Happy National Zucchini Day! These little beauties grow abundantly during the summer months and we know they can be used in many ways.
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Makes 6-8 Servings
Happy National Watermelon Day!!! This juicy fruit is a fantastic summer pastime to eat on a hot summer’s day at the lake or the beach or my personal favorite, memories of summer camp eating watermelon at our Sunday night picnics.
Makes 4-6 servings
Happy National Lasagna Day!
I believe that community is the foundation of our well-being. We need others and belonging to be lifted up, supported, and in turn lift up and support others. Our mental health is dependent upon community; and when our mental health is good, so is our physical health and vice-versa.
I love spending time with friends and family, like so many of us, I end up not spending enough time with those that I love because I allow my job to take over or take on other responsibilities that fill up my time.
The majority of our time is spent with co-workers and at most of my jobs I have enjoyed the company of my co-workers, however, I prefer the deep, personal conversations I have with my friends and family.
I notice that when there is a gathering in a friend or family member’s home, people tend to congregate in the kitchen. The table is where we are brought together; where we sit and linger and truly enjoy the company of others. Just like many of you, I have had countless hours laughing and joking and crying around a table while dining on amazing cuisine and sipping on delicious wine.
As I look into the current state of our lives and our country, I realize even more so how important it is to partake in community and how this world is need is of community and compassion and understanding.
Traveling the world has given me a much different view of our world. Like all travel, learning about other cultures, foods and their differences had really opened up my thoughts and desires to truly understand other people’s opinions, thoughts, and experiences. An experience is worth far more than just reading about something or watching it on TV. Diving deep into a culture allows you to soak up knowledge and compassion. Food is always what brings us together. No matter where you live, you must eat and most people eat in community.
So, while traveling is far off for so many of us, I am going to be focusing on one country a month to learn how their cuisine has affected American cuisine and what our country can and has learned from those countries.
Our country is a melting pot of various countries, it was built upon immigration. My ancestors immigrated here and more than likely, unless you are Native American your ancestors did too. It is important to know where we came from, but also the potential to where we can be and how we can come together in knowledge, understanding, and compassion and it all begins at the table!
Blueberries are one of the few fruits native to North America along with cranberries and Concord grapes. They can be found growing in the wild especially along the east coast. I have been blueberry picking in Mentone, Alabama where there are bushes covered with this plump, juicy berry just about in every yard. Each summer I looked forward to picking them and freezing for the winter-time when I craved blueberry muffins. This summer enjoy these beauties fresh and whole knowing that they are delicious, bursting with flavor, and packed full of nutrients that our bodies can use to thrive.
They are packed with Vitamin C, K, B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, folate, and multiple antioxidants. With off these nutrients the berries are known to help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, fight cancer, help blood glucose and insulin levels, helps to improve your digestive health, increases cognitive performance, strengthens bone health and immune health. As you can see, blueberries are a wonderful summertime fruit to enjoy. I personally eat blueberries almost every morning during the summer months. They help to keep me feeling full and energized before lunchtime!
Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some fresh blueberries, or take a social-distancing excursion to fresh pick blueberries.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/proven-health-benefits-of-blueberries
https://www.blueberrycouncil.org/blueberry-nutrition/
https://www.blueberrycouncil.org/blueberry-nutrition/health-benefits-blueberries/
Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate today and all weekend long, please reflect on what this country has meant to you and the direction in which we are heading. Who are we as a country, who do we want to be, how do we want to represent ourselves and what do we stand for?
Makes 4 Servings
Fried Okra is probably one of my personal favorite Southern traditions. Crunchy and flavorful, these little bites always bring joy to a summer dinner. These little beauties were a transplant to the Americas from Africa during the prime of the slave trade.
Makes 4 Servings
The Shrimp and Grits dish we know of today is actually quite a recent trend in restaurants and magazines. It was popularized by a chef, Bill Neal in 1982 in a restaurant called, Crook’s Corner.
Makes 4 servings
Jambalaya is a Cajun/Creole staple that many in Louisiana and New Orleans have enjoyed for centuries, but who developed the original recipe and why does it have such staying power? First off we have to delve deep into who settled into the Gulf Coast area that is now Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Makes 4 servings
I love England. I lived there briefly in the early 2000s and fell in love with the culture, the people, and the street food such as Kebabs and Fish & Chips.