Simple Secrets to Eating Naturally & Joyfully

Stay Local (and Buy Local) - New Jersey Agritourism Events

I know that spring seems so far away again with this weekend’s rain storms.  However, to help you daydream about warmer temperatures again, I wanted to highlight a wonderful program in the State of NJ.  Namely agritourism, which is described by Visit NJ Farms as:

 

Agricultural tourism, or agri-tourism in New Jersey offers affordable, family-oriented recreational and educational activities and opportunities to learn about the production of food and agricultural products and the state’s rich farming heritage while helping to encourage the preservation of agricultural lands. Activities include hayrides, corn mazes, pick-your-own operations, farm stands, school tours, agricultural fairs, farm festivals, winery tours and horseback riding. There also are several historical attractions where visitors can learn about New Jersey agriculture from the beginning. You don't have to live on a farm to enjoy New Jersey agriculture! Come out for the day. There's always plenty to do!

 

So, check out the events calendar and plan to get out to support the Jersey Fresh/Buy Local initiatives:  http://www.visitnjfarms.org/eventlist.asp

Natural Disasters and Dependence on Food Imports

This title appeared on my Facebook homepage recently - Whole Foods Market:  Chilean Grape Shortage Imminent (http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2010/03/chilean-grape-shortage-imminent/).  Once I clicked on the link I read: “Due to the recent earthquake in Chile’s central regions, we’re anticipating a significant shortage of Chilean grapes within the next 10 days.  We expect the shortage to extend through early April and perhaps all the way to the first of May.”

 

I can’t say that I was terribly devastated by this news.  However, it again proved to me how much we rely on foreign foods to stock our grocery store shelves.  So, the recent devastating natural disaster in Chile is preventing Whole Foods from being able to meet market needs.  Well, maybe it’s high time that California starts expanding their dedicated farm space or how about we just do without grapes when they’re not in season.  It pains me to hear that something basic as grapes has to be imported… 

Pure & Simple Dessert Recipes

The Today Show had a wonderful recipe segment on making 5 desserts with 5 ingredients.  Now that’s what I like – pure and simple dessert recipes.  Naturally, the recipes call for chocolate! Sara Lee's executive chef, Catherine DeOrio, showed the audience the five ingredients that should be stocked in order to have a new and decadent dessert for every night of the week. All you will need is raw sugar, frozen puff pastry sheets, heavy cream, chocolate and nuts for mindblowing combinations including chocolate nut turnovers and nutty napoleons.  The recipe from Catherine DeOrio I’d like to highlight is for Sweet Breadsticks.

12 breadsticks

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry; thawed

• 1/2 cup salted cashews; toasted and finely chopped

• 1/3 cup raw sugar

• 4 ounces milk or dark chocolate; melted

• Butter; melted

---

 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl mix the sugar and nuts together.

Unfold pastry puff dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, thin dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut in half. Lightly brush one side with melted butter.

Sprinkle entire surface with sugar nut mixture-pressing it into dough.

Lightly brush other half of dough with melted butter and place over other side, butter side down. Using rolling pin, seal pieces together.

Brush the top of pastry with melted butter and lightly sprinkle with sugar if desired. Cut into 12 strips

Take a strip and twist. Transfer to a silpat mat or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Press ends into baking sheet to prevent breadsticks from untwisting during baking. Chill for 15 minutes before baking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool.

Drizzle melted chocolate across breadsticks.

For a complete listing of all recipes go to: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35782329/ns/today-today_food_and_wine/

Not that I Ever Need an Excuse to Have a Glass of Red Wine…

How does this article title sound?  “Wine may be good for women’s waistlines.”   Hey, like I ever need an excuse to have a good glass of wine.  However, when I read:  “ Light to moderate alcohol consumption, especially red wine, is not only good for a woman's heart, it's also good for her waistline, according to a study reported Monday.”, my heart fills with joy!  Yay – I have validation for the joy I experience having a wonderful glass of red wine with dinner.  Okay, yes, I am wondering if a study will be released next week showing a different result.  However, for the time being:  A Sante, Prost, Salud or Cheers!

For the full article go to:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35766818/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

Where Is Food In the Entire Health Care Debate?

I will not express my opinion on the entire health care debate.  However, one thing that I see missing is a discussion on food as a preventative health care measure.  We’re discussing America’s rising obesity rates, increased health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.  We’re also skirting around the issue of integrating fitness into everyday living.  Yet, there isn’t any discussion on how eating real foods is one of the best ways to prevent disease and to improve health conditions.  Everyone points to the wonderful health system in place in France.  Well, let’s also be reminded that the French are obsessed with food and have one of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world.  So, let’s challenge our elected officials to start thinking about being proactive and not reactive, i.e. preventative health measures vs. crisis management.  Food should be the first discussion point in the health care debate.