A Fresh New Start-A Simple Path to Logical Living

Photo by Kelly G

With the first month of the New Year coming to a close, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share a number of interesting links about starting fresh as it pertains to cooking, diet and the importance of the food you eat.  From detoxing your body to decluttering your kitchen; my recent news feed roaming has unearthed a wealth of useful advice.  A pathway to health, happiness and sustainability through simple lifestyle changes.  I hope these links will inspire positive action.  There are still a few days left to sign up for the 2013 CSA season and receive a $50 early bird discount (if you sign up before the end of the month).  To quote Oprah Winfrey “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

SIMPLE DETOXING:

A great link from one of my favorite new blogs My NewRoots.  This is blog author Sarah B’scontribution to Martha Stuart’s Whole Living Magazine

NPR link on adding detoxifying food to your diet

ORGANIZING YOUR KITCHEN:

Great series from Food52

Decluttering your Kitchen

Whipping your Kitchen Back to Shape Part 1

Whipping your Kitchen Back to Shape Part 2 (includes knife sharpening, proper cleaning of an iron skillet and a few more useful videos and tutorials)

On a related note, a great piece on streamlining your time in the kitchen with the use of tools and meal planning from the blog Keeper of the Home.

SIMPLE CHANGES:

In my blog wanderings I came across Healthy Green Kitchen and a series on simple steps one can take to improve one's life called "One Simple Change". I like this concept of little steps that can add up to make a big difference.  The most recent issue of Fine Cooking Magazine included an article on the addition of vegetable purees to favorites like macaroni and cheese, breads, etc.. This simple step can greatly reduce the calorie count and increase the nutritional value of these dishes without compromising the taste.  Good health can be delicious.

If you are reading the farm blog, you probably already have made some sort of commitment toward increasing your consumption of local food, and you should feel great about the change.  The pledge to “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” can have a big impact, you can read all about it here on the FoodRoutes Website.

Speaking of making a positive impact, a veteran Inverbrook Farm CSA member has started a new web-based project Logical Living.  You can go to this site and complete a free online lifestyle assessment by answering a simple set of questions about your lifestyle habits.  Based on your answers, Logical Living will make recommendations related to small steps that you can make to “green” your life. Click here to read a recent article about being a member of Inverbrook Farm CSA.

Enjoy the links and the fresh start. 

Kennett Winterfest-Beer Drinking for the Hearty

I feel like I dedicate a large proportion of my blog posts to waxing poetic about the spirited small town of Kennett Square.  How can I NOT feature this charming little borough with its vibrant downtown, home to the much acclaimed Talula’s Table.  A town whose international claim to fame is being the mushroom capital of the world AND, drum roll please… hosts not one, but two Brewfests.  That is right, February 2013 marks the inaugural run of the winter brew festival a.k.a. The First Annual Kennett Winterfest February 23rd from 12:30-4PM.   Modeled after the highly successful fall Brewfest, this beer drinking extravaganza for only the most passionate beer lovers, will be a much more intimate and potentially colder experience.  This outdoor beer festival with over 25 brewers and just 800 available tickets, is sure to sell out.  In fact there are only about 200 tickets left, so get them while you can—click here for ticket information.  For a complete list of participating breweries and the beers they are bringing along check out the Brewfest Blog-with all the latest festival information. 

Along with the alcohol content of many of the Winterfest beers (make sure you have a designated driver lined up), the Winterfest organizers have come up with several ways to keep you warm and happy.   The ticket price includes a delicious hearty meal from the aforementioned much acclaimed Talula's Table.  You can also groove your way to warmth with the fun and recognizable tunes of the Shady Groove Trio. 

Band member Matt Kresge sent me this bio regarding his band:

The Shady Groove Trio came about in 2009 when 3 musicians, tired of hearing the same hackneyed rock tunes played nightly by mediocre bands in various bars, went on a mission to bring good quality music back to the local bar and club scene. Bassist/Vocalist Bernie Gillespie, Guitarist/Vocalist Matt Kresge, and Drummer/Vocalist Mark Swartley strive to play the classic tunes we've all grown to love, yet have unfortunately been left behind by the repetitiveness and predictability of today's radio. The likes of Chuck Berry, Paul Simon, The Who, The Police, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Hall & Oates, Johnny Cash, and even classic surf instrumentals are all fair game at a Shady Groove Trio show. In addition to their vast repertoire, it is the trio's musicianship that sets them apart from other local acts.

Drummer Mark Swartley has played professionally for years and continues to be sought out by some of Philadelphia's finest live acts, including an extensive touring resume with rockabilly favorites, The Razorbacks. Guitarist Matt Kresge continues to impress audiences with his diverse and energetic playing that won him 'Best Guitarist' at the 2005 Emergenza Festival held in Philadelphia. Backed with Gillespie's impressive vocal range and driving bass, The Shady Groove Trio is guaranteed to get your feet moving!

Although the lighting and the background noise leaves a bit to be desired, you can get a sense of Shady Groove's talent in this youtube video cover of "She's So Cold".

So there you have it-great beer, music, food and people--what better way to spend a winter afternoon. Best of all the festival is a fundraiser for Historic Kennett Square and its programs like the Kennett Farmers Market. Hope to see you at Winterfest.

A Healthy Start to the New Year--sign up for a CSA share

Photo by Kelly G

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

With the first week of the new year coming to a close, I hope you are feeling good about your resolutions for 2013.  If healthy eating is first and foremost on your new to do list, may I suggest signing up for the 2013 Inverbrook Farm CSA season. There is no better incentive for adding fresh local vegetables to your diet than to make the financial commitment now for a growing season's supply of vegetables.  Considering the CSA pick does not start until June, this up front fee will help you keep your goal long into the year. As a reward, the cost of a 2013 CSA share will be discounted $50 until January 31st. If you need a pictorial incentive for joining the CSA- a visual taste of the season yet to come-check out this facebook album of vegetables from the 2012 CSA season.   Perhaps these great seasonal healthy recipes from Food52 will inspire a healthy change in diet. 

Photo by Kelly G

Along with the chance for a new start, one of my favorite aspects of transitioning from one year to another is that it provides an opportune moment to look both forward and reflect on the past. Its always enlightening to read about past and future food/health trends.  Below I have complied a list of links that further explore this subject.  I find it especially heartening that the interest in local, artisanal food as well as a push to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables--seems stronger than ever. Enjoy the links and best wishes for the New Year.

Huffington Post 2013 Food Trends

Forbes Food Technology Trends that Have Gone Mainstream

NPR's the Salt-Drinks, Diets and Meat Hits of 2012 and Predictions for 2013

NPR's the Salt-Restaurant Forecast Food for 2013

Photo by Kelly G