1/2 cup Garlic Scapes, finely chopped
4 T fresh Lemon juice
1/2 cup Olive Oil
3 cups grated parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Put garlic scapes and lemon juice in bowl of food processor with steel blade, and process until scapes are very finely chopped. With food processor running, add oil through the feed tube and process 2-3 minutes. Remove lid, add half of parmesan cheese and process 2 minutes, then add the rest of cheese and salt and process 2-3 minutes more.
Serve tossed with hot pasta. This would also be good on fish, as a topping for bread, or as a seasoning for cooked rice.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Healthy Lunches
Good nutrition is essential for your child to have a great day at school. Packing a sack lunch is one way to ensure that your child will have a nutritious mid-day meal, and even a healthy snack or two. The right lunch bag and accessories will allow you to pack a variety of healthy foods that are still tasty enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
Lunch Bag Tech
Brown paper bags may be convenient and inexpensive, but they rip easily and don’t help keep cold foods cold or hot foods hot. They are fine for a peanut butter sandwich and an apple, but not for much else.
Metal or plastic lunch boxes with insulated beverage containers are one step up from the brown bag because they are sturdier. Your child can take a hot or cold beverage with his lunch, but it is still difficult to control the temperature of the foods -- so food choices are still limited.
Insulated lunch bags are the best choice for school lunches. Some insulated lunch bags are equipped with freezer packs; you can also buy freezer packs separately. There are bags with two or more compartments, so foods and beverages can be kept separate. Insulated lunch bags can be very fashionable as well. Some look more like a trendy purse or tote bag, and there are plenty of novelty bags to please any boy or girl.
The insulated bag and freezer packs will keep your child’s lunch cold and, therefore, safe and fresh. Of course, your child may get tired of cold foods every day, so you also need insulated food jars for hot foods. Pick up a few plastic containers in smaller sizes and sandwich bags, too, and you'll be prepared to offer your child a variety of hot and cold healthy foods.
Healthy Lunch Bag Ideas
Sandwiches are a popular choice for a school lunch. Remember that meats, dairy products, and eggs are perishable, so be sure to use a freezer pack to keep them cold. Choose whole grain bread, wraps, or pitas. If your child resists whole grain breads, use bread that is made with some whole grain but still has the flavour and texture of white bread. Each sandwich should have a healthy protein source and healthy toppings. Some suggestions:
• Tuna sandwich wrap with light mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes
• Egg salad sandwich on whole grain bread
• Peanut butter, cashew, or almond butter with a 100 percent fruit spread on whole grain bread (a healthier PB&J)
• Sliced turkey, lean roast beef, or chicken from the deli--or left over from last night's dinner--with light mayonnaise, mustard, and a slice of cheese
What should you send along with the sandwich? A piece of fresh fruit is healthy but can get a bit boring after a while. Skip the greasy chips and choose from these healthier ideas, just remember to keep perishables cold:
• Send a salad in a small plastic container. Keep the dressing on the side in a separate smaller container.
• Cheese sticks go well with sandwiches and are a good source of calcium.
• Whole grain snack crackers add a nice crunch and lots of healthy fibre.
• Make a fruit salad with grapes, melons chunks, and blueberries.
• Dried fruit, like raisins, dried cranberries or banana chips
• Nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts
• Pack a cold pasta salad, cole slaw, or potato salad.
• Baby carrots with a small container of vegetable dip
• Crunchy raw green beans with a small container of ranch or French onion dip
• flavoured low-fat yogurt
Think Beyond the Sandwich
With insulated food jars, you can send hot foods to school, too, like leftovers from that delicious meal you made last night. Make sure the foods are heated up to at least 140 degrees before you load them into the insulated jars. Here are some hot food ideas:
• Beef and vegetable stew with a hard roll
• Chicken noodle soup and whole grain crackers
• Lasagna with a salad and bread
• Chicken casserole with carrots and vegetable dip.
• Chilli with whole grain crackers or bread
• Left over stir-fry or sautéed vegetables
With the right lunch gear, your child can enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch every day. Add a small cookie or tiny piece of candy for dessert along with juice, milk, or water for a complete healthy and fun meal.
Source: "Keeping Bag Lunches Safe." United States Department of Agriculture. September 27, 2006.
Lunch Bag Tech
Brown paper bags may be convenient and inexpensive, but they rip easily and don’t help keep cold foods cold or hot foods hot. They are fine for a peanut butter sandwich and an apple, but not for much else.
Metal or plastic lunch boxes with insulated beverage containers are one step up from the brown bag because they are sturdier. Your child can take a hot or cold beverage with his lunch, but it is still difficult to control the temperature of the foods -- so food choices are still limited.
Insulated lunch bags are the best choice for school lunches. Some insulated lunch bags are equipped with freezer packs; you can also buy freezer packs separately. There are bags with two or more compartments, so foods and beverages can be kept separate. Insulated lunch bags can be very fashionable as well. Some look more like a trendy purse or tote bag, and there are plenty of novelty bags to please any boy or girl.
The insulated bag and freezer packs will keep your child’s lunch cold and, therefore, safe and fresh. Of course, your child may get tired of cold foods every day, so you also need insulated food jars for hot foods. Pick up a few plastic containers in smaller sizes and sandwich bags, too, and you'll be prepared to offer your child a variety of hot and cold healthy foods.
Healthy Lunch Bag Ideas
Sandwiches are a popular choice for a school lunch. Remember that meats, dairy products, and eggs are perishable, so be sure to use a freezer pack to keep them cold. Choose whole grain bread, wraps, or pitas. If your child resists whole grain breads, use bread that is made with some whole grain but still has the flavour and texture of white bread. Each sandwich should have a healthy protein source and healthy toppings. Some suggestions:
• Tuna sandwich wrap with light mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes
• Egg salad sandwich on whole grain bread
• Peanut butter, cashew, or almond butter with a 100 percent fruit spread on whole grain bread (a healthier PB&J)
• Sliced turkey, lean roast beef, or chicken from the deli--or left over from last night's dinner--with light mayonnaise, mustard, and a slice of cheese
What should you send along with the sandwich? A piece of fresh fruit is healthy but can get a bit boring after a while. Skip the greasy chips and choose from these healthier ideas, just remember to keep perishables cold:
• Send a salad in a small plastic container. Keep the dressing on the side in a separate smaller container.
• Cheese sticks go well with sandwiches and are a good source of calcium.
• Whole grain snack crackers add a nice crunch and lots of healthy fibre.
• Make a fruit salad with grapes, melons chunks, and blueberries.
• Dried fruit, like raisins, dried cranberries or banana chips
• Nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts
• Pack a cold pasta salad, cole slaw, or potato salad.
• Baby carrots with a small container of vegetable dip
• Crunchy raw green beans with a small container of ranch or French onion dip
• flavoured low-fat yogurt
Think Beyond the Sandwich
With insulated food jars, you can send hot foods to school, too, like leftovers from that delicious meal you made last night. Make sure the foods are heated up to at least 140 degrees before you load them into the insulated jars. Here are some hot food ideas:
• Beef and vegetable stew with a hard roll
• Chicken noodle soup and whole grain crackers
• Lasagna with a salad and bread
• Chicken casserole with carrots and vegetable dip.
• Chilli with whole grain crackers or bread
• Left over stir-fry or sautéed vegetables
With the right lunch gear, your child can enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch every day. Add a small cookie or tiny piece of candy for dessert along with juice, milk, or water for a complete healthy and fun meal.
Source: "Keeping Bag Lunches Safe." United States Department of Agriculture. September 27, 2006.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Green Cricket Special Offer 15% off
A few weeks ago I placed my first order with http://greencricket.ca/. Like us, they are an online delivery company; however they offer everything we don’t, from home decor to toys. All their products are in some way, environmentally friendly. Just to give you an idea, here is how they work their ‘Green Rating System’
"Green Cricket assesses every product offered on our site against our own quality criteria, and provides full transparency of “what’s green” about each. Our Green Rating System uses a range of environmental factors that span the product lifecycle. We have grouped this System into five main criteria to evenly assess each product. Part of this evaluation includes the extent to which these products have obtained third-party certifications from government or standards organizations. We have chosen only those products that, based on this assessment, are consistent with our commitment to bringing the best in green products to you."
When I placed the order I got to choose when I wanted it delivered, as well as the delivery time; although I wanted it as soon as possible, the time of day made no difference. I ordered 4 sets of the (white) Organic Cotton Wash Cloth, Bath Towel, and Hand Towel. Yes, I know it’s a lot but I actually don’t own any organic cotton towels, so I was trying to replace some of the non-organic towels. The order came in an early Friday morning, Billy and I were both excited to open it because it wasn’t just a boring postal box, it was a cute little white box marked with the Green Cricket Logo.
I also tried to order their stainless steel ice cube trays ()but they were out of stock at the time. I’m pretty sure my grandmother has the same ones from decades ago; it’s a rectangle block, with a crank to break the ice. It looks like lots of fun. I will try again for the ice cube trays.
Their website allows you to put together an order and let it sit if you are not quite ready to have it delivered, it is also very easy to add or remove items from your shopping basket as you look through their site.
Green Cricket is offering all Green Earth Organic members a special discount. Enter GREENEARTH09 at check out to receive the discount. Please let me know what you order and how you like it on our blog!
"Green Cricket assesses every product offered on our site against our own quality criteria, and provides full transparency of “what’s green” about each. Our Green Rating System uses a range of environmental factors that span the product lifecycle. We have grouped this System into five main criteria to evenly assess each product. Part of this evaluation includes the extent to which these products have obtained third-party certifications from government or standards organizations. We have chosen only those products that, based on this assessment, are consistent with our commitment to bringing the best in green products to you."
When I placed the order I got to choose when I wanted it delivered, as well as the delivery time; although I wanted it as soon as possible, the time of day made no difference. I ordered 4 sets of the (white) Organic Cotton Wash Cloth, Bath Towel, and Hand Towel. Yes, I know it’s a lot but I actually don’t own any organic cotton towels, so I was trying to replace some of the non-organic towels. The order came in an early Friday morning, Billy and I were both excited to open it because it wasn’t just a boring postal box, it was a cute little white box marked with the Green Cricket Logo.
I also tried to order their stainless steel ice cube trays ()but they were out of stock at the time. I’m pretty sure my grandmother has the same ones from decades ago; it’s a rectangle block, with a crank to break the ice. It looks like lots of fun. I will try again for the ice cube trays.
Their website allows you to put together an order and let it sit if you are not quite ready to have it delivered, it is also very easy to add or remove items from your shopping basket as you look through their site.
Green Cricket is offering all Green Earth Organic members a special discount. Enter GREENEARTH09 at check out to receive the discount. Please let me know what you order and how you like it on our blog!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Feast of Fields
Join us September 13 for the 20th Anniversary - Feast of Fields
Chefs, Vintners & Organic Producers Serving up an authentic organic food experience
Feast has received a tremendous show of support for our 20th anniversary celebration. From 100 exhibitors we have 40 chefs; 10 micro-breweries; 11 wineries and many, many more. View list on our website.
Chef Michael Smith
Chef Suman Roy
Photo credit: Vitality Magazine
“I look forward to being a part of this year’s Feast of Fields. In fact I had so much fun last year meeting passionate organic producers and chefs that I’m bringing Becky and Rachel with me. Because the best food is not just local, it’s created by your friends. And they just might get a tip or two to help them on their farm. My farm!"
Food Network at Home host Chef Michael Smith
“Feast of Fields is a unique way for people to discover organic food production by literally going directly to the source,” says Daniel Gilbert, Chair of Organic Advocate, the group responsible for organizing this event.
Noted Chef-owner of Daniel’s of Nobleton also notes, “Guests can use all their senses to truly experience food as never before while getting unique access to the people that actually grow their food and prepare their meals.”
“This colourful festival was founded as a way to bring chefs and farmers together to promote organic agriculture and sustainability. It has become one of Canada's leading foodie events, and it's a great way to get out of the city to get up close and personal with your food. Every year it features numerous food stations manned by a who's who of local chefs, brewers, winemakers, bakers, farmers and assorted culinary superheroes.” M. Smith 2008 Globe & Mail
All the food is created to be eaten by hand, eliminating paper plates and other disposable items. In the past, chefs have ingeniously served their fare wrapped in lettuce leaves, nestled in vegetable cups, layered on croquettes, mounded on cornbread and even set on cedar planks and pieces of salad. As a guest, you will be given a linen napkin and wine glass to use throughout the afternoon.
Patrons of Feast receive a carry bag with a ‘keepsake’ cook book of recipes prepared for the day and a selection of our best recipes from the past.
A special gift: Harrowsmith Country Life magazine is donating a one year subscription (per family) to ticket - guests of Feast.
Feast has raised over $50,000 for organic agricultural industry.
If you have already purchased your ticket, we thank you and will see you there. If you haven't, please view our PDF flyer or visit our website for information on this years event.
Tickets can be purchased through the Feast of Fields website or by phone: 905 859 3609
Photo credit: J. Glaser
Organic Advocates – Feast of Fields
feastoffields@gmail.com
Chefs, Vintners & Organic Producers Serving up an authentic organic food experience
Feast has received a tremendous show of support for our 20th anniversary celebration. From 100 exhibitors we have 40 chefs; 10 micro-breweries; 11 wineries and many, many more. View list on our website.
Chef Michael Smith
Chef Suman Roy
Photo credit: Vitality Magazine
“I look forward to being a part of this year’s Feast of Fields. In fact I had so much fun last year meeting passionate organic producers and chefs that I’m bringing Becky and Rachel with me. Because the best food is not just local, it’s created by your friends. And they just might get a tip or two to help them on their farm. My farm!"
Food Network at Home host Chef Michael Smith
“Feast of Fields is a unique way for people to discover organic food production by literally going directly to the source,” says Daniel Gilbert, Chair of Organic Advocate, the group responsible for organizing this event.
Noted Chef-owner of Daniel’s of Nobleton also notes, “Guests can use all their senses to truly experience food as never before while getting unique access to the people that actually grow their food and prepare their meals.”
“This colourful festival was founded as a way to bring chefs and farmers together to promote organic agriculture and sustainability. It has become one of Canada's leading foodie events, and it's a great way to get out of the city to get up close and personal with your food. Every year it features numerous food stations manned by a who's who of local chefs, brewers, winemakers, bakers, farmers and assorted culinary superheroes.” M. Smith 2008 Globe & Mail
All the food is created to be eaten by hand, eliminating paper plates and other disposable items. In the past, chefs have ingeniously served their fare wrapped in lettuce leaves, nestled in vegetable cups, layered on croquettes, mounded on cornbread and even set on cedar planks and pieces of salad. As a guest, you will be given a linen napkin and wine glass to use throughout the afternoon.
Patrons of Feast receive a carry bag with a ‘keepsake’ cook book of recipes prepared for the day and a selection of our best recipes from the past.
A special gift: Harrowsmith Country Life magazine is donating a one year subscription (per family) to ticket - guests of Feast.
Feast has raised over $50,000 for organic agricultural industry.
If you have already purchased your ticket, we thank you and will see you there. If you haven't, please view our PDF flyer or visit our website for information on this years event.
Tickets can be purchased through the Feast of Fields website or by phone: 905 859 3609
Photo credit: J. Glaser
Organic Advocates – Feast of Fields
feastoffields@gmail.com
Monday, August 10, 2009
Fresh Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
4 cups of fresh Peaches, sliced.
1 ¼ cups of Flour.
1 cup of Sugar.
½ cup of brown sugar.
½ cup of Butter.
1 tablespoon of Lemon juice.
1 teaspoon of Lemon peel.
½ teaspoon of Cinnamon.
¼ teaspoon of Salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Combine 1 cup of flour, ½ of cup sugar, the salt and the cinnamon.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice, lemon peel, ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of flour; then spoon into greased nine-inch square dish.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over top of the peaches.
Cover and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for another 40 minutes.
4 cups of fresh Peaches, sliced.
1 ¼ cups of Flour.
1 cup of Sugar.
½ cup of brown sugar.
½ cup of Butter.
1 tablespoon of Lemon juice.
1 teaspoon of Lemon peel.
½ teaspoon of Cinnamon.
¼ teaspoon of Salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Combine 1 cup of flour, ½ of cup sugar, the salt and the cinnamon.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice, lemon peel, ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of flour; then spoon into greased nine-inch square dish.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over top of the peaches.
Cover and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for another 40 minutes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
