Never Run Out of Fresh Herbs Again: Learn the Freezing Method
Cook The Garden
In this solo episode of Cook The Garden, host Ginain shares her tried-and-true method for preserving fresh herbs from the garden by freezing them. Learn step-by-step how to freeze your herbs to lock in their flavor and nutrients, ensuring you can enjoy that fresh garden taste all year round! Ginain also talks about different freezing methods—freezing herbs whole versus making herb cubes—and offers tips on how to use them in your favorite dishes. Stay tuned until the end of the episode, where Ginain introduces her exclusive mini-course on freezing fresh herbs, available for a special price...
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Homesteading 101: Everything You Need to Know with Mona Weathers
Cook The Garden
In this episode, Ginain talks with homesteading expert Mona Weathers. Mona shares her extensive knowledge on sustainable living, offering tips on gardening, homesteading basics, and sustainable practices. She also shares her favorite sourdough fry bread recipe. The conversation is filled with practical advice for anyone interested in starting their own homestead, regardless of the size of their land. Episode Highlights: Mona's Garden: Mona describes her current garden setup and the benefits of using rabbit manure for garlic. Homesteading Basics: Overview of homesteading and tips for...
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Bonus: Pickling and Canning 101 with John Barbie
Cook The Garden
Let’s talk canning and pickling in this fun bonus episode. Earlier this season, we had the pleasure of chatting with Dalia Colon, host of the Zest Podcast, and today, we're excited to share a Zest bonus episode that explores the art of canning and pickling with John Barbie, the owner of Tip Top Canning Company in Tampa. Thank you to the Zest Podcast for sharing this episode with us. Visit their website and podcast page for more episodes:
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BONUS: Growing Inclusive Communities with Tonya Whitlock
Cook The Garden
In this special bonus episode of Cook The Garden, host Ginain sits down with Tonya Whitlock, founder of The Hive Inclusive Community. This episode is a little different from the usual gardening and cooking topics, as it shines a spotlight on the inspiring work of The Hive, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive housing and communities for adults with disabilities. Tonya shares her personal journey and the incredible initiatives of The Hive, from inclusive housing developments to various empowering programs and events. Episode Highlights: Introduction to The Hive Inclusive...
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10 Ways to Turn Strawberry Tops into Treasures
Cook The Garden
In this episode, Ginain dives into the often-overlooked world of strawberry tops, revealing their hidden potential and versatility. From a refreshing cup of herbal tea to eco-friendly crafts and natural health remedies, we explore the myriad ways these vibrant greens can enrich our lives, contribute to our wellness, and champion sustainability. Some of these uses might even surprise you! Resources and mentions in this episode: Read the full blog post: Smoothie Guide & Recipes: Making Homemade Salad Dressings: Cook The Gardent Links & Contact Info: Join our NEW Facebook...
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Exploring Florida Food Traditions with Dalia Colon
Cook The Garden
In this episode, host Ginain is thrilled to have Dalia Colón, an acclaimed food journalist and host of The Zest Podcast, as her guest. Join us as we dig into Dalia's journey into gardening, the intersection of food and community in Florida, and the launch of her exciting new cookbook. Highlights: Dalia shares what she's growing in her garden: Dalia shares her foray into gardening with raised beds on wheels, growing herbs and vegetables like cilantro, basil, green onions, romaine, and purple cauliflower, and her aspirations with a baby mango tree and a banana plant. A Feast of...
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Cultivating a Strong Food System with Monica Petrella
Cook The Garden
In this inspiring episode, Ginain Grayes welcomes Monica Petrella, a passionate advocate for local food systems and Food System Program Coordinator for Homegrown Hillsborough, an initiative aimed at strengthening local food systems. They dive into the importance of community gardening, the benefits of homegrown produce, and how individuals can contribute to a sustainable food system. Key Topics Discussed Monica's Urban Gardening Journey: Transitioning from believing she couldn't garden due to space limitations to thriving in balcony gardening with the help of EarthBox systems. Benefits...
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Kitchen Garden Goal Planning for the New Year
Cook The Garden
Happy New Year, Garden Foodies! In this episode, Ginain shares her holiday experience and emphasizes the importance of planning for the year, especially when it comes to kitchen and garden adventures. From trying new recipes to adopting sustainable practices, this episode is all about setting and achieving your kitchen garden goals for 2024. Expanding Growing Space Ginain revisits her plan to expand her garden space Trying New Plants Implementing Sustainable Practices Water conservation strategies, including using a rain barrel. Pros and cons of rainwater collection. Continued focus on...
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Kitchen Composting and More with Tulani Thomas
Cook The Garden
In this episode, we sit down with Tulani Thomas, a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental care, to discuss the impact of our everyday choices in the kitchen on the planet. We explore practical ways to use kitchen scraps and dive into the importance of sustainability in our daily lives. Key Topics Discussed: The Importance of Sustainability: Understanding its impact on our lives and the planet. Creative Uses of Kitchen Scraps: Practical tips for reducing waste. Personal Sustainability Journeys: Tulani shares her experiences and motivations. Tips for Starting Your...
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Plant-Based Holiday Menus Made Easy w/ Amy Katz
Cook The Garden
Show Notes: Plant-Based Holiday Feast with Amy Katz Today we’re talking to vegan food blogger, Amy Katz - a returning guest who's no stranger to our podcast! Listen to hat episode here: Gardening Chit-Chat: Amy shares her recent gardening updates, focusing on the growth of citrus, particularly her kumquat tree. Ginain discusses her kumquat tree and plans to for her harvest. Adapting Traditional Dishes: Amy and Ginain discuss the possibility of adapting traditional holiday dishes to suit different dietary preferences. Alternative Holiday Centerpieces: Amy mentions the availability...
info_outlineIn this inspiring episode, Ginain Grayes welcomes Monica Petrella, a passionate advocate for local food systems and Food System Program Coordinator for Homegrown Hillsborough, an initiative aimed at strengthening local food systems. They dive into the importance of community gardening, the benefits of homegrown produce, and how individuals can contribute to a sustainable food system.
Key Topics Discussed
- Monica's Urban Gardening Journey: Transitioning from believing she couldn't garden due to space limitations to thriving in balcony gardening with the help of EarthBox systems.
- Benefits of Urban Gardening: Monica highlights the sustainability, accessibility, and health benefits of growing one's own food, even in limited spaces.
- Introduction to Homegrown Hillsborough: Monica discusses the role and mission of Homegrown Hillsborough, an initiative aimed at strengthening local food systems and encouraging community gardening efforts.
- Food Insecurity in Hillsborough County: The discussion delves into the issue of food insecurity, its impact on communities, and how local efforts can make a significant difference.
- Getting Involved with Local Food Systems: Monica offers insights on how individuals can support and engage with their local food systems, emphasizing the importance of community participation and education.
- Recipe Share: Monica shares a simple yet delicious recipe for cherry tomato bruschetta, showcasing how to use homegrown produce to create healthy, flavorful meals.
Resources and Links
- Homegrown Hillsborough: Learn more about their initiatives and how you can get involved in supporting your local food system. Homegrown Hillsborough - Hillsborough County - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)
- Take the Residential Food System Survey
- UF/IFAS Extension: Discover classes, workshops, and resources offered by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension service. UF/IFAS Extension Website
- EarthBox website: Planting Boxes | Container Gardening | EarthBox
- Recipe for Cherry Tomato Bruschetta: Dive into Monica's easy recipe, perfect for making use of your garden's bounty.
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
8 roma tomatoes, diced
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Gather all ingredients
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Brush bread slices on both sides lightly with 1 tbsp oil and place on large baking sheet. Toast bread until golden, 5 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Toss together tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a bowl.
- Mix in balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted bread slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Links & Contact Info:
Join our NEW Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/COOKTHEGARDEN
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cookthegarden
Visit the Food Blog: www.cookprayslay.com
Email with Feedback and Topic Requests: info@cookprayslay.com