Tuesday, April 21, 2015

“Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms” & “Blue Sea Martini” For Earth Day!

Yes, I am back and ready to post fabulous stories and the most yummy and delicious recipes, that I know you will love and enjoy! So welcome back to “Family Plus Food Equals Love.”
  
It is “Earth Day’s” 45th Anniversary (tomorrow) April 22. In 1970 the first Earth Day was celebrated by 20 million people across the United States with Senator Gaylord Nelson as its founder. Senator Nelson realized that the US cities were being choked by smog and the rivers were getting polluted which meant that our environmental landscape in the USA was gloomy. This US Senator from Wisconsin succeeded in passing a Congressional resolution declaring April 22 a National Celebration of the Earth. This ground breaking effort earned Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom award. More than 5,000 groups from 184 countries celebrate Earth Day. National events are held across the globe from Africa to Washington D.C. Today, Earth Day is an event to celebrate the environmental victories of the past four decades and consider the many opportunities for improvement in the future of our Mother Earth. Earth Day is a catalyst for ongoing education, action, and change. It simultaneously broadens the base of support and rekindles old commitments through highly participatory strategies.


Pledge to plant and speak for the trees, for April 22, 2015 - Be a part of the biggest grassroots effort in history by planting a seed/tree as a “give back” to Earth. It's a Native American tradition that when you take something from the Earth, you must give something back. Earth Day 2015 will be a global "give back to Earth" event, for all the planet gives humans. Their goal is to plant one billion seeds or trees! Please plant something that is organic, perennial, and suitable to the growing conditions in your area. Please nurture your plantings, like children, until they can sustain themselves on their own!

A great way to celebrate Earth Day is to prepare your food in a way that is easy on the environment. Earth day recipes should include local produce of fruits and vegetables which would contain less harmful pesticides as well as support your local farmers. If you use organic it could cut your families pesticide exposure by almost 90%. Purchase foods with less packaging so you do not crate more waste. Use your own reusable containers for your grab and go foods. Start to rethink the most energy efficient cooking methods for your foods. Avoid using your oven, and go for using your stove top, crock pots or even a toaster oven. When cooking, prepare enough to save or freeze to eat later. You will use fewer resources. Eat more raw foods, less to cook and better for your health. Run only full loads of dishes or clothes with Energy Star appliances. Wait till after 8 PM, as it saves energy by avoiding the power “rush hour,” when more resources are strained by higher emissions. These are just some ways to help out planet earth and our environment. So next time you purchase a bottle of water, remember to please recycle!


One of my two recipes this week is a very environmentally friendly dish. You can use organic vegetables from your local farm growers and only use your stove top to prepare this recipe. Don’t forget to celebrate Earth Day and be environmentally friendly! Enjoy!!

Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese ravioli
1 pound fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
3 shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fat-free evaporated milk
8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup hazelnuts, (or whatever nuts your family likes) coarsely chopped & toasted


Directions:
In a large saucepan, cook ravioli according to package directions, adding snap peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking; drain. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, shallots and garlic; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Stir in milk, sage, lemon peel, lemon-pepper and white pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add ravioli and snap peas to sauce; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese and hazelnuts.

Yield: 8 servings

Wine Pairings: Full-Bodied White Wine---Enjoy this recipe with a full-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay.

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My second recipe is a cocktail called “Blue Sea Martini.” This delicious concoction gets its beautiful blue color from the addition of blue Curacao. Although this may look like the beautiful ocean, it certainly doesn't taste like it (thankfully) and instead tastes like a tropical island vacation.


Blue Sea Martini

Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1-1/2 ounces lemon vodka
1 once blue Curacao
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup light white cranberry juice
Lime and lemon for garnish

Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients in a chilled drink mixer filled halfway with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain drink into two chilled martini glasses and garnish with your favorite fruit!




Please Drink Responsibly…….

Till Next Time…….

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved.

4 comments:

  1. Oh I am so pleased you are back! I missed you! Your comments and posts always bring a smile on my face.
    I have been feeling quite tired recently and although I have been posting recipes because I cook anyway and it is my passion, I could do with a break too (and then I cannot stop blogging anyway!). In blogging it is always like that:you have dormant periods and more exciting ones.. It must be spring! I love the sunshine. I often sit in the park with the children after school and just enjoy the warmer weather.
    I will be thinking of Earth Day tomorrow. We need to think of our planet and respect it. Your recipe with all those lovely vegetables is very inspiring and so is your blue sea Martini with curacao. I love curacao. All the best my friend! xx

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    1. Dear Alida,
      I am glad that I am back, and have missed you as well. You ares so kind to say such lovely words.:) Sometimes you just need a break....It gave me some time to regroup and get some posts ready. Blogging is my passion and of course the cooking and baking. I think you are correct dear friend it must be spring, you know they say you have spring fever! The sun does feel good and I love to open all the windows, that lets out the stale winter air and brings in the sweet smells of spring...Your children must be thrilled that they can spend time out in the spring sunshine and play.
      Yes, Earth Day is so important! Everyday should be Earth Day! We really need to treat our planet well and it will give back to us all the foods and nourishment we need. Glad that you enjoyed the recipes with the veggies and yes that drink reminds me of the sea which is part of our Earth too. Delicious meal and a very tasty drink...What more can you ask for...Thanks for your visit and your comment. Have a great week...Enjoy your Earth Day!
      Dottie :)

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  2. Welcome back! And what a nice healthy recipe you've made for us -- such terrific looking ravioli. Love the stuff, and this is so appealing -- my kind of dish. Thanks!

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    1. Hi John,
      Thank you, I am happy that I am back ready to post delicious recipes and write more stories. Yes, this recipe is very light and flavorful. Who doesn't like Ravioli with veggies. Earth Day is a perfect day to eat these yummy fresh veggies that we can get from our local farmers.Thanks for your visiting and your comment...have a great Earth Day and a good week.
      Dottie :)

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