Category: Kitchen Tips
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Monday, April 18, 2016
10 Simple Kitchen Tips for Protecting Mother Earth
Earth Day is just around the corner! As cheesy as this may sound, every day is Earth Day in our house. I know, I know. CHEESE. But it’s true. For the last 6 years, my new year’s resolutions have all been centered around helping Mother Earth by making changes in how our family eats and cooks. As I look back on those years, I can see how much better we’ve gotten about a lot of things and I can also see how those resolutions have really gotten me (and my kids!) to be constantly thinking about how our actions are impacting the environment. The best part is that it’s all been easier to do than I thought it would be!
When I say that I am constantly thinking about how our food system impacts the environment I am not exaggerating. I think about environmental food issues all the time. I regularly read articles and reports about the environmental impact of the food industry and I love getting the chance to talk with food companies of all kinds to find out how they produce food, what they are doing about their carbon footprint and more. This year I’ve already talked with at least 3 different food companies regarding sustainability and have gained so much insight into how food companies think about sustainability and what they are doing about it.
One of those companies I’ve met with is General Mills. I visited their headquarters this past January, where I participated in a small Q&A session with the president of the cereal group as well as a one-on-one conversation with Catherine Gunsbury, director of sustainability and transparency at General Mills. My talk with Catherine was awesome and I got all kinds of great intel out of her. We also discovered that she and I are kindred spirits – we are both obsessed with not throwing food into the trash (obsessed). I spoke with Catherine on the phone again this week, at which point she filled me in on General Mills’ latest annual Global Responsibility Report. We talked about General Mills’ goal to sustainably source 100% of their top 10 ingredients by 2020 (and what that means) as well as General Mills’ commitment to achieve zero waste going to landfill at 100% of their global production facilities by 2025 (they are at about 6% now and making good progress). If you want to read more detail about what General Mills is up to in terms of sustainability and social responsibility, click here.
As I’ve spoken with many food companies over the years, both big and small, and really mulled over all the issues surrounding food and the environment, I’ve been encouraged to see that a lot of these companies really do care and are working hard to turn the ship that is our food system around. One of the other big things I keep coming back to is how powerful consumers are. If we as consumers demand better food (and packaging and production and everything else!), food companies will continue to deliver better food (and packaging and production and everything else!). Like I said, the food industry is a large ship and it will take a lot of work and time to turn it around, but I have faith we can all contribute to that process. It can feel daunting, but if we all keep on keeping on, we can make the world a better place and ensure our food sources will be sustainable for generations to come.
So, what are some of the things we can actually do in our daily lives to help that process along? To celebrate Earth Day this week, I’d love to share ten things our family has done in the kitchen over the years to have a positive impact on the environment. Some of these tactics are more involved than others, but none of them are difficult and all of them make a difference! And, before you let yourself feel overwhelmed by the list, I promise these are things our family does every day. I’m about the laziest cook you’ll ever meet and I’ve still been able to follow these steps! For me the key to success is to keep it simple and realistic and focus on working on a step-by-step basis.
1. Eat Less Meat.
My first official what-we-eat-and-how-we-eat-it-affects-the-environment resolution was to eat less meat. Per capita meat consumption has increased significantly over the last several decades. In fact, if we all switched to natural, pasture-raised meat, there wouldn’t be enough land to support our demand. The natural resources that go into producing a pound of meat versus pretty much any other food is significantly more. Reducing meat consumption across society would have a huge positive impact on the environment! So, how do we do that?
For our family we did not go vegetarian, we simply cut back on the amount of meat we ate week to week. I experimented with vegetarian recipes that incorporated beans because our family likes beans. I chose recipes that made it easier to spread out the meat I was using so I could use less meat overall in that meal, like salads with just 1 or 2 chicken breasts for the whole family. I thought cutting back on meat would be so hard, but it wasn’t, and I think that’s because we took a moderate approach that was realistic for our family.
(Pictured above: Sweet Potato Bacon Pizza, where very little meat is used…and dinner is still filling and beyond delicious!)
2. Cut Back on Paper Towels and Napkins.
I honestly thought cutting out paper towels would be impossible, but it was EASY. I swear. The trick is to buy a big stack of towels and to have them in a very accessible place in the kitchen. The only time I use paper towels now is to soak up grease. Click here to read more about our family’s system that’s made living without paper towels no big deal. Our family also only uses cloth napkins. They go in with the normal laundry and it hasn’t been any extra work. Quick tip: my favorite cloth napkins are the cocktail sized napkins – they are perfect for everyday use!
3. Use Less Plastic.
This was a multi-year goal for me and one I am still working on. Reducing plastic use is hard because it is everywhere, especially when it comes to food products. The good news is that all that plastic gives you ample opportunity to tackle the problem! Maybe start by eliminating one-time plastic use items, like throwaway food containers and baggies. Then slowly replace plastic storage containers with glass, and so on. And, don’t forget the classic bring your own bags to the grocery store! One step at a time is the way to go with this goal!
4. Recycle Even More!
I know most of us recycle a lot already. But I also know a lot of us don’t realize just how much we can recycle. For example, I learned just 3 months ago that the cereal bags inside the boxes for General Mills cereals are recyclable! Upon closer inspection I discovered that the bottom of the boxes told me that very fact, I just never bothered to look. Now I check all food packages much more carefully to see what packaging is recyclable! I also took the time to visit my waste management company’s website and reviewed their recycling list. Did you know you can recycle aluminum foil? The list goes on and on!
5. Waste Less Food.
This is my 2016 resolution and it’s a big one. It’s amazing, though, how simply being mindful of food waste has automatically decreased the amount of food our family throws away. For example, I am so much better about using leftovers now. I’ve also discovered that a lot of our food waste happens when we eat out, so I try to adjust our takeout orders accordingly. There are just so many ways to decrease food waste and paying just a little bit of attention is a simple way to make a big difference!
6. Compost.
Composting is related to my food waste goal and something I just started doing this year. I’ve always been scared of composting (actually, terrified), but now that we’re composting it’s seriously no big deal. I have a bowl on my counter where I toss compostable items, which I dump each night in our compost bin we have out in the yard. Total added time to my daily routine? 1 minute. Easy peasy! And, if you’re lucky enough to live in a community that picks up compost with regular trash pick up, then composting is even easier. Be sure to research what your town has to offer!
7. Don’t Throw Food in the Trash Whenever Possible.
This is also related to numbers five and six, but I think it’s worth a specific call out. Did you know that when food decomposes in the landfill, it puts off significant amounts of greenhouse gases that would not be emitted if the food was composted naturally? Keep food out of the landfills by putting it in the disposal or compost pile. There are some items that can’t go in compost or down the sink, but that list is small. This is an easy way we can all make a difference!
8. Buy Food in Bulk.
Buy food in bulk to cut down on packaging and encourage cooking! But keep those food waste goals in mind”¦don’t buy more than you will use. And don’t forget to utilize your freezer! I’ve found that my freezer has been a great friend both in reducing food waste and allowing me to buy more foods in bulk.
9. Reusable Containers for Food Storage and Packing Lunches.
When I started cutting out plastic, I bought a bunch of glass food containers. I recycled a few of the old plastic items, but kept the good quality ones, which I use when I run out of glass. I’ve forced myself to stop using plastic wrap for covering food in the fridge, too. I’ve also switched to reusable lunch food bags for my kids’ lunches. Washing them every day takes a bit of time, but nothing crazy and it’s definitely worth saving all those plastic bags from going into the trash!
10. Join a CSA.
There’s nothing like joining a CSA to help you eat more locally and seasonally! Plus being connected to local farmers can teach you a lot and really connect you to your community. If a farm share is too expensive or simply too much food for your family, consider splitting it with a friend!
I hope this list isn’t daunting but instead encouraging! If you have any questions about any of these tips, let me know! And, as always, if you have your own tips or tricks for implementing any of the steps above, please share!
Today’s post is sponsored by General Mills.
Posted by Jane Maynard at 12:18 pm 9 Comments
Categories: Eat Well. Heal the Planet., Kitchen Tips Tags: eat well. heal the planet., food sustainability, kitchen tip |
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Thursday, March 31, 2016
Recipe and a Tip: Chocolate Ganache Cake + The Magic of Coffee in Chocolate
Today’s Thursday Recipe & a Tip is all about chocolate. I could talk for days about chocolate. I limited myself to 11 minutes this time around, but I think I’m going to have to do more chocolate-themed episodes. Because 11 minutes is not enough time to tell you all the ways to make perfect chocolate in your kitchen. Anyway, today I share one of my most favorite chocolate recipes with you as well as the secret ingredient you can use in your cooking to make chocolate rich in flavor.
Please note: In this episode I mention that the SoNo Baking Company is in New York, but I meant Connecticut. I grew up in the “tri state area” (which is essentially NYC/Long Island, Northern New Jersey and Connecticut). Apparently my subconscious considers all of that “New York.” 😉
Shownotes:
- Cocoa powders I love: E. Guittard Cocoa Rouge and Scharffen Berger Cocoa Powder
- Scharffen Berger Truffles Recipe
- Scharffen Berger Cookbook
- SoNo Chocolate Ganache Cake
- The SoNo Baking Company Cookbook
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 12:49 pm No Comments
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: chocolate, podcast, this week for dinner podcast, thursday recipe & a tip |
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Monday, March 28, 2016
Catherine McCord of Weelicious and One Potato Talks Getting Dinner on the Table Daily (Ep. 36)
It’s a Monday, which means I get to share an interview with you on the podcast! Today I have a little chat with Catherine McCord, food blogger at Weelicious, author of two cookbooks and founder of the new meal delivery service One Potato. Catherine is a dedicated mother who cooks at home pretty much every day, despite an insane working schedule for herself and her husband. In addition to her kitchen awesomeness, she’s just a really nice person that I am grateful to know.
Shownotes:
- Catherine’s website Weelicious
- Book: Weelicious: One Family, One Meal
- Book: Weelicious Lunches
- One Potato, Catherine’s new family-focused, organic meal delivery service currently serving California and parts of Nevada and Arizona…but soon to expand!
- Weelicious meal planning service
- Catherine’s chocolate chip granola bar recipe
- My recipe for chocolate chip granola bars, inspired by Catherine’s (Catherine’s bars are more crispy, mine are a little more chewy)
- Banana Bites
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 9:05 am No Comments
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: catherine mccord, podcast, this week for dinner podcast, weelicious |
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Thursday, March 17, 2016
Recipe and a Tip: Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Beef + Cooking Tender Chicken (Ep. 35)
Hey everyone! It’s Thursday, so I have a quick recipe and a tip on the podcast for you. I wax poetic about one of my favorite slow cooker recipes and share an easy but awesome tip for tender chicken. Enjoy!
Shownotes:
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 3:06 pm 1 Comment
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: podcast, this week for dinner podcast, thursday recipe & a tip |
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Monday, March 14, 2016
Lifestyle Blogger Allison Czarnecki Talks Tons of Food and Gets Jane in a Silly Mood (Ep. 34)
Hi friends! So, last week I took a little podcast break, but today we are back! Since it’s Monday I have an interview for you and it’s a doozy, in a good way, of course. My colleague, business partner and friend Allison Czarnecki from the lifestyle blog Petit Elefant joins me to discuss several great recipes and kitchen tips. Allison started her blog many moons ago and writes about style, family, home, travel and, of course, FOOD. Allison, our friend Marie (who was on the podcast previously) and I started a business together in 2009 and are pretty much bonded for life. On today’s episode we talk a lot about food but Allison also gets me in a silly mood, which just plain means trouble. Thanks for that, Allison.
Shownotes:
- Allison’s favorite recipe, her mom’s rolls
- Allison’s other favorite recipe, her dad’s German müesli
- Czarnecki Polish Christmas Eve
- Marie’s Kitchen Tip (Allison has an update on the tip Marie shared)
- Allison’s pie crust
- Vetebröd, the cardamom bread I talk about on the show. Click here for the bulle (bun) version and a picture of my Grandma.
- Jane’s Swedish meatballs
- Chicken Pot Pie (the recipe I have on my site that Allison uses all the time)
- Chest freezer similar to what Jane has (this one is a wee bit bigger than mine)
- 55-Gallon water barrel at Costco (for storing whiskey)
- Justified
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 2:22 pm 1 Comment
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: allison czarnecki, podcast, this week for dinner podcast |
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Thursday, March 3, 2016
Recipe and a Tip: Naan Pizza + Cheese Paper (Ep. 33)
Happy Thursday! It has been quite a day, so I’m just now getting this podcast episode published, but at least it’s going live on a Thursday since it’s called Thursday Recipe & a Tip. Today I’m talking about the best way to store cheese and (surprise, surprise) my love for naan pizzas. A nice quick episode that will hopefully make life in the kitchen easier and tastier for you!
Shownotes:
- Cheese bags on Amazon (my fave)
- Cheese paper sheets on Amazon
- Naan pizza recipe
- Stonefire naan bread
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 8:48 pm 1 Comment
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: podcast, this week for dinner podcast, thursday recipe & a tip |
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Monday, February 29, 2016
Bakerella Angie Dudley Talks Cake Pops, Kidney Transplants, Family Recipes and Aspirationally-Organized Creatives (Ep. 32)
It’s Monday, which means it’s interview day on the podcast. Today’s guest is none other than the great Bakerella! Angie Dudley is a food blogger at the website Bakerella. She shares all kinds of wonderful baking recipes on her site, like these Toffee Bit Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies, and inspiration for all kinds of cake pops, like these Elephant Cake Pop Valentines. By the way, Angie doesn’t just make awesome cake pops, she actually invented them. She’s a genius! I love Angie dearly and it was such a treat having her on the show. Be sure to listen in. We talk cake pops, kidney transplants, her grandma’s pie recipe, and the plight of aspirationally-organized (i.e. disorganized) creative types (i.e. us).
Shownotes:
- Bakerella.com
- Kidney Cake Pops
- Mama’s Pecan Pies (with pictures of Angie’s grandmother)
- Photos of Angie’s drawers of sprinkles
- Three Many Cooks
- Sodium Girl
- Here are all of Angie’s great books!
- Cake Pops: Tips Tricks and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats
- Cake Pops Kit: New Projects and Old Favorites
- Cake Pops Holidays
- Cake Pops: 20 Notecards and Envelopes
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 2:10 pm No Comments
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: angie dudley, bakerella, podcast, this week for dinner podcast |
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Thursday, February 25, 2016
Recipe and a Tip: Kitchen Sink Quesadillas + How to Keep Pasta Water from Boiling Over (Ep. 31)
It’s Thursday! Recipe & a Tip Time!
Shownotes:
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 11:54 am No Comments
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: podcast, this week for dinner podcast, thursday recipe & a tip |
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Thursday, February 18, 2016
Recipe and a Tip: Curry in a Hurry + The Trick to Homemade Frozen Yogurt (Ep. 29)
Happy Thursday! Today’s podcast features a recipe tip inspired by my visit to Ben & Jerry’s in Vermont this week. I’ve got frozen dessert on the brain! 😉
Shownotes:
- How to use xanthan gum in homemade frozen yogurt
- Curry in a Hurry (click through for links to good curry powder options)
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 1:20 pm No Comments
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: curry, homemade frozen yogurt, penzey's, podcast, this week for dinner podcast, thursday recipe & a tip |
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Thursday, February 11, 2016
Recipe and a Tip: Homemade Hamburgers + Chopping Green Onions (Ep. 27)
It’s Thursday. That means it’s time for a quick recipe and a tip on the podcast! Today you find out my new favorite go-to recipe as well as how to chop green onions the right way. (Also, Electrify Africa passed! Woohoo! Listen to find out why this is so awesome.)
Shownotes:
- Post I wrote last summer regarding the Electrify Africa Act, which was signed into last this week! Woohoo!
- Post about the state of electricity in the African country Malawi
- I found pictures of how I chop green onions. Click here to see!
It’s easy to listen to the show!
- Via the web: Just click play below!
- Via an app: For iPhone and iPad, subscribe to the This Week for Dinner Podcast on iTunes and listen to it through the purple Podcasts app. For Android devices, use the Stitcher, Podcast Addict or Pocket Casts apps. In all cases, launch the app, then search for This Week for Dinner Podcast. The benefit of using an app: once downloaded, you can listen to the show without an Internet connection.
Other Stuff!
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating and/or review on iTunes!
- Big thank you to d&m for providing the music for the podcast!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Posted by Jane Maynard at 10:31 am No Comments
Categories: Kitchen Tips, Podcast Episodes Tags: podcast, this week for dinner podcast |
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
