In 1962 a book called Silent Spring was published. Written by Rachel Carson and originally published as a series of three articles in the New Yorker, the book discussed the effects of insecticides and pesticides on songbird populations. Her book helped spur a movement that led to environmental legislation. Silent Spring celebrates its 50th anniversary. Written during a time when mainstream America was largely unconcerned and/or unaware of environmental issues Silent Spring became a New York Times bestseller and was published in 24 countries, selling 500,000 copies. Rachel Carson lit a spark that grew into a fire when the first Earth Day took place and that fire is growing still. The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, was created to increase public awareness of global environmental issues. Approximately 20 million people participated. Senator Gaylord Nelson (Wisconsin) was the force behind Earth Day. He was an environmentalist who witnessed the destruction... Read the Rest →
In 1962 a book called Silent Spring was published. Written by Rachel Carson and originally published as a series of three articles in the New Yorker, the book discussed the effects of insecticides and pesticides on songbird populations. Her book helped spur a movement that led to environmental legislation. Silent Spring celebrates its 50th anniversary. Written during a time when mainstream America was largely unconcerned and/or unaware of environmental issues Silent Spring became a New York Times bestseller and was published in 24 countries, selling 500,000 copies. Rachel Carson lit a spark that grew into a fire when the first Earth Day took place and that fire is growing still. The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, was created to increase public awareness of global environmental issues. Approximately 20 million people participated. Senator Gaylord Nelson (Wisconsin) was the force behind Earth Day. He was an environmentalist who witnessed the destruction... Read the Rest →
Having recently written about the potato ricer gadget we felt we’d offer another recipe in which this gadget is handy. Making potato gnocchi is fast and easy, particularly with a ricer in hand. The potatoes most suitable for gnocchi are russet potatoes so please don’t substitute with any other variety. If you are a tactile person like us you will lover the silky feel of the gnocchi dough. When rolling into large ropes you will recall your childhood Play Doh days. This gnocchi dough feels so good that you’ll be hesitant to stop rolling it. But, alas, you must for overworking the dough is a no-no. Since we also recently wrote about gluten let us explain why overworking dough makes it tough. Gluten is a mixture of wheat proteins that stick when water is added. They are not water soluble, but they do form a sort of partnership with the... Read the Rest →
Having recently written about the potato ricer gadget we felt we’d offer another recipe in which this gadget is handy. Making potato gnocchi is fast and easy, particularly with a ricer in hand. The potatoes most suitable for gnocchi are russet potatoes so please don’t substitute with any other variety. If you are a tactile person like us you will lover the silky feel of the gnocchi dough. When rolling into large ropes you will recall your childhood Play Doh days. This gnocchi dough feels so good that you’ll be hesitant to stop rolling it. But, alas, you must for overworking the dough is a no-no. Since we also recently wrote about gluten let us explain why overworking dough makes it tough. Gluten is a mixture of wheat proteins that stick when water is added. They are not water soluble, but they do form a sort of partnership with the... Read the Rest →
Lasagna is cheesy, heavenly goodness baked into one dish. It can be dressed up or down. You can add whatever you’d like in its layers. But, we love it plain and simple… cheese, lasagna noodles and sauce. Baked in individual baking dishes, lasagna makes a wonderful presentation at a dinner party. Who wouldn’t want to sit down to their very own baked lasagna? Basic Marinara Sauce Ingredients 4-6 tbs olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 4-5 cloves garlic, diced 6-8 leaves fresh basil, chopped 2 tbs chopped, fresh parsley 2 tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 large cans tomato puree ½ cup dry red wine Directions 1. In a large pot (make sure it is large enough to hold meatballs if adding), over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Heat, stirring continuously, until leaves... Read the Rest →
Lasagna is cheesy, heavenly goodness baked into one dish. It can be dressed up or down. You can add whatever you’d like in its layers. But, we love it plain and simple… cheese, lasagna noodles and sauce. Baked in individual baking dishes, lasagna makes a wonderful presentation at a dinner party. Who wouldn’t want to sit down to their very own baked lasagna? Basic Marinara Sauce Ingredients 4-6 tbs olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 4-5 cloves garlic, diced 6-8 leaves fresh basil, chopped 2 tbs chopped, fresh parsley 2 tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 large cans tomato puree ½ cup dry red wine Directions 1. In a large pot (make sure it is large enough to hold meatballs if adding), over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Heat, stirring continuously, until leaves... Read the Rest →
