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… 

A Pure & Simple Way to Enjoy Your Philly Cheese Steak…

I have to admit – I’m one of those people who refuses to take part in the Pat’s vs. Geno’s discussion.  Well, mostly because I haven’t tried either one.  The thought of cheese whiz just freaks me out.  However, I truly enjoy a good cheese steak at home, and since the cheese is usually purchase at the Fair Food Farm Stand at the Reading Terminal, that makes it a Philly Cheese Steak for me…  The important part is that it’s made with chip steak from our local butcher, Bringhurst Meats.  I quickly fry up the meat in olive oil with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  I put thin slices of gouda or extra sharp cheddar cheese on the meat as soon as I flip it.  I also top the sandwich with sautéed sweet onions (I use butter and olive oil for sautéing).  And the perfect bread?  Pain rustique rolls from Metropolitan Bakery. So much healthier than the South Philly versions, and dare I say:  better tasting!

Bringing In Spring…

With the gorgeous weather this weekend, you can’t help but think about Spring and all the fun gardening to come.  So, if you’re thinking, lawn care, composting, container gardening, there’s a great local resource!  Sustainable Cherry Hill and McNaughton’s Garden Center are offering courses starting Saturday, March 20.  What a fun way to learn the techniques and enjoy beauty!  For more info go to:  http://www.sustainablecherryhill.org/task-forces/local-foodcommunity-gardenins/

Winter and the Local Food Challenge…

Another interesting article titled “Local Does It” by Elisa Ludwig on Philly.com caught my attention.  In it, Ludwig discusses how eating regional food in winter is challenging.  She also shows example of local retailers and buying clubs, which carry local goods.  Another interesting point is that she advocates for a simpler diet during the winter months.  Some good food for thought!  Go to:  http://www.philly.com/philly/restaurants/20100225_Local_does_it.html for the full article.

Time to Start Thinking about Signing Up for the 2010 CSA!

I know that we’re still in the midst of winter and spring/summer seem so far away.  However, farmers with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are already signing up members for the 2010 programs.  Some programs start as early as late May.  Plus, due to the ever increasing popularity of CSA’s some are already have filled certain slots.  As an example, Muth Family Farm (http://www.muthfamilyfarm.com/print-brochure.htm), which is closest to me, already has filled 3 time slots…  I guess I need to make up my mind quickly, too!

 

If you’re trying to figure out if there’s a CSA close to you or you want your farmer to get more visibility, just go to: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/.  Happy browsing!  

Free Market Solution to Food Access?

I caught a repeat of Michelle Obama on Fox News’ Huckabee Show on Sunday (below) and was very intrigued by her discussion of access to food and food deserts being addressed in the current Let’s Move campaign addressing childhood obesity (http://www.letsmove.gov/accessing/index.html). Two things that really stood out where: 1) Mike Huckabee brought up that the free market solution could help address access and help lower prices; and 2) Michelle Obama indicating that access to food isn’t only an urban issue, but also quite prevalent in rural areas as well. So, take a look and let me know what your takeaways are!

Delicious Jersey Raw Milk Cheeses

Good cheese and bread oftentimes make a dinner at our house (yes, besides a salad…).  I typically buy cheese from Bagliani’s Market in Hammonton, NJ (http://www.baglianis.com/) or The Fair Food Farmstand at the Reading Terminal (http://www.whitedogcafefoundation.org/farmstand.html) in Philadelphia.

 

Today, I want to highlight two raw milk cheeses from a Lawrenceville, NJ, cheesemaker, Cherry Grove Farm (http://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/). Cherry Grove Farm produces hand made, raw milk cheese from grassfed cows on certified organic pastures in Lawrenceville, NJ. The ironic part of my cheese purchase is that I have to buy the cheeses at the Fair Food Farmstand since I haven’t been able to find them locally in South Jersey. 

 

If you’re looking for a to-die-for Brie, just try Cherry Grove’s Buttercup Brie.  It is so rich and creamy that you’ll just be amazed.  I typically allow it to “breathe” at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before I serve.  We typically have it with a nice baguette.  Another wonderful cheese is the Herdsman.  I use it in paninis and in egg or potato dishes.  It’s very creamy but doesn’t separate like Cheddar.

 

So, if you love cheese as much as I do, put Cherry Grove Farm cheeses on your must-try list!

Food for Thought for The Garden State’s Jersey Fresh

Grid Magazine in its March 2010 issue (http://www.gridphilly.com/digital-edition/march-2010-012.html) has a 16-page insert focus titled Farmbook 2010.  In Farmbook 2010 Grid Magazine introduces inspiring Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) members working to bring delicious, local, sustainably-raised food to the metropolitan Philadelphia community. These farms offer everything from artisanal cheese to heirloom seeds to seasonal produce, these farmers and businesses will have you rearranging your routine to buy local.

My thoughts?  It’s prime time for NJ to live up to its name – The Garden State – and emulate some of the successes achieved by its neighbor... 

New Hope for Jersey Fresh

A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “A Change of Course in Trenton on Agriculture” made me want to jump up and down!  The article discussed the fact that the new State Administration’s transition released a report with recommendations that would strengthen the Department of Agriculture nearly axed in 2008 and hike funding for the Jersey Fresh marketing program.   The article also states that: “The report's recommendations are "all the things we've been looking for to strengthen marketing and make agriculture a more viable industry in the state," said Richard Nieuwenhuis, president of the 13,000-member New Jersey Farm Bureau, which represents farmers and support industries.”

 

My initial thought?  Finally someone is paying attention and realizing why we’re called The Garden State.  This is about the local food economy, access to fresh foods and endorsing farming as a viable tool for economic development.  So, if you can – make your voice heard that you support this new focus.