Appalachian Appetites

International Inspiration, Local Ingredients

Helpful Husband May 18, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ann @ Appalachian Appetites @ 8:31 am
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While I was away, guess what Nathan did?!  Planted my tomato and hot pepper plants.  And he did a STELLAR job!  He added a hook to my lettuce ball stand for my recently purchased Topsy Turvy planter.  I had picked up some free tomato plants at the local bank last week.  It was “customer appreciation day,” and I was excited to accept the gift.  I went with Regina and she gave me her plants as well.  I guess I’ll have to share my tomatoes with her 🙂

Here’s the end result…complete with mulch and a new “tomato” sign!

Here’s the tomato plant…

And some more along the base.  There are also two hot pepper plants!

And last but not least, the awesome lettuce balls.  Looks good, huh?!

My mom says I need to “chill out” now…I’ve planted enough 🙂  We’ll see!

 

Lettuce Shemettuce April 26, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ann @ Appalachian Appetites @ 7:06 am
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First, my lettuce balls are actually looking pretty good!  There were a few wilting ones…But some that have really taken off!  I’m feeling much more confident.  Not going to celebrate yet, but all in all feeling better about my gardening skills…however minimal they are!

Also, wanted to share with you a few green eating tips found in my local paper on Earth Day.  While I follow many of them, it is always helpful to be reminded!  Let me know which one you’re going to start doing!

In the Kitchen:

Start a compost pile and compost as much waste as possible.

Get separate bins for different recyclables to make it easier to recycle.

Avoid using disposable plates, cups and utensils. If you must, look for ones that are compostable.

Look for Energy Star-rated appliances. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.

Maintain a garden or herb garden.

Use cloth napkins and dishrags rather than paper napkins and paper towels.

Out to Dinner:

Eat at restaurants that use local foods and inquire about their recycling practices.

Bring your own takeout containers for leftovers.

Bring your own mug to the coffee shop.

At the Grocery Store:

Avoid buying items with unnecessary packaging.

Try shopping at co-ops, farmers’ markets and tailgate markets.

Buy in bulk rather than individually packaged foods.

Bring your own cloth bags rather than using plastic or paper bags, including bags for produce.

Buy less meat and more fruits and vegetables.

At School and Work:

Bring your lunch from home.

Use a reusable lunch box with reusable containers, a cloth napkin and reusable water bottle. Avoid plastic bags and other disposable containers.

Ask people to bring their own plates and utensils to potlucks.

Eat last night’s leftovers for lunch.

 

The Lettuce Balls Continue April 21, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ann @ Appalachian Appetites @ 2:07 pm
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Finally got my lettuce balls done!   First, thanks to my in-laws Alex and Mary Jo for helping me finish them.  They helped me shop for final supplies and install the post for the balls to hang from.  It was a great time and I definitely needed the advice and support!  BECAUSE… 

I think this is the summer of experimentation.  I have really enjoyed diving into all of these new garden projects….I’m just not sure how well they are going to turn out!  My seedlings never made it 😦  So I ended up buying some.  And some are dying.  BUT, I planted them, set up my post, and have them hanging.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  If they don’t work then they don’t work.  Sigh.  I can always buy some more seedlings and keep,  yep, trying.  We’ll see!  But here’s the great work that’s gone into them!  Enjoy….(and send them positive thoughts!).

The sign makes me smile even if the lettuce doesn’t!

 

Lettuce Balls April 9, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ann @ Appalachian Appetites @ 8:04 am
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Nathan and I just set up my lettuce balls!  Lettuce balls, you ask?  Yep!  Lettuce balls or salad balls as my inspiration calls them…

Click to see instructions more clearly

Remember the seedlings I planted and am growing?  Well, once they are ready for transplanting, they’ll go into these planters.  Here’s a slideshow showing the steps…Enjoy! 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Seedlings Update March 28, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ann @ Appalachian Appetites @ 2:54 pm
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Remember when I planted my lettuce seeds the other day?  Well, they are coming along!  Check it out!