Events and Happenings in South Georgian Bay

Hi Folks, Just wanted to make you aware of a few events and such coming up here in South Georgian Bay.

First, we have the next meeting of the Georgian Bay Food Alliance coming up soon.  Stop by the Collingwood Library and check out the display of food based art all month! The meeting will be held at the Collingwood Public Library, Tuesday February 25th, 6:30-8:30pm in the Community Room.  There will be refreshments, snacks and Conversations!

Second we have "Food and Water First" which is an organization dedicated to Farmland preservation.  They are hosting a breakfast meeting, all welcome to attend.  It will be held on February 26th from 8:30-10am, with coffee and flapjacks for $15 in Singhampton.  For more information, please email jbiggins@unitedwaygsc.ca

Lastly, The Housing Resource Centre is undertaking an online survey to obtain the opinions of our residents within the Georgian Triangle and the Orillia area. The survey will help the Housing Resource Centre to assess the services and programs we provide and give us a better understanding of the issues facing our communities. The survey will also provide us with a picture of how we are doing as a service provider in our communities.

We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey.  You can take the survey on-line between February 9^th through to, and including, February 17^th, 2014 at this site: housingmatters.questionpro.com.

Each person taking the survey will be entered into a draw for a chance to win 1 of 2 E-readers, a gift certificate for an oil change package, or 1 of 3 gift certificates for 2 medium sized pizzas plus crazy bread and sauce, or as I would like to say… dinner!!!

We look forward to receiving your feedback and thank you in advance for your participation.

Your support continues to enable us to make a positive difference in the lives of many!  Thank you for choosing to help make that difference! 

Collingwood Pack Updates, February

 Here is an article published this week in the Collingwood Connection:



Good Food Box looks for new home in Collingwood



In a follow up to that story, we have had an organization come forward to assist us with space, but this will not take place until the March pack.  We are confident this is a long term arrangement, and grateful for the kind efforts of this organization.



For February, all orders placed before Thursday February 6th will be honoured.  These individual orders will be delivered by our volunteers to the address listed on the order envelope.  We will not have a public pick up location for February. 



All bulk orders will be packed and picked up in Stayner, at St Patrick's Parish Hall, 11:00-1. 



We want to thank you for your continued support of the GGFB as we work to overcome the challenges of finding a permanent pack location. We are optimistic this search is over, but thank you nonetheless for your continued patiennce and support.



If you have any questions, or need clarification, please email us at gfoodbox@gmail.com or call Joan at 705-445-9660.



Thanks again!

 

Its Giveaway time again!!

Click over to our Facebook page to enter our December Giveaway for a chance to win TWO GGFB's!! One for you and one for the charity/organization/individual of your choice!

Enter today, contest closes December 16th, 2013!

News!

Just a quick head's up to let you know we have some new locations coming on board in December! How exciting!!

In Wasaga Beach, the Wasaga Beach Christian Church has graciously offered to host a late evening pick up location! How awesome is that for working folks!! Spread the word!!

They are located at 278 Main Street in Wasaga Beach, right across the street from Stonebridge Town Centre and will be offering 5-7pm. 

You have asked for late pick up times, and now they are a reality!! Please make sure to specify on your order envelope which location you are picking up at.

Also in Wasaga Beach, Worsley Elementary school joined our program last month, and right out of the gate had 25+ orders!! Way to go!! They are walking the walk and talking the talk!!  They will offer a pick up for Worsley Families only from 6-8pm.  Please submit your orders through the school office.

Lastly, Collingwood is again (very temporarily) without a pack location, so for December ONLY, we are packing in Stayner.  All individual orders will be available to pick up in Collingwood at Georgian College, 499 Raglan Street from 12-3pm.  All group orders will be picked up in Stayner at St Patrick's Church Hall from 11-1 (group orders will be called about this change).

A reminder that the order deadline is Dec. 11th and pick up is Dec. 18th!!

Thanks again for your support and please pass these messages on!

Corrine

Kale Recipes

This month's GGFB included among other delicious items; Kale!  
Kale is a member of the cabbage family and is cheapest and tastes best in fall and winter. The leaves can be dwarf or tall, green or reddish or purplish in colour, smooth or curled. The stems and large veins are tough and should be removed  before cooking. 

To remove sand from leaves , fill sink with cool water, add torn kale and swish around. Lift out leaves before draining water because the sand sinks to the bottom.


Nutritional information
Kale has a high vitamin content. It is a good source of vitamin A in C, and contains calcium, riboflavin and iron. 
Storage
Keep in refrigerator in a moisture proof container for up to eight days raw,
and up to five days cooked.
 
Prepared for freezing [ blanch for 2 min., chill in cold water, and drain ].
Keep in freezer for up to one year.

Serving Suggestions
Tender leaves can be torn and included raw in salads. Chopped leaves can be stir - fried in oil and garlic and seasoned with salt and pepper  . The chopped leaves can also be boiled in salted water for up to 15 min. or until tender. Then drain and serve with butter.

I have seen a lot of recipes for kale as of late, and thought I would share with you a couple tried and true. These are courtesy of Joan Leonard and Wilma Davies.

Kale and Apple salad

It is best made a day in advance

Dressing:
3 tbs cider vinegar

2 tbs honey

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 1//2 tsp poppy seed
1/4 tsp salt

fresh ground pepper

3tbs vegetable oil

1/3 cup diced red onion
2 bunches kale

2 granny smith apples

Place vinegar, honey mustard seed,and salt in large bowl  season with pepper
and whisk to combine

While whisking constantly slowly add the oil, until all is incorporated. 

Add the onion and stir well to combine and set aside. 

Wash and dry Kale, cut out and discard tough stems. 

Arrange leaves into stacks slice crosswise  into 1/4 strips  and add to bowl with dressing. 

Core apples cut into 1 1/2 strips and add to bowl. Toss to combine,  let sit for 

at least 15 min. before serving or up to one day in fridge. Toss again before serving.
Note: You can also experiment by adding toasted nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans) or soft cheeses (goats milk, brie).  

Kale Mashed Potato Recipe-Joan Leonard

A Dutch friend introduced me to combining cutup potatoes and chopped kale in
a pot with an inch of water and boiled until tender. Then drained and mashed
as a side dish for any cured meat, such as ham, sausage, hot dogs, bacon
etc. Frozen kale can also be used in this recipe. This is a good way to
increase nutritional content and lower the percentage of carbohydrates in
mashed potatoes. I really like the combination.

Kale Chips
Wash kale. Remove tough stems and veins. Tear into pieces. Combine oil,
garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add torn kale and mix. Bake in preheated
450° oven until crisp. It makes a great snack. Try your favorite dressing
instead of the above oil dressing.

Enjoy and let us know what other recipes you have for kale!!

Corrine