a local pre-school in my community. A large percentage of the pre-schoolers are homeless and in need of a warm, nutritious meal. They are provided with a daily warm breakfast, and lunch. Multiple groups/businesses take part in feeding the kids. Some dishes we have prepared in the past are: chicken pot pie, baked potatoes with all the fixings, Sweet Meatballs & Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, baked ziti, and we always include fresh vegetables like brussels sprouts, or broccoli. We were amazed how the children really like the brussel sprouts! I boil them, then roast them in the oven with olive oil and sea salt.

Today we had the pleasure of cooking for the kids. We did a BBQ menu: pulled barbeque chicken, corn on the cob, slider rolls, cole slaw, & watermelon chunks. Everyone really enjoyed the meal.
At the pre-school, they also plant and grow a garden. The structure itself was built by a carpenter. There are big, bright colored windmills throughout the colorful garden. The children get to tend to the garden, and take a proactive role along with volunteers, caring for what they grow and eat. This teaches the kids that you need to care for the garden for it to grow. They also learn that fresh foods from the garden can taste good.

My sister works as a teacher in the inner city and they grow a garden for the kids as well. She applied for a grant through a state Agricultural Program. The money was used to create a garden of vegetables so that the students can learn that the food that they eat comes form nature (not cans) and that through their care and nurturing of the garden it will grow. This year they grew collard greens, lettuce and other greens to make soups and salads. They also have a class to teach them how to incorporate the fresh foods into their diets. This was particularly powerful for special needs children. It’s an ongoing program that teaches them various skills. Most importantly they learn how to grow their own food, which can be very cost effective, and healthier than processed foods.

Food Safety

You are at a BBQ and your host flips the cooked chicken with the same tongs he used to flip the raw chicken. You A) eat it anyway, and say nothing. B) don’t eat it, and say something later that night or another day. C) as the host is cooking offer to wash the tongs to help out and at another time mention the dangers of preparing uncooked meats. I would likely step in and offer to wash the tongs. Above all things, know how to properly handle raw meats. The US Department of Agriculture has this site called choosemyplate.gov and one of the topics of discussion is “Food Safety Advice” Here is the link. Food Safety Advice

Here is a different link from Foodsafety.gov regarding Safe minimum cooking temperatures

4th of July Celebrations

BBQ

I have so many fond memories of 4th of July Celebrations spent with my family at the beach. We could see all the dazzling fireworks right from the rooftop deck of the beach house. It was a spectacular display that lasted an eternity to me. I try to keep the memories alive with the food I serve at our family celebrations.

If you are throwing a party for the 4th of July or anytime over the summer months, buy some dishes and make others. Who really wants to be in the kitchen working on a gorgeous, sunny day?!!! I like the all-American BBQ style food. It is the classic party food. I prepare a roasted chicken sometimes the day before or better yet, I buy a Rotisserie chicken if pressed for time, and dice it up, than add our favorite BBQ sauce and heat it in a frying pan, no grill required! Then, I make my grandma’s potato salad. I was lucky enough to have my cousin give me this recipe many years ago, and I found it in a old, tattered recipe box. I cherish it!

Corn on the Cob is a crowd pleaser, but I spice it up by making a dill & garlic margarine, sprinkled with some sea salt and it melts in your mouth. Store bought chopped or creamy cole slaw, bread & butter pickles, and slider rolls are a must. And don’t forget potato chips and my homemade Dill & Lemon Dip. I like to use red and white checker napkins and bright, white linens and freshly cut flowers in clear glass vases. Pour a glass of Ginger tea and hang with your cherished guests. Parties are about creating memories, not perfecting every dish! Oh, and don’t forget the dessert, try my Ricotta Cheesecake, and end your party with a lasting memory of creamy goodness.

Sweet Basil

Sweet basil

Basil has many health benefits, one of which is to clear skin blemishes because of it’s anti-bacterial properties. It also has a wonderful nutritional profile providing vitamins: A, K, magnesium and more. It is an ancient herb, that’s been around for centuries and grows all over the world. There are over 60 varieties of basil.

It stays freshest in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel. I also cut it and put in a glass filled with water. It will last for days that way. We grow our own sweet basil, so we can cut it as we need it in various recipes. We add basil to our sauce, pesto, shakes, and even our omelettes with some feta cheese. You feta believe it’s good.

Sometimes you have to shake it up a bit! Try this shake combination of Basil & Raspberry for breakfast one day. Basil & Raspberry shake It’s surprisingly delicious. Also, make my Pesto Sauce and add it to your pasta, salmon, sandwiches and more.

Basil is one “sweet” herb!