Eating Local Farm Goods
This is a local farmers market that I always go to on Sunday mornings.
Credit to Julie from Savvy Eat for this idea! Julie is a blogger who documents her cycling experience, eating healthy and locally. She has taught me so much about the science behind our food. So, for today I'm going to share you with some ideas that Julie Introduced me to and how to eat locally and seasonally.
1. "Try to eat local produce as much as possible because the more quickly you get your fruits and vegetables after they are harvested, the more nutrients they retain" - Julie. I agree and also, just by eating locally you are supporting these small businesses.
2. You can actually save money, too! Before you buy anything at the first stand, walk around the whole farmers market and search for deals. That's the way to buy shop smart and look only for what you need! But okay, with one exception - try one vegetable or cheese you've never had in your life.
3. Be adventurous! Go to a U Pick Farm and pick your own fruits and/or vegetables! This would be a fun date with friends and someone special. It's affordable, all you need to do is bring your own lunch and just pay for the produce that you picked. For locations, check pickyourown.org.
4. Join CSA - Community Supported Agriculture. Basically, that means you have a local farm that is supported by community members who purchase a “share.” Typically, shares are picked up weekly and contain a variety of fruits and vegetables. You get organic produce without the big price tag. By being a CSA costumer, it really forces you to cook out of your comfort zone. It's makes a fun and challenging experience! Check out http://www.localharvest.org/csa/ and search for a local farmer's site. Ask questions about their produce, when you can you receive your goods (weekly or biweekley..?)and check to see how much it costs.
5. Start your own little garden. If you are concerned about your gardening abilities, start off with just a plant or two. Perhaps a basil plant in a small pot by your kitchen window? It's easy to remember to water them when they're right there. :P That's what I do because I'm so busy with school and working, I simply can't carry any more responsibilities.
Do you have any favorite tips for eating locally?
About Me
My name is Stephanie and I am 22 years old, living in beautiful southern California. My blog documents my food and fitness habits as I strive to find happiness and balance in my life between being a full time college student, having a part time job and being a family member/girlfriend/friend. I am hoping that by sharing my healthy recipes and fitness tips that I can help inspire you to live your life the best and healthiest as well.
My baby "Turner" and I
A Little About Me:
- My favorite foods include but are not limited to: onions, granola, Gala apples, and strawberries, and pasta!
- Avocados make me sick! :(
- I love love LOVE peanut butter with apples and granola.
- I enjoy taking photos of food and treat my camera, Miss Posh, like it’s my baby. :P
- I'd rather go shopping for food at grocery markets and go shopping at TJ Maxx and Target for kitchen supplies rather than shopping for clothes and shoes. Yes, even over shoes!
- Henry's Market is my piece of heaven.
- I love to try different kinds of beer - i haven't found my favorite bee, yet.
- I go for green tea during the day and lavendar tea by night.
- I am obsessed with HGTV!
Pictures!!!
My amazing boyfriend of four years!
Eating at College
If you're a current college student or just graduated, you would definitely know that eating on campus can be pretty expensive. I don't know what got to me this week, but everyday this week I didn't bring my own lunch from home. Instead I used my limited amount of money and spent it all on Togo's sandwiches, chips and soda. So healthy, right!? BEEEEP! AH!
When I started the Fall semester three weeks ago, the first few weeks I did not spend one penny on campus for food and I was so proud of myself after checking my account by the end of second week. I think not going to the market with the family last Sunday evening really stings you hard on the butt. They bought nothing but meat and poultry for weeknight dinners, bag of Cheetos for my brother, peaches and lots of peaches (i am not a major fan of eating peaches everyday), and a other unknown/probably not the healthiest of items I know of. I know I am stubborn and not appreciative enough for what we have on the dinner table, but I am trying my best to stick to this new healthy life style and will do what I have to do to reach that goal - to be healthy.
When I started the Fall semester three weeks ago, the first few weeks I did not spend one penny on campus for food and I was so proud of myself after checking my account by the end of second week. I think not going to the market with the family last Sunday evening really stings you hard on the butt. They bought nothing but meat and poultry for weeknight dinners, bag of Cheetos for my brother, peaches and lots of peaches (i am not a major fan of eating peaches everyday), and a other unknown/probably not the healthiest of items I know of. I know I am stubborn and not appreciative enough for what we have on the dinner table, but I am trying my best to stick to this new healthy life style and will do what I have to do to reach that goal - to be healthy.
Agenda for the weekend is to definitely catch up on my class assignments, wash car, walk the dog and most importantly go to the market and make meal ideas for next week. Hopefully I can find what I can get for my budget. I'll keep you posted on how I did! Wish me luck!
Oatmeal Scones with Coconut Glaze
Finally went and checked out Henry's Farmers Market in Chino Hills today! And what can I say! I have never enjoyed going to the grocery store, but going to this one is a whole different story. The first thing that caught my eyes were the fruit and vegetable section which took over the entire center of the store. I understood where I was at, but dang! I was thankful that I brought Joe with me, otherwise I'd buy every single vegetable and fruit there and never eat it! Instead I bought what I needed for me new recipe, Oatmeal Scones with Coconut Glaze. In case you're probably wondering what I bought, I got flaxseed, shredded coconut, whole grain flower, sucanant, and a box of lavendar tea bags. I definitely can't wait to go back after I get my next paycheck!
Happy Baking! :)
Ingredients:
*1 cup all-purpose flour
*2/3 cup whole wheat flour
*1 tsp. cinnamon
*1 Tbsp. baking powder
*3/4 tsp. baking soda
*1/2 tsp. salt
*1 tsp. vanilla extract
*1 1/3 cups old fashioned oats
*1 1/2 sticks butter
*2/3 cup milk
Topping
*1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
*1/4 cup milk
*1 tsp. coconut extract
*1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
Instructions:
*Preheat oven to 400*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
*In the bowl of a food processor, combine flours, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add oats and pulse for 30 seconds. Add butter, cut into cubes. Pulse 15 times, until butter forms coarse crumbs no larger than the size of a pea. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
*Add milk to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until dough forms and dry and ingredients are just combined. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and form into a large rectangle. Cut into triangles and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until scones are lightly golden.
*Meanwhile, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and coconut extract. When scones are slightly cool, drizzle glaze over the scones. Sprinkle with coconut.
Simple Apple Pie Burritos!
A healthy recipe inspired by Oh She Glows.
All the above have been purchased at my Henry's (kind of like a Whole Foods Market). I promise you that these ingredients don't taste bad at all.
Pie filling:
- 2 granny smith apples (or other variety will do!), peeled and sliced into wedges
- 1 tbsp whole grain spelt flour
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp almond milk
- 1/2 cup Sucanat (brown sugar might work)
- Pinch sea salt
Spelt Crust:
- 1 cup spelt flour
- 1/4 cup Earth Balance butter
- 2 tbsp Sucanat (or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup milled flax or ground chia seed
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
Directions: Preheat oven to 375F. Grab a baking pan and line it with a parchment paper or non-stick silicone mat. In a medium sized bowl place your filling ingredients and mix until apple slices are thoroughly coated. In a large bowl mix your spelt crust (detailed photos here). Mix the dry ingredients (spelt flour, sucanat, milled flax/chia, cinnamon, and salt) and mix well. Now add slightly melted butter and milk and mix with a mixer or with your hands just until the dough comes together. Form a ball and cover it with flour. Grab pieces of the dough and flatten with your hands to make the shape of a large circle. Place 2-3 apple slices in the middle and wrap like a burrito. Alternatively you can also roll out your dough with a rolling pin, however I will warn you spelt dough is a bit temperamental to work with and it cracks easily. Once you have about 10 small burritos, sprinkle them with sugar and pop them in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, until slightly crisp and golden.
Nutrition info: (Per pie, makes 10): 136 kcals, 4 grams fat, 2 grams fibre, 1 gram protein.
Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a shot of my own apple pie burritos. This picture was captured by Oh She Glows.
My Aunt Kathy's Russian Tea Cakes
These were always known as our Christmas cookies and my aunt would make these little these powdery balls and bring over to gram's house on Christmas Day. Then my mom had started using this recipe for her tea parties way back when I was a little girl. They match perfectly with fruity jams like strawberry jam (my fav)!
Cast of Characters: butter, vanilla, flour, salt, powdered sugar...
...and I forgot to take of picture of my nuts...
Servings: 2 dozens
Ingredients:
1 cup butter or margarine, softened.
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 & 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts
Additional powdered sugar to roll the cookies over...
Instructions:
heat oven to 400 degrees. Beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Use a large mixer on medium speed, or mix with a spoon. THIS WAS WHEN I BROKE MY MIXER!!! :( Use a spoon, honestly!
Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 9 minutes or until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; roll in additional powdered sugar.
Let it cool completely on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again...
....and.... oh those christmas memories are coming back...
And they go well with a cup of Honey Lemon de Creme! mmm!
Hope you enjoyed!
....and.... oh those christmas memories are coming back...
Hope you enjoyed!
Honey Lemon Pots de Creme
"It's got to be all natural, real food, gluten free and without refined sugar," said Helene Dujardin, blogger from Tartelette, to a few of Paula Deen's editors... This recipe is so good! It's just a simple summer time recipe, but your family and friends will think it came form a French bistro. Works well with the Russian Tea Cakes.
Cast of characters: eggs, lemons, heavy cream, honey, and some ramekins.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups (375ml) heavy cream
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup honey
zest and juice of 2-3 lemons (you’ll need 1/4 cup or 60ml of juice)
pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325Fº and position a rack in the center. Place your ramekins in a heavy deep pan and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Turn the heat off but keep the cream warm.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and honey for a couple of minutes. Add the lemon juice and salt and whisk until smooth.
Slowly pour the heavy cream over the egg yolk mixture, whisking well. Let stand for a couple of minutes to let any foam rise to the top, skim it off and divide the mixture among your ramekins.
...and put that tongue back in your mouth...
Pour hot water inside the pan, making sure the water comes at least halfway up the sides of your dishes.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 325Fº and position it on a rack in the center.
Let it chill on the counter and then put it in the fridge for 2 hours...
...and enjoy it with your favorite tea cookies! :)
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