Delight Your Palate with Edible Flowers

In culinary arts, a few things add a touch of elegance and novelty to dishes, such as edible flowers. From a sprinkle of vibrant petals in a fresh salad to a decorative flourish on a birthday cake, edible flowers bring a unique blend of color, flavor, and gourmet flair to your table. And what could be more satisfying than harvesting these delightful blooms from your garden?

The Basics of Edible Flowers

Edible flowers, most often enjoyed raw, are at their peak in taste and appearance just after they've blossomed. A simple rinse is all needed before you can adorn your dishes with these natural beauties. However, it's crucial to remember two key points: not all flowers are safe to eat, and you should avoid any that may have been exposed to chemicals.

Nature's Feast:

Where Beauty meets Nutrition!

A Garden of Edible Delights

To ensure both safety and taste, consider cultivating some of the following flowers in your garden:

Alliums

Allium flowers, from chives to garlic, flavor salads and dips. Disassemble the flower clusters and sprinkle the florets into your dishes.

Nasturtiums

Known for their peppery taste, nasturtium blooms are a colorful addition to salads and make excellent garnishes. Their leaves are also edible and add a spicy touch to your meals.

Marigolds

Opt for the diminutive blooms of signet marigolds like 'Lemon Gem' and 'Tangerine Gem' for a citrusy twist in your dishes.

Pansies and Johnny Jump-Ups

These flowers, with their wintergreen flavor, are perfect for decorating desserts. A glaze of warmed jelly can give them a sparkling finish.

Calendula

Calendula petals are easy to grow and offer a spectrum of colors from yellow to orange and red, making them a vibrant salad ingredient. Regularly deadheading the plants ensures a continuous bloom from early summer to late fall.

Anise Hyssop

Lovers of anise will enjoy the florets of anise hyssop in sweet and savory dishes, while the full flowers can elegantly garnish a cheese platter.

Borage

With its cucumber-flavored, sky-blue flowers, borage adds a refreshing touch to fruit and green salads or can be frozen in ice cubes for a cool beverage.

Additional Edible Blooms

Consider incorporating bee balm, chamomile, daylilies, mint, squash blossoms, and honeysuckle into your culinary creations for various flavors and colors.

Growing and Harvesting Tips

Edible flowers thrive with basic gardening care, needing sunlight, water, and a little love. When harvesting, choose flowers at their freshest and avoid any signs of pests or disease. Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects.

Culinary Uses

• Pickled Chive Blossoms: A zesty addition to cocktails and bagels with lox.
• Flower Ice Cubes: Freeze pansies or borage flowers in ice cubes to beautify your drinks.
• Stuffed Squash Blossoms: Fill these with cheese and herbs for a delicious appetizer.
• Flower Petal Salads: Mix various petals for a visually stunning and tasty salad.
• Dessert Decorations: Adorn cakes and sweets with crystallized or fresh flowers for an elegant touch.

Edible flowers offer a world of possibilities for the gardener and the gourmet. By incorporating these blooms into your garden and kitchen, you can enjoy the dual delights of horticulture and haute cuisine at home. So why not start planning your edible flower garden today and prepare to dazzle your palate with every petal?

National Baked Scallops Day - Nutrition Profile

References
EatWell, Healthy Scallop Recipes

United Nations World Water Day

Many UN entities work on water issues - distributing drinking water during disasters, protecting ecosystems, making sure that water is of sufficient quality, ensuring that our cities have enough water infrastructure, measuring the progress of access to sanitation, and looking at how we will have enough water to make food. The list is long. Many organizations around the world also work on these issues. To be as strong, as effective, and to have as big of an impact as possible, these organizations come together to work through UN-Water.

UN-Water coordinates the UN's work on water and sanitation for a better world. Through UN-Water, UN entities and international partners work together to place water and sanitation as top issues and 21st Century essential knowledge. World Water Day is one of UN-Water's campaigns that aim to inform, engage and inspire action.

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March. The United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of water.

Do you value the water in your food chain?

People are left behind without safe water for many different reasons. The following are some of the ‘grounds for discrimination' that cause certain people to be particularly disadvantaged when it comes to accessing water:

Sex and gender, race, ethnicity, religion, birth, caste, language, and nationality; Disability, age, and health status
Property, tenure, residence, economic and social status.

Other factors, such as environmental degradation, climate change, population growth, conflict, forced displacement, and migration flows can also disproportionately affect marginalized groups through impacts on water.

Environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises we see around the world. Floods, drought, and water pollution are all made worse by degraded vegetation, soil, rivers, and lakes.

When we neglect our ecosystems, we make it harder to provide everyone with the water we need to survive and thrive.

Nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of our water challenges. We need to do so much more with ‘green’ infrastructure and harmonize it with ‘grey’ infrastructure wherever possible. Planting new forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands will rebalance the water cycle and improve human health and livelihoods.

Water, Energy, Food

"A THIRSTY WORLD"

Resource
World Water Day

Let’s Get Our Breakfast Plate in Shape National Nutrition Month

March 12, Girl Scouts of USA Founded Key Skills

On March 12, 1912, the Girl Scouts of the USA was founded. "The Girl Scouts of the USA maintains a strong influence on girls in an accepting and nurturing environment; girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth."

In the 1960s, my mother was our girl scout leader. While cleaning up some old files, I found a home video of my mother and other girl scout leaders who took a group of us on a field trip to an Animal Farm and Botanical Gardens (Nassau County, Long Island, New York).

It was a wonderful experience and extra special since mom was our leader. I learned about charity, commitment, friendship, family, and much more. However, we did not learn about nutrition in the early 1960s.

To complement the video is a sample of the song called "Julliette" (Girls Scout Founder) by Melinda Carroll. 

Meet the Cookies
(Nutrition Information Available)
    

In 1960, licensed bakers first began wrapping Girl Scout Cookie boxes in printed aluminum foil or cellophane to protect the cookies and preserve their freshness. In 1961, 14 licensed bakers were mixing batter for thousands of Girl Scout Cookies annually. By 1966, several varieties were available. Among the best sellers were Chocolate Mint, Shortbread, and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies. Nutrition information was not required on the labels during this time.

In the early 1990s, eight varieties were available, including low-fat and sugar-free selections. By 2007, Girl Scouts of the USA announced that all their cookies now had zero trans fat per serving; many required reformulation to accomplish this.

Girl Scout cookies are listed as having "0 trans fat per serving" and will have packaging saying Trans Fat-Free. The cookies are not truly trans fat-free, as various partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs, i.e., trans fats) are still listed in the ingredients. Nonetheless, they now have a sufficiently small amount per serving to comply with the government's official standards for the Trans Fat-Free label. (The official rules allow the label to appear where there are fewer than 0.5 grams per serving.)

In addition, the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a research review entitled Weighing In: Helping Girls Be Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Weighing In addresses various underlying causes leading to the epidemic of obesity and being overweight among children and adolescents and the lifestyles, cultures, and behavior that have contributed to this condition. Read more about this research review.

One Girl

Girl Scout Promise:
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Promise is often recited at Girl Scout troop meetings while holding up the three middle fingers of the right hand, which forms the Girl Scout sign. Girl Scout policy states that the word "God" may be interpreted depending on individual spiritual beliefs. When reciting the Girl Scout Promise, "God" may be substituted with the word dictated by those beliefs.

Girl Scout Law:
I will do my best to be honest and fair,
Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring,
Courageous and strong, and
Responsible for what I say and do,
And to respect myself and others,
respect authority, use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Motto:
"Be Prepared."

Slogan:
"Do a Good Turn Daily"

National Oatmeal-Nut Waffle Day

Wecan, NIH, Oatmeal Pecan Waffles

Ingredients
Waffles
1 cup whole-wheat flour
½ cup quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ cup unsalted pecans, chopped
2 large eggs, separated
1½ cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Fruit Topping
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

All berries may be substituted with frozen, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.
3. Combine egg yolks, milk, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, and mix well.
4. Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir together. Do not overmix; the mixture should be a bit lumpy.
5. Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
6. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron, and cook until the waffle iron light signals it’s done or steam stops coming out of the iron. A waffle is perfect when it is crisp and well-browned on the outside with a moist, light, airy and fluffy inside. (Or make pancakes.)
7. Add fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar to each waffle, and serve.

Tip: For pancakes, do not separate eggs. Mix whole eggs with milk and oil, and eliminate steps 4 and 5.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size:
3 small (2-inch) or 1 large (6-inch) waffle (depending on waffle iron size)
Calories 340
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 107 mg
Sodium 331 mg
Total Fiber 9 g
Protein 14 g
Carbohydrates 50 g
Potassium 369 mg

February 18, Crab Stuffed Flounder Day

Serves 6

Ingredients
6, 4 oz fresh flounder fillets
1/2 cup(s) celery, chopped
1/2 cup(s) chopped green onions
1 clove(s) minced garlic
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup fresh crab meat
2 tablespoon(s) chopped parsley
1 egg, slightly beaten
Salt, black and red pepper to taste

Directions
1. Sauté celery, onions, and garlic in 2 Tbsp of melted butter.
2. Add breadcrumbs, crabmeat chopped parsley, and egg to sautéed vegetables. Mix well.
3. Season to taste with salt, black and red pepper.
4. Brush the flounder fillets well with additional melted butter, salt, and pepper the fillets.
5. Laying the fillets flat, place an equal amount of prepared stuffing on each fillet.
6. Roll the fillets ensuring that the stuffing mixture remains in the center.
7. Melt remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in shallow baking dish.
8. Place stuffed fish in a pan.
9. Cover and bake at 375 F for approximately 30 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
10. Remove cover and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown.

Nutrient Analysis

Nutrient Analysis Services

Purchasing nutrient analysis software and learning how to use the program is only useful if you have the knowledge to convert “as purchased” ingredients to the “edible portion.” Ensure accurate nutrient analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrient information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954.294.6300

Cabbage Craze - National Cabbage Day

Cabbage: Nutrition. Selection. Storage

How to Select

Choose green cabbage heads with compact leaves that are heavy for their size.

How to Store

Refrigerate green cabbage for up to 7 days.

Nutrition Benefits

Fat-free; saturated fat-free; very low sodium; cholesterol-free; low calorie; high in vitamin C.

Top 5 Ways To Enjoy Cabbage

1. Drizzle and Enjoy. Cut up any type of cabbage, drizzle it with lemon and add a little salt for a mid-day snack.

2. Prime Pasta. If pasta is for dinner, increase your vegetable intake by tossing some thinly slice cabbage into your sauce.

3. Stir Fry. Cabbage has a mild taste and can be added to any stir fry.

4. Add Crunch to Your Lunch! Add extra crunch to your salads, soups, wraps, or sandwiches by topping them off with thinly sliced cabbage.

5. Slow-Cooked. Pump up the veggies on your hamburgers by adding slow-cooked cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and light mayo.

 CaramelizedCabbage with
Whole-Wheat Penne and Provolone
Cooking Light  

References:

Fruits & Veggies— More Matters, Cabbage

Tortellini, Chicken, and Arugula Salad

 This comes together in a cinch thanks to the use of a few quality items, such as hearty cheese tortellini and shredded rotisserie chicken. Prepare the dressing and pasta ahead of time to make the final assembly even faster. Who knew making dinner on busy weekday nights could be so easy?

Ingredients:
1 (9-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (such as Buitoni), cooked according to package directions
8 ounces skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups baby arugula
1/3 cup thinly sliced shallot
3/4 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions:

1. Place tortellini and chicken in a large bowl.
2. Combine garlic and salt on a cutting board. Mash with the side of a knife to form a paste. Place in a small bowl. Add oil, rind, juice, sugar, and pepper; stir with a whisk.
3. Add 2 tablespoons dressing to tortellini and chicken; toss to coat. Gently fold in arugula, shallot, and remaining dressing. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Oatmeal Monday: A Nourishing Tradition from Scotland

In the heart-warm corridors of Scotland's ancient universities, a unique tradition known as Meal Monday, or Oatmeal Monday, carved its niche in the academic calendar. Every second Monday of February, this tradition offered a respite to the scholars of yore.

Back in the 17th century, the life of a Scottish university student was marked by simplicity and self-sufficiency. Their lodgings were basic, demanding that each student bring their own fuel, such as firewood or peat, to keep the hearth warm. Their meals were equally humble, with oatmeal being the staple from which they crafted their daily porridge. This simple diet and lifestyle persisted well into the late 1800s. The Rev. James Sharp, reflecting on his days at the University of Edinburgh, remarked that the pursuit of knowledge in arts, sciences, and theology was fueled by oatmeal, with the occasional indulgence in a glass of beer come Saturday night.

Given the considerable distance between the students' rural homes and the urban universities, the institution of an occasional extended weekend became a necessity. This allowed students to journey home and replenish their stores of essentials. Initially, Meal Mondays were a regular occurrence, with the University of Edinburgh marking the first Monday of each month for this purpose. By 1896, this evolved into a singular official holiday set on the second Monday of February.

The observance of Meal Monday persisted through the late 19th and into the 20th century, with universities in Glasgow and Aberdeen also embracing this academic holiday. As recently as three decades ago, Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith recalls Meal Monday being a part of student life, albeit without the actual collection of oatmeal. However, as the 21st century dawned, the official recognition of Meal Monday by universities faded away, with the exception of the University of St. Andrews, which still honors it as a statutory holiday for manual staff.

Meal Monday stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Scotland's academic traditions, a day rooted in the pragmatic needs of students past but remembered for its contribution to the rich tapestry of university life.

Oatmeal Recipes.
Oatmeal Recipes So Good You'll Actually Want to Eat Oatmeal. Delish.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon: A Feast of Color, Flavor, and Fortune

As we usher in the Year of the Dragon this Chinese New Year on February 10, 2024, we're not just marking another calendar date but embarking on a vibrant journey through a mosaic of traditions, colors, and, most importantly, flavors that promise luck, health, and prosperity.

The Chinese New Year is a time when families come together, not just in China but around the globe, to honor past traditions and welcome the future with open arms and full tables.

The Feast of Fortune

The Dragon, a symbol of strength, luck, and health, guides us through this year's festivities, where food plays a pivotal role in attracting good fortune. Here's a glimpse into the symbolic banquet:

• Dumplings: Shaped like ancient gold ingots, devouring dumplings is believed to bring wealth. Whether filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables, the more you eat, the richer your year will be.

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• Longevity Noodles: These uncut noodles represent a long and prosperous life. Handle them with care to avoid cutting short your luck.

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• Tray of Togetherness: A platter divided into sections, usually six or eight, brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and sweets, symbolizes family unity and a harmonious blend of luck and fortune.

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• Spring Rolls: Golden and filled with vegetables or meat, they resemble gold bars, ushering in wealth and prosperity.

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• Oranges and Citrus Fruits: Their golden hue and sweet taste are auspicious symbols of luck, wealth, and abundant happiness.

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• Sweet Rice Balls: Their round shape and sticky texture represent family togetherness and reunion, essential values during this festive time.

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• Fish: A staple for ensuring abundance, the word for fish sounds like 'surplus,' promising a year of plenty.

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• Year Cake: The name of this sticky rice cake is a homophone for 'higher year,' symbolizing growth, success, and reaching new heights.

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• Eight Treasure Rice: Adorned with eight lucky ingredients, this dessert promises sweetness and prosperity in the year ahead.

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• Prosperity Cakes: With their cracked tops resembling flourishing flowers, these cakes are believed to bring blossoming fortunes.

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• Almond Cookies: Round-like coins; these cookies are a crunchy nod to a year filled with financial fortune.

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• Whole Chicken: A symbol of completeness and unity, serving a chicken in its entirety, including the head and feet, ensures a prosperous and united year ahead.

As we celebrate, let's remember that while the Lunar New Year is a shared moment across various cultures, each brings its own unique flavors and traditions to the table. Whether you're feasting on dumplings, savoring the sweet stickiness of nian gao, or enjoying the festive crackle of spring rolls, every bite is a step into a year filled with promise, health, and prosperity.

Happy New Year! May the Year of the Dragon roar with joy, luck, and success for you and your loved ones.

National Pizza Day - Garden Pizza

Yields: 2 Servings

Serving Size: 1/2 pizza

Ingredients

1 Pizza Crust, 7-inch

8 Asparagus

2 Tbsp Red Onions

6 Grape Tomatoes

1 sl Squash

1/3 Red Pepper

1/4 cup Mixed Greens

1/3 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded

Nutrition Information