We must be turning the corner (slowly) on winter, ‘cause I think I see light at the end of the frozen tunnel. Days are getting longer, and soon clocks spring forward again. The seed catalogs that graced my mailbox are well-read and dog-eared, and I’m planning my summer garden. I’ve got organic seed starting mix and all my recycled containers ready, and I’m starting to collect seed packets! I will not plant seeds that aren’t heirloom or organic. It isn’t just pesticides; now we need to be mindful of GMO’s as well. Everyday there’s more evidence published pointing out the harmful effects GMO’s have on humans and the environment. I want to know what’s in my food, and I’m not willing to gamble my family’s health! Eating out’s been a favorite family treat, but we find we want to eat at home more than ever to stay healthy. I don’t want cooking to feel like a chore, so on hectic evenings, I’m armed with recipes that aren’t only delicous, but fast and healthy, too! Come see what I’m cookin’ and plantin’…
As a big fan of the veggie/vegan lifestyle, I enjoyed “Forks Over Knives” and tried some of the recipes mentioned during the movie. I especially like kale and my simple salad now is just washed and torn kale, lemon juice and an avocado mashed through the kale with your hands. “Purple soup” was created with beets, red cabbage and a red onion I had on hand. It’s not quite borscht nor cabbage soup but is a lovely color. I’m also adapting to the anti-cancer diet so turmeric is added to most dishes, and I use chia seeds and nutritional yeast as often as possible. Try nutritional yeast on popcorn instead of salt and cheese–yum! Here’s to spring!
Adrienne, I haven’t seen that movie, but will look for it. Organic popcorn is one of my favorite things to make for my daughter as an after school snack (organic, popped popcorn, not microwave). I will have to try your suggestion with the nutritional yeast…thank you for suggesting it. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Good Morning From The Ozarks,
Winter is on it’s way out, we hope so anyways, its been long and hard and so cold here in Missouri.
Love your recipes you posted, they look so yummy and healthy.
Here’s one that is simple, good for you, and so delicious.
Stir fry a sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, zuccinni, yellow squash, mushrooms,
in canola oil. Brown well.
Its wonderful!!
I too have my collection of seed packets in a Coca Cola tin, sitting where I can see it and wish and hope, cant wait to walk barefooted thru our garden soil once again!
Hugs from the Ozarks, Diana, Noel, Mo
Oh, Diana, that sounds so good, too! I love sweet potatoes! Thank you for the suggestion – can’t wait to try it. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
This sounds wonderful. I think polenta as the base would be excellent. I like to add cheese to it, but not necessary.
I will tell you that I save the corn cobs in the freezer after summer processing for winter corn. I then made corn “stock” for using in polenta or corn chowders. Adds a great depth. I just made the stock when I had time later in the early winter.
Hi Pat, I never thought of adding polenta. That is a great idea for variation. Sometimes, I’ve added green pepper to the mix, too. Love how you save corn cobs. I’d love more info from you on how you use them for polenta and chowder. Do you boil them, use a food processor…? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I take about a dozen cobs and cover with water, add a rough cut onion, celery stick, and carrot and just let them boil (salt to taste) about 1/2 hour. Strain in colander. then take the back of a knife and run down each cob as soon as you can handle (you will get stray corn pieces and more milk. Divide the result and freeze with some of the corn residue in each. Vegetables get tossed, just like any stock. Adds great flavor, especially if you had grilled the corn before saving the cobs 🙂
Thanks for the instructions, Pat! Sounds good. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh my goodness, what a useful post this is. I’m definitely going to get a rubber jar opener for my garlic. Brilliant! And your meal planning is excellent.
Thank you, MaryJane! You know, I give you full credit for getting the Christensens to eat so healthy and organic! Much love, Nicole
Very good, Nicole. I used to fry eggplant slices before you were born, breaded in cornmeal after soaking in salt water. Your Greek grandmother taught me because I had never even eaten eggplant! Yours sounds better. I need to try kale too. Never have.
I like the pictures, very colorful. Hope winter ends soon.
Love, Mother
Thank you, Mom. Love you, Nicole
I live in Dallas, Texas. My kale is already up! Planted from seed in January. I have all sorts of other veggies growing too. Exciting!
Hi Talya! That is something I really miss about Texas…lots of warm weather! My dad told me he has had good luck with kale in his garden, too. Enjoy! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Nicole, Your recipes sound yummy! Thanks for the inspiration to start cooking again. I will try with a homemade pizza. You are right; by the time we order and pickup takeout, a homemade pizza can be made and healthier!
Hi Rose, Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole