Earth Friendly Goodies » food

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot

Chris — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:46:49 +0000

Spring is still calling... very softly for those of us up north, but when that warm sun teases me through the window I start to get in the mood to play in some dirt and try my hand at growing some nice healthy weeds along with my spinach and basil.

Last year I had discovered Square Foot Gardening one of the best selling garden books on Amazon and at the time had noticed a follow up book aptly named All New Square Foot Gardening Cookbook. Now, I am a complete cookbook geek especially when they have good pictures (why a cookbook wouldn't have enticing pictures is beyond me) and this Square Foot Gardening cookbook is a beauty.

Mel Bartholomew Speaks about his Gardening Cookbook

Plenty of nice large colorful pictures of not only the dishes, but also of the vegetables and herbs - even if you aren't a gardener you'll have fun with this gardening cookbook. (But after reading this cookbook I'm sure you'll be at least a little bit inspired to try your own garden)

The author, Mel Bartholomew is a whiz in the garden (how beautiful are those plants in his garden by the way? I wanted to eat right off my monitor but it zapped my tongue) he often says eat fresh, eat healthy and eat what you grow and with a garden like that I'm sure you could make fantastic salads right out of the garden.

Not only does the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook have more than 135 recipes to enjoy the harvest from your square foot garden (or farmers market, or store if you haven't braved the garden gnomes) Mel adds harvesting techniques and yield information for each of the seventeen vegetables, fruits, and herbs and adds money saving tips, square foot garden tips, and even a kid's gardening corner for lots of family fun.

If you didn't catch my last post on EarthBoxes vs Square Foot Gardening take a peek and try one of these easy methods for yourself then have fun with some fresh from the garden recipes.

Other Gardening Tips in the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook

Planting schedule for continuous crop harvesting
When to harvest plants
How to harvest
Tips for storage
Plant spacing
Kids corner for family fun

All New Square Foot Gardening
List Price: ~~$19.99~~
Sale Price: $9.49
You save: $10.50 (53%)
Eligible for free shipping!

Square Foot Gardening: A New Way to Garden in Less Space with Less Work
List Price: ~~$19.99~~
Sale Price: $5.50
You save: $14.49 (72%)
Eligible for free shipping!

This Post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

Chris — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:00:27 +0000

Ok it's official EarthBoxes beat out Square Foot Gardening in a tag team cage match, okay I don't know where that came from I don't even watch wrestling but if I did the EarthBox container gardening method would be the Hulk Hogan of small space gardening.

EarthBox vs Square Foot Gardening, and the Winner Is?

When you compare EarthBoxes vs Square Foot Gardening you have to take into consideration what you are looking to get out of gardening and how much space you have. With Square Foot Gardening you need more space but you also get a more traditional gardening feel - you get to play in more dirt and maybe pull a few weeds (although if done right you won't really have that many weeds to contend with - Square Foot Gardening really is a rock solid method)

What I like about EarthBoxes and what you'll like as well is the ease with which you keep the plants watered - just fill the reservoir with water when needed and the plants do all the work - they just grow.

Last spring I had planted basil in my square foot garden (well I skimped a bit so it is more like my rectangle foot garden but the concept is the same) and they finally decided to grow at the end of the season so I had to bring them indoors - at which point they took off like a green thumbed rocket - why? I put them in a pot that has one of those easy fill reservoir bottoms - just add water when needed and the plants do all the work. That is the beauty of the Earthbox - whether you find a manual on how to make your own earthbox or you find a great EarthBox sale online I think you'll love your results. Plus you can use them indoors so if you live "up norte" like we do you can grow your favorite vegetables and herbs all year long!

Square Foot Gardening miniaturized with an EarthBox

If you aren't the do-it-your-self type or don't think you'll have the time to make a homemade earthbox there are always sales on Amazon for the EarthBox Garden Kit (Model number RB-EB-TRC-PBB although that isn't really a number and what in the heck do all those extra letters stand for? Really Boss Earth Box Terra-cotta Peanut Butter and Banana I think) At the time of this posting the EarthBox was on sale for 29% off list price - and is the hottest selling container gardening product - the word is out on how easy to use the EarthBox is. (if you are in doubt just check out the great earthbox reviews - you'll love 'em too)

Enjoy your earthbox or square foot gardening this year - and let me know whacha growin' I'll stop by for supper when it's ready. And while you are in the mood for garden goodies check out our post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook.

EarthBox 1010002 Garden Kit, Terra Cotta
List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $32.25
You save: $37.74 (54%)
Eligible for free shipping!

EarthBox 1010135 Garden Veneer, White
List Price: ~~$129.99~~
Sale Price: $84.87
You save: $45.12 (35%)
Eligible for free shipping!

This Post on the Earthbox vs Square Foot Gardening Shared on Real Food Wednesday

EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is? is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates

Chris — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:30:58 +0000

If you are looking for a unique handmade gift that is both a splash of art for the eyes and a tasty treat for the palate take a look at this fair trade gift basket. This simple yet beautiful handmade beaded basket is chock full of fair trade organic goodies.

Includes organic fair trade coffee, three organic fair trade chocolate bars and is rounded off with a box of fair trade chocolate-covered Brazil nuts - well on second thought maybe you'd rather just keep this one for yourself - I won't tell...

I stumbled upon this fun handmade gift basket while looking over the fine selection of eco goodies on eBay's World of Good - if you aren't familiar with it stop by and take a peek. There are plenty of fun eco-friendly gift ideas.

This particular fair trade coffee and chocolate gift basket is sold by EcoExpress Gifts which has the Green America Goodprint verification on World of Good. Which means this business adopts principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.

At the time of this post this fair trade coffee and chocolate gift basket is on sale for $47.05 with only 4 remaining.

Find more fair trade and organic gifts from EcoExpress Gifts for sale below.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies

Chris — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 15:24:48 +0000

As the first snow fall of the season blows and blusters about outside and the tinkling bells of snow plow back-up signals set the mood for the coming holidays I was hit by a rather warm comforting surprise.

I was staring blankly in my spice cupboard while forging for an early morning snack when my gaze fell on the back of a bottle of Rodelle vanilla extract. I had splurged a bit on a gourmet vanilla extract a while back and without even knowing it I was helping the environment.

The Rodelle headquarters in Fort Collins Colorado it turns out is 100% powered by wind or alternate energy sources. And to sweeten the pot they are very active in local and international efforts to improve social and environmental standards such as emergency relief efforts and working toward sustainable growing practices in Madagascar and Uganda where the vanilla bean growers are.

It is heart warming, on a cold pre-winter day especially, to find companies quietly improving the world we live in with something as simple as the vanilla extract we bake with.

Rodelle makes a wonderful line of gourmet baking ingredients and spices including many types of gourmet vanilla extracts and beans upon which the company was founded. If you are looking for high quality organic vanilla extract, alcohol free vanilla extract, some delicious Madegascar bourbon vanilla beans, or just good old fashioned pure vanilla extract give Rodelle a try - and help spread the warmth this holiday season.

I don't recall which grocery store I found my vanilla extract at but it looks like Amazon has a selection of Rodelle Products for sale from time to time. Also below is the current selection of Rodelle products for sale on eBay as well.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Fair Trade Chocolates Saved Me From the Dog House

Chris — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:54:01 +0000

Looking for a very last minute Valentines gift? Or, perhaps a unique "oops I forgot it was Valentines day" make up gift since it is now past the big day. These eco-friendly Fair Trade chocolates are certain to get you out of the dog house - well a little Fair Trade chocolate might help shorten the stay at least.

Yachana Gourmet Jungle Chocolates are created from Amazon cacao beans in Ecuador which are hand picked and sun-dried in special solar dryers, roasted to perfection chopped into bits and dipped in all natural Amazon cane syrup for a delectably delightful light sweetness.

Not only are these special Fair Trade chocolate nibs a special treat for the tummy you'll get bonus points for supporting a fair trade company that pays its farmers 200%-300% above the local market price for cacao, uses green energy, and uses non-GMO ingredients.

Yachana Gourmet Jungle Chocolates come in several tasty variations including: Brazil nut and coffee, pineapple, macadamia nut, raisin and coconut, and a mixed batch of all of them. Yum.

These Fair Trade Jungle Chocolates are for sale at eBay's World of Good. (maybe a bit late for a last minute Valentine gift - but it could save you from sleeping on the couch another night)

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Fair Trade Chocolates Saved Me From the Dog House is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Breaking News: Rufus the Puppy Responsible for Organic Dog Treats

Chris — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:18 +0000

Once upon a time in a land far far away lived a puppy named Rufus. Rufus was a good little puppy so he got plenty of dog treats, treats when he held still for a nail clipping and a coat grooming, dog training treats when he rolled over on command and even treats for pretending to speak - he had his owners very well trained.

The problem was Rufus was unhappy, not unhappy because he felt unloved, he knew his people loved him very much, but Rufus was unhappy because his treats contained chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, and artificial preservatives - not to mention a certain amount of diseased meat by-products. (dead, dying, disabled or diseased food animals that have been rejected for human consumption end up in pet food and treats).

Rufus didn't think there was anything he could do about it, he knew his people would do anything for him if there was an alternative. So Rufus decided to take matters into his own paws and he called his good buddy Paul Newman - you know the one, that famous guy from all those movies who has his face on all those salad dressings now. Well Rufus said to Paul, you know buddy you have to look out for us pets, we need a healthy dog treat, in fact we'd love to have our own line of certified USDA organic dog treats.

Well Paul is a good guy so he created a line of Newman's Own®Organics Dog Treats (they make all sorts of organic pet food as well but little Rufus loved his treats best of all). Rufus told Paul to make these organic dog treats with human-grade ingredients, including certified-organic barley flour, ground chicken, carrots, apples, rolled oats, natural peanut flour, and a whole lot more natural and healthy ingredients - leave out the by-products, fertilizers, antibiotics, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors thank you very much. Oh and leave out the wheat, soy and corn because Rufus and his friends were a bit allergic to it, not to mention it made them a bit gassy.

Paul was happy to oblige, he loved his dogs as well, and he created a great line of organic dog treats just for Rufus and his friends. So now when Rufus lets his people use dog training treats to get him to do embarrassing things he has a happy smile on his face because his pal Paul made sure he had some tasty organic dog treats. Rufus now is a very happy little puppy - just ask him he'll tell you.... after you give him a treat.

Breaking News: Rufus the Puppy Responsible for Organic Dog Treats is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Feeding Our Communities One Click at a Time

Chris — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:12:11 +0000

"14.2% of rural households are food insecure,
an estimated 2.8 million households"

Tis the season for family fun and when our family gets together for the holidays it means good food and lots of it. But what is easy to forget when our kids are nestled all snug in their beds, visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, and we, all snuggled up in our warm winter caps watching a bit of TV or reading a good book by the fire with a bowl of fresh popped popcorn, is that some people don't have that luxury, or the festive holiday food celebrations.

I was reminded of this fact by a mass email of all things, one of those chain letters you get and either forward to all your friends or more than likely just delete. But this one caught my attention "Kare 11 TV & Land O'Lakes are donating $1 to a food shelf for every person who clicks on their web site." I figured I could take a second of my time for a dollar so I took a look.

Land O'Lakes has started a program called Feeding Our Communities - the focus is to help feed those in rural America who don't have enough to eat. It is an unfortunate twist of fate that the regions of this country that supply us with the good food we eat often don't have enough to eat themselves.

"Food shelf visits increased by 30 percent in 2008, and visits to local food shelves are up 40 percent this year over last, while donations are up only about 23 percent."

The Land O'Lakes Foundation wants to help. In partnership with farmer-owners and cooperative partners, they will make available up to $1 million to alleviate rural hunger. To up the anti they will even match dollar for dollar, up to $400,000, the cash donations of member cooperatives who can then use that grant money to fund their own hunger relief programs. Sounds like a nice circle of helping hands there doesn't it - someone has their thinking caps on.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program... you might be wistfully pondering if you were a pondering sort "wouldn't it be nice if we could just press a button to end world hunger?" Well thanks to KARE 11 and the Land O'Lakes Foundation you can press a button to at least help. With "Operation Co-operation" they will automatically donate a dollar to hunger relief programs for every click - you can even come back every 24 hours to do so again - so we'll see you back here tomorrow and the next day and the next day....

Have a wonderful Earth Friendly day from the gang at Earth Friendly Goodies.

Feeding Our Communities One Click at a Time is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Naturally Nora Cookie Cookie Cake Mix Super Sale

Chris — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:43:55 +0000

A Cyber Monday sensation to sink your teeth into, this natural cake mix is due for a huge discount in Amazon's Cyber Monday promotion. (Keep your clicking fingers nice and limber around 12pm PST to snatch up the best price)

This 100% natural cake mix has no artificial ingredients, colors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, dairy or soy, and is completely kosher. I did notice that it is manufactured in a facility that also handles wheat, eggs, milk, soy and tree nuts so it can't really claim to be 100% free of soy and dairy, and the chocolate cookies do have canola oil in them which while better than most vegetable oils still isn't the best for you, but overall it is still quite a bit better than most "regular" cake mixes.

So how is it on taste? That may be up to personal opinion but Naturally Nora products have been very well received by many natural food lovers. I would add though that this is not a light and fluffy cake - it is one of the more dense varieties of cake mixes you often find with natural baked goods - unfortunately those hydrogenated oils serve a purpose after all. I would imagine though that one could experiment with adding coconut oil or perhaps apple sauce and it may help add a bit of fluffiness.

If you've tried Naturally Nora cake mixes please leave us your opinion below, we'd love to hear from you.

Naturally Nora Cookie Cookie Cake Mix Super Sale is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Black Friday Sale on FEED Bags an Eco-Friendly Life Saver

Chris — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:56:36 +0000

In the true spirit of earth friendliness and Black Friday super sales Amazon offered a Black Friday Week Lightning Deal on the World Food Programme Feed Bag. The Feed Bags which are normally $35 were on sale for a whopping 71% off which made them only $10. While the big Black Friday sale may be over these eco-friendly FEED bags help support a fabulous cause - feeding school children so they can focus on learning rather than the rumble of their tummies. Learn more below...

The FEED Project is a partnership between the United Nations World Food Programme and Lauren Bush (fashion model, designer and granddaughter to former president George H.W. Bush)

This is an amazing chance to get more for your money and to help a child live a better life. Each purchase of the World Food Programme FEED bag feeds one child in school for one school year. You keep the eco-friendly bag perfect for grocery shopping and a child gets food for a year - a pretty amazing program and a certain Earth Friendly Goodies award winner.

Lauren Bush says about the Feed Bag:
"The FEED bag is a sturdy, reversible bag made out of natural burlap and cotton materials. The design of the bag was inspired by the big bags of food that I have seen being distributed to schools around the world. Besides being a cool bag, it is a tangible way to make a difference in the fight against child hunger. Every FEED bag sold will feed a child for a whole year in school! Thank you for your support of the FEED project! With your help we will be making a big difference in children's lives around the world, one child at a time. So wear your bag with pride!"

Black Friday Sale on FEED Bags an Eco-Friendly Life Saver is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Chris — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:10:10 +0000

If you are looking for a tasty treat on a chilly morning (or afternoons and evenings) perhaps a bowl of organic old fashioned slow cooker oatmeal would hit the spot. I was recently flipping through my "Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook: Feasting with your Slow Cooker" and happened to see a recipe for making slow cooker oatmeal.

Well, my creative kitchen gremlin tapped me on the shoulder and said "hey buddy let's experiment." So experiment we did.

Our Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe:

2 Cups dry Organic Old Fashioned Oats
2 Cups chopped apples (hand picked from a local orchard adds a little family fun)
2 1/2 Cups milk
1 1/2 Cups water
4 Tbsp. honey
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves (or 5-6 crushed bulbs)
coconut oil

Grease your slow cooker with some coconut oil. Mix all the ingredients in your slow cooker set the timer on Low for 4 hours and wait patiently until you have one fine batch of spiced apple slow cooker oatmeal. mm-mmm good!

Note: to take advantage of the full nutrient power of the oats soak them overnight in yogurt or buttermilk. Sound strange? You bet, but whole grains like oats have phytic acid which binds with the vitamins and minerals in our bodies and prevents them from being absorbed. Soaking them in an acidic medium like buttermilk, whey, yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar overnight neutralizes the phytic acid and makes them easier to digest.

Hey if you really dug this slow cooker oatmeal recipe I sure would love a comment, and a share and a Like and a pat on the back and a batch of warm chocolate cookies...

This slow cooker oatmeal recipe post shared on Fight Back Fridays and Real Food Wednesday.

Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Earth Friendly Goodies » food

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot

Mel Bartholomew Speaks about his Gardening Cookbook

Other Gardening Tips in the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook

This Post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook Shared on Real Food Wednesday Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

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EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

EarthBox vs Square Foot Gardening, and the Winner Is?

Square Foot Gardening miniaturized with an EarthBox

This Post on the Earthbox vs Square Foot Gardening Shared on Real Food Wednesday

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Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

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Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

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Fair Trade Chocolates Saved Me From the Dog House

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

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Breaking News: Rufus the Puppy Responsible for Organic Dog Treats

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Feeding Our Communities One Click at a Time

"14.2% of rural households are food insecure, an estimated 2.8 million households"

"Food shelf visits increased by 30 percent in 2008, and visits to local food shelves are up 40 percent this year over last, while donations are up only about 23 percent."

Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:

Naturally Nora Cookie Cookie Cake Mix Super Sale

Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:

Black Friday Sale on FEED Bags an Eco-Friendly Life Saver

Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:

Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Our Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe:

Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:

This Post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:
EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

"14.2% of rural households are food insecure,
an estimated 2.8 million households"