Veggie Corn Chowder
Recipes

Vegetable Corn Chowder

In August I freeze corn fresh from the farmers market to use in this and other dishes during the long Midwest winter. By quickly blanching the shucked ears in boiling water, cutting off the kernels, and freezing in two cup portions, I can have sweet corn year round. Sometimes I…

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Consumer IQ

Vegetables: Fresh vs Frozen vs Canned

FRESH VEGETABLES Since falling in love with farmers markets and the fresh, local produce they offer, I’ve stopped buying canned fruits and vegetables. Fresh, organic vegetables are infinitely more flavorful than canned. Fresh fruits and vegetables have their own unique textures, too. Shop farmers markets if you can when the…

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Real Life

Grandma’s Plastic Grapes

When I was a kid, my grandmother had a bowl of fake, rubbery bunches of grapes, along with their plastic vines and leaves, as a decoration on her coffee table. My sister and I liked to give them a little squeeze when she wasn’t looking.  If you would have asked…

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Banana spread with peanut butter and topped with a sprinkling of Trader Joe's Seeds and Ancient Grains Blend.
Consumer IQ

Pantry Staples: Peanut Butter

High protein. Great taste. Some of us (ahem) eat peanut butter straight out of the jar. Peanut butter can be a cover or a carrier for other ingredients. Cover your toast, English muffin or banana.  Carry some jam, apples, or raisins on it. We mix it in cookie dough, brownie…

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