32 minute read
A RETROSPECTIVE OF COVID
A Retrospective of COVID- 1 9 from Honest Weight’s Outreach and Education Coordinators
by Hilary Papineau
honest weight delivers meals to essential workers at St. Peter's Hospital
COVID-19 has reshaped daily life, forcing individuals and institutions to adapt to a new way of life, changing the way Honest Weight—and its shoppers, member-owners, employees, vendors, community partners, and others—engage with one another. The Co-op’s response to the pandemic, however, reflects a constant—the value Honest Weight places on fulfilling its mission: promoting a more equitable, participademonstratedtory, and ecologically sustainable way of living—as by the proactive,
shopper Testimonial!
"It is hard to imagine a co-op, chain grocery store, or mom-and-pop operation materially affecting the well-being, quality of life, and sense of security that a family has, but Honest Weight has done just that. Deanna, and indeed the entire staff, have, week in and week out, demonstrated, with their curbside service, extraordinary professionalism, flexibility, compassion, and good humor. It has genuinely redefined our experience during these challenging times, knowing that we can rely on them for quality fresh food without exposing ourselves to undue risks. As a 69-year-old man with a history of pneumonia and other complications, it is difficult to overstate my appreciation for the service Honest Weight has provided me and those I care about. 'Thank you' feels so inadequate."
passionate, and innovative leadership of the Co-op’s community outreach and education departments.
While one may think that community outreach and education become dormant during a time of “social distancing,” the crisis has made this work increasingly relevant while also reshaping the departments’ operations.
Shopper Testimonial!
The Co-op’s response to the pandemic reflects a constant - the value Honest Weight places on fulfilling its mission
Community Outreach & Education Efforts Fill Critical Needs
While New York on PAUSE limited the Co-op’s community outreach efforts and education programming, Honest Weight continued to meet the needs of the broader community as well as to offer virtual education programming throughout — and in response to — the pandemic. Community outreach efforts shifted to meet growing demands for food donations across the region as well as delivering lunch to essential workers, while continuing to forge partnerships with allied organizations across the Capital District.
The Co-op also altered its Environmental Tokens program in response to the pandemic, shifting from physical tokens to a touchless exchange, with funds split equally among designated organizations. A Community Outreach initiative, the program incentivizes shoppers to go green by offering either five cents off their bill or an Enviro Token to donate those five cents to a local organization in exchange for every reusable bag used. Over the summer, Honest Weight dedicated the program to local organizations working to fight racial injustice, including: Youth
shopper Testimonial!
Honest weight's Alex Mytelka, Marketing Manager, and Rick Mausert, COO, at The Food Pantries
FX, the Center for Law and Justice, the Capital Area Against Mass Incarceration, the Social Justice Center, and AVillage.
While in-person classes were paused as a result of COVID-19, the Co-op posted yoga, breathing, and meditation videos on its social media sites as well as live Instagram videos, such as “Inside the Coop Kitchen” (accompanied by delicious recipes and
"We were so thankful that the Co-op started doing curbside pickup during the height of the pandemic. As regular shoppers there, and as a full-time caretaker of my mother who is in the high-risk category, we were really stressed about how we were going to be able to get so many of the foods and products that we rely on. I called on a whim to ask if they had by any chance started doing anything like curbside pickup, and I can't tell you how relieved we were when I was told that they had indeed just started taking preorders. We've had nothing but incredible experiences using this service, particularly thanks to Yevette who has been outstanding from day one, and has truly gone out of her way every time we've ordered. The whole process is incredibly easy, convenient, and has been a quite literal lifesaver. I'd like to give a huge thank you to everyone involved!"
photos), and occasional videos of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Community outreach and education teams reshape roles in response to pandemic
Honest Weight’s tireless outreach and education teams, led by Amy Ellis and Deanna Beyer, continued to meet the Co-op’s evolving needs in response to COVID-19, in partnership with Yvette Buddeau, Member Services Coordinator; Liza Molloy, Graphic Designer; and Emily Collins, Housewares Buyer. The team, affectionately dubbed “The Elite Squad,” launched Honest Weight’s first-ever personal shopping and curbside pick-up program as a way to help those in need—shoppers still wanting Co-op products but not able to physically shop at the Co-op during the pandemic. While plans were underway to utilize InstaCart, this practical but informal system answered a call to action—facilitating a process where staff members and member-owners shopped for others, thereby maintaining the accessibility of Honest Weight during COVID-19. In addition, Alex Mytelka, Marketing Director, Deanna Beyer, and Yvette Buddeau, along with the help of memberowners, initiated Honest Weight’s “Early Bird” program, preparing and opening the Co-op to elders The Co-op community’s response to these services has been overwhelmingly positive, as the customers' testimonials convey.
Looking ahead
While Honest Weight is hopeful about returning to in-house educational programs in the fall, the Co-op will continue expanding its virtual offerings in an effort to connect with the wider Co-op community, including its talented teachers and vendor-educators. Keep an eye out for the launch of a culturally diverse book club this fall!
Community outreach efforts will continue to serve at-risk groups and respond to the changing needs of the community.
Do you follow the Co-op on social media?
If not, maybe it’s time you do!
Find Honest Weight on the following platforms:
Facebook: @HonestWeight
Instagram: @honestweightfoodcoop
LinkedIn: @honest-weight-food-co-op
Twitter: @hwfc
Social media is a great way to keep up to date on the Co-op’s educational offerings and how Honest Weight continues to engage with its diverse community partners amid a changing landscape.
Hilary Papineau is an urban planner, food activist and enthusiast, and a Co-op member since 2015. She, her husband, and baby live in the Helderberg Neighborhood of Albany where they spend their free time playing with seeds and weeds and trying not to kill their Co-op houseplants from too much love. Hilary grew up in the Adirondacks and is a research analyst with New York State.
Do Not Fear to Hope
by Rebecca Angel Maxwell
Several years ago while driving with my children after a storm, we saw a wide lawn with many trees knocked down. The following week all the trees had been cleared away except one. It was completely tipped on its side; we could see the crack at its base, branches on the ground. Why had they left it behind?
A few years later our eldest child left for college and bequeathed my husband and me two aloe plants from their room, overwatered, limp, and dying. My initial response was to chuck them out, but my husband insisted he would re-pot them and give them another chance. I rolled my eyes.
Our child had a tough time in college. To be honest, they were having a tough time before that, but those underlying issues exploded once they were out of our care. I watched as my firstborn, finally diagnosed with an eating disorder, struggled and slipped off their carefully envisioned future path.
I wasn’t doing so well myself then either. While I provided my child with support during their illness, I was also trying to make time to see my own doctors and specialists. I had been complaining for years about a list of physical and mental problems that continued to grow in length and severity. It felt like I was slowly breaking down. My family suspected there was a core issue at work, but their suggestions were dismissed by “experts” as much as my suffering was dismissed as part of the aging process for women. I held on as best I could, but I was losing hope.
Finding the root of resilience we all are born with, and having been nurtured by a childhood of care and patience, my eldest chose to live. A fantastic team gave them the tools to dig their own way out of the darkness, while loved ones encouraged them along the way. It was a long effort, but eventually they were able to continue on the path of their dreams.
My husband continued to take care of the aloe plants: re-potting them, setting them on warming pads, finding them a spot at the brightest window, trimming the weak spots, and giving them time to heal. I marveled how, amidst the obvious sick mess, new shoots kept forming and reaching for the light. One morning I took a long look at the aloe plants and was impressed: ‘Well, you’re not dead yet.” I, however, was dying. As I watched the aloe plants inch-byinch recover, and my child pieceby-piece assemble their life back, I was falling apart. After ten years of asking for help, I finally gave up on the medical profession that didn’t seem to care. The only person who was concerned was my herbalist, but she could only ease the pain.
Although I released my grip on hope, I did not let go of life. I might not get the future I had planned, but I still had some living to do. My remaining time was uncertain, since I didn’t even know what exactly was wrong, so I tried to make the most of it. There was only time for love. Even though I had to take breaks, from weakness, while washing my hair, my inner light grew and strengthened. I loved my family. I loved my friends. I loved my students. I loved my neighbors, and the bank tellers, and everyone I read about in the news, whether I agreed with them or not.
Despite my resignation about my future life, my family and friends did not let go of me. Several of Continued on page 25
Listen Up!
by Ben Goldberg
Blues in Time (original title: Gerry Mulligan - Paul Desmond Quartet)
Blues in Time is a jazz album by two saxophone giants and two masterful sidemen, Dave Bailey on drums, and Joe Benjamin on bass. It was released in 1957 on the Verve label. All but one tune— the traditional Body and Soul— were written by either Mulligan or Desmond.
Mulligan, who set the high bar standard for baritone sax, had a long and accomplished history as a prominent band leader, side player, and composer, with many European music awards and nine Grammy nominations and a win in 1981. He died in 1996.
Desmond is probably best known for his remarkable work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (e.g., the iconic “Take Five”) spanning most of the 1950s and 60s (as well as some reunion tours in the 1970s). However, in addition to Brubeck, Desmond played with some of the best jazz artists from the late 1940s through the mid-1970s. Desmond died in 1977. Desmond and Mulligan recorded one other album together in 1962, Two of a Mind, on the RCA Victor label.
Although I listen to many different types of jazz, I only recently discovered Blues in Time, and it quickly became a favorite.
recently discovered Blues in Time, and it quickly became a favorite. To the extent that any label is meaningful, this music is a prime example of mid-20th century, post-bebop “Cool Jazz.” Blues in Time is complex but accessible without being simplistic, slick, or “smooth.” The playing is lyrical without being saccharine, and it’s funky enough to satisfy most listeners’ cravings for groove.
This gem is available on Spotify and Napster.
Brother Sister - The Watkins Family Hour
Warning: Every day for the six weeks after I discovered Brother Sister, I just HAD to listen to it at least once a day and often more than once. (I won’t say how many times!) It’s that good, and yes—I still listen to it every few days.
Brother Sister, which was released this year, is the second offering from the Family Hour record label. It prominently features the siblings Sara and Sean Watkins. These still young people co-founded the acclaimed “Americana”/“new folk”/“acoustic pop” trio Nickel Creek when Sean was 12 and Sara was 8, with the 8-year-old mandolinist Chris Thile (Grammy and McArthur Genius Award winner). Since Nickel Creek sort of disbanded, fiddler/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Sara has followed a solo recording/touring career and has collaborated with many others, including I’m With Her and the Decemberists, among others. Guitarist and songwriter Sean, meanwhile, has recorded solo and as part of The Bee Eaters, the Fiction Family, and the Works Progress Administration. Both Sara and Sean also play with Watkins Family Hour, a family band which often includes many non-family members (think: pickup basketball game).
Continued on page 25
Quarantine Life from a Nine-Year-Old’s Perspective
by Francesca Thornton
I am always hearing things like, “Remember to social distance.”
Or, “I can’t go to the store, I have a Zoom meeting.” “Okay, then I will go.” “Okay, Mateo (that’s my dad), but remember your face mask.” All of this talk is because of a horrible virus called the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). COVID was announced by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. That feeIs like one million years ago. I suppose if the doctors and nurses hadn’t discovered the sickness, then the pandemic would be even worse than this; that would be BAD.
I have been thinking about something Fred Rogers’ mother said, “Always look for the helpers.”
I thought, “Well who is a helper right now?” Now that we’re very far into the pandemic, I realize the helpers are the doctors and nurses, employees at the supermarket (who are either sacrificing themselves to take care of their community, or are in need of money to pay for taxes and bills). A helper is also the oil person or your mail carrier, and it could be your parents or any family member or friend who is with you at this time and is doing all they can to take care of you.
Another thing I have been thinking about is how we would manage through this time period without devices like phones, computers, iPads, TVs, etc.
But I've thought more thoroughly on this and realize that we don’t need tech to work through this crisis. We can send letters and pictures to stay in touch; we can read newspapers and books to stay on top of things. I have found many things that don’t require devices: for example, poems (I have found beauty and strength in both reading and writing them), art (I have definitely found passion in this activity because the sky's not the limit, there is no limit), walking in the woods and biking on the street (ahhh, that sweet smelling air), playing games with my sisters and my parents (this
has been extremely fun), baking (my mama and I have found tons of new recipes and ideas and they're all yummy, especially the pumpkin-spice cookies). As Julia Child said, “A party without a cake is just a meeting.” Last but definitely not least, I’m reading. (I love reading SO much! It’s one of my favorite things to do and I have read about 175 books in this quarantine.)
But, technology still has its pros. This past spring my school has been doing online school and it’s not as good as regular school, but it still works out. And I have been doing educational games which have sorta worked out. I have also been typing a lot of stories on the computer, and it’s really calming. I did a research project on screen addiction and created a presentation for my class. Tech is also good for connecting and checking in with friends and family.
I have also been thinking about how I want the world to look in the future. You know, I don’t just see the world as it is now, I feel what the world will become. I hear the world and taste it; sweet and tangy. But there
are some things that I do imagine and hope for. I imagine that there is no sickness, especially the coronavirus, which will mean that everyone is healthy. Getting outside will be the law and hugs will be part of your daily schedule. I hope for the air and water to be clear: no pollution in the sky or sea. We will reduce the number of animals that are harmed and killed each year. There will be colorful streets, and on those streets there will be homes for the homeless and everyone will join hands and sing.
And how will all beings be treated? There will be no racism for humankind; there is no difference between us but we are still amazingly unique. And of course, there will be no war. Listen to Matisyahu’s song “One Day.”
“That we don’t want to fight no more, there'll be no more wars and our children will play, one day one day one day-y...”
How will I get there? I will not get there; we will get there, together as one. And if someone does not help or is discouraging, we will still be strong. We are all one family; we can change the world together.
Francesca Joy Thornton is going to be a 5th grader at The Robert C. Parker School. It was there that she first wrote this piece with her teacher Nellie Barker (also a Co-op member!) Francesca loves the Co-op, especially the variety of good and healthy food. When she is not playing with her two sisters, you can find her reading in a tree or in her favorite nook in the couch.
Do not fear to hope cont. - p. 22 them called around and found a new doctor far away, secured an appointment, drove me there, and even paid for the visit. When I expressed my amazement at this outpouring of generosity, one friend remarked, “You reap what you sow.” Within a few short weeks, this new doctor diagnosed me with Cushing’s Syndrome. There was a reason for all of my problems. And a cure! I had a life-saving surgery in the fall of 2017 and have been in recovery ever since. I am secure now in the caring hands of better doctors and my family and friends.
These days my firstborn is still careful with their health, while exploring their abundant potential. The aloe plants never look exactly like those in the store, but they’re alive and thriving in their own way. For me, I cannot go back to how my life was before my illness, but instead I am breaking ground that is equally worthy.
As for that tree cracked by the storm? One day I drove by that lawn and saw the downed tree still lying there, yet full of leaves! Alive, despite its new horizontal direction. Someone in the cleanup crew had paused with their chainsaw, knelt down, and realized that strength and growth remained. I can imagine how they gave the tree a little nod and let it live to see another spring.
Rebecca Angel Maxwell has been a part
of Honest Weight for eighteen years and is Managing Editor of the Coop Scoop. When not at the co-op, Rebecca is a teacher, musician, and writer, currently working on a memoir about her experience with Cushing’s Syndrome. There is a long tradition of socalled “sibling duos” in early country and bluegrass music that carried over into rock (e.g., The Kinks, The Allman Brothers) and pop (The Everly Brothers), and with good reason.
There does seem to be something about the type and quality of vocal and instrumental harmonies that sibs produce in almost any musical genre, and Brother Sister is a good example of that. Both siblings are excellent players but when they sing together—well, when the angels sing with soul as well as delicate beauty, they might well sound a lot like this.
Brother Sister consists of an interesting variety of ten tunes, including seven Watkins cowritten originals and three covers, including a Warren Zevon song and a swinging 1930s fun tune by Charley Jordan. Sara has been quoted as saying, “It’s a very duo-centric album because that was the focus in the writing.” Somehow, though, for me, the varied tunes work together nicely. The songs, which range from “folky traditional” to “pop,” are excellent, the playing is terrific, and the singing is, well, even more terrific than that.
Warning: Try it, but be careful. It may be habit-forming.
Shaken, Stirred, or On the Rocks...How do you like your RESILIENCE?
by Mecca Andrades
The dictionary definition of resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines it as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress.
In general, there are four main types of resilience: psychological, emotional, physical, and community.
The one that stands out the most in the current moment is community resilience: the ability of groups of people to respond to and recover from adverse situations, such as natural disasters, acts of violence, and economic hardships. All the aforementioned categories are important, and considering the current state of our world, in which we are bombarded by images of all three (a natural disaster in the pandemic, an act of violence in the killing of George Floyd, and economic hardship in
the greatest unemployment seen since the Great Depression), community resilience is the appropriate and necessary response.
The APA’s definition of resilience enumerates sources of stress in the face of which people may develop resilience. This additional significance given to the context in which resilience develops enhances the connection to a multifocal understanding of it, as understood in the discipline of psychology. It also acknowledges that often there is more than one stressor involved, hence the expression, “When it rains it pours.”
It’s also understood that for resiliency to occur, adverse conditions are a precondition.
An analogy would be a firefighter attempting to rescue someone from a burning building. The stressors in this situation would be, for example, the firefighter’s duty to safely remove the person from the building, the heavy equipment he has to carry to perform effectively, and th limited oxygen and visibility as he walks through the fire. Conditions needed for his resilience in the face of these challenges include the cooperation of his team, properly functioning equipment to get the fire extinguished, and his own personal desire and determination to get himself and everyone else out unharmed.
Similarly, research shows that having supports readily available, such as family, friends, and
research shows that having supports readily available, such as family, friends, and peer groups, is an effective coping mechanism in times of trauma, and that being able to use your own inner strength also enhances the chance of a positive outcome.
peer groups, is an effective coping mechanism in times of trauma, and that being able to use your own inner strength also enhances the chance of a positive outcome. An example of this would be the firefighter being able to go home and process his day by talking with family members, working out, meditating, or gathering with friends.
Even before the coronavirus, many of us have suffered personal and societal trauma from national and international tragedies, and those experiences have caused us to change our actions, attitudes, and belief systems.
In today’s trying times, as a community and as a nation, we will continue to be resilient in the wake of whatever comes our way, just as we were in the past and as we will continue to be in the future. One historical example to reflect on is the 1918 flu pandemic. In just 15 months one third of the population was infected and 50 million lives were lost worldwide, and still as a species we recovered and prospered. Many hearts are heavy with grief for all of the recent loss of life as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and, though easier said than done, it is important to ask, “Where does my source of strength originate from?”—because there will be many days when these reserves will need to be tapped in order to nurture and replenish the mind, body, and soul. Dr. Amit Sood said it best: “Resilience is the core strength you use to lift the burdens of life that we sometimes must carry.
Mecca Andrades has been a nurse for over a decade. She currently works in the field of Psychiatry and aspires to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. When not working, writing, or studying, she enjoys nature or spending time with her two daughters and granddaughter. You can find her online at www.majesticmedicine.com and on Facebook at @mecca.johnson.16. Practice being in the moment by meditating or journaling because arriving at a destination always begins with mapping exactly where you are. Practice self-care and always take time out for yourself: for example, some quiet time, a hot bath, spending time in nature, or some other enjoyable solo activity. Exercise and a well-balanced diet are also part of self-care.
Avoid any and all negative thinking, because while we can’t necessarily control or avoid a negative person or place, we can control our own thoughts, and thereby change a negative to a positive.
Identify your goals and find your purpose, because we all have a bigger role in this world. Your destination must be clear, otherwise you will drive aimlessly until you run out of gas. Finally, learn from the past, so mistakes are not repeated, and do not be afraid to ask for and get help if you need it.
Building Resilience
by Melanie Pores
During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, two distinct examples of resilience have emerged, both for my family and for me personally.
Although I would not wish this on anyone else, our family witnessed firsthand how resilience means “the ability to recover.” Employing incredible strength and tenacity, one of our twin daughters was unfortunately forced to develop tremendous personal resilience as she fought the very real ravages presented by this awful virus. At the same time, I have personally made it my mission to cultivate and harness resilience in “adjusting to change.”
This process has resulted in my reinventing my everyday life in as meaningful and productive a way as possible for me in this newfound reality.
On March 25, barely a week and a half after the first COVID-19 cases reached the greater Capital District community, our 31-yearold daughter, who is an “essential worker” as an Associate Director of Behavioral Health for NYC Health and Hospitals, called us from her apartment in Spanish Harlem, ex per ienci ng c onsiderable difficulty breathing. As a parent, it doesn’t matter the age of your child, it pains your heart when they are suffering. For the first nine days after our daughter began experiencing challenging respiratory symptoms, I called her as she prepared for sleep, put my cell phone on speaker, and left it muted as a remote monitor. When I heard her experience distress, I un-muted my cell phone and attempted to coach her through a protocol I developed and later revised that incorporated a variety of alternative health practices. The protocol focused on clearing her lungs in hopes of avoiding hospitalization during that very difficult period, the first two
weeks of the peak of COVID-19 infections in New York City.
Thankfully, as I compose this article, nearly eight weeks have passed since our daughter fell ill and her health has improved immensely. Hopefully, the worst of the symptoms are behind her, although she has suffered an occasional flare-up, experiencing difficulty in breathing. She continues to demonstrate an amazing resilience, continuing to do her essential work from her apartment and being open to exploring new therapies for healing, pushing ever forward as she regains her strength, taking one day at a time.
In the last few months, I have had a considerably easier time adjusting to the change brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic than many others have.
Having joined the ranks of the retired five years ago, I had more or less settled into a rhythm, attempting to balance outside activities, my many homecentered ones, and those involving my husband of four decades.
Although a part of me misses spending face-to-face time with many of the friends that I have gotten to know over the past forty years I’ve lived in Albany, including the many new friends I’ve been connecting with since I retired, I have been following the wonderful advice that Deanna Beyer, Honest Weight’s Education Coordinator, shared in her Coop Scoop article in the May/June issue, “Cultivating the Seeds of Self-Care.” Deanna encouraged readers to create and follow self-care practices supported by important daily and nighttime routines. Along these lines, I have now created a NEW daily routine. To my daily meditation and yoga practice, I have added qigong group sessions on Zoom, taught by my tai chi instructor.
Another important anchor for me during the past two months has been the ability to facilitate a Zoom version of the Honest Weight Spanish Conversation
group that I have been hosting for the past five years. Thankfully, with the assistance of several of the members of the group, I was able to set up a year-long Zoom account to continue facilitating our weekly group. Although connecting on Zoom has its limitations and is not a permanent substitute for face-to-face gatherings, I experience a sense of pure joy every Friday morning from 10:00 till noon while connecting with the individuals who attend this group.
Seeing their faces and hearing their voices each week has definitely enriched my life. It has been a great way for me to bridge the gap created by social distancing and has helped me to build resilience. I have “adjusted easily to the change” by using the extra time I have gained by not having to drive to face-to-face gatherings.
Some of this newfound time has been used to experiment with developing new recipes and also to pursue my passion for lifelong learning. Beginning back in March, I started researching new ways of creating recipes for a variety of different dishes, condiments, and baked goods and have made a goal of sharing these recipes so that
others might enjoy them. Some of the recipes that I have recently created were born out of the necessity to replace food items that I usually purchase, but that have not always been available during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I hope that you will enjoy preparing your own variation on the three recipes (see page 30) that I have created and/or adapted and enjoyed, thanks to the resilience I have developed over these past few months. I encourage you to experiment too and develop your own sense of resiliency!
Melanie Pores is presently retired after having served a 30+ year career as a bilingual teacher, teacher-trainer, resource specialist, school board member, adjunct professor, educational researcher, and policy analyst. She facilitates the Co-op’s Spanish Conversation Group on Mondays at 10 a.m.
Toddler • Early Childhood • Elementary • Middle School
Engaging, educating and inspiring children ages 18 months to 14 years old Apply Now for FALL 2020
by Melanie Pores
illustrations by Jane Welch
Sesame Sauce with Vegetable Noodles, Barbecue Sauce, & Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
Recipe information
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 1 minute
Servings: 2
Ingredients ● ¼ cup almond butter
2 Tbsp coconut aminos
⅓ cup warm water
½ inch fresh ginger, finely grated
1 roasted garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (or rice vinegar)
2 Tbsp dark sesame oil
2 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Overview
One of my favorite recipes is extremely adaptable, representing the "resilience" of plants, and can be based on what you may have in abundance in your garden or from your CSA, or whatever you may find to incorporate in from your pantry and refrigerator, such as quinoa or rice. This recipe uses a delicious and healthy Almond Sesame Sauce. I have made it with spiralized zucchini noodles, which you can make with a vegetable peeler if you do not have a spiralizer. You can substitute steamed broccoli or cauliflower or prepare it with any other vegetable or mixture of vegetables and/or substitute rice noodles or shirataki noodles. For example, my husband has planted some bok choy that we will use to prepare this dish for tomorrow’s lunch, along with cubes of smoked tofu and some rice noodles.
If you do not have and/or do not want to use almond butter, you can substitute peanut butter or another nut or seed butter or even tahini. Don’t have coconut aminos? You can substitute some tamari, soy sauce, or miso. Just improvise with what you have or prefer.
Directions 1. Soften almond butter in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds on high. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut amino acids, water, ginger, garlic, lime juice or vinegar, sesame oil, and maple syrup.
2. Toss sauce into 10 oz to 1 lb. of your favorite spiralized vegetable noodles (or any vegetables that you like), add sesame seeds and minced chives, if using, and enjoy!
Ingredients ● 1 6-oz can tomato paste ● 6 oz water ● ¼ cup maple syrup ● 2 Tbsp pitted chopped dates soaked overnight in ½ cup water ● 2 tsp (30g) liquid smoke (the
Co-op carries Lazy Kettle brand liquid smoke) ● Pinch of salt and ground black pepper Ingredients Cauliflower Crust ● 1 cup riced cauliflower* ● 3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided ● 1 tsp dried basil and/or oregano ● ½ tsp garlic powder ● 1 tsp garlic, finely minced ● Pinch salt ● 1 egg (or egg replacer)** ● Olive oil White Sauce ● 2 oz softened cream cheese (or you can use Neufchâtel cheese, fat-free cream cheese, or ricotta) ● 1 tsp roasted garlic and herb spice ● 4 oz of your favorite shredded cheeses and/or grated Parmesan Toppings ● Canned mushrooms, drained ● Artichoke hearts ● Roasted red peppers Overview I’m always in search of milder, less piquant and salty sauces. One afternoon, I realized that we didn’t have any barbecue sauce, so I experimented and came up with the following recipe. Directions
cauliflower Pizza!
1. Add all ingredients to a blender/food processor. Mix until smooth.
2. Warm on the stove for 3-5 minutes, whisking continuously until the spices cook through. You can also warm it in a microwave for
Melanie’s Favorite Mushroom, Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
1 ½ minutes, stir, and microwave another 1 ½ minutes.
Overview
Anyone been having a hankering for pizza during the pandemic? You can either make a traditional crust, use refrigerated or frozen pizza dough, or make the cauliflower crust in the recipe below. Molto bene!
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together the riced cauliflower, half of the shredded mozzarella, dried basil and/or oregano, garlic powder, minced garlic, salt, and egg or egg replacer. 3. Gently spread the cauliflower cheese mixture out into a 9-inch circle on a silicone sheet or parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Brush with olive oil. 4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. 5. Blend all the white sauce ingredients until creamy in a blender. 6. Top the pizza with white sauce. 7. Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded mozzarella on top of the white sauce. 8. Top with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers. 9. Broil for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese melts—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Notes ● *To prepare your own riced cauliflower: Pulse half a head of chopped cauliflower into chunks in a food processor until it looks like grain. Microwave the cauliflower for 8 minutes. **To replace 1 egg: Mix 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal or 1 Tbsp chia seeds with 3 Tbsp warm water. Let set for 10 to 15 minutes before using.
Or, use Ener-G Egg replacer (follow the provided directions). 31
