My Surprises this Week! Normally, I have a pretty good grasp on identifying summer vegetables. In fact, I love to learn about and try new varieties of local favorites like kale or leaf lettuce or tomatoes. But this week, I was surprised 3 times by summer vegetables. Elephant garlic caught me off-guard with its mild flavor and huge cloves; blue potatoes amazed me when the color didn't disappear in the pot; and Turkish orange eggplants (see photo to the left) totally fooled me at the Farmer's Market. Cooking with Summer Vegetables! It can be a little overwhelming to put 1 or 2 brand new … [Read more...] about Summer Vegetable Surprises & How to Cook Them!
Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Game Rules: 1. Look at what I bought at my local Farmer's Market yesterday. 2. Try to name everything. 3. Try to work each fruit/veggie into a healthy meal or snack. Hints: 1. Fresh fruits can be a part of breakfast, lunch or dinner...or, a snack. One easy way to prepare them is to wash in cold tap water, peel (depending on the fruit) and eat. 2. Fresh veggies can be eaten raw, in most cases, or cooked. One easy way to cook them is to wash in cold tap water, cut and microwave. Solution to the Game (left to right): 1. Santa Rosa Plums - Very sweet and a tiny bit tart. … [Read more...] about Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Need new inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? Grow a spring garden!
Why Grow a Spring Garden? There are quite a few good reasons to grow an early spring garden, among them fresh air, exercise and pride. But, perhaps an even more important reason is the inspiration a garden of edibles will provide to fuel your healthier lifestyle. Plant Simple Greens, Garlic and Herbs If you have a small area of soil in your yard, or a couple of planters, then you can grow simple, inspiring, spring crops. Here in NC, it felt like spring today and I couldn't stop myself from getting out my gardening gloves and a small shovel to enjoy it. After clearing leaves and … [Read more...] about Need new inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? Grow a spring garden!
Confused about pantry staples? Start with these.
It's no secret that a well-stocked kitchen pantry makes simple and nutritious meal planning easier. The hard part, though, is figuring out what exactly to keep on hand for everyday needs. A Simple Pantry of Staples for Everyday, Nutritious Cooking Dry pantry: canned tomatoes, canned beans, pasta, high fiber cereal, brown rice, canned fruit (in juice), dried fruit, peanut (or soy nut) butter, olive oil, vinegar, canned tuna and/or salmon. Kitchen counter bowl: garlic, onion, tomato, lemon or lime, bananas, whole grain bread. Refrigerator: eggs, butter, lowfat 1% or nonfat (skim) … [Read more...] about Confused about pantry staples? Start with these.