Cooking at Home with Judy

Inspiration

Anytime you need a little inspiration . . .

Here is a young man you won't quickly forget. 

Blessings and Gratitude, 

Inspiration

 

 

Junk Mail Warning

Advertised in Women's World "Opt out of the new JUNK MAIL". Beware this so-called non-profit is actually the national lobby organization for DIRECT MAIL companies.

Like ALL websites I checked to see who they were and what their purpose is, where they are located and what their privacy policies are.

In my opinion this is simply another GIMMICK to gather your personal identification information so that more companies may send you unsolicited advertising. So don't be duped.

I personally stop all junk mail by calling each company I receive mail from and ask that my address be removed. I also ask each company I do business with to make sure my account is marked to receive ONLY my monthly statements and NO additional mail or phone calls. I care far more about out planet than I do anything they may want to sell me. As you can guess I am registered with the governments NO CALL list.

When we take better care of our planet . . . it will take better care of us. 

COOKED

Cooking may be the most important link of all to transforming our nation into a healthy nation. Who is doing your cooking – your family or corporations? Making our own meals can make all the difference, to your health and our nation as a whole.

But who has the time?????

Do you have time to deal with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart issues???????? Preparing your own meals and snacks is the BEST preventive medicine.

Find fun - quick - and E-Z was to prepare your own meals and healthy snacks in the categories to the right. Not sure what to buy or how to keep it fresh? You'll find lots of ideas on this website and in my books Cooking with Judy. There are six volumes to choose from and you can preview each one before you purchase. 

For the past twenty-five years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where nature and culture intersect: on our plates, and in our farms and gardens. Check out his newest book Cooked.

A Walk in the Park

New study proves what we all know and our ancestors have known for thousands of years TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK and DE-STRESS. It will make your brain sooooooooo happy and your whole body will benefit.

We are lucky this lady took a road trip up an old highway and got thirsty just in time to pull off the highway into Belle Plain Kansas. There she passed the old rusted gates to the Belle Plain Arboretum and saw the For Sale sign. She asked about it at the filling station where she got her cold drink. The proprietor gave her directions to the owner and Robin Macy, a former Dixie Chick bought it then and there. What a joy for all of us. 

The Arboretum had been closed for over twenty years and was so overgrown and neglected nobody wanted it but Robin could see its beauty beyond the rubble. She got herself a job teaching high school and put out the word she needed volunteers to help clear away the brush and pull the weeds. We call them the Soil Sisters those dedicated workers who have turned the garden back into its own true beauty.

Please join us for great music, good food, kind people and a most enchanting walk where you too can enjoy nature at its best. 

30 Days to Grace

A few years ago I had the privilege of meeting former ER nurse and motivational speaker Diane Sieg speak on how to STOP Living Your Life Like an Emergency. We have kept in touch through the years and I was delighted to serve as her ambassador when she returned  to introduce her new book "30 Days to Grace".

You know the old saying practice what you preach? Well Diane does indeed. I think Grace must be her middle name. What a delight to watch her and participate in her brief walk-through of her 30 Days to Grace practice. How calming, how soothing, how sweet to relax into oneself and feel at peace.

Diane led us through some easy breathing exercises and a few gentle stretches while we were all seated. It felt really good and then she announced we had just practiced some very comfortable YOGA poises. What? I can't do Yoga! Heaven knows I've tried but my body won't twist and bend and get up and down off the floor with my artificial hip? NO way. She saw the look on my face and with the utmost GRACE she said yes -- easy gentle Yoga and smiled. Well -- who would have "thunk" it?

YES you too can do Yoga. Maybe Chair Yoga is more your style, but no matter what limitations you think you have you too will benefit immediately from the deep breathing, gentle stretching, quiet time and journaling Diane will lead you through on her CD. What a joy -- what a blessing. You too will love her book, her easy gentle style of writing that allows you to think outside the box and find great relief from the daily stresses in your life. 

Need a little more detailed guidance? Diane will be happy to guide you through your daily practice through her personal coaching services. Check out her website today!

Farmer's Market

Isn't it time Wichita had a year-round indoor true Farmer's Market where we could buy LOCAL grass-feed beef, free-range chickens, milk, eggs, cheese, butter, honey and the abundance of organically locally grown FRESH produce everyday! 

Check out the Reading Terminal Market in Philly. What a wonderful concept to incorporate public spaces for cooking lessons, gardening classes, charity fundraisers and talented musicians on the weekends. Check out their long list of merchants and even their board of directors shows you what outstanding support they get from the community at large. You'll love their newsletter with all the "happenings" going on.

We deserve to have this type of entity in our own hometown. If you have an interest in supporting such an endeavor in Wichita please send me a note and we'll get started. 

Heidi Beckman, PhD

Heidi Beckman, PhD author of The Diabetes Motivation Book is someone you'll want to know every time you have to face a change in your life. Starting right on the front cover she tells us "Change one thing at a time with the science of willpower".

Shoot I didn't know willpower had become a science. But that is exactly what Dr. Beckman has done, used scientific proof to show us an effective way to DEAL with change.

We all face unwanted changes throughout our lives and even though Dr. Beckman has chosen to help the diabetic make the necessary and life saving changes, her workbook can help all of us make CHANGES.  

You'll find this and her other books at Amazon

Find out just how important your Pocket Change can be! 

Great Quote

He that takes medicine and neglects diet,

wastes the time of his doctor.
 
- Ancient Chinese Proverb

Received from Michelle DeAngelis author of Get a Life that Doesn't Suck! A fun and motivating read!

Great story how she came up with the title. For three years Michelle had been trying to find a publisher for her book on how to put more JOY in your daily life. At that time the market was flooded with self-help books. 

Out of desperation she was about to give up and toss her manuscript. She decided to do what Ben Franklin did anytime he was facing a dilemma.

Since she lives on the coast of California she did what any self-respecting gal would do. She fixed herself a jug of Margaritas and headed for the beach. 

Once there and settled into her beach chair with cocktail in hand she pulled out her yellow legal pad and drew a big heavy line down the middle. On the top left she wrote: To Publish. On the top right she wrote: NOT to Publish and began to make a list of all the pros and cons of publishing or giving up. 

As she was busy writing a man walked past, set up his chair a ways ahead of her and called out, "What are you writing"?

Not wanting to be disturbed she snapped back, "How to get a Life that Doesn't Suck". 

He immediately replied, "I know people who would buy that book". 

She blinked, grabbed up her belongings and dashed home to call her agent. "I have a NEW title", she exclaimed and explained. Within 3 weeks she had a publisher and that my friends is the rest of the story!  You'll find the cover shows a lemon with a straw stuck in it. What a perfect visual. 

Children in Crisis

We all know the obesity rate is rising not only with adults but more frightening are the dramatic rates of increase in obesity in children. We all know obesity is a direct result of what we put in our mouth. We know we should eat better and exercise more but that is often easier said than done. We as a nation must change now, as each generation gets bigger and bigger and sicker and sicker. Far too often low-income families believe they have no choice but to eat prepared and packaged foods. When in truth they can easily afford FRESH produce that will fill their families nutritional needs. They just need the opportunity to see it for themselves.

The Weight of the Nation is a dramatic film that needs to be seen by every family in this country. It identifies the non-food choices we are making. It offers lots of "new" choice options and community support throughout our great nation. This is not the other guys problem it is our problem as a city, a county, a state and as a nation as a whole. And, it starts with YOU and me and we can each do our share to help make a change for everyone. First: invest $20 and purchase a copy of this film for your family and share it with friends. Or you may find it at your local Public Library, as I did. Get your church or school to do a FREE public viewing then ask those people how they can help their neighbors become strong and vital.

Your friend in the kitchen, Judy L. Young

Download Weight of the Nation Part 1

Download Weight of the Nation Part 2

Download Weight of the Nation Part 3

Download Weight of the Nation Part 4

MUSHU the baby pig

MuShu the baby pig was badly injured when he fell off the livestock truck.

I am sure a lot of you saw this great story in the Wichita Eagle a few days ago, but just in case here it is. Don't miss the video, half way down in the story.  It is great fun watching MuShu playing with this pal the big yellow lab.

Don't you wish you had gone to a school like this? Walton Rural Life Center 

We need more schools teaching the basics of life. See the video, you'll love what the parents have to say.

Mike Hutmacher/File photo from the Wichita Eagle

It is always good to share appreciation!

Heirloom Seeds

Want great seeds for herbs and heirloom veggies? Then you'll want to check out the Cherry Gal website. She is delightful and one of the people you'll want to know. CherryGal Heirloom Seeds grew from her life-long love and study of gardening and history, coupled with her strong belief in organics and sustainable agriculture.

 

FDR's 4 Freedoms

It may have taken more than 50 years to make a dream come true but you can visit the site in person or on line. I am very touched by Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Four Freedoms and want all to see and feel the clean crisp truth of his words.

 

Freedom of Speech and Expression

 

Freedom of Worship

 

Freedom of Want

 

Freedom of Fear

Roosevelt Freedom Park, Roosevelt Island, New York

Blueberries

At Chautauqua Hills Farm we’ve chosen to grow the food we produce using natural and organic products and methods. We believe this offers us the widest assortment of choices toward the goal of producing the very best food we possibly can. We’ve also made the commitment to leave the biodiversity intact at our farm as much as possible as we work to expand our growing areas. This is important for many reasons. Call for seasonal picking dates and times. 

Gardens

 

Community Gardens and Farmers Markets  

Great sources for FRESH produce in Season! 

Check with your local newspaper and County Extension Office and local 4-H for locations and dates open near you. You'll be glad you did! 

Eat from the Farm not from a Factory

Summertime

Summertime … the song says, "When the living gets easy".  In my opinion it just gets plain HOT but we do get to enjoy the bounty of Mother Nature at her very best.

Blackberries … they at in their prime and I suggest you find Elderslie Farm. If you can't get to the farm look at the list of markets they serve. They are sooooooooo sweet and succulent they truly melt in your mouth. But remember blackberries are a natural laxative, Did you know you can FREEZE them for later in the year.  Just lay them out on a baking sheet lined with wax paper overnight. Bag and date the next day, I use snack size zip bags.

Eggplant - Zucchini - Yellow-neck Squash - Leeks - Onions - Cucumbers - Swiss Chard in a rainbow of colors and the Best Green Beans in the world are as close as your nearest Farmers Market for a location near you check with the garden editor at your local newspaper, your County Extension Office or local 4-H. 

Red, White and Blue Salad for the 4th of July. It is E-Z and simple to make and perfect for picnics and cookouts. 

Download Straw-blue-spinach salad.pages

And . . . Remember to Eat from the FARM not a factory -- the title of my next book

Extension Office

The Sedgwick County Extension Office and 4-H are two of the most important resources in our community and I hope you will take advantage of the vast amount of information they have available. Take any one of their many classes on budgeting, parenting, sewing, canning, growing herbs, cooking, knitting, tending livestock and even environmentally friendly pest control. And, don't forget the amazing, beautiful, healthy and affordable Framer's Market every Saturday morning May - Oct. http://www.sedgwick.ksu.edu

If you live out of our area please find your own local Extension and 4-H offices they offer many resources for your community. 

Recycling

Throwing that computer away can be . . .

hazardous to your health and mine.

Find your local recycling center for all waste materials. Either through your local government, local newspaper or County Extension Office. 

 

The Sedgwick County Extension Center offers an online recycling guide listing several places that take electronic equipment.

 

The better we treat our planet the better it will take care of us.

True Food

 

 

Turn your kitchen into a healing pharmacy. Learn how to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and maintain optimal health with Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet with his new cookbook True Food.  

Kid Power

Our Hero 

Kid Power

What every child needs to know about food. What a fun and very interactive LIVE presentation on the importance of portion control and finding the nutrition value in REAL food. KID POWER really has the kids understanding they have the POWER to choose. Check to see when our hero will be in a school near you! 

Our dynamic duo KID POWER and Cooking with Judy, both say remember to Eat from the FARM and not a Factory.