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Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
July 8, 2009
So, last week I picked up my first Farm-to-Work basket of locally grown fruits and veggies. I wanted so desperately to beam my grandmother to town to whip up some of her amazing fried okra, but instead, I decided to use some of my goodies for a healthier recipe. It's my own, personally take on stewed okra and tomatoes -- I've never cooked okra in my whole life -- and I'm pretty darn pleased with how it turned out.
First, in a large saucepan, I sauteed yellow onion and two garlic gloves in a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Then I added 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce and half a cup of water along with the chopped okra, green bell pepper, tomatoes and jalapeno. I brought the liquids to a boil, and then simmered on low for about an hour. The only ingredients not grown locally were the oil and the canned sauce. Oh, and the salt and pepper.
I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out!
Many members of Team Hammock are eating locally this summer, and several are even growing their own gardens. What about you?
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
July 2, 2009
International Small Business Exchange Program
June 1, 2009
I don't think that's officially what it was called, but, cupcakes did cross oceans last week here in Austin, Texas.
The short story goes like this: The two cupcake connoisseurs were featured on a prominent cupcake blog and then became fast friends on Twitter. Less than a year later, they planned five days of co-baking in Olivia's Austin-based shop.
I had the chance to stop in on Saturday, Jess' last day at the bakery. Her "Malteser" is hard to resist, so I didn't even try. Her website describes it as "moist dark chocolate cake with luscious malted frosting, finished with a malt chocolate ball." And this week, she took it a step farther and mixed crushed malt chocolate balls into the frosting. I'm a little ashamed to admit, I could have eaten about six all by myself. But I didn't.
Twitter and buttercream. How could they really go wrong?
Soup's on!
November 17, 2008
Here's how it works: Pick out a hand-crafted bowl, and with your $15 donation to the food bank, you can have it filled with warm yumminess from one of dozens of local restaurants donating their best soups to the cause. Then relax with some live music before having your bowl washed to take it home.
Since its inception in 1997, the project has provided more than 2,000,000 meals throughout Central Texas.
I Voted
October 30, 2008
And I have the sticker to prove it.
Early voting is wonderful and easy. I walked in, had my ID checked to make sure I am who I claim to be, and I voted. And there will be no possibility of dangling chads for me. The electronic voting machines here in Texas are very easy to navigate and use, and nothing happens until you push the big, bright red "cast ballot" button, so voters can go back and change their minds if necessary.
But I learned something about myself yesterday: I can spend weeks learning about the issues, gathering information about candidates and comparing endorsements. But when I step into that booth, my gut and my heart take over. It's like my brain isn't allowed to think about it. My fingers just take over and my votes are made.
If you still have time to early vote in your state, I urge you to do so. If you plan to vote on Tuesday, pack a good book.
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