Stomach Savvy - Food News V

 

Fill your stomach full of food news this week from Mother Nature Network. In addition to the latest headlines, you'll find photo galleries, a food blog from eco-mom Robin Shreeves, video clips, resources to learn more (FDA, Agribusiness, GMOs, etc), and more!

MNN's Food Section is one of many that you'll find on the site - including environmental blogs, politics & policy info, lifestyle, green technology, eco business, the home, transportation, advice and family.

From the site:

...Just as your world encompasses many different aspects—your family, your health, your lifestyle, your business, your community……AND your planet—so too does MNN.  

With a goal of providing the most accurate and up-to-date news and information available, we cover the broadest scope of environmental and social responsibility issues on the internet. And, we do so in a way that is engaging and easy-to-understand.  As opposed to scientists, activists or experts—MNN is designed for the rest of us—everyday people who simply want to make our world better.

According to MNN, here's the latest and greatest in food news:

Rare Cheeses Face Gastronomic Extinction
Where is my Milk From? 
Is Mootopia as Good as "Got Milk?"

Harvesting the White House's Winter Garden

Top 10 Organic Fast Food Restaurants

Grow Your Own Pizza

Seed Swapping Sites

6 Foods We Could Lose in an Outbreak

10 Eco-Friendly Food Trucks 

Are Small Dairy Farms Doomed? 

A Library for Locavores

Food Experts: TV, Travel Made Cheese Trendy

A Glorious Gallery of Rot: Compost as Art

Weekend Gardening Project: Vertical Garden

And that's the news!

 

Bird Feed: Nutty Mint Chocolate Biscotti

Nutty Mint Chocolate Biscotti from Pie Bird

I've been on a mint chocolate kick lately, which explains in part why I decided to whip up this recipe for Nutty Mint Chocolate Biscotti with Godiva Liqueur. The other part to the equation is that I've been trying to be good about using up ingredients that I already own to make way for some new, different ones! Yes, I know it is SUCH a chore to have Godiva Liqueur laying around, but I took care of that situation...

A favorite kitchen tool!

You'll Need:

1 1/4 cup All-purpose flour

1/3 cup dutch process cocoa 

1/3 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup mint chocolate chips, chopped

1/3 cup Sugar

3/4 tsp Baking powder

2 tbsp Water 

2 tbsp Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 tsp Vanilla extract 

1/4 tsp Mint extract 

1 Egg 

1 Egg white 

Cooking spray

Combine the flour, cocoa, pecans, chocolate chips, 
sugar, and baking powder.

In a separate bowl, combine water, liqueur (or substitute), 
vanilla, mint, and eggs.

Slowly add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together and is well-mixed, but dry. 

Knead on a very lightly floured surface for 1 minute and shape into a 16 inch long roll. Grease a cookie sheet with the cooking spray, place the roll on the sheet, and then flatten to about 1 inch thick.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-28 minutes and cool on a rack for 10 minutes.

Cut on the diagonal into 1/2 inch slices and place back on the sheet with one cut side exposed and the other faced down on the sheet.

Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes and then turn over to bake for another 10 minutes. Remove and cook on a rack. They will harden as they cool. 

Biscotti for breakfast? I think so!

Sweetie Pie Deal: $1 for 50 Full Color, Double-Sided Business Cards + FREE Shipping

Overnight Prints is offering 50 full color, double-sided business cards for $1 with FREE shipping today and tomorrow only! You can design your own or use one of their 1,000s of modern and pretty cool templates. Limit 1 order per household.

This is a good chance to try something new, make fun gift tags, or stock up on a design you already have! Maybe you're doing a special promotion - or want to make a coupon or "thank you" to send with Etsy orders - maybe even make some cards to promote your blog - this offer is right up your alley. Are YOU heading over there?

For a little extra cash, you can get rounded edges (another $1).  What other neat features can you find? I found lots of cute templates for crafters and foodies!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR CARDS.

Nesting: Door County, Wisconsin

For this week's edition of Nesting, we're headed to another favorite county of mine - Door County, Wisconsin! After getting married in Lake Geneva, WI, we decided to take a more scenic drive back to Wyoming with a small detour to the northern tip of Wisconsin near Green Bay. A little rest, a few orchards, a trip to a local dairy, and a charter fishing trip later, we were hooked!

From my trip to Door County in Fall 2008

Door County is an exceptional travel destination, especially for Midwesterners due to it's location. With everything from historic lighthouses, state parks, wineries, and boating to local food, B&Bs, bicycling, antiques, and golfing, Door County truly has something for everyone! If you're like us and want a nice mix of adventure and good, local and seasonal food - Door County in the fall is a dream come true. Just when we thought we couldn't fit anything else in the car, we did manage to cram in wines, apple ciders, cheese curds, and some smoked fish! For more info on the County, CLICK HERE.

In typical Country Living style, the first listing for Door County is a restored turn-of-the-century (20th, that is) schoolhouse. With over 6,500 square feet of living space + detached garage/workspace combined with an eccentric and character-filled atmosphere on 1.5 acres, this listing won't leave you wanting!

Location: Forestville, WI
Asking Price: $599,000
LINK TO LISTING 

From the realtor: 
"The year is 1909. The school bell rings. Rural Forestville youth cram the halls, edging their way to their homerooms. It has been decades since this remarkable century-old school house building was in the public domain. Now, after painstaking restoration, the opportunity to relive rural heritage is once again revealed in the private sector. 12' ceilings, artisan brick work, slate chalkboards and maple floors hint at a remarkable history." 

Lots of windows and tall ceilings make for light-filled open spaces

With all that living space, there's plenty of room for a little fun!

This covered gazebo has "cup of tea and a good book" written all over it!

What an entrance!

Just in case you need a little more room for your crafty ventures...

Gotta love these bar stools in the basement

A piece of history...

Like a cherry on top!

This kitchen couldn't do any wrong after I read "walk-in pantry"

Open concept? I think so!

Yes, Sir, that's an entryway.

A little history with a side of get me a home loan STAT!

For more information:

1909SchoolHouse.com

True North Real Estate LLC

(M) (920) 868-2828

(F) (920) 868-2801

PO Box 370

Fish Creek WI 54212

info@truedoorcounty.com

TrueDoorCounty.com

Lofty Thoughts: e. e. cummings

O sweet spontaneous

earth how often have

the

doting

          fingers of

purient philosophers pinched

and

poked

thee

,has the naughty thumb

of science prodded

thy

      beauty      .how

oftn have religions taken

thee upon their scraggy knees

squeezing and

buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive

gods

        (but

true

to the incomparable

couch of death thy

rhythmic

lover

          thou answerest

them only with

                        spring)

 

 

e. e. cummings

Sweetie Pie Deal: FREE Personalized Photostrip

If you've got a little time this afternoon to play around, try out this new product from Shutterfly/Wink! You can make a FREE photostrip (like the ones from a photo booth) with up to 5 of your own photos and FREE shipping. The normal cost will be $2.50 - a fun idea for bookmarks, giveaways, promotions... even gift tags!

From the site:

Wink is a new service from Shutterfly that lets you create printed photostrips using your pictures from Shutterfly, Facebook, Flickr or your iPhone. Photostrips are printed on high quality photo paper and delivered anywhere in the world in a custom mailer.

What’s a photostrip? 

 It’s a 2x6 print like the kind you get from an old school photo booth, but with Wink you use your own pictures. Photostrips cost just $2.50 each, including tax and shipping.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK AND INSTRUCTIONS.

What will you use YOURS for? 

Bird Feed: Ice Cream Sandwiches

I used just plain ol' chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream for mine!

I know it seems a little premature, but go ahead and enjoy this typical summer treat a few measly months in advance. The sun is shining (even though the wind feels like icicle breath) and it's time to break free from the usual warm, wintery desserts for awhile!

 Imagine all of the possible combinations for homemade ice cream sandwiches - from plain vanilla to mint chocolate chip, Girl Scout cookie flavors, strawberry, coffee, pistachio and on and on! I'm a fan of plain vanilla with regular chocolate chip cookies myself, but I could be persuaded to branch out. 

With Easter approaching, maybe a sugar cookie with pastel-colored sherbet would be a nice variation. Check out the link from Baking Bites below - they've got everything from Green Tea & Raspberry to Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches.

What would be your dream ice cream sandwich be?

In my hunt for the perfect cookie for the sandwiches I brought to a dinner with friends  (not too cakey, but still chewy!), I gathered a few recipes and resources that I'm now passing along to you:

Fudgy Ice Cream Sandwiches from Pillsbury

How to Make Ice Cream Sandwiches at Home from The Kitchn

Mini Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches from Martha Stewart

Ice Cream Sandwich Ideas from Baking Bites

M&Ms Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies from Sweetest Kitchen

Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie from Allrecipes

Go ahead and "Spring" into some ice cream sandwiches this weekend - 

stored in tupperware or wrapped in wax paper, they'll keep you in the mood for sandals and shorts until you can actually wear them!

Sounds for the Weekend: Yael Naim

Born in France to French & Tunisian parents, Yael Naim grew up in Israel. After a childhood of exploring music in every which way - and two years in the Israeli army (as required) - Yael began performing and put together her first album in 2001 after being "discovered" in Paris. 

The most recent album (2008), New Soul, is a remarkable combination of pop, folk, cello, and even a brass section. It's fresh, both peppy and melancholy, and even has the occasional bit of Hebrew. Most surprising is her cover of Britney Spear's Toxic - you really must hear it for yourself! Let's hope she has something new coming out soon - I can't wait to hear what she comes up with next...

Happy Weekend!

May it be filled with pie & cookies... just like mine!

Stomach Savvy - Food News IV

This week's edition of Food News is coming to you from The Food Section. According to the site, The Food Section "publishes original food writing and photography and scours the web for links to culinary news and events, recipes, and gastronomical ephemera."

In addition to the latest food news, posted under "What's Fresh," you'll also find great information divided among several different categories:

- Agenda: food & wine events calendar

- Appetizers: links to food-related points of interest 

- Shopping List: books, gadgets, gear, and cooking equipment supplies

- Quotable: choice cuts culled from the food media

According to The Food Section, here's what's happening in food:

The Last Supper and the Roots of "Portion Distortion"   

Tim Burton's White Queen Based on Nigella Lawson 

At TED, Jamie Oliver Calls for Movement Against Obesity 

European Union Reveals New Organic Logo 

In Pursuit of the Perfect Sauce

Mon Dieu! Poll Finds British Cook More Than French 

Calorie Counts on Menus Go National 

Used Cooking Oil Recycled for Roofs 

Pioneer Woman, the Movie 

March Madness: Dessert Edition 

Julia Child's Letters to Be Published in New Book 

Foodies on Food Stamps 

How To: Get Out of a Tupperware Party  

The Rachael Ray of India

 And that's the news!

Nesting: Prince Edward County, Ontario #2

If you missed the first round of Nesting: Prince Edward County, here's a quick recap! "Nesting" is a new installment on the blog that looks at Pie Bird-approved real estate listings from regions around the U.S. and Canada - much like in Country Living magazine. With two posts a week on a specific area, I think we are all going to learn a little about each place and a LOT about home style! I'm also trying to select listings that come with the potential for "crafty spaces" - guest houses, converted barns, extra rooms, etc. Have a region that you'd like to share? Send it my way!

This week's Nesting focuses on the area in and around Prince Edward County, an agrarian yet bustling hot spot for cottagers, families, outdoor adventurers, retirees, and foodies! Click here to take a look at the first post for PEC for more information on the County.  It's a place where I spent every summer at my family's cottage, riding the ferry, going to the Picton craft fair, sailing, and reading in the hammock. Heaven!

Without further ado, here's our second PEC nest:

Location: Murry Ward, ON

Asking Price: $339,900

LINK TO LISTING

From the realtor: "Deceiving from the outside, lots of room for the extended family or an excellent potential for home business. 5 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Granite counter in kitchen and separate dining room. Family room with wood stove. Large open rooms makes it functional for entertaining. Many windows on all sides to let lots of light in. Separate master bedroom with ensuite, walk-in closet and office area. Detached garage with heating and a studio for business possibilities. Custom doors, trim and crown molding. Hardwood, ceramic, slate and marble flooring. Large, private lot and only minutes to 401 and Trenton."

So many possibilities with this kind of acreage!

Having a detached studio like this would be such a dream...

Nice interior accents with large windows

Wood burning fireplace? Yes, please!

That counter has room for quite a lot of rolled cookie dough - my measure of good kitchen space!

Exposed beam ceiling - gorgeous!

Lots of good sitting areas with nice light

Check out these wonderful antiques!

It took me a minute to realize that this is a sink!

Den/workspace with backyard views

My own personal library? When can I move in?!

For more information visit www.century21.ca/gary.morden/100560116.

CENTURY 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd.

296 Main Street
PO Box 250
Wellington, ON K0K 3L0

Main: 613-399-2100

E-mail: gary.morden@century21.ca

 COMING UP NEXT IN NESTING:

Fredericksburg (TX), San Juan Islands (WA), 
Door County (WI) and the Willamette Valley (OR)  

 

Bird Feed: Walnut Pumpkin Muffins for Marrieds

One of the things that I don't like about baking *gasp!* is that there are only two of us in the little log cabin to consume all of my baking! My coworkers can't always be bombarded with goodies from the kitchen, we're not always in need for hostess gifts, and we have an incredibly small freezer... so what do you do?! Well, I halve. Or quarter. Whatever it takes to get the recipe amount down to a manageable level for the two of us plus a little extra for the rest of the week.

If you're like us, then this recipe is for you! These Walnut Pumpkin Muffins for Marrieds are scaled down to make you 6 perfectly delicious baked treats. I tried to make them a little healthy (applesauce instead of oil, egg beaters instead of whole eggs) and they turned out just beautifully. The husband had his with a pat of cream cheese, but they definitely don't need anything except a willing stomach.

You'll Need:

3/4 c + 1 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour

2/3 c white sugar 

1/4 tsp EACH: baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves, nutmeg

1/3 tsp cinnamon

1 egg (or 1/4 c egg substitute)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

1/2 c canned pumpkin

3 tbsp applesauce

3 tbsp walnut gems

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine the first set of dry ingredients - flour through cinnamon. In a second bowl, mix together the egg, vanilla, applesauce and pumpkin. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually. Stir in the walnuts (or other nuts or no nuts!). Spoon into 6 greased muffin tins.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes -
the edges should be golden and slightly crisp.

Makes 6 lovely muffins - perfect for married couples,
singles, and just about everyone! 

Nature-Inspired Shadow Boxes: Geology

My first trip to the San Juan Islands was after my HS graduation - my parents agreed to let me travel to the SJI for a kayaking trip. Even as I flew in on a small float plane into Friday Harbor, I knew it - this place rocked!

The second time I made my way to the Islands, I had just graduated from college and was about to start my masters at Oregon State. Again, I went alone. Again, it totally rocked. Literally.

I collected a handful of smooth, black rocks from a secluded beach and drove around with them in my car for years. I found them calming, full of good memories as an independent woman, an adventurer! So when the shadow box opportunity came around recently (see Part I of Making Shadow Boxes here), I decided to finally put them somewhere permanent.

Unlike the eggs in Part I, I wanted to create a more geography-appropriate background. That, and since my rocks were black, I needed something in the background that would help the stones stand out.

I found an old map of the San Juans online, and with a little tweaking (thank you, sepia effect) I was able to print it on heavy cardstock paper and cut it to the size of the frame's backing.

While it didn't work on the eggs, hot glue will work on rocks. I glued the paper securely to the original backing and let it cool.

After figuring out the way I wanted to arrange my stones, I cut a small, square slit in the paper with an x-acto knife and added the hot glue so that it both included and surrounded the square. I was a little nervous about the weight of the rocks pulling at the paper, so this way the rocks would also be adhered directly to the backing.

Now for my second "rockin' out" shadow box - Africa! I was lucky to travel to and spend a good amount of time in East Africa a few years ago with a field school. During an archeology outing, I practically tripped over a rock that looked strangely like the African continent...

Since this rock was a little more complex in shape, in addition to the glue I also used some the the balsam wood used in Part I for the eggs to help balance the rock. Again, I cut out a long strip of the paper so that the rock was mostly adhered directly to the backing.

And presto! Here is the first box 
with the rocks from the San Juan Islands.

And here's my Africa rock!

Same day in Africa, different rock (circa 2005).
And, of course, when I say rock, I mean a rare look into prehistoric civilization... you never know what you're going to find when you walk around in a remote, beautiful landscape.

Geographer + Biologist = Lovely Science