wit wisdom & food

connecting with food

go home summer

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Summer is my least favorite season. I love spring as it gets me out of winter…oh wait winter, winter is my least favorite. So maybe we should start over…

In order I love…

  1. Fall
  2. Spring
  3. Summer
  4. Winter

I love all of Fall, all of Spring and only the first halves of summer and winter. They are a great contrast, but after a month or so I am over it and ready to move to one of my favorites.

That means that right now Summer is my least favorite. I am done with it. I also realize it isn’t all really summers fault, #climatechange. But picture this…

I went to a potluck on Thursday, September 21st. The first day of Fall. I was excited about the potluck, which would be filled with very impressive women in Indy. All of them, women that have something to do with food. Some of the most impressive female chefs in Indy were included. To say I was nervous about what to make would be grossly miscategorizing the situation. We had a little cooling period and it seemed like Fall was not only a few days away on the calendar, but also in the air. So it seemed like the perfect time for chili over spaghetti squash. #FAIL! On the night of the event, it was 90 degrees outside and hot chili in the slow cooker was not the ideal menu item.

It has been in the nineties for days now and, while there is an end in sight, all I want is to put on a sweater, sit by the bonfire, and sip some warm apple cider. Please let this be my future soon. I would be so sad if this punch drunk summer (this is the same summer that turned up way too early and ruined the slow burn of spring) turned into a quick winter.

Go home summer, I am ready for Halloween decorations, apple cider, pumpkin carving and the unveiling of my sweater collection. Go home summer, you have outstayed your welcome.

If you want some ideas on how your food purchasing and kitchen habits could have a positive effect on climate change try these podcast episodes

Shannon Anderson of Earth Charter

Renee Sweany of Ask Renee

amanda reninger of sea salt & cinnamon

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On today’s episode is Amanda from Sea Salt & Cinnamon one of the vendors at this weekend’s Indy VegFest. Amanda has a unique story about how she became a vegan baker. Hear about how this Florida native ended up in Muncie, Indiana making vegan cupcakes.

Links

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Katelin Rupp of Indy VegFest

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Today I am talking to Katelin from Indy VegFest. A free food event happening downtown on April 29, 2016. If you swear you would never be vegan, would never be able to cut down your meat consumption or you already do those things this episode will have something for you. The VegFest sounds like it will have a great variety of food and information. Be sure to register so you can be entered into the raffle.

It is right after the People’s Climate march so come downtown next weekend and join us for both.

Indy VegFest Links

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Shannon Anderson of Earth Charter Indiana

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The impact that growing and eating food has on the environment is larger than you might even imagine. It is important to understand these issues and know what we can do to make an impact.

On this episode, I talk with Shannon about all things food and the environment. It is a lot of information, but she gives you some good actionable tips to get you started. Step one, care about stopping climate change.

Shannon and I both really hope you will join us for the Climate March event on April 29th in Indianapolis. Links and details are below.

Climate March Indy Links

Reference links for the episode

So why asparagus? I haven’t figured it out so let me know if you find the answer.

 

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#13 have a pie bake off

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One of my favorite pies is strawberry rhubarb and we are getting close to the season for both. Pie is an extremely personal thing and pie bakers are usually happy to show off their favorites. They may not give you the secret pie dough recipe, but getting to taste a good pie is so worth it. If you want to bring a group of pie lovers together a pie bake-off is a great way to do it. You can make this as casual or as professional as you want it.

Tips for hosting a pie bake-off

  • Decide if you are open to all kinds of pie, just fruit, just cream, only pumpkin. You can vary this depending on the time of year, but the more you allow the more participation you will get
  • Get some well-respected non-bakers to be the judge.
  • As each pie arrives assign it a number and keep a list of who belongs to each pie. This will allow the judges to be more impartial.
  • Cut small slices for each judge. Be sure to number the slices to match the entry number.
  • While the judges are trying the pies encourage others to try the pies as well. You can even make a category for fan favorite.
  • If possible make a prize or a certificate for the winner. Who doesn’t love to brag and boast a little about their win?
  • Make sure the bakers list any major allergies like; gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
  • Most of all just make if fun

What is your favorite pie?

head over to instagram and share a post about how you connect over food to be entered into the connect over food contest. you will have a chance to win a fun prize.

#12 visit a farm

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It now feels like spring. Mild weather and rain. That is a sure sign of the coming of spring and the growing season. There is a lot that can be learned about your food and where it comes from by visiting a farm.

With the rise of convenience food, the average American has lost some touch with how their food is grown and how it gets to the store. Some people have no idea. No matter how much you know about food there might be ingredients or processes that would shock you. Getting to a farm and seeing some of these processes first hand is an important part of making good food choices.

Visiting a farm

Decide what you want to know more about and look for a farm that does that specific type of farming. This isn’t a drop by and say hi kind of adventure. Be sure to reach out and make sure that the farm offers this and has time to accommodate your visit. Some farms offer events or volunteer opportunities that allow you to get up close and learn about how they farm. Here are a few in Indiana to look at if you want to make a visit this summer. Each one of these farms offers something different so be sure to check out their websites for more information.

Farms near Indianapolis

U-pick Strawberries

  • This is a great way to show kids how food grows and to pick your own berries for jam. This article lists most of the farms in Indiana that offer this option.

Fall Harvest (pumpkins & apples)

Agrarian

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Urban homesteading and specifically raising chickens has gained a lot of popularity. In this episode, I sit down with the owners of Agrarian and talk about their shop and they bust my myths about raising chickens.

They are some of the nicest people so if you have any doubts or questions about raising chickens head into the store and talk to them. They have a cute spot just off The Monon.

Agrarian links

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