Fresh Kitchens & Fresh Foods
April 20, 2011 at 9:59 AM
We had a great Spring Showcase Event earlier this month. Both homes graciously entertained large parties of 60+ guests with plenty of space to mingle.
In these homes we designed kitchens with working stations in mind. Both have ample countertop space that allows multiple people to chop, simmer, rinse, bake, and clean up without stepping on each other’s toes. Check out the finished projects on line at www.houzz.com
Both homeowners are looking forward to lots of great cooking & entertaining in their new spaces. A kitchen, in the end, is about togetherness and healthy living, right?
Another huge part of a well-functioning kitchen is the food you prepare in it. I love to cook and I’ve found some great local organic farms and markets that are great sources of outstanding produce. Read on to discover my favorite spots for fresh local organic produce (many of which were recommendations from clients who share my love of cooking).
Featherstone Farm
Simple and easy! Just pick up your box of fresh produce each week at a number of locations throughout the twin cities. Last summer I received the CSA box from Featherstone Farm and with new veggies each week. It allowed me to do a lot of cooking with fresh ingredients. Through this community-supported agriculture program your family can sign up for a summer share of a wide array of fresh fruits and veggies, all grown locally. For more info, visit: www.featherstonefarm.com
Pick Your Own
A number of our families have enjoyed picking their own fruits and veggies and becoming part of the produce process. It’s a lot of fun and a great hands-on educational experience for kids. What’s more, pickyourown.org also offers guides to canning, freezing, and drying produce. Find a pick-your-own farm near you: www.pickyourown.org
St. Paul Farmers Market
Don’t want to commit to a whole season of cooking? Just stop by the St. Paul Farmer’s Market! The St. Paul Farmer’s Market has made a commitment to only allow fresh, locally grown produce to be sold, and always directly from the grower to the consumer. Not all markets have such a strict commitment to this policy. If you can’t make it downtown St. Paul, check out their many satellite locations throughout the cities: www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com
Eat Well Guide
The Eat Well Guide not only allows you to find local, sustainable, organic farms and markets, but also allows you to find restaurants serving organic and local by location. You can even plan the dining and grocery shopping of your vacation or trip ahead of time by entering your travel route on the website. Fill in your points A & B and access a wealth of healthy eating options along your travel path. How cool is that? Discover the freshest offerings at www.eatwellguide.org
Ellie Krieger
My kitchen secret weapon: delicious, healthy, and inventive recipes from the New York Times bestselling author and James Beard Foundation and IACP award winner Ellie Krieger. I have a number of her books and the recipes and pointers offered by Ellie are the best. Check out Ellie’s website for recipes that center around eating well and nutrition that culminate a richly satisfying and sumptuous lifestyle. Lamb and feta pita pizzas, anyone? Yum! For insights and recipes: www.elliekrieger.com
Dean & Deluca
If you are having a big party and want to take the cuisine up a notch check out this site. This enticing company offers a fantastic range of gourmet goods to fit any party, along with gift baskets, cookbooks and tools. Whether for your own kitchen or a friend’s, this site has it all. Visit www.deandeluca.com to learn more!
Share your secret: Experienced one of the fresh options above, or have your own fresh food tip? Let us in on your secret!
Samantha Grose
Associate AIA, Allied ASID Designer for JP&CO.