Farm Fresh Produce

April 8th, 2010 Jennifer Posted in Green Community, Green Cuisine 1 Comment »

I am at the Farmers market weekly, sometimes a few times a week.  There is nothing I love more than to pick up local, organic fruits & vegetables and make delicious meals for my family!

I recently found a site that is so useful.   No matter what state you live in, they have created an interactive map to find out what is in season in your region by the month.  It is a great thing to be aware of what is locally raised and ready in the area you live in.  If you are buying strawberries in the winter (depending on where you live..), you may want to think about how far those strawberries have traveled to get to your table.  Buying local not only boosts local economies, it helps support your local farmer and it is a healthier approach to what you are putting on your table for your family.  Organic is always the best choice, but if for any reason you cannot get organic, buying locally will always be the better choice.  And if you can buy organic, locally, you are in a definite win-win situation.

I am attaching the link to the interactive map, go take a look and have some fun finding out what is in season in your area, the next fun step is finding great recipes to make with these items and enjoying them with your family!

As always, I am so happy to share the things that inspire me, move me, & enhance my life with you!  Thanks for stopping by and until next time, live green!

Jen

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Picnic Pasta

July 2nd, 2009 Jennifer Posted in Green Cuisine No Comments »

This is one of my favorite summer pasta recipes mostly because of its versatility! I make this for special and not-so-special occasions and vary the recipe from time to time adding and subtracting ingredients according to what I have on hand.

One box Tri-Color Spiral Pasta
1/3 cup Italian Dressing (you can use a simple balsamic vinegar and oil mix)
4 oz drained black olives
4 oz cherry tomatoes, halved (grape or sundried can be substituted)
2 oz banana pepper rings (optional for those that like it “hot”)
broccoli florets
bell peppers, diced (adds a lot of color)
fresh shredded parmesan cheese

Prepare pasta according to directions, drain, and rinse. Add dressing (more or less to taste) and vegetables, mix. Top with parmesan. Chill for at least an hour to mix flavor. Enjoy!

Till tomorrow…live green,

~Jennifer

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