tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76594537726220761532024-03-12T18:11:08.799-07:00Farm Fresh FoodA Newlywed's Attempt to Cook With Home (and Locally) Grown Produce (and the Gardening of Said Produce)Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-45507673680114838542018-05-09T06:29:00.000-07:002018-05-09T06:33:13.314-07:00Shavuot Backyard Fun: Making Blueberry Balsamic Ice Cream<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eK0xCHA2RgA/WvI5U6drOTI/AAAAAAACpQU/7u-6IrEk6JsJtKc5kdK1KFGHBRyAcg7eQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eK0xCHA2RgA/WvI5U6drOTI/AAAAAAACpQU/7u-6IrEk6JsJtKc5kdK1KFGHBRyAcg7eQCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_4670.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shavuot wasn’t really part of my Jewish experience growing up. It fell just outside of the religious school season, and much of the “cheese cake” holiday remained a mystery to me until my adulthood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My children, however, will know Shevuot. In fact, they will look forward to it all year. This is because we have created a family tradition that they are excited about. Of course, it involves dairy and most appropriately for a festival set to fall in early summer, we decided that our new family tradition will be to make homemade ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We wanted to involve the kids in the production process. You can put away the fancy ice cream maker. This ice cream will be made with 100% kid power. I love this process because it is fun, interactive and takes some stamina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will need:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One large coffee can<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One small coffee can (or peanut butter jar or plastic gelato container)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Please note, this recipe was for <b>blueberry balsamic</b> ice cream at my 4 year old’s request. It can be made no cook and completely outside if you substitute a little vanilla for the blueberry and balsamic, making it great for camping or containing the mess.</span></i><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cups blueberries (frozen or fresh)</span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Heat blueberries, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit , serif;">balsamic vinegar</span> , sugar and salt to a simmer in a sauce pan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Smash blueberry mixture while over heat with flat bottomed wooden spoon or potato masher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Remove from heat and chill in fridge for 1 hour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Once blueberry mixture is chilled, mix in milk and cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Pour mixture into the smaller container (small coffee can, or plastic jar) and secure top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Place small container into larger coffee can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Fill area surrounding smaller container with alternating layers of ice and sprinklings of rock salt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Place lid on large coffee can and reinforce with some duct take<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Now the fun begins! Kids need to roll the can continuously for 20 minutes or until all the ice has melted. Ideas to keeping it moving:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Go on a family walk and have them kick the can to roll it along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">b.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Play a game of backyard soccer using the can or have timed races kicking the can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">c.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Make a double batch and have backyard races while kicking the can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Younger kids really enjoy rolling the can down a slide (my two-year-old sons could do this for hours).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>After about 20 minutes, most of the ice should be melted. Open the container to check on the ice cream for thickness. If not an ice cream consistency yet, you may want to load in more ice for another round.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Rinse the inner jar (to remove rock salt residue) and serve ice cream immediately or place in the freezer for 2 hours to further harden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12)<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Enjoy! This is a backyard ice cream treat for Shevout that all will enjoy. <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Chag Sameach!</span> Happy Shevout!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-15947988010653896972012-11-01T16:16:00.000-07:002012-11-01T16:16:04.253-07:00<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
The Business Case for Marriage Equality<br />
<br />
John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Metropolitan State University<br />
<br />
Author Note<br />
<br />
The author is not affiliated with any corporation taking a position on the Minnesota Marriage<br />
<br />
Amendment. The author is a member of Mt. Zion Temple and AFSCME Council 5, organizations that are<br />
<br />
officially opposed to the amendment.<br />
<br />
Correspondence concerning this article should be sent to John P. Riederer, Graduate<br />
<br />
Student, College of Management, Metropolitan State University, 1501 Hennepin Avenue,<br />
<br />
Minneapolis, MN 55403. E-mail: Riedjo@metrostate.edu<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
Abstract<br />
<br />
This manuscript is a product of critical science research, triggered by the 2012 Minnesota<br />
<br />
Marriage Amendment question. Intended as an overview, this paper provides a summary of the major<br />
<br />
arguments for businesses to take a public stance on marriage equality for same sex couples. Publicly<br />
<br />
advocating for the recognition of same sex marriages creates advantages in employee recruiting and<br />
<br />
retention, and generates consumer loyalty and positive publicity. Same sex marriage also spurs<br />
<br />
economic activity with a net revenue gain.<br />
<br />
Keywords: marriage equality, same sex marriage, LGBT, Minnesota marriage amendment<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
On November 6, 2012, the voters of Minnesota will be asked “Shall the Minnesota Constitution<br />
<br />
be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a<br />
<br />
marriage in Minnesota?” (MN Legislative Reference Library, 2012). This amendment question is part<br />
<br />
of a national movement to determine the legal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)<br />
<br />
citizens in the United States. Voters in 31 states have restricted the right to marry to opposite sex<br />
<br />
couples, either through constitutional amendment or statute (MN Legislative Reference Library, 2012).<br />
<br />
The issue has become politically divisive both locally and nationally.<br />
<br />
In the lead up to the vote in Minnesota, many of the state’s largest corporations, non-profit<br />
<br />
organizations, faith communities and municipalities have taken public stances on the amendment.<br />
<br />
Many of the state’s largest corporations have taken a public stance opposing the effort to restrict<br />
<br />
marriage (Helgeson, 2012). Despite calls from amendment supporters to stay neutral, General Mills,<br />
<br />
Target, St. Jude Medical, Thompson Reuters, and the majority of Fortune 500 companies based in<br />
<br />
Minnesota have publicly opposed the amendment. In addition, over 200 Minnesota businesses have<br />
<br />
joined MN United for All Families, a coalition of political, non-profit, faith, professional and government<br />
<br />
organizations opposing the amendment (MN United for All Families, 2012).<br />
<br />
There is an absence of peer reviewed research on the business case for publicly supporting<br />
<br />
marriage equality. Research on domestic partner benefits, anti-discrimination policies, GLBT workplace<br />
<br />
satisfaction, benefit tax laws and ballot initiatives was pieced together to answer the question, “what<br />
<br />
is the business case for supporting marriage equality?” It is part of a broader question, “what are<br />
<br />
the business advantages of being LBGT friendly?” which future research should seek to answer. This<br />
<br />
research will hopefully influence employers to take a public political stance on similar issues in the<br />
<br />
future.<br />
<br />
Background<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
Research by Gates (2011) indicates that 3.8% of the United States population identify as<br />
<br />
LGBT. This implies a there is a population of 9 million LGBT Americans, a number roughly equal to<br />
<br />
the population of New Jersey. Other research suggests that LGBT employees constitute between 4%<br />
<br />
and 17% of the workforce, a larger proportion than many minority groups (Ragins & Cornwell, 2001).<br />
<br />
These employees are not protected from workplace discrimination by federal equal opportunity laws<br />
<br />
(Johnston & Malina, 2008). According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation [HRC](2011), it is legal<br />
<br />
in 29 states to fire an employee for being gay, lesbian or bisexual. In 34 states, it is legal to terminate an<br />
<br />
employee because they are transgender.<br />
<br />
The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defines marriage as a legal union exclusively<br />
<br />
between a man and woman. This denies same-sex couples the legal protections and rights that<br />
<br />
married opposite sex couples receive (Allen, 2006). DOMA also means that other states and the<br />
<br />
federal government do not recognize same sex marriages performed in states where the practice is<br />
<br />
legal (Cordes 2012). In 1996, the General Accounting Office (GAO) reported 1,049 different federal-<br />
<br />
based benefits given to married people, which are denied to same sex couples, even if individual states<br />
<br />
recognize their marriage. A same sex couple cannot file joint tax returns, or claim one member as a<br />
<br />
dependent on federal tax returns (Knight & Comer-HaGans, 2012).<br />
<br />
Recruiting and Retention of Employees<br />
<br />
A business located in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage has a competitive advantage<br />
<br />
in employee recruiting and retention, when competing on a national level. Recruiting and retaining<br />
<br />
high quality employees is costly for corporations. Even companies that have inclusive policies, are<br />
<br />
openly LGBT-friendly, and offer equivalent benefits can be at a disadvantage if they are located in a<br />
<br />
state with laws unfriendly to the LGBT community (Kaplan, Wiley & Maertz, 2011). It is therefore in an<br />
<br />
organization’s best interest to advocate for LGBT inclusive laws.<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
Being publicly supportive LGBT issues is also important when recruiting employees who are not<br />
<br />
LGBT. Many heterosexual adults prefer to work in LGBT-inclusive and diverse workplaces. In 2010, 52%<br />
<br />
of heterosexual adults surveyed said it was very or extremely important that they work for a company<br />
<br />
offering equal health benefits to all employees. Over 25% of heterosexual adults surveyed said it was<br />
<br />
extremely or very important that they work for an employer known to recruit employees of diverse<br />
<br />
backgrounds. One in four heterosexual adults said it was very or extremely important that they work<br />
<br />
for a company that supports organizations that represent the diversity of the workforce and customers<br />
<br />
(Harris Interactive, 2010). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the diversity and inclusion are more<br />
<br />
important for younger and more educated adults. These are exactly the type of employees that many<br />
<br />
organizations see as critical to recruit.<br />
<br />
The 2009 Out & Equal survey asked a weighted sample of 2,775 adults (2,334 self-identified<br />
<br />
as heterosexual and 362 self-identified as LGBT) a series of attitude and belief questions regarding<br />
<br />
laws, workplace policies, culture and behavior. The section related to the differences in state policies<br />
<br />
with regards to employment decisions began with a statement about same sex marriage being legal<br />
<br />
in 6 states and the District of Columbia. Respondents were asked to agree or disagree with a series of<br />
<br />
statements, after the prefacing statement, “Let’s assume you live in one of those states (regardless of<br />
<br />
where you live now or your current marital status.).”<br />
<br />
The first statement read, “Other factors being equal, I would prefer a job with an employer in<br />
<br />
a state where same sex marriages are recognized over an employer in a state that does not recognize<br />
<br />
same sex marriages.” Of the respondents, 79% who identified as Gay/Lesbian agreed. Only 8% of the<br />
<br />
general population and 4% of the Gay/Lesbian responses were negative (Out & Equal, 2009).<br />
<br />
Retaining highly qualified, skilled employees is important to employers. Many corporations<br />
<br />
have locations in multiple states and a mobile workforce. In these organizations, employees may be<br />
<br />
transferred involuntarily to meet the company’s needs, or voluntarily for a promotion. In the same<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
series of questions, the 2009 Out & Equal survey stated, “I would consider changing jobs if my employer<br />
<br />
required me to transfer to a state where same sex marriages were not recognized.” This was followed by<br />
<br />
the statement, “I would consider declining a job promotion if it required me to transfer to a state where<br />
<br />
same sex marriages were not recognized.”<br />
<br />
The first statement had 36% of GLBT respondents agree. The second statement had 32%<br />
<br />
of GLBT respondents in agreement. In responses to both statements, lesbian women showed the<br />
<br />
importance of marriage recognition to that subgroup, with 45% in agreement with the first question<br />
<br />
(only 16% disagreed), and 49% in agreement with the second (only 17% disagreed).<br />
<br />
There is a limited amount of real world data on this matter as well. In 2009, Gates studied the<br />
<br />
effects of Massachusetts’ 2005 recognition of marriage equality. A statewide survey of same sex couples<br />
<br />
found that 8% had at least one partner move to the state, with 51% indicating that marriage equality<br />
<br />
and LGBT rights were a factor, and 20% stating this was the only factor in their move. Massachusetts<br />
<br />
went from a net loss of 602 individuals in same sex couples in the two years prior to same sex marriage<br />
<br />
recognition, to a net gain of 119. What is important about the net gain of these people, is that a<br />
<br />
significant portion of them represent the “creative class”; the young, mobile and highly educated<br />
<br />
individuals, “who are vital to economic development in a post-industrial economy” (Gates, 2009).<br />
<br />
Gates found that creative class individuals in same-sex couples were 2.5 times more likely to move to<br />
<br />
Massachusetts following marriage equality than before (2009).<br />
<br />
Economic Impacts<br />
<br />
Businesses in some industries will benefit directly if their states allow marriage equality.<br />
<br />
Marriages often result in expensive weddings, with out of town guests staying in hotels, dining out,<br />
<br />
renting vehicles and other activities that often generate special tax revenue for state and municipal<br />
<br />
governments. A survey of legally married same sex couples in Massachusetts and the Netherlands<br />
<br />
found that 68% had at least 21 guests in attendance at their weddings (Lee Badgett, 2011). The<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
increased spending benefits not only the businesses providing goods and services, but all citizens and<br />
<br />
corporations based in the state. The additional tax revenue generated should reduce the burden on<br />
<br />
resident taxpayers funding state services and infrastructure improvements.<br />
<br />
States that recognize same sex marriage see increases in spending related to weddings, for<br />
<br />
resident couples, as well as those choosing destination weddings. Many same sex couples have chosen<br />
<br />
to hold in states that recognize their right to marry, even if they reside in a state that does not. Of<br />
<br />
the 2,020 same sex couples married in Iowa in the first year the state achieved marriage equality, just<br />
<br />
815 were residents (Kastanis, Lee Badgett, & Herman, 2011). By granting marriage equality, Iowa has<br />
<br />
become a wedding destination.<br />
<br />
A 2012 study of the economic impact that same sex marriage would have on Australia<br />
<br />
conservatively estimated that it would boost the national economy $161 million USD in three years, and<br />
<br />
found plausible estimates of a $742 million impact, when travel and spending related to weddings and<br />
<br />
destination weddings was included. The average amount spent for a wedding was projected at $9,050<br />
<br />
(USD) (Lee Badgett & Smith, 2012).<br />
<br />
Closer to home, a study conservatively estimated that taxes in state of Washington generated<br />
<br />
by same sex weddings would offset the increase in state tax deductions, with a net gain of over $18.4<br />
<br />
million in tax revenues. (Kastanis, Badgett & Herman, 2012) The first year of marriage equality in Iowa<br />
<br />
gave an estimated $12 to $13 million boost to the state and local economies, with gains of $850,000<br />
<br />
to $930,000 in state and local sales tax revenues (Kastanis et. al, 2011). In 2004, it was projected<br />
<br />
that national marriage equality would generate $16.8 billion in expenditures. The wedding industry<br />
<br />
generates at least $70 billion annually. On average, same sex couples in the United States spend 25%<br />
<br />
more than opposite sex couples on their weddings (Konnoth, Lee Badgett, & Sears, 2011).<br />
<br />
Simplification of Employee Benefits<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
In an effort to be fair to all employees and attract to LBGT job candidates, employers have been<br />
<br />
increasingly providing LBGT employees with domestic partner benefits. Domestic partner benefits (DPB)<br />
<br />
are usually health insurance, but often include “soft benefits,” such as bereavement leave, employee<br />
<br />
assistance programs, relocation assistance, supplemental insurance and FMLA-type leave (HRC, 2011,<br />
<br />
p. 26). In 1982, The Village Voice was the first employer to offer DPB (Raeburn, 2004, p. 48). Large<br />
<br />
companies began offering them in the 1990’s, despite the practice being highly controversial. These<br />
<br />
innovators included Microsoft, Disney, and IBM (Cordes, 2012).<br />
<br />
By 2006, 51% of the Fortune 500 companies offered benefit parity for LBGT employees’<br />
<br />
partners (Shepherd, 2006). Chuang, Church & Ophir (2011) attribute this to the normative mechanism<br />
<br />
of press coverage of benefits. For many job seekers, “the inclusion of DPB has become a litmus test for<br />
<br />
determining high-quality employers” (Cordes, 2012). In addition, at least three states and the District of<br />
<br />
Columbia require employers to provide equivalent benefits for domestic partners (Solomon & Tiemann,<br />
<br />
2009). The 2012 Corporate Equality Index found 89% of employers rated (representing the majority of<br />
<br />
the Fortune 500) offered health benefits to same sex domestic partners. This represents a 20% jump in<br />
<br />
the last decade (Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2011).<br />
<br />
Employers are often surprised at the low enrollment and low cost of providing DPB. The city<br />
<br />
of Columbus, Ohio estimated that 0.009% of employees enrolled for DPB when offered. Similarly, The<br />
<br />
Ohio State University estimated enrollment of 0.006% of employees. Enrollments are low because most<br />
<br />
domestic partners already have coverage through their own employers. Costs for DPB coverage are<br />
<br />
lower than anticipated, because those eligible tend to be younger and healthier. In particular, same sex<br />
<br />
couples have a low incidence of pregnancy (Cordes, 2012).<br />
<br />
There are several challenges that employers face when offering DPB. The first is that there is no<br />
<br />
definition of “Domestic Partner” in federal or most states’ laws, and the patchwork of local ordinances<br />
<br />
means “there are no uniform criteria for identifying domestic partner relationships (Knight Comer-<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
HaGans, 2012). Most often, employers are left to define a domestic partnership. Criteria usually include<br />
<br />
cohabitation, financial and social interdependence, and standards similar to state marriage laws, with<br />
<br />
the exception of sex (e.g. both parties are of age and mental capacity to voluntarily give consent, neither<br />
<br />
is already married, nor are they of close blood relation)(Kulow, 2001). Many employers have resorted<br />
<br />
to sworn affidavits to prove eligibility. Having to inquire so deeply into the intimate personal lives of<br />
<br />
employees is a situation many HRM professionals dread (Solomon & Tiemann 2009).<br />
<br />
Another challenge to DPB is federal tax laws. Because of DOMA, even legally married same sex<br />
<br />
couples are not allowed to file federal tax returns jointly, claim a spouse as a dependent, or receive<br />
<br />
benefits through a partner’s employer tax-free (Abrigo, 2007). “Federal law requires employers to<br />
<br />
impute the fair market value of health care coverage provided to an employee’s domestic partner as<br />
<br />
income to the employee that is subject to federal income tax.” This “two-tiered tax system” means<br />
<br />
employees receiving DPB, in opposite or same sex relationships that are not recognized as marriage, pay<br />
<br />
on average $1,069 annually. That represents $178 million in lost payroll taxes for unmarried couples. In<br />
<br />
addition, employers pay $57 million in additional taxes each year, because of this unequal treatment of<br />
<br />
DPB (Lee Badgett, 2007).<br />
<br />
States have adopted conflicting tax laws regarding DPB. Some states have their own version<br />
<br />
of DOMA, imputing fair market value of DPB as income for state taxes. Nine states and the District of<br />
<br />
Columbia have passed laws exempting DPB from state taxes (Solomon & Tiemann , 2009). In response<br />
<br />
to federal taxation of DPB, a small number of employers have begun “grossing up” the salaries of<br />
<br />
employees receiving those benefits, to offset the additional taxes incurred.(CITATION)<br />
<br />
Complying with differing federal, state and municipal laws regarding DPB is a headache for<br />
<br />
employers, especially in situations where employees commute or do business across state lines. In<br />
<br />
November 2011, 70 major U.S. corporations and an assortment of law firms, professional organizations<br />
<br />
and municipalities, including Microsoft, Nike, and the city of New York, filed an Amicus brief advocating<br />
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Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
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Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
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for the repeal of DOMA. Among their major arguments was the cost of calculating fair market value for<br />
<br />
DPB and calculating it as taxable income (Tu, 2011).<br />
<br />
Market Value<br />
<br />
A final reason that corporations choose to publicly support marriage equality and other LGBT<br />
<br />
issues is the effect that it has on market value. Public support of LGBT causes generates publicity,<br />
<br />
especially in LGBT-targeted media. In 2010, the buying power of American LBGT adults was estimated<br />
<br />
at $743 Billion. A 2011 survey by Harris Interactive found that 71% of LGBT adults had brand loyalty that<br />
<br />
trumped price increases, to companies they perceived as supporting LGBT causes (Harris Interactive,<br />
<br />
2011).<br />
<br />
Companies may be concerned with backlash and boycotts from anti-gay activists. In particular,<br />
<br />
Christian groups such as Focus on the Family and the American Family Foundation, have called for<br />
<br />
boycotts when companies offered DPB to LGBT employees, sponsored “gay” events, promoted LGBT<br />
<br />
causes, or included same sex couples in their advertisements (Greene, France, & Kiley, 2005). Research<br />
<br />
has shown that these boycotts do not negatively impact the revenue of parent companies (Henneman,<br />
<br />
2006). In fact, bowing to the demands of such groups can result in greater consumer and employee<br />
<br />
backlash. Microsoft discovered this when they withdrew support of a Washington state’s HB1515 bill<br />
<br />
(to extend antidiscrimination laws to include “alternate sexual orientations”) after threatened boycotts<br />
<br />
and protests led by a regionally influential Christian leader. Many LGBT employees felt betrayed and<br />
<br />
several resigned in protest. The company quickly readopted its public stance on the issue (Greene, et.<br />
<br />
al., 2005) Henneman (2006) concludes that “right-wing Christian leaders don’t seem to wield much clout<br />
<br />
in today’s marketplace.”<br />
<br />
For many consumers, as well as business partners, a firm’s participation and score in the<br />
<br />
Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is an important consideration. “Even among<br />
<br />
nonparticipants, the CEI has helped create market norms where LGBT workplace equality is essential to<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
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Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
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staying relevant among competitors” (HRC, 2011, p. 6). The Human Rights Campaign includes positive<br />
<br />
engagement of the external LGBT community as an important factor in its CEI ratings (15 points out of<br />
<br />
100). Official or public anti-LGBT statements or incidents result in a 25 point deduction (HRC, 2011, p. 2).<br />
<br />
A 2010 study by Wang and Schwarz tested hypotheses relating a company’s stock performance<br />
<br />
with ratings on the CEI. While unable to statistically prove their hypothesis that positive stock<br />
<br />
performance had positive association with CEI score, they soundly disproved their negative hypothesis.<br />
<br />
An improvement in a firm’s CEI score had no correlation with poor stock performance (Wang & Schwarz,<br />
<br />
2010). In short, supporting LGBT causes doesn’t hurt a corporation’s bottom line.<br />
<br />
Conclusion<br />
<br />
In November 1992, 55.3% of Colorado voters approved a ballot initiative named Amendment<br />
<br />
2. This amendment to the state constitution stripped lesbian, gay or bisexual persons of any existing<br />
<br />
municipal protections as a minority, and prohibited future laws against discrimination on the basis of<br />
<br />
sexual orientation. Amendment 2 unleashed “the largest civil rights boycott in U.S. history.” Consumers<br />
<br />
nationwide chose not to travel to or purchase products made in Colorado. Major conventions cancelled<br />
<br />
bookings and diverted them to more inclusive states. Several companies nixed plans to relocate or move<br />
<br />
major operations to the state, including a publishing company that would have brought its $100 million<br />
<br />
headquarters and 6,000 high-paying jobs into the state (Sen & Hill, 2006).<br />
<br />
Amendment 2 was declared unconstitutional by the Colorado Supreme Court in December<br />
<br />
1994, ending the boycott. Estimates of the damage range from $40 million to $120 million for the 13-<br />
<br />
month period. This does not count the long-term damage of being labeled a “Hate State” nationally.<br />
<br />
Even companies that openly opposed Amendment 2 incurred damage. “Economic sanctions stemming<br />
<br />
from an unfavorable minority civil rights climate legislation… are unlikely to distinguish between those<br />
<br />
businesses that have antidiscrimination policies in place and those that do not” (Sen & Hill, 2006).<br />
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Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
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Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
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Many of America’s largest corporations choose to take a public stance on LGBT equality.<br />
<br />
Minnesota companies who oppose the state constitutional amendment, to narrowly define marriage to<br />
<br />
opposite sex couples, do so for as many reasons as there are LGBT employees in their ranks. Marriage<br />
<br />
equality is good for recruiting and retaining an educated, skilled workforce of both straight and LGBT<br />
<br />
employees. It stimulates the economy of a state, encouraging spending that provides state and local<br />
<br />
tax revenues. Granting same sex couples the right to marry and repealing DOMA will make doing<br />
<br />
business easier, in terms of payroll and benefit calculations. Supporting marriage equality generates<br />
<br />
positive association and brand loyalty among an influential and financially significant subsection of the<br />
<br />
population. Finally, being associated with a state that creates an LGBT discriminatory climate is bad for<br />
<br />
business.<br />
<br />
On November 6, 2012, Minnesota voters will choose to pass or reject a change to their state<br />
<br />
constitution that restricts civil rights decisions in the future. Whether the amendment passes or fails,<br />
<br />
it will not be the last issue relating to marriage equality in Minnesota or the nation. State statute that<br />
<br />
forbids recognition of same sex unions will remain in place, until the law is repealed in favor of marriage<br />
<br />
equality. Corporations will continue to have an influential role in society. It is to their advantage to<br />
<br />
support marriage equality.<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
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References<br />
<br />
Abrigo, H. B. (2007). The unintended consequence of providing employee benefits for domestic<br />
<br />
partners. Journal of Pension Benefits: Issues In Administration, 15(1), 18-20.<br />
<br />
Allen, D. W. (2006). An economic assessment of same-sex marriage laws. Harvard Journal Of Law &<br />
<br />
Public Policy, 29(3), 949-980.<br />
<br />
Cordes, C. L. (2012). The business case for offering domestic partner benefits. Compensation & Benefits<br />
<br />
Review, 44(2), 110-116. doi:10.1177/0886368712450984<br />
<br />
Gates, G. J. (2009). Marriage equality and the creative class [White paper]. Retrieved from http://<br />
<br />
williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-MA-Creative-Class-May-2009.pdf<br />
<br />
Gates, G. J. (2011). How many people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender? [White paper].<br />
<br />
Retrieved from http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-<br />
<br />
People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf<br />
<br />
Greene, J., France, M., & Kiley, D. (2005). Culture wars hit corporate America. Businessweek, (3934), 90-<br />
<br />
93.<br />
<br />
Harris Interactive. (2010, October 4). Majority of Americans believe gay and lesbian couples in<br />
<br />
committed relationships should receive equal workplace benefits as heterosexual married<br />
<br />
couples [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.harrisinteractive.com/NewsRoom/<br />
<br />
PressReleases/tabid/446/ctl/ReadCustom%20Default/mid/1506/ArticleId/577/Default.aspx<br />
<br />
Harris Interactive. (2011, October 27). LGBT adults strongly prefer brands that support causes important<br />
<br />
to them and that also offer equal workplace benefits [Press release]. Retrieved from http://<br />
<br />
www.witeckcombs.com/news/releases/20111027_out%26equal.pdf<br />
<br />
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<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
Helgeson, B. (2012, August 11). Businesses drawn into fight over marriage amendment. Star Tribune.<br />
<br />
Retrieved from http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/165812836.html<br />
<br />
Henneman, T. (2006). The breakdown of boycotts. Advocate, (967), 24-26.<br />
<br />
Human Rights Campaign Foundation. (2011, December 7). Corporate equality index 2012. Retrieved<br />
<br />
from http://issuu.com/humanrightscampaign/docs/corporateequalityindex_2012<br />
<br />
Johnston, D., & Malina, M. A. (2008). Managing sexual orientation diversity: The impact on firm value.<br />
<br />
Group & Organization Management, 33(5), 602-625.<br />
<br />
Kaplan, D. M., Wiley, J. W., & Maertz, C. P. (2011). The role of calculative attachment in the relationship<br />
<br />
between diversity climate and retention. Human Resource Management, 50(2), 271-287.<br />
<br />
doi:10.1002/hrm.20413<br />
<br />
Kastanis, A., Lee Badgett, M. V., & Herman, J. L. (2011). Estimating the economic boost of marriage<br />
<br />
equality in Iowa: Sales tax [White paper]. Retrieved from http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/<br />
<br />
wp-content/uploads/Badgett-Kastanis-Herman-IA-Economic-Boost-Dec-2011.pdf<br />
<br />
Kastanis, A., Lee Badgett, M. V., & Herman, J. L. (2012). The economic impact of extending<br />
<br />
marriage to same-sex couples in Washington state [White paper]. Retrieved from<br />
<br />
http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Kastanis-Badgett-Herman-<br />
<br />
WASalesTaxImpact-Jan-20121.pdf<br />
<br />
Knight, M. A., & Comer-HaGans, D. (2012). Domestic partner benefits. Public Personnel Management,<br />
<br />
41(3), 493-504.<br />
<br />
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Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
Konnoth, C. J., Lee Badgett, M. V., & Sears, R. B. (2011). Spending on weddings by same-sex couples<br />
<br />
in the United States [White paper]. Retrieved from http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-<br />
<br />
content/uploads/Badgett-Sears-Konnoth-FirstYearWeddingSpending-Jul-2011.pdf<br />
<br />
Kulow, M. (2001). Same Sex Marriages: How Will They Impact Employers?. Journal Of Employment<br />
<br />
Discrimination Law, 3(2), 93.<br />
<br />
Lee Badgett, M. V. (2007). Unequal taxes on equal benefits [White paper]. Retrieved from http://<br />
<br />
williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Badgett-UnequalTaxesOnEqualBenefits-<br />
<br />
Dec-2007.pdf<br />
<br />
Lee Badgett, M. V. (2011). Social inclusion and the value of marriage equality in Massachusetts<br />
<br />
and the Netherlands. Journal of Social Issues, 67(2), 316-334. Retrieved from http://<br />
<br />
williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Badgett-Social-Inclusion-Jul-2011.pdf<br />
<br />
Lee Badgett, M. V. & Smith, J. (2012). The economic impact of extending marriage to same-sex couples<br />
<br />
in Australia [White paper]. Retrieved from http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/<br />
<br />
uploads/Badgett-Smith-Econ-Impact-Marriage-Feb-2012.pdf<br />
<br />
Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. (2012, October). Resources on Minnesota issues: Same-sex<br />
<br />
marriage in Minnesota. Retrieved from http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/issues/issues.aspx?<br />
<br />
issue=gay<br />
<br />
MN United for All Families. (2012). Our coalition. Retrieved from http://mnunited.org/coalition/<br />
<br />
Out & Equal. (2009, October 5). Seven out of ten LGBT adults given the choice prefer jobs in states that<br />
<br />
recognize same-sex marriages [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.witeckcombs.com/<br />
<br />
news/releases/20091005_out%26equal.pdf<br />
<br />
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<br />
Running Head: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<br />
<br />
Out & Equal. (2012). The business case for marriage equality [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://<br />
<br />
www.outandequal.org/documents/BusinessCaseforMarriageEquality.pdf<br />
<br />
Raeburn, N. C. (2004). Changing corporate America from inside out: Lesbian and gay workplace rights.<br />
<br />
Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.<br />
<br />
Ragins, B., & Cornwell, J. M. (2001). Pink triangles: Antecedents and consequences of perceived<br />
<br />
workplace discrimination against gay and lesbian employees. Journal of Applied Psychology,<br />
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86(6), 1244-1261.<br />
<br />
Sen, S., & Hill, R. (1996). Marketing and minority civil rights: The case of Amendment 2 and the Colorado<br />
<br />
boycott. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 15(2), 311-318.<br />
<br />
Shepherd, L. (2006). Majority of big firms covering domestic partners. Employee Benefit News, 20(12), 1-<br />
<br />
36.<br />
<br />
Tu, J. I. (2011, November 4). Microsoft, Starbucks among 70 major organizations supporting challenge<br />
<br />
of DOMA. Seattle Times. Retrieved from http://seattletimes.com/html/microsoftpri0/<br />
<br />
2016691795_microsoft_starbucks_among_70_major_organizations_s.html<br />
<br />
Wang, P., & Schwarz, J. L. (2010). Stock price reactions to GLBT nondiscrimination policies. Human<br />
<br />
Resource Management, 49(2), 195-216. doi:10.1002/hrm.20341.<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2012 John P. Riederer<br />
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-84498513177224490072012-08-19T08:14:00.000-07:002012-08-19T12:48:26.550-07:00Rosemary Cookies with Tomato Jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">For a recent gourmet club, we were charged with making something from locally garden and market grown ingredients. </span>I spend most of the summer cooking this way, so I decided to pick something that is far from my normal food fare. </div>
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I almost never bake. If you know me, you know I have a tendency to burn myself whilst taking things in and out of the oven. Also, with only my hubby and I at home and most dessert recipes making 10 or more servings on top of our lack of self-control, it isn't usually a good combination.</div>
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I found a very well rated recipe for <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rosemary-Cookies-with-Tomato-Jam-358790" target="_blank">Rosemary Cookies</a> on epicurous.com from a cookbook by David Lebotvitz.</div>
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These cookies were delightful! At gourmet club they went fast and they were proclaimed the winner (note it isn't a competition). Try them out and enjoy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSX3w79MJ94/UDD2hPHSQ5I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/L3SHfrLr1D4/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSX3w79MJ94/UDD2hPHSQ5I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/L3SHfrLr1D4/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
<ul class="ingredientsList">
<li class="ingredient">4 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal or polenta</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 cup sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 large eggs </li>
<li class="ingredient">4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves</li>
<li class="ingredient">Tomato Jam (Hubby will blog this b/c he made it)</li>
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In a small bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, and salt.
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Seperately, in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed just until
smooth. Mix in the egg yolks, then the rosemary. <br />
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Add the flour mixture
and mix until the dough is smooth and holds together.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvJnO6-rkqE/UDD072_iQPI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/SnpeNSATqdA/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvJnO6-rkqE/UDD072_iQPI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/SnpeNSATqdA/s320/IMG_4464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough in half. Shape each
half into a log about 6 inches (15 cm) long and 1 3/4 inches (4 cm) in
diameter.<br />
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Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled
and firm, at least 1 hour. I actually ended out lightly freezing them with very good results.<br />
At this time, preheat the oven (we did this at an earlier time because our oven door doesn't hinge shut so it takes hours to pre-heat) to 350 with racks in the bottom half of the oven.<br />
Also, line 4 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Then wait for the dough to finish chilling because it needs to be cold and hard to be sliced.<br />
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Take one log out of the freezer at a time. As they warm, they are more difficult to work with.Slice the logs thin. The disks should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. I experimented a bit with the thickness, but really tried to slice it as thin as I could while still getting cookie shaped results.</div>
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These cookies don't expand much while baking so you can place them close together (at least 1/2 and inch apart) on the prepared baking sheets.</div>
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Total bake time in 12 minutes. However, set the timer for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes you need to flip the cookie sheet. I was able to maintain an assembly line where I was slicing and filling a cookie sheet while one was baking on its final 6 minutes and another was on its last 6 minutes and I just kept rotating.</div>
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Cookies are done when slightly tan around the edges.</div>
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Let the cookies cool. Then it is time to add the magic to these delicate cookies:<br />
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TOMATO JAM!!!</div>
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This is a spicy sweet jar of deliciousness. Hubby will blog how he made it soon.</div>
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Spoon a small amount of jam onto a cookie and then top with another cookie for a sandwich of pure deliciousness. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">YUM!</span></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-15717320481948978612012-07-22T19:08:00.001-07:002012-07-23T12:53:31.681-07:00Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got these lovely zucchini blossoms at the Unidale Mall Farmer's Market for $1. Yes, we have zucchini blossoms in our garden, but I didn't have the heart to abort the future zucchinis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We brought them home, put the bouquet in water and quickly learned that they have an extremely short shelf life (use day of picking, not next day). So we went back to the Unidale Farmer's Market and got another bundle and we were off. John made delicious, and entirely unhealthy zucchini blossoms stuffed with herbed goat cheese and then fried. This resulted in a dish that would put any MN State Fair Food to shame.</span><br />
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I used the fresh herbs that were ready in our garden - basil, oregano, flat leaf parsley and a few sage leaves. Finely chop the herbs and one clove of garlic, mix with about 6 oz of softened goat cheese.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Prepare the batter - mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/8 cup of corn starch, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper</span></div>
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Mix in 1 beaten egg and 1/2 cup of beer.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I used Agunita's Pale Ale and found that it made an excellent tasting batter coating. Any quality beer will work, but may have variations in flavor. Mix well.</span><br />
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Spoon 1/2 Tablespoon to 1 Tablespoon of the herb goat cheese into the center of each blossom. Fold the leaves over the center, overlapping one another, to form a packet. Trim the stem to about 4 inches.<br />
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Dip the stuffed blossom into batter and roll to coat thoroughly.<br />
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I used a wok filled with about 2" of canola oil. Heat until a cube of bread browns in 10-15 seconds. Carefully slide a battered blossom into hot oil, being careful not to splash.<br />
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Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. After about a minute, flip the blossom (using tongs) to fry the other side.<br />
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After about 3 minutes total cooking time, when both sides are crispy and lightly browned, use tongs to remove the blossom from oil, transfer to a plate with a layer of paper toils to drain.<br />
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Eat while these are still warm. These are little packets of heaven!<br />
The delicate zucchini bosoms have a lovely flavor. we look forward to trying them in other recipes.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-21525339160897161342010-12-13T06:06:00.000-08:002010-12-13T06:07:23.423-08:00Snow, Snow,and More Snow!Garden is buried in feet of snow. It is hard to believe that life will ever fill its' white baron landscape.<br />
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In the spring, long dormant seeds will spout again and plants will rise from once frozen soil. The cycle will begin again.<br />
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Until then, all is white and I have nothing to write about.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-82431367823657353802010-11-21T19:09:00.000-08:002010-11-21T19:11:04.428-08:00Marriage Announcement<a href="http://www.journaltimes.com/lifestyles/announcements/weddings/article_dd83c9c6-8872-11df-a7c2-001cc4c03286.html">Marriage Announcement</a><br />
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Doesn't relate to anything, but I love my hubby.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-88736604344710566552010-10-31T14:21:00.000-07:002010-10-31T14:25:02.909-07:00Purple Quiche!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TM3c2y5P36I/AAAAAAAABBQ/JC_RggAe_2U/s1600/IMG_6437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TM3c2y5P36I/AAAAAAAABBQ/JC_RggAe_2U/s200/IMG_6437.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This is just your basic quiche recipe with an extra special twist. It was made with some beautiful, royal purple cauliflower. The results were eye catching and delicious.<br />
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I tried to grow purple cauliflower this year, but I planted it too late. It takes much longer that its white and orange counterparts to develop. Still, I wanted to see how the color held up to being baked, so I picked up one at the local farmers market for $3.<br />
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I followed a pretty basic recipe.<br />
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Fill pie shell with veggies:<br />
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Mix eggs, half and half, fresh ground pepper, spices.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">This would be great addition to a MN Vikings football party. However, I think the best use for this is to get kids excited about eating there veggies. Never underestimate the power of novelty.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TM3dHFWzlNI/AAAAAAAABBU/hE9_iSOGBiY/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TM3dHFWzlNI/AAAAAAAABBU/hE9_iSOGBiY/s320/IMG_6439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-22667016926369865932010-07-22T06:32:00.000-07:002010-12-13T06:32:51.088-08:00We Don't Know What Were Doing<div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Weeds, Weeds and More Weeds!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Honestly, I didn't know what were plants and what were weeds until it was much too late. Here is my pile of weeds from my garden and I'm not where near done. WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE ARE DOING! Despair. And I'm pretty sure I accidentally weeded some of my phlox. <br />
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Last year, we had all new soil. Only the morning glories were able to sneak there way through the layer of soil we added to fill in the hole where a garage once stood. This year is a whole 'nother story. Suggestions? I just cannot keep up with all this.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-64422810812733836692010-07-20T18:48:00.000-07:002010-07-20T19:11:53.795-07:00CanningWe thought about canning last year when we got an abundance of tomatoes at the end of summer. Instead, we made tomato sauces and froze them. However, we were left with an overstuffed freezer.<br /><br />This year we thought of canning again, but it has been so warm (and we have no AC) that we didn't want to add too the heat of the house. However, the past couple of days the heat has been manageable...and my hubby has become a canning machine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TEZW1SC2rrI/AAAAAAAABAs/UT7O_VXqTQ4/s1600/canning_pics_6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TEZW1SC2rrI/AAAAAAAABAs/UT7O_VXqTQ4/s320/canning_pics_6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496175868629135026" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot take any of the credit. He's in the kitchen canning right now. With help from a cookbook (recent gift from my mother-in-law) In the past three days he has canned:<br /><ul><li>Pickles (cucumbers)</li><li>Beets</li><li>Beets and potatoes</li><li>Beans (green and waxed)</li><li>Cauliflower</li><li>Peppers<br /></li></ul>I hope that this is a way to bring some of the flavors of local and garden grown food into the long Minnesota winter months.<br /><br /><br />We are looking for ideas and recipes. Please share!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TEZW1SC2rrI/AAAAAAAABAs/UT7O_VXqTQ4/s1600/canning_pics_6.JPG"><br /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-78904704213767827372010-07-13T06:10:00.000-07:002011-01-18T06:52:29.475-08:00Everyone Deserves Fresh ProduceDuring the year, so many Minnesotan families find themselves unable to meet all their expenses. They may need to go to a food shelf to meet their dietary needs. Sometimes the selection of food can be limited to shelf stable products of modest dietary needs<br />
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This past weekend, John and I got to do good while spending time at our favorite place. Near the end of the St. Paul Farmer's Market, we joined a small team of volunteers to collect donated produce and items from the vendors for a local food shelf. We had a blast. People were very generous, giving many of their expert products. We collected almost 1,000 pounds of healthy produce. We didn't collect more, only because our van was full. Then we carted the items over to the Neighborhood House food shelf.<br />
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The Neighborhood House in St. Paul does amazing work serving the community. Among its many services are its food shelf. <span class="copy">It operates the largest single site food shelf in Ramsey County. In 2009, the Neighborhood House Food Shelf served over 38,000 people about half of them children and distributed over 620,000 pounds of food.<br />
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I am so proud that this food shelf will be providing its patrons with lots of fresh produce options and organic products donated by the generous farmer's market vendors! I hope this will allow those who have come across hard times provide healthy food for their families and keep dignity in their hears.</span><br />
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</span>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-16063540174496588622010-07-08T20:35:00.000-07:002010-07-08T20:40:38.252-07:00First Tomato Has Arrived!Our first tomato is ready to be picked! How exciting! Looking forward to more delicious flavorful tomatoes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDaZfnbE44I/AAAAAAAAA_c/_jP8yJlzK3I/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDaZfnbE44I/AAAAAAAAA_c/_jP8yJlzK3I/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491745564062442370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For those of you keep track, this tomato is not from one to the giant tomato plants we have growing in the ground. Our first tomato arrived from an upside down plant growing out of an old milk carton.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-44365092497871873782010-07-08T18:35:00.000-07:002010-07-09T00:28:54.344-07:00Lillies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-TRtvnbI/AAAAAAAAA_U/cBQfB1RJT1A/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-TRtvnbI/AAAAAAAAA_U/cBQfB1RJT1A/s320/IMG_4224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491715665262779826" border="0" /></a><br />I just cannot get over how unbelievable these lilies are! The were the last of my lilies to bloom and well worth the wait! Unfortunately, most of my other lilies are already fading.<br /><br />The honestly don't look real. The have a reaching, cone like shape with big showy blooms. They look like the flowers Dorothy encounters when she enters Munchkin Land. They have an unbelievably beautiful fragrance that fills the air in our entire backyard. LOVE THEM and thought I'd gloat about them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-S-B6QtI/AAAAAAAAA_M/CGyN70mXrdY/s1600/IMG_4226.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-S-B6QtI/AAAAAAAAA_M/CGyN70mXrdY/s320/IMG_4226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491715659978654418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-Rsmv8xI/AAAAAAAAA_E/8q0U-9QqjuE/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-Rsmv8xI/AAAAAAAAA_E/8q0U-9QqjuE/s320/IMG_4215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491715638121460498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-RKMgqRI/AAAAAAAAA-8/ryoqzGRDPGI/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-RKMgqRI/AAAAAAAAA-8/ryoqzGRDPGI/s320/IMG_4225.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491715628884601106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-QaJ7vCI/AAAAAAAAA-0/sHVQk-KJb5A/s1600/IMG_4213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDZ-QaJ7vCI/AAAAAAAAA-0/sHVQk-KJb5A/s320/IMG_4213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491715615988890658" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-53892715467577524792010-07-04T08:13:00.000-07:002010-07-09T00:46:17.990-07:00Ground CoverWe moved into out beautiful home in October. Our house has a hill in front of it that isn't ideal for growing grass. It is a pain to mow (which hubby has to do as I am allergic to grass) and John was noticing that were were getting run-off on the sidewalk after it rained.<br /><br />Hubby talked to one of the master gardeners at the farmer's market and came up with a plan. We would replace the grass on the hill with ground cover. This started a slow experiment for us that has yet to be even half way completed. Ground cover plants aren't cheap and they need time to establish themselves and spread. However, after seeing how difficult it was to build a rough retaining wall in the back of our house, I have given up on dreams of a 2-set retaining wall in the front of the house (with a rose garden on the first plateau) and am starting to embrase the grownd cover. This year we even decided to spead it out a bit after I took the pictures. Keeping my fingers crossed that in the next 5 years we can transform the whole front hill of our house into hearty, drought resistant ground cover. Who knows if we will ever get there? I just know that this project has grown on me.<br /><br />Front of our house. Grass on one half; ground cover on the other. Which side do you like best?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRwI7OGRI/AAAAAAAABAE/REsHrWS9hCU/s1600/IMG_3788.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRwI7OGRI/AAAAAAAABAE/REsHrWS9hCU/s320/IMG_3788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491807420584696082" border="0" /></a><br />Here is what came up naturally this spring. It looks pretty space. However, the plants have spread out and we have expanded it and filled in a lot of the spaces since then:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRvn2pxkI/AAAAAAAAA_8/NQ_0ItXH4cE/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRvn2pxkI/AAAAAAAAA_8/NQ_0ItXH4cE/s320/IMG_3787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491807411707168322" border="0" /></a>Some close-ups of the different plants. I really think it is pretty to get a wide variety of plants and textures:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbTGN0MsVI/AAAAAAAABAk/AI_YBVAh4WA/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbTGN0MsVI/AAAAAAAABAk/AI_YBVAh4WA/s320/IMG_3794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491808899366170962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRx7VwkZI/AAAAAAAABAc/UO5d5_9gBkc/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRx7VwkZI/AAAAAAAABAc/UO5d5_9gBkc/s320/IMG_3793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491807451297649042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRwl-hhNI/AAAAAAAABAM/XxIyH4h-qGI/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRwl-hhNI/AAAAAAAABAM/XxIyH4h-qGI/s320/IMG_3789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491807428383179986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRxPnlriI/AAAAAAAABAU/ryztg8M0WR0/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbRxPnlriI/AAAAAAAABAU/ryztg8M0WR0/s320/IMG_3791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491807439561272866" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-45441596942636135742010-06-24T14:33:00.001-07:002010-07-04T08:00:33.469-07:00Upside Down Tomatoes?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCQoPabABAI/AAAAAAAAA-E/8ytRyEk16jU/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCQoPabABAI/AAAAAAAAA-E/8ytRyEk16jU/s400/IMG_4028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486554491299824642" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone has been talking about growing tomatoes upside down. I've heard claims of higher yields and disease free tomatoes. We didn't decide to give it a try for any of those reasons. We decided to give it a try because we had so many extra tomato plants from all the seeds we planted indoors early this Spring.<br /><br />Here's what we did:<br />1. Collect containers. For us, they were pop containers and milk cartons that we would have otherwise put out with our recycling. I also tried using one growing bag pouch that had been used for flowers several years ago.<br /><br />2. Cut the top off the container. This will be the top of the container. Poke holes into the side of the containers and string wire, string and/or ribbon through the holes so that you can hang the container.<br /><br />3. Place tomato seedling in the bottom small hole of the container (usually the pouring spout).<br /><br />4. You will need a material to place around the stem of the plant. This can be newspaper of a plastic bag. Pack the material around the stem so that the plant is anchored and will not slip through the hole until the root system has developed and it can hold it's own.<br /><br />5. Hang in sunny spot, water often and watch it grow!<br /><br />I do like the idea of these planters because it allows you to make effective use of garden space. Why should all plants be placed on the same two-dimensional plane? Will update to let you know how the tomato growing goes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCQoOs5XVYI/AAAAAAAAA98/7hU2G8FVifU/s1600/IMG_4027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCQoOs5XVYI/AAAAAAAAA98/7hU2G8FVifU/s400/IMG_4027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486554479079150978" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-47260940939140987042010-06-24T12:24:00.000-07:002010-07-04T08:10:56.903-07:00Admiring Blossoms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCkBYqi8cI/AAAAAAAAA-c/HEOEeCerNQg/s1600/IMG_4052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCkBYqi8cI/AAAAAAAAA-c/HEOEeCerNQg/s200/IMG_4052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490068289472360898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCjSsWBE-I/AAAAAAAAA-M/wWEfHJlOEw8/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCjSsWBE-I/AAAAAAAAA-M/wWEfHJlOEw8/s400/IMG_4053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490067487301112802" border="0" /></a><br />Showy sexual organs decorate my sanctuary,<br />they are unlike the mothers providing nourishment for their child,<br />which leads to awkward stares and averted eyes.<br /><br />No, these sexual figments,<br />are encouraged and cultivated,<br />made to display their delicate and swollen labia for all to see.<br />Nature demands the attraction of pollinators and admirers alike.<br /><br />How adored is this garden of ill-repute.<br />It contains lights, not just of red, but lavender, yellow, orange,<br />and, oh, what lushess green.<br />It is the symbol of renewal and new life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCkCM8OUsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/HcK4NHnyXJc/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCkCM8OUsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/HcK4NHnyXJc/s200/IMG_4050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490068303505150658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCkA6hA2uI/AAAAAAAAA-U/d8pZaG_xF3Y/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDCkA6hA2uI/AAAAAAAAA-U/d8pZaG_xF3Y/s200/IMG_4051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490068281379314402" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-30835158386729041342010-06-19T13:44:00.000-07:002010-06-24T12:22:43.199-07:00Flowers in Bloom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu0YPCAWI/AAAAAAAAA9E/FTOaAWaZAYc/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 174px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu0YPCAWI/AAAAAAAAA9E/FTOaAWaZAYc/s200/IMG_4018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486420985949323618" border="0" /></a><br />Scarlet lilies<br />in front of plumes of periwinkle.<br />Fuchsia roses,<br />petals delicate.<br />Bells the color of margarine,<br />or fresh turned butter,<br />creamy and smooth.<br /><br />Morning and moon glories,<br />have begun their climb,<br />grabbing, pulling and wrapping themselves,<br />up anything and everything<br />integrating themselves into<br />arbor, tomato, even grass.<br /><br /><br />Each unique,<br />Makes me wonder,<br />How I survived winter without this,<br />natures artistry?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOvNddkXuI/AAAAAAAAA9s/a5xYud6ZGRg/s1600/IMG_4030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOvNddkXuI/AAAAAAAAA9s/a5xYud6ZGRg/s400/IMG_4030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486421416849202914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOwXKXE4TI/AAAAAAAAA90/qY3GOPWn3aY/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOwXKXE4TI/AAAAAAAAA90/qY3GOPWn3aY/s400/IMG_4022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486422683032019250" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu2OTZj3I/AAAAAAAAA9U/tLh4wSj4i1I/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu2OTZj3I/AAAAAAAAA9U/tLh4wSj4i1I/s200/IMG_4023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486421017643028338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu1E-1r3I/AAAAAAAAA9M/oo8jwOU33gI/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu1E-1r3I/AAAAAAAAA9M/oo8jwOU33gI/s200/IMG_4021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486420997961002866" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu3aAyeFI/AAAAAAAAA9k/sartDtEov3w/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu3aAyeFI/AAAAAAAAA9k/sartDtEov3w/s200/IMG_4026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486421037966063698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu2mh8pqI/AAAAAAAAA9c/r31EvuNCnoo/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TCOu2mh8pqI/AAAAAAAAA9c/r31EvuNCnoo/s200/IMG_4025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486421024146499234" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-63697483720652336762010-05-04T12:31:00.000-07:002010-07-09T00:21:00.638-07:00Meat CSAI got John the best Valentine's present ever: MEAT!<br /><br />That's right, meat. The perfect gift for the man who has everything or nothing.<br /><br />In the dead of winter, I realized there wasn't much for local produce to be had. We do live in Minnesota. However, I could go local with the meat I was consuming.<br /><br />In an effort to use meat that was raised more humanly and locally, I purchased a 3 month half share in a meat CSA. The animals all graze freely in fields (grass fed beef). They are raised chemical and antibiotic free at a farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture. Our meat CSA is <a href="http://www.sunshineharvestfarm.com/">Sunshine Harvest Farm</a>.<br /><br />More importantly, however, the meat tastes really, really good! It is such a difference from the bargain priced meat I buy at the grocery store that I end out slathering in ketchup. This meat is very tasty.<br /><br />Each month we have gotten a bag of premium cuts of beef, ground beef, a chicken and one dozen farm fresh brown eggs.<br /><br />Yes, it does cost a bit more per pound, but with all that flavor we have found we don't need as much meat. Trust me, this meat tastes really good. We would rather eat less, but better quality. With a farm that we can visit, we also can feel a lot better about the treatment and lives the animals have lived before they end up on our plate and we know our money is going directly to support a local family owned farm. It is win-win!<br /><br />After ordering, we showed up at a pick-up sight. As soon as we got out of the car, the farmer greeted us by name and gave us a personalized bag of meat. We personally opted out of port and were alright with processed meets. They make if very easy to customize your order to your preferences.<br /><br />Here is our bag of delicious meat:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbMI1VZ_1I/AAAAAAAAA_0/_FlQL5eMOOQ/s1600/IMG_3394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbMI1VZ_1I/AAAAAAAAA_0/_FlQL5eMOOQ/s320/IMG_3394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491801247752781650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here are the main attractions:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbMIQBLAuI/AAAAAAAAA_s/MmBXuJDt2jc/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbMIQBLAuI/AAAAAAAAA_s/MmBXuJDt2jc/s320/IMG_3390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491801237735801570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbMH6-CTnI/AAAAAAAAA_k/yBS6b7IkLWc/s1600/IMG_3389.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/TDbMH6-CTnI/AAAAAAAAA_k/yBS6b7IkLWc/s320/IMG_3389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491801232085503602" border="0" /></a>We were very impressed with the cuts of meat we got. The unbelievable steaks, brisket and spare ribs are definitely some of our favorites!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-27746468882957431552010-03-14T10:13:00.000-07:002010-03-14T10:23:51.531-07:00Spring is in the Air!This is Minnesota, so it won't be time to start growing for a bit, but the snow is melting and I am discovering some of the plants I planted last year green and growing already! There is a feeling of hope emerging after a long and gloomy winter.<br /><br />My hubby and I just spent a small fortune on seeds from Johnny's Select Seeds (our new favorite catalog). We are hoping we can get a lot of plants started early on our sunny porch. We are keeping our fingers crossed.<br /><br />To help us through to the growing season where we will be able to enjoy delicious garden and locally grown produce I got John a 3 month subscription to a meat CSA for Valentine's Day. Nothing says I love you like meat! The meat will come from a local farm that raises 100% Grass fed beef & lamb and pasture raised chicken and eggs. The farm believes in sustainable and chemical free agriculture. When our first batch of meat and eggs arrive from Sun Shine Harvest Farm we will be able to actually get a blog in or two using local ingredient once again.<span style="background-color: rgb(15, 80, 27);"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-63010277940876066062009-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:002009-10-24T08:57:55.988-07:00What's a wedding without locally grown flowers?John and I love the farmer's market. In college, we went to the Eau Claire farmer's market. It was small at first, but we wandered the two aisles of stands over and over, making friends with the vendors. In fact, after an almost break-up, we ended out at the farmer's market together again, because it was still our favorite thing to do. By the end of that Saturday morning visit, we had fallen in love again.<br /><br />The Farmer's Market, being our absolute favorite place, was something we wanted to include in our wedding through the food and flower choices (in fact we often talked about getting married at the St. Paul Farmer's market). The day before the wedding, we went to the St. Paul Farmer's market and bought most the flowers for our wedding. I spent most of the day before cutting and arranging those flowers while John chopped the fresh vegetables we had purchased for the Groom's Dinner.<br /><br />Here are a sampling of the flowers:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">For the table decorations, I planned on floating peonies in beautiful bowls.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcFpnkxwI/AAAAAAAAA6c/ZOLKMHWuSDM/s1600-h/wedding+stuff+336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcFpnkxwI/AAAAAAAAA6c/ZOLKMHWuSDM/s400/wedding+stuff+336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396187661916751618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">John's Aunt who helped set-up (thank you so much) the reception took it to another level by combining other beautiful flowers with the burgundy peonies.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgMHIhpbI/AAAAAAAAA68/JJh2f9aCHvI/s1600-h/1070J.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgMHIhpbI/AAAAAAAAA68/JJh2f9aCHvI/s400/1070J.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396192170965312946" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcG5-eAAI/AAAAAAAAA60/nBIQQS8BabY/s1600-h/1001J.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcG5-eAAI/AAAAAAAAA60/nBIQQS8BabY/s400/1001J.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396187683487612930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgMTkSBOI/AAAAAAAAA7E/Cuel5RKkokw/s1600-h/1070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgMTkSBOI/AAAAAAAAA7E/Cuel5RKkokw/s400/1070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396192174302954722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vases of beautiful fresh flowers in a variety of colors were placed around the reception hall. Lillies, peonies and sunflowers were all in season.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcGhqJ_JI/AAAAAAAAA6s/VHdQXeP60r8/s1600-h/1032JB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcGhqJ_JI/AAAAAAAAA6s/VHdQXeP60r8/s400/1032JB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396187676959964306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The sunflowers were stunning. I was surprised to see them so early in the summer.</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcGCxAS8I/AAAAAAAAA6k/IRws99kHD-Q/s1600-h/wedding+stuff+438.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMcGCxAS8I/AAAAAAAAA6k/IRws99kHD-Q/s400/wedding+stuff+438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396187668667190210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgM_-d2MI/AAAAAAAAA7M/T56m1zmsPIE/s1600-h/1136.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgM_-d2MI/AAAAAAAAA7M/T56m1zmsPIE/s400/1136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396192186223941826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I filled six urns with white peonies with pink streaks and white and pink snapdragons (my father's fa</span><span style="font-style: italic;">vorite flower</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">for decorations</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">near the chuppah. My mother always loves the smell of eucalyptis (it reminds her of growing up in California) so I made sure the chuppah decorations included it.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMhMBIojeI/AAAAAAAAA7c/_Svnjp30v3c/s1600-h/wedding+stuff+435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMhMBIojeI/AAAAAAAAA7c/_Svnjp30v3c/s400/wedding+stuff+435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396193268866780642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgNf-VzhI/AAAAAAAAA7U/9xdPL5haSlE/s1600-h/948.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMgNf-VzhI/AAAAAAAAA7U/9xdPL5haSlE/s400/948.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396192194813349394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We also got married in front of a beautiful garden at my temple. You really can't get anymore local then using plants while they are growing in the earth.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMjK2FslBI/AAAAAAAAA7k/hPTr6W6_b6k/s1600-h/735.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SuMjK2FslBI/AAAAAAAAA7k/hPTr6W6_b6k/s400/735.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396195447745057810" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We had a beautiful wedding day. Though the flowers may be details that not many of the guests noticed, for us they were something that made the day truly ours. Flowers from the farmer's market are also a steal. We would have never been able to afford a flower filled wedding without the incredible deals we got. If you are considering an even while flowers are in season, I would really encourage you to pick up the flowers at the St. Paul Farmer's Market. The selection and arrangements will surpass your wildest dreams.<br /></div><br /></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-59087860597510003562009-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:002009-09-13T12:50:06.445-07:00Purple Tomatillos SalsaYou eat with your eyes first, so presentation is key to the level of enjoyment you have when you eat. When food is colorful, you will feel more satisfied with what you eat (and it will give you a bigger following at potlucks).<br /><br />Salsa is an easy way to create colorful and delicious food. It is a healthy condiment that will enhance many dishes. You can't go wrong when making it either. Use what's on hand, and as long as it is fresh it will create a tasty salsa combination. Here's a preview of the final result:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1KIm3ChtI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/-gEEfFjKLDc/s1600-h/Hannah%27s+junk+509.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1KIm3ChtI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/-gEEfFjKLDc/s320/Hannah%27s+junk+509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038641508419282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br />8 purple Tomatillos (or regular green ones...we were just excited to find purple ones at the FM)<br />3 cloves Garlic<br />3 tomatoes<br />1/4 cup chopped cilantro<br />1 1/2 jalapeno peppers<br />2 purple bell peppers<br />1 chipotle pepper<br />1 wax pepper<br /><br />1 Tbsp kosher salt<br />2 tsp chili powder<br />2 tsp Cumin<br />2 Tbsp lime juice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br />Chop all ingredients (exempting the already small ones such as salt and spices) finely. Combine all ingredients in bowl and serve. Please do not cut off part of the tip of your finger (as John did) while chopping with the fancy new knives you received as a wedding present because it is gross.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1JODCdkiI/AAAAAAAAA5A/h47bKTVtlIc/s1600-h/Hannah%27s+junk+505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 352px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1JODCdkiI/AAAAAAAAA5A/h47bKTVtlIc/s320/Hannah%27s+junk+505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381037635460239906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1JOnnh5GI/AAAAAAAAA5I/3Dh8RXnndHA/s1600-h/Hannah%27s+junk+508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 349px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1JOnnh5GI/AAAAAAAAA5I/3Dh8RXnndHA/s320/Hannah%27s+junk+508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381037645279388770" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the salsa topping some filling and delicious nachos/taco salad:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1KJL3CVhI/AAAAAAAAA5g/qECYoSQuzcA/s1600-h/Hannah%27s+junk+516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 380px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sq1KJL3CVhI/AAAAAAAAA5g/qECYoSQuzcA/s320/Hannah%27s+junk+516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038651440518674" border="0" /></a><br />To make this, we put down a layer of corn chips then fresh lettuce/greens, vegetarian black been refried beans, some cooked chicken or seasoned ground beef (optional because you already have protein from the beans, sliced tomatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, a large helping of the tomatillo salsa and some slices of avacado. This will be the most filling nacho/taco salad you have ever had and it is relatively healthy too. The tomatillos have less mosture then tomatoes, so you don't run the risk of the salsa making your chips s or lettuce soggy. Best of all it is colorful and full of delicous frest flavors.<br /><br /> The uses for this salsa is endless. Try it on eggs, top baked potatoes with it or eat it plain. We love to stuff omlettes full of it or use it for a mexican flavored pizza. Enjoy!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-13509319061239210912009-09-01T16:00:00.000-07:002009-09-01T16:48:02.122-07:00Okra Tomato Corn SoupLonging for the okra of his youth, my husband made this Cajun flavored okra tomato corn soup.<br /><br /><div id="rIng"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:<br /></span>1 tablespoon olive oil<br />1 tablespoon butter<br />3 clove garlic, minced<br />3 rib celery, sliced<br />2 cups chicken broth<br />4 cups diced fresh tomatoes<br />10-15 okra<br />3 cobs worth of corn kernels (cut fresh off the cob)<br />3 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (we use <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeyscajunspicy.html">Penzy's Cajun Seasoning</a>)<br />dash freshly ground black pepper<br />salt, to taste</div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Directions:</span><br />In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.<br /><br />Add onion, garlic, and celery; sauté, stirring, until celery is tender.<br /><br />Add chicken broth, tomatoes, sliced okra, corn kernels, Cajun seasoning, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until okra is tender.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2yR3vcd5I/AAAAAAAAA44/31q5jwYMJ7A/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2yR3vcd5I/AAAAAAAAA44/31q5jwYMJ7A/s320/Food+for+Blog+111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376649550240708498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Add salt to taste.<br /><br />Okra is a fun ingredient that isn't used much in the Midwest. I love that okra has a star shape when sliced.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2rmbdGJkI/AAAAAAAAA4w/B3k-x2OnHm4/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2rmbdGJkI/AAAAAAAAA4w/B3k-x2OnHm4/s320/Food+for+Blog+114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376642206843414082" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-23646026832075658282009-09-01T14:57:00.001-07:002009-09-01T15:05:50.607-07:00This Weekend's Garden HarvestThe harvest from our garden was plentiful on Sunday:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2aJFSYzsI/AAAAAAAAA4I/oqLSxTyAsiM/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+103.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2aJFSYzsI/AAAAAAAAA4I/oqLSxTyAsiM/s320/Food+for+Blog+103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376623010979040962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2aKbQqtlI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/EU9yo7xHMuo/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2aKbQqtlI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/EU9yo7xHMuo/s320/Food+for+Blog+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376623034057274962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2aJqdog9I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/5N9ZmdfZXno/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2aJqdog9I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/5N9ZmdfZXno/s320/Food+for+Blog+105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376623020958319570" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-3676669769408791362009-08-31T18:45:00.000-07:002009-09-01T14:46:21.307-07:00Grilling EggplantEggplant can be delicous when made on the grill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpyD8rBRxMI/AAAAAAAAA34/nwOBRQd79wQ/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 176px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpyD8rBRxMI/AAAAAAAAA34/nwOBRQd79wQ/s320/Food+for+Blog+062.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376317133537002690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Slice the eggplant 1/8 - 1/4" thick. Brush with olive oil. Place on a medium hot grill. Flip after about 4 minutes. Grill other side for about three minutes.<br /><br />The slices should have grill marks and be soft.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpyDLtTDGjI/AAAAAAAAA3o/p05zAW7us1M/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+059.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpyDLtTDGjI/AAAAAAAAA3o/p05zAW7us1M/s320/Food+for+Blog+059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376316292334819890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This recipe is so simple that there just isn't much to write about it.<br /><br />We've used grilled eggplant as a side dish, or as the "meat" in sandwiches, with slices of fresh tomato, basil and a pesto mayonnaise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpyDkxa4skI/AAAAAAAAA3w/AAd67h69fRA/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpyDkxa4skI/AAAAAAAAA3w/AAd67h69fRA/s320/Food+for+Blog+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376316722938163778" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a healthy meal we enjoyed with tasty grilled eggplant as the main course. Pasta with pesto and a fresh green salad with Italian dressing make wonderful accompaniments:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2VUBMk15I/AAAAAAAAA4A/PDAFUsMLRLs/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Sp2VUBMk15I/AAAAAAAAA4A/PDAFUsMLRLs/s320/Food+for+Blog+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376617701301344146" border="0" /></a>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-65389957143273775822009-08-28T07:34:00.000-07:002009-09-15T14:59:03.444-07:00Purple Things at the Farmer's MarketI love colorful food. When a dish contains a variety of colors it is more fun to eat and seems to taste better. And why not? Don't we eat with our eyes before we eat with our mouth. I really like to include some purple into a dish. Here are some exciting purple things at the farmer's market this Saturday.<br /><br />No purple carrots this week at the farmer's market (see <a href="http://farmfreshfood.blogspot.com/2009/08/health-factor-mia.html">this post</a>) but these some of are the things we found in purple varieties last weekend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eggplant:</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfsfx077QI/AAAAAAAAA2g/OWp6LfAvJuE/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+028.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfsfx077QI/AAAAAAAAA2g/OWp6LfAvJuE/s320/Food+for+Blog+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375024710985444610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfsc1v8SPI/AAAAAAAAA2A/Fxwp3knTMSY/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfsc1v8SPI/AAAAAAAAA2A/Fxwp3knTMSY/s320/Food+for+Blog+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375024660498630898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tomatoes:<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5rzGTynI/AAAAAAAAA3A/sHeRuED64Ng/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5rzGTynI/AAAAAAAAA3A/sHeRuED64Ng/s320/Food+for+Blog+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375039211136338546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peppers:</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5qtE_VWI/AAAAAAAAA2w/O1sCtx3Vxdk/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5qtE_VWI/AAAAAAAAA2w/O1sCtx3Vxdk/s320/Food+for+Blog+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375039192340321634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Potatoes:<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf6MFM4t6I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/jMqd2EcTlV4/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf6MFM4t6I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/jMqd2EcTlV4/s320/Food+for+Blog+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375039765751576482" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Onion:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpfsdqaFAtI/AAAAAAAAA2I/_VIKeJ6x6vQ/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpfsdqaFAtI/AAAAAAAAA2I/_VIKeJ6x6vQ/s320/Food+for+Blog+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375024674634007250" border="0" /></a><br />Corn:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5sfR9UmI/AAAAAAAAA3I/vWvjOxqYDt4/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5sfR9UmI/AAAAAAAAA3I/vWvjOxqYDt4/s320/Food+for+Blog+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375039222996357730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dragon Beans:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5rZlmo4I/AAAAAAAAA24/xJN9NijKorY/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf5rZlmo4I/AAAAAAAAA24/xJN9NijKorY/s320/Food+for+Blog+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375039204288275330" border="0" /></a><br />Beets:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpfsfbPWOHI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/wLQOE4fnY0c/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpfsfbPWOHI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/wLQOE4fnY0c/s320/Food+for+Blog+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375024704922204274" border="0" /></a><br /><b>Tomatillo</b>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SrANxvQpX4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/UOfXtKAZ8hQ/s1600-h/Hannah%27s+junk+505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SrANxvQpX4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/UOfXtKAZ8hQ/s320/Hannah%27s+junk+505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381816702858780546" border="0" /></a><br />Cauliflower:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SrAMy-GXMzI/AAAAAAAAA5o/SoSSTChp4Gg/s1600-h/Hannah%27s+junk+580.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SrAMy-GXMzI/AAAAAAAAA5o/SoSSTChp4Gg/s320/Hannah%27s+junk+580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381815624510419762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My husband and I love cooking with these colorful vegetables.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't want this to be a monochromatic post (you should eat a rainbow of colors) so I decided to add some orange cauliflower:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf7LiWSvHI/AAAAAAAAA3g/R_EU8MCXIAo/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spf7LiWSvHI/AAAAAAAAA3g/R_EU8MCXIAo/s320/Food+for+Blog+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375040855907417202" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659453772622076153.post-37475229576683323472009-08-28T06:32:00.000-07:002009-08-28T07:19:50.525-07:00Cheesy Zucchini SauteThis recipe is the best way to use up a lot of zucchini quickly. It makes a good meal on it's own or could be a delicious side dish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br />1 small red onion<br />3 tablespoons of butter<br />3 cups coarsely shredded zucchini<br />2 eggs (if serving as main course, if it is a side then leave out this ingredient)<br />black pepper to taste<br />8 basil leaves<br />1/2 teaspoon of salt<br />1 teaspoon of minced garlic<br />1 cup sharp cheddar cheese<br />2 diced fresh tomato<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steps:</span><br />1. Dry shredded zucchini by dabbing with a paper towel. I didn't do this and the cooking was complicated by too much moisture. It didn't get as crispy as I would have liked.<br /><br />2. In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until crisp and tender.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflTQgRQKI/AAAAAAAAA1A/dnGSnSaXQ34/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 130px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflTQgRQKI/AAAAAAAAA1A/dnGSnSaXQ34/s320/Food+for+Blog+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375016799300567202" border="0" /></a><br />3. Stir in zucchini, salt, black pepper and garlic. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until zucchini is crisp and tender.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflUi_ipuI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Abz3b261h_8/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflUi_ipuI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Abz3b261h_8/s320/Food+for+Blog+070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375016821443438306" border="0" /></a><br />4. Crack 2 eggs over the dish. Allow to cook slightly. Stir into zucchini mixture and allow to cook for 2 minutes. You may want to leave this ingredient out if this will be served as a side dish rather then a main course.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflVH-e9WI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/zOHhdnpxt50/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+071.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflVH-e9WI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/zOHhdnpxt50/s320/Food+for+Blog+071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375016831371113826" border="0" /></a><br />5. Top with tomato, basil and cheese.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflVtzWtQI/AAAAAAAAA1g/lrxd4Lfi_Yw/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+072.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/SpflVtzWtQI/AAAAAAAAA1g/lrxd4Lfi_Yw/s320/Food+for+Blog+072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375016841524983042" border="0" /></a><br />6. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes until all the cheese in melted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfma4D6seI/AAAAAAAAA1o/z9FBg343Ip4/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+073.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfma4D6seI/AAAAAAAAA1o/z9FBg343Ip4/s320/Food+for+Blog+073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375018029689778658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner is served:</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfmbt8S_5I/AAAAAAAAA1w/wNhQ4hpXhY4/s1600-h/Food+for+Blog+074.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1W_nfzSZh3w/Spfmbt8S_5I/AAAAAAAAA1w/wNhQ4hpXhY4/s320/Food+for+Blog+074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375018044153331602" border="0" /></a><br />You can really play around with this recipe. I really liked it, but have a few variations in mind that might be good. For example, topping it off with some bread crumbs during step 5 might give it a nice texture and would taste delicious on the warm tomatoes. It would also be really good if sour cream, black olives and salsa were added before it was done cooking for a tex-mex flavor.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13355444170594705407noreply@blogger.com0