Urban Farm Co-op

Friends of ours from work run a neighborhood farm co-op in the middle of our city neighborhood as part of a larger non-profit. It's called Joshua Farm and they employ neighborhood youth to garden with older residents and supply inexpensive organic produce to families that otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. Matt and I decided to support them this year instead of being part of our garden at work since our plants didn't do so well. We purchased a full share, which is a whole lot of fruit and veggies delivered to us from May to October! We're excited to can and make some sauces so look out for some new recipes. Check out the organization: http://www.joshuagroup.org/farm1.htm

Fine Dining- It's All Relative

Two of our favorite residents from the home are Louis and Mary Leedy. They are both MR and had a hard, to say the least, childhood. I've learned a lot from them while working at Paxton Ministries. They asked Matt and I several times when we were going to have them over for dinner. When we invited them this converstation ensued, in my attempt to cook something special for them.

Me: So, Mary what do you and Louis want for dinner?
Mary- Pork 'n Beans
Me: Hmm.. what else do you like? I can make anything (overstatment perhaps)
Mary- Hot Dogs
Me: Is there anything else you both like? Something special?
Mary- Beans
Me (grudingly): Okay

Later, I asked Louis and his response was... Pork 'n Beans. We're having them over tonight. I made sure to get the nitrate free hot dogs. I love how sure they were of their favorite meal. And how sure Louis is of the "mansion he'll get when he meets the Lord in heaven."

Company & Crafts

Megan and Emily, two of my good friends from high school came to Harrisburg! We love having company, especially when it's friends I've known forever. We got up early and went to the Broad Street Market for some fresh veggies, ginger and other miscellaneous goods for dinner. Below, you can see an expanded version of a More with Less stir fry recipe.

I think I go a little over the top sometimes, and make people, even best friends a little uneasy with my anal entertaining tendencies. I asked Matt to shove chop sticks into the napkin rings ha. Megan and Em made me laugh at myself, which is part of the reason I love them so much. We paired the stirfry with a Black Tower reisling For dessert, we picked up some all natural delights from our favorite stand in the market, the Luna Cafe. The date apricot cumb cake and brazil nut cookie with strawberry puree were good.

We thought we knew how to whisk the authentic green tea powder Matt's brother Adam sent us from Japan. Thanks Adam! Below, you can see me attempting to whisk. Let's just say, we'll give it another try. I found a independent jewelry store I love in Harrisburg and picked up some beads. Below is a sample of their merchandise and the earrings I made. I'm not a huge dream catcher fan, but I thought they went well together. Meg and Em have been introduced to the world of jewelry making. After making one pair, we got in the car and they bought their own tools and supplies: http://www.pinkandie.com/. The lovely owner convinced me to sell items on Etsy.
More to come. We're very excited for their next visit.