Local Bites, Cocktails, Food & Events for March, April & May 2015:
As I sit here writing, I am excited to be seeing a little green – chartreuse really- out my window. Welcome spring! Seeing the signs of spring has me looking forward to CSA season! CSA is an acronym for community supported agriculture and I am in love!
There are several reasons you might want to look into joining a CSA this year:
1. You get to eat ultra-fresh food with all the flavors and health benefits.
2. It will expose you and your family to new and unique veggies and new ways of cooking.
3. You usually get to visit and tour the farm.
4. I find that kids typically favor food from “their farm.”
5. You get to develop a relationship with the farmer who grows your food and learn about the farming process.
Community Supported Agriculture allows people to reconnect to the land, the farmer, the food, their community and themselves.
If your looking for some CSA local recommendations, be sure to check out MealDiva’s “Eat-Local Section.” If you know of a tasty CSA that should make the list, don’t’ be shy – tell me in the comments section below!
On to the month of March:
I feel like this month was all about pizza. We ordered Grandma’s Pie from Nicola’s in Califon 3 times in March. My kids are obsessed with it. Grandma’s pie is a thin layer of dough that is stretched into an oiled square and topped with a small amount of mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, diced garlic and olive oil. Peanut calls it Heaven in a slice.
I also had one of the best meals of my life (really, I’m not exaggerating) at The Milford Oyster House in Milford. NJ. You can read all about my mouthwatering adventure on Jersey Bites.
I’ve spent most of this month preparing for my first cooking workshop. I’m really excited to be partnering with Saltopia Artisan Infused Sea Salt to bring you some drool-worthy, healthy Freezer-Meals. My hope is that freezer meals will become your families fast food. Making ‘no-cook’ freezer meals is quick, easy, and addicting! When you freeze meals ahead of time, you can cross “cook dinner” off your daily ‘to-do’ list and devote that time to something else instead. Not only can freezer meals simplify your daily routine, but simple, ‘no-cook’ freezer meals can help you prepare for holidays, birthday parties, births, and surgeries too. Space is limited so please sign up at http://www.saltopiasalts.com/cooking-classes.html
I also accompanied my long-time friend Melody Kettle to the Escape Montclair Charity Dinner. Lets talk about a delicious night full of fantastic dishes and wonderful company! Bryan Gregg, Chef and Owner of Escape Montclair and a leader in the New Jersey local food movement, welcomed Chef Todd Villani of Carlstadt’s Terre à Terre into his kitchen to prepare a locally-sourced, multi-course dinner that benefited cancer research and treatment in New Jersey. Simply delicious.
On the New Jersey-made wine front, I thought it was pretty cool that Triple Pundit, a Certified B-Corporation, recently ranked Villa Milagro Vineyards (a single New Jersey winery) among 11 wineries nationally recognized for their sustainable agricultural practices model.”
Speaking of wine, we found this little gem at Krauszers Liquor Store in Long Valley. It’s a little pricey but worth every penny.
On the cooking front, March 9th was National Meatball Day and we happily celebrated with some Ultimate Meatballs.
Some foodie days coming up in April are:
April 19th is Natoinal Garlic Day and I’m planning on cooking up a little Roasted Garlic.
April 25th is National Zucchini Day and what could be better then some homemade Zucchini Bread.
What will you be cooking up?
If you’re looking to get out and about, here are some MealDiva recommend food-related events:
Before I start rambling on about some fun Foodie Fuled Events, I just wanted to remind you that Easter keeps local area food pantries busy so if you have some food or time to spare, it’s always needed and appreciated!
April 3: BEX Supper Club is featurng (Laughter is brightest where food is best” More information can be found on their website at http://www.bexkitchen.com/supper-club.html
April 13: Freezer Meal Freezer Workshop with MealDiva and Saltopia Salts: Ready to stock your freezer? Let’s get started!Once you get the hang of freezer cooking, I know you’ll be hooked. I simply can’t say enough good things about it. http://www.saltopiasalts.com/cooking-classes.html
April 18: Grow It Green Morristown, a community-building nonprofit organization focused on growing food, announces its 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala, Diamonds for Kale, on Saturday, April 18th.As a celebration of great food, the evening will feature local, seasonal hors d’oeuves, courtesy of Ome Caterers, as well as fine wines, craft brewed beer, and signature cocktails. Guests will enjoy music, dancing and a farm-themed photobooth. There will also be a lively silent auction, featuring unique offerings from local businesses, and a ‘green’ swag bag courtesy of event sponsors.The gala will raise funds to support Grow It Green Morristown’s work to bring farm-based educational programs to students and adults in the greater Morristown community and make fresh, local food and outdoor spaces accessible to all. For more information, visit www.growitgreenmorristown.org or email Abby Gallo at abby@growitgreenmorristown.org
May 2: America’s Grow-a-Row’s (AGAR) Farm to Fork fundraiser is at the LifeCamp in Pottersville, New Jersey. This unique event features local food artisans, a wine & craft beer tasting, farm-fresh dinner, and fine auctions. Proceeds will benefit AGAR, a non-profit organization that grows and gleans fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables that are donated to those suffering from hunger and those living in “food deserts,” or areas that lack access to fresh, affordable produce, throughout the state of New Jersey. For more information call 908-507-5282
May 16th and 17th: The Friends of the Medicine Wheel volunteer group is hosting their 7th annual Medicine Wheel Celebration on May 16th and 17th in conjunction with the Heritage and Agriculture Association, a friends group of Lusscroft Farm. The two day event features an array of local music, gardening workshops, tours, perennial plant sale, craft and food vendors, community discussions and more to support the continued growth and preservation of the gardens and historical buildings. For more information, visit their website at https://medicinewheelgarden.wordpress.com
Want to be featured on MealDiva? Let me know about your event, locally made New Jersey food or restaurant!! I also have a sponsored content program. Email jen@mealdiva.com for details.
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