So Karen has been posting a lot of recipe ideas the past few months for various vegetables you might get in your CSA share. Well, now its my turn. The New York Times recently wrote an article on celery and how to use it in other manners besides crudite.

Celery is relatively cheap and very low in calories but don't underestimate it. As the New York Times wrote, "Celery contains phytochemicals called phthalides, which some studies have shown reduce stress hormones and work to relax the muscle walls in arteries, increasing blood flow. As a result, it has long been used in Chinese medicine to help control high blood pressure. Celery is an excellent source of vitamins K and C, and a very good source of potassium, folate, dietary fiber, molybdenum, manganese, and vitamin B6." I did't know all that stuff about celery...did you?

Read the rest of the NY Times article for a recipe for Italian Mushroom and Celery Salad. It sounds scrumptious!

-Jess 

A new restaurant has recently opened in New York City, and while another restaurant might not be exciting news, this restaurant is extremely exciting. GustOrganics is the United States' first restaurant to use 100% organic ingredients, many of which are sourced around New York City.

GustOrganics offers dine-in, take out, and delivery (an NYC essential) for every meal of the day, including weekend and holiday brunch. The wide-ranging menu offers everything from risotto dishes, wraps, pizza, pasta entrees, smoothies, salads, and even baby food made on the premise...now that's truly having something for everyone! 

GustOrganics also has the first USDA Certified Organic bar EVER. 

In speaking with Alberto Gonzalez, GustOrganic's founder, I learned that GustOrganics, above anything else (including huge profits) puts your health and the health of the planet first. This means spending a little extra for organic and locally grown ingredients. This means supporting local growers in their attempts to go organic. This also means keeping commited to their integrity and beliefs. And it means showing that being eco-conscious does not mean sacrificing style.

Next time I'm in the city, I'm making my first stop GustOrganics for a meal or snack I know will be healthful to me and the planet.

-Jess 

Willie Nelson offers Obama advice on food by Peg Aloi: Another open letter on Food and Farming. I guess anyone else should take a number...

-Karen

So…  Working off of the whole Made in America maternity deal, Technique Tuesday is a company that offers locally made scrapbooking gear.  No longer pregnant and now happily with cute child?  This may your best one-stop store for capturing the memories.

-Serena