Cook The Garden

Ginain Grayes

Welcome to Cook The Garden Podcast, your weekly audio source for delicious & easy garden fresh recipes & tips. read less
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Episodes

BONUS: Growing Inclusive Communities with Tonya Whitlock
Jul 9 2024
BONUS: Growing Inclusive Communities with Tonya Whitlock
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 Community: Tonya Whitlock explains the mission of The Hive and her personal inspiration from her son, who has cerebral palsy.Programs and Services: Detailed overview of The Hive's programs, including support groups, instructor-led classes (gardening, cooking, art), and social events like bowling, karaoke, and movie nights.Community Engagement: The importance of community support and the roles volunteers and local businesses play in The Hive’s success.Personal Stories: Tonya shares touching stories of members finding their voice and place in the community through The Hive’s initiatives.Upcoming Events: Exciting details about The Hive’s annual fashion show, “The Beauty of Inclusion,” and the October Community Table event. Key Takeaways: The Hive is actively building inclusive communities and housing for adults with disabilities.The organization offers diverse programs to enhance social interaction, independence, and personal growth for its members.Community involvement and support are crucial for the success and expansion of The Hive’s mission.The upcoming fashion show and community table event are excellent opportunities for the public to engage and support The Hive. Links and Resources: The Hive Inclusive Community WebsiteUpcoming Events: Fashion Show: Details and TicketsCommunity Table Event: Visit their website for more details coming soon Get Involved: Volunteer OpportunitiesDonateContact Tonya Whitlock: tonya@theinclusivehive.org Featured Recipe: Autumn Wild Rice Soup & Caesar Salad: This delicious recipe was made during a cooking class with The Hive community members. Easy One-Pot Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup Ingredients 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow onion, finely chopped ¾ cup chopped carrots 1 cup baby spinach or kale ½ cup chopped celery 8 oz. baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced 4 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 cup dry wild rice blend 1 Tbsp. poultry seasoning (alternatives: cajun seasoning for more kick) Salt & black pepper 4 cups (1 quart) lower sodium chicken broth (or vegetable soup) 1-2 cups water 3/4 cup coconut milk Instructions: Heat oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.Add mushrooms and garlic, and stir to combine. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring only occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and slightly golden.Add rice and stir to coat. Let the rice cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. Stir in poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.Add broth and 1-2 cups of water; stir well. Bring the mixture to a low boil, cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for approx 45 mins, or until the rice is tender.Remove the lid and stir in the coconut milk. Add salt and pepper. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls.
Exploring Florida Food Traditions with Dalia Colon
Mar 19 2024
Exploring Florida Food Traditions with Dalia Colon
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 Flavors: The conversation blooms into a discussion about Dalia's involvement with The Zest Podcast, celebrating Florida's rich food culture through stories of citrus, seafood, Spanish flavors, and Southern charm. Cookbook Chronicles: Dalia unveils her new vegetarian cookbook, packed with over 120 plant-based recipes, reflecting her decade-long journey as a vegetarian. She emphasizes the cookbook's approachability for everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. Food for Thought: Engaging tales from Florida's food history, including the challenges facing the citrus industry and the success of the strawberry industry in Plant City, spice up the conversation. Recipe SHARE: Ruby Red Roasted Beet Hummus: A vibrant recipe from Dalia's cookbook is shared, showcasing the versatility and beauty of vegetables. This easy-to-make, visually stunning dish is perfect for any gathering. Ruby Red Beet Hummus Makes about 2 cups 1 large beet, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 4 cloves garlic, minced Juice of 1 large lemon 2 tablespoons tahini ½ teaspoon salt Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Spread the beets on the prepared baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes or until tender. Let cool.In a food processor or strong blender, combine the chickpeas, garlic, remaining ¼ cup olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, and salt and pulse. Adjust lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and continue to blend until hummus reaches your desired flavor and thickness. — Recipe from The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook by Dalia Colón (University Press of Florida, 2024) Resources and Links: The Zest PodcastPurchase Dalia Colón's Vegetarian Cookbook: The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook: Colón, Dalia: 9780813069906: Amazon.com: BooksConnect with Dalia on Social Media: Dalia Colon (@daliacolon) • Instagram photos and videos Cook The Gardent 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
Cultivating a Strong Food System with Monica Petrella
Feb 20 2024
Cultivating a Strong Food System with Monica Petrella
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 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 SurveyUF/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 WebsiteEarthBox website: Planting Boxes | Container Gardening | EarthBoxRecipe 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 ingredientsPreheat 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
Kitchen Garden Goal Planning for the New Year
Jan 2 2024
Kitchen Garden Goal Planning for the New Year
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 PlantsImplementing Sustainable Practices Water conservation strategies, including using a rain barrel.Pros and cons of rainwater collection.Continued focus on sustainable kitchen practices and reducing waste. Educating and Involving Others Involvement in Homegrown Hillsborough, a community initiative.Future plans for local food system education and engagement. Special Segment: Annual Smoothie Challenge Announcement of the annual Smoothie Challenge with new detoxifying recipes.Availability of a free guide with recipes and tips on  CookPraySlay Or you can sign up here Reminder to consult healthcare providers before starting new diet changes.   Share your kitchen garden goals for the new year with Ginain!Look forward to bonus episodes and the new season of Cook The Garden.Encourage sharing the podcast with friends and family. Links and Resources Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cookthegardengroup/ Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cookthegarden Visit the Food Blog: www.cookprayslay.com Email with Feedback and Topics Requests: info@cookprayslay.com
Plant-Based Holiday Menus Made Easy w/ Amy Katz
Nov 14 2023
Plant-Based Holiday Menus Made Easy w/ Amy Katz
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:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incorporating-more-plant-based-meals-into-your-diet/id1642443203?i=1000609459779 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 of various plant-based turkey alternatives in the market but advises that creating a variety of side dishes is a great way to cater to different tastes without the need for a meat substitute. Herbs and Seasonings: They highlight the significance of using fresh or dried herbs and seasonings in plant-based recipes, adding flavor to dishes. Sumac is recommended as a flavorful seasoning, particularly in roasted vegetables, to achieve a delightful citrusy note. Amy’s Scrappy Kitchen Tip: Amy's utilizes kitchen scraps by incorporating them into soups, making creative and waste-reducing dishes. Show Links: Amy’s Recipe: Sauteed Green Beans with Mushrooms - Veggies Save The Day ‌ Resources mentioned in this episode: Amy's website, Veggies Save The Day:  Vegan Recipes Inspired by a Mediterranean Diet   ‌ ‌ Join our Facebook Group:  Cook The Garden - Recipes & Garden Tips | Facebook   Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cookthegarden Visit the Food Blog: www.cookprayslay.com Email with Feedback and Topics Requests: info@cookprayslay.com
Using Kitchen Scrapes to Make DIY Fall & Holiday Simmer Pots
Oct 24 2023
Using Kitchen Scrapes to Make DIY Fall & Holiday Simmer Pots
Ginain kicks off a special mini-series within Cook The Garden called "Scrappy Kitchen," focusing on sustainability and creativity with kitchen scraps. As autumn's chill fills the air, Ginain is eager to infuse homes with inviting scents, even in her Florida location that lacks a traditional fall experience. Ginain shares a personal story about using leftover pineapple scraps to create a tropical twist in her simmer pot, emphasizing the value of sustainability and kitchen creativity.  In this episode, Ginain explores the reasons for crafting DIY fall simmer pots: Natural scents vs. artificial fragrances in store-bought air fresheners.Cost-effectiveness and use of readily available kitchen ingredients.Customizability to match personal scent preferences.The cozy atmosphere created by simmer pots. Listeners learn about the essential ingredients needed for making fall simmer pots, such as a large pot, water, kitchen scraps, and a stovetop or heating source. Ginain shares a variety of delightful fall simmer pot combinations, each with detailed descriptions of ingredients. This offers listeners a range of ideas for creating seasonal aromas. The episode provides step-by-step instructions on creating a fall simmer pot, including maintaining the water level, ensuring safe simmering, and tips for storing and reusing simmer pots. In the spirit of community engagement, Ginain encourages listeners to share their favorite simmer pot recipes and creative kitchen scrap ideas. She invites them to join the Cook The Garden Community on Facebook and Instagram. Latest blog post for specific recipes and seasonal aromas: Scrappy Kitchen: Turn Kitchen Scraps into Cozy Simmer Pots (cookprayslay.com)   Cook The Garden Resources: Cook the Garden Resources: Join our NEW Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cookthegardengroup/ Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cookthegarden Visit the Food Blog: www.cookprayslay.com Email with Feedback and Topics Requests: info@cookprayslay.com
Exploring Fall and Winter CSA Boxes with David Crowley
Sep 26 2023
Exploring Fall and Winter CSA Boxes with David Crowley
In this episode, Ginain is joined by the incredible David Crowley to discover the delicious ingredients you can find in Fall and Winter CSA boxes. David shares expert tips on meal planning with seasonal items from CSA boxes, helping you create culinary masterpieces even from the most mysterious vegetables. We'll also explore how to find the perfect CSA service for your needs and uncover the health and economic benefits of Community Supported Agriculture. Plus, don't miss David's mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Pasta! Evolving Contents of CSA Boxes David discusses how the contents of CSA boxes change as we transition from summer to fall and then into winter.Highlights typical vegetables and produce items people can expect in Fall and Winter CSA boxes. Meal Planning with Seasonal Produce David & Ginain share tips on how to plan meals with the seasonal items from CSA boxes.Offers creative strategies for making the most of unfamiliar ingredients. Finding the Perfect CSA David provides insights on how to find the right CSA service for your needs.Discusses the importance of connecting with local farmers and the origins of your produce. Health and Economic Benefits of CSA Explores the benefits of eating seasonally, not only for individuals but also for the environment and local economies.David highlights the positive impact of supporting local agriculture. David's Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Pasta Recipe David generously shares his delicious recipe for Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Pasta.Ginain and David discuss variations and serving suggestions. Connect with David Crowley: Cooking Chat Instagram (@cookingchatwine)  and threads @cookingchatwine Instagram (@cooklocaleatlocal) cookingchat YouTube @CookingChat   CTG Resources: Join our NEW Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cookthegardengroup/ Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cookthegarden Visit the Food Blog: www.cookprayslay.com Email with Feedback and Topics Requests: info@cookprayslay.com
Fresh Herbs in Persian Cuisine with Bita & Beata
Sep 19 2023
Fresh Herbs in Persian Cuisine with Bita & Beata
Hey garden foodies! Welcome to a fresh, new season of Cook the Garden podcast! We're kicking things off with a fantastic episode featuring two remarkable guests: Bita Arabian and Beata Nazem Kelley. They're the dynamic co-hosts of the Modern Persian Food Podcast and passionate food bloggers, bringing a unique and modern twist to Persian cuisine. In today's episode, we embark on a flavorful journey into the heart of Persian cooking. Get ready to discover how Bita and Beata work their culinary magic with fresh herbs, infusing traditional Persian dishes with a burst of vibrant flavors and aromas. Fresh Herbs and Persian Cuisine Fresh herbs have long been the unsung heroes of Persian cuisine, and our guests are experts in showcasing their power. Bita and Beata will share their insights on how these aromatic greens play an essential role in elevating Persian dishes to a whole new level. From mint to cilantro to tarragon, we'll uncover the secrets behind their use and the unique touch they bring to Persian culinary traditions. A Delicious Recipe to Try Bita and Beata share a traditional Persian noodle bean soup recipe called Aash Reshteh. It's been personally tried and tested, earning rave reviews from my family! See links below for recipes! Connect with Bita and Beata If you're as captivated by Bita and Beata's passion for Persian cuisine as we are, be sure to connect with them- all the links are listed below. You'll find their podcast, blogs, and more, ensuring you can continue exploring Modern Persian Food. Recipes: Asheh Reshteh Beata has two from her site, Beats Eats for this soup: https://beatseats.com/asheh-reshteh-persian-noodle-soup/ Asheh Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup – Original Recipe Post   Bita has one from her recipe site, Oven Hug: Aash Reshteh | Persian Noodle Soup   Sabzi Khordan Sabzi Khordan | Persian Herb Appetizer Check out this episode dedicated to Sabzi Khordan on the Modern Persian Food podcast as well, Episode 42: Sabzi Khordan   Check out their podcast: Modern Persian Food  IG: @modernpersianfood Youtube: Modern Persian Food podcast TikTok: modernpersianfood LinkedIn: Modern Persian Food