December 17, 2019
FOOD CONNECTIONS: ‘TIS THE SEASON
Con-nec-tion: A relationship in which a person, thing or idea is linked or associated with something else.
This is the time of year to reconnect with yourself, family and friends. It is also a useful time to evaluate your relationship with food. The diagram below only slightly resembles a turkey, but it actually represents a visual for where you might want to invest some of your thoughts on the topic of food. Read on for specific category suggestions and resources.
You
• Evaluate if you are eating the best quality and quantity of foods to support your ideal body weight and health circumstances
• Find ways to ensure that you feel pleasure with food
• Consider meeting with a Registered Dietitian to support your wellness goals
• Take time to savor your food experience
• Eat slowly and mindfully (try a piece of chocolate and savor it)
Your Family
• Plant a garden or some herbs
• Preserve your locally grown food (think canning or freezing)
• Cook at home more often (try a crock pot or pressure cooker for busy lifestyles)
• Create or continue traditions with food
• Revive family recipes and slim them down as needed
• Involve your children in the food experience in your home – shopping, preparation, cooking, baking and recipe selection are only a few of many ideas
• Expand the dining experience to include quality food and quality ambiance (candles, cloth napkins, eating in the dining room)
• Make time to prepare, eat and relax with friends and family a priority in your life
Your Local Community
• Buy local when possible
• Shop at farmer’s markets
• Buy local free-range animal protein
• Ask for local food where you dine
• Join a farm cooperative or local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm
• Visit a “Pick Your Own” farm
• Spend your food dollars in places that support local, sustainable and organic efforts
• Websites that help locate sustainable food choices:
• Eat foods in season in the region you live
• Become an activist in your children’s school lunch programs Visit www.kidsgardening.org for information on creating gardens in your community
National and Global Community
• Become a member of the United States or International Slow Food organization. Learn more by visiting www.slowfoodusa.org
• Vote with your fork and for politicians that represent your food values
• Get informed! Peruse podcasts or documentaries on global food awareness. Pick your sauce!
• Support charities and organizations that work to relieve hunger. Visit the Feed Foundation to learn more https://feedprojects.com/pages/about
RECIPE CORNER: PEA PESTO CROSTINI (SERVES 4-6)
Whether you choose to dine alone or together, enjoy the connection with healthy food and celebrate the season.
INGREDIENTS:
PESTO:
1 10-ounce package frozen peas, defrosted
1 garlic clove
½ cup grated parmesan
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1/3 cup olive oil
CROSTINI:
8 ½ inch thick slices whole-grain baguette or ciabatta bread, preferably day-old
1/3 cup olive oil
8 cherry tomatoes, halved or 1 small tomato diced
PREPARATION:
For the pea pesto; pulse together the peas, garlic, parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a food processor. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
For the crostini; preheat a stove top griddle or grill pan on medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the sliced bread with olive oil and grill until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer the bread to a clean surface and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared pesto on each slice. Top with tomato halves and serve.
Source for recipe – Giada De Laurentiis.
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