Well, our friends at Gravity Hill Farm have chosen Curly Kale as their veggie of the week (TODAY IS OPENING DAY!) which means you can buy it at the farm today or this weekend or at Stockton Farmer’s Market from them (or hit up the Princeton Farmer’s Market outside of the library this Thursday)

Gravity Hill Farm has been “encouraging” their customers to try eating kale raw and we think they reached the tipping point with this recipe from last year — back by popular demand with some new additions…..

CURLY KALE SALAD

Ingredients:

1 bunch curly kale, stemmed and chopped into bite size pieces

1/4 red onion thinly sliced

1/4 cup Feta cheese

Juice from 1 lemon

2 TBS. olive oil

1 tsp. salt

2 medium oranges, peeled and diced

Directions: 

Wash, stem and chop Kale and put in large bowl. Add onion, feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and oranges. Mix really well. I use tongs but have seen folks “massage” the kale with their hands which helps break down the cell walls to release the power-punch of nutrition in this green. Yields about 4 4oz. portions.

Note: This salad is best if you give it some time to rest before serving.

*There are lots of options for this salad. Substitute sundried tomatoes and apricots for oranges, add toasted walnuts or pinenuts, or for grapefruit lovers, substitute grapefruit for oranges.

*Recipe adapted from Gary Giberson, founder of Sustainable Fare

This is a super easy, super yummy granola packed with superfoods for your supermom.  I highly recommend serving it for breakfast in bed.

granola parfait

to cook: 

3 c rolled oats (not quick cooking)

3 c of nuts (I used almonds + walnuts)

½ c pumpkin seeds

½ hemp seeds

½ c sunflower seeds

¼ c sesame seeds

¼  c  poppy seeds

½ coconut flakes

½ c maple syrup

½ c coconut oil (melted)

1 t cinnamon

½ t salt 

to add after cooled: 

½ c chia seeds

1 c dried fruit (I used dried figs but you can slice some dried apricots, mango, pineapple, etc)

Greek-style strained yogurt (I used Noosa blueberry)

A handful of mixed berries

Preheat oven to 325°

In a large mixing bowl (or directly on a rimmed baking sheet) mix together all of the ingredients from the “to cook” section.  Make sure everything is evenly coated and spread out in single layer on a baking sheet.  Cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring it  about half way through, until golden. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before mixing in the chia seeds and fruit.

You can make it ahead to this point and store in an airtight container.  It will keep for about a month.

You can either layer the granola, yogurt and fruit in a pretty glass or arrange in shallow bowl.

PS,  Michelle has a great blog The Pig and The Fig.  You should read it for fresh, healthy cooking inspiration.

Hello May!  We thought we’d let you know that May is National Foster Care Awareness month and we invite you to partake in this month-long celebration with us as we support One Simple Wish, a fantastic local organization that will be headed out today on a 30 day journey of 4000 miles through the United States stopping in 30 cities to grant 30 wishes to foster kids.

One Simple Wish was founded by Danielle Gletow who witnessed firsthand the troubles children in the foster care system meet. “After becoming a foster parent in 2006 and witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by children in the system, I decided I needed to create a simple way for more people to support children in foster care in direct and personal ways” said Gletow.

If you’re wondering how you can help take part of this incredible month-long event, then consider donations, becoming a volunteer or an advocate.  Danielle needs us to get involved in any way possible.   She says, “The Princeton community can make a difference by visiting our website and making a simple wish come true for one of the children we support.  It’s so simple to do and can cost as little as $10.  We encourage school groups, churches and others to also get together and try to collect funds to grant a bigger wish together.”

“Our organization has granted over 2500 wishes thanks to our amazing contributors and works with over 70 volunteers in the community,” said Gletow. Become a part of those making a difference and visit the event’s website to learn more about it and what you can do to help at http://www.303030.org 

The One Home Many Hopes organization began with just a few friends with good intentions, to a movement that has touched the hearts of many with donors from coast to coast. The organization wants the community to learn more about their mission to rescue and educate abandoned children in Mtwapa, Kenya. OHMH finds, rescues, houses, loves, educates and brings hope to orphaned and abandoned girls. Due to terrible circumstances there are 2.6 million children under the age of 17 that have no one to turn to in their lives and are forced to live in the streets. One Home Many Hopes is changing and helping shape these children’s future for the better. “We want our events to show people that they can do justice in places like Kenya without leaving their offices or getting a vaccination. We look forward to telling our story to a new group of friends in Princeton” said co-founder and executive director Thomas Keown.

The founder of the MaysGroup Investment Advisors mentions his thoughts about the upcoming event. “As a committed supporter of the One Home Many Hopes mission, we are honored to be able to share their accomplishments with the Princeton community. Our goal is to increase awareness of the challenges faced by millions of girls in Kenya and highlight how OHMH has been making a real difference in their lives.”

The reception will be held on May 4th at the Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman, New Jersey. The Princeton community is welcomed to learn more about what One House Many Hopes does and what you can do to better a child’s life. If you want more information on this event please contact Edwin Mays, MaysGroup Investment Advisor, at+1 609-512-1655 or Tracy Wemett, One Home Many Hopes, at+1 617-939-3631.

For more information on donating or volunteering for One Home Many Hopes please visit www.onehomemanyhopes.org and for more information on the MaysGroup please visit their website at http://www.themaysgroup.com/

Performing since the age of eight, Brooks has sung with some of jazz’s greatest musicians like Stanley Jordan, Shirley Horn, Richie Cole, Denis DiBlasio and Cecil Brooks III. Brooks is best known for her interpretation of jazz standards of Basie, Porter, Monk, and Ray Charles. Brooks will not perform the show solo because she’ll be backed-up by her jazz trio, piano player Aaron Graves (Philadelphia), drummer Joe Brown, Jr. (West Windsor), and bassist Matthew Parrish (Yardley).

As a bonus to all of the talented musicians, special guest Houston Person, who released a new album So Nice, and Brooks’ granddaughter Tatiana Fulmer, will also be there.

This is a perfect event to enjoy phenomenal music with friends or a partner, so make sure to buy your ticket either in advance for $25 or $30 at the door. You don’t want to miss this memorable jazz performance held in the Jazz Cabaret in Hopewell, Off-Broad Street Theatre, 5 S. Greenwood Ave. Hopewell, NJ. For reservation and information on group pricing please call 908-249-3403 and for more information on the event contact Linda Maiden at 609-466-2868

-By Gabby Castelan for PrincetonScoop

It’s always exciting to see how Princeton comes to the mind of those who want to unleash exciting and noteworthy movies to the world. Princeton will be the place to catch the national premier screening of a controversial new feature-length documentary on Apostle Paul and early Christianity. The Princeton community will be treated to the primer documentary that will be brought to them by a local filmmaker.

Roberto Orlando, a scholar and artist, has trained at the School of Visual Arts and spent much of his career in New York City. He then decided to set up his production company in Princeton, where he is now based.

The new documentary film, A Polite Bribe, has been described as a film that sheds light onto “a long overlooked episode involving a collection of gold of biblical proportions.” The documentary takes a look into an alternate version of Christianity’s beginning by focusing on Apostle Paul.

A Polite Bribe will make its way to the Garden Theatre on May 1^st and the movie will screen at 7 and 9:20pm, with the director’s after party at Triumph. For more information about the film or to purchase tickets to the May 1st screenings, visit www.apolitebribe.com

photo credit of David Daniels :: Bernard Benant & Virgin Records

The end of the 2011/2012 season for Princeton University Concerts is upon us which means there is a special show in store for the Princeton community. For the first time in the 118-years of production,  Princeton University Concerts will have presentation that combines music and dance. Having Mark Morris and David Daniels, two of the best in their respective fields, in a show together on Thursday, May 3^rd at 8pm in Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall will be the most exciting way to bring the season to an end.

Mark Morris was born on August 29, 1956 in Seattle, Washington, where his appreciation for music and dance was nurtured. Morris, one of the best choreographers of all time, has made a name for himself with the extensive work he has done. Morris has worked with opera, directing and choreographing productions for the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Gotham Chamber Opera, English National Opera, and The Royal Opera in Covent Garden, which heightens the expectations of the show.

Born on March 12, 1966 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, David Daniels also has a spectacular list of accomplishments under his belt. Daniels made history when he became the first countertenor to give a solo recital in the main auditorium of Carnegie Hall. Daniels’ work has received praises from different media sources like the Chicago Tribune mentioning that Daniels is “today’s gold standard among countertenors.” Gramophone magazine also praised Daniels for his astounding work as a countertenor.

The audience is sure to enjoy seeing new choreography being performed by members of the Mark Morris Dance group at the recital to live music. Daniels makes the recital more interesting by placing the music center stage and challenging Morris to create work around such an intimate space. The result of the work between both Morris and Daniels can be witnessed and enjoyed on May 3^rd’s concert. Having such an amazing show for the PUC’s closing has inspired the next project to pair pianist Richard Goode and poet C.K. Williams in the 2012-2012 concert season, so the Princeton community has another great show to look forward to.

There will be a free pre-concert talk between Morris and Professor of Music Wendy Heller at 7pm for all ticketholders. Ticket prices will depend on seating and will vary between $40, $30 and $20 for the general audience and $10 and $5 for students. To buy tickets by phone please call 609-258-9220, visit the website at princeton.edu/utickets , or go in person to Frist Campus Center Ticket Office (open Monday-Friday, 12-6pm)/ Richardson Auditorium Ticket Office (open two hours prior to the performances at Richardson Auditorium). If you have any questions or need more information please contact Princeton University Concert at (609) 258-2800

In today’s world, it seems like every week there is a new social media or other online trend. One site that has exploded in popularity in recent months is Pinterest, a wildly creative website that is creating buzz among users, retailers, and social media buffs alike.

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a virtual pin board of sorts. With an account, you create boards onto which you can organize links that you find on the site or through your own online surfing. You can install a “pin it” button on your toolbar, which allows you to click it when you find something interesting somewhere on the web—a photo, a recipe, a fabulous purse while online shopping—and the site will “grab” the link and post it to one of your boards. It works a bit like a “bookmarks” or “favorites” list, but is much more visual and allows all of your friends to see what you’re collecting. When someone views your boards and clicks on a pin, it will take him or her directly to the original site of the pin.

How do I use it?

Pinterest is the ultimate procrastination tool. Be warned—when you join, you will spend hours surfing through the endless pins already posted. That said, it’s a fabulous website that helps you find recipes, interesting products, and fun do-it-yourself projects. When you join, you can link your page with your Facebook profile, which allows you to easily follow your Facebook friends who are already on Pinterest. The catch is, you need to be “invited” to join. Ask a friend to send you a request, or add yourself to the “invite” list.  Once you’re in, create boards on any topic you like. Some of my personal favorites are favorite recipes, fashion and clothing, and craft and organization ideas, but Pinterest has searchable categories for any topic you can think of. If you’re planning a party, they’ve got pins for that. If you’re looking for new shoes, they’ve got pins for that. If you’re looking for a new cake recipe, they’ve got pins for that.

Get pinning!

By Stefanie Vitale for PrincetonScoop

There are plenty of non-profit organizations that are looking for devoted people who are willing to spare some time and hard work in exchange for seeing their visions become a reality. In the state of New Jersey there are nine million potential volunteers and 40,000 non-profits in need of volunteers, so VolunteerConnect is encouraging all who are willing and available to volunteer.  National Volunteer Week is the right time to reflect on what you might feel passionate about like organic foods, recycling or tutoring the less fortunate, and then help a non-profit organization that needs you.

This is also a great time for non-profits to thank and recognize their volunteers for helping the organizations. Non-profits are encouraged to give their volunteers a special note, a wonderful breakfast or an award in order to recognize the hard work that their volunteers are doing in order to improve the lives of others.

By making more people aware of National Volunteer Week, it will set an example for the community about bringing amazing changes through teamwork. If you have a spectacular story about the impact volunteers have had on your organization or an inspirational volunteer story, then VolunteerConnect would love to hear it. Visit http://volunteerconnectnj.org/volunteer/ to share your story and have it highlighted on their website in order to celebrate the ability that volunteers have to making a difference.

By Gabby Castelan for PrincetonScoop

The health of our community’s children is an important issue, especially to the concerned parents of the greater Princeton community. In order to keep up with parental concerns, Princeton Regional School District is making it easier for parents in the community to focus on the health and wellness of their children. The Princeton Regional School will be hosting the final presentation this year that will conclude the popular Princeton Balance Speaker’s series. Caring parents from all over Princeton should attend the event that will appeal to all regardless of your child’s grade level.

“More Natural and More Nothing: How to Raise a Happy, Healthy, Successful Child” by Gabrielle Principe, Associate Professor of Psychology at Ursinus College and author of Your Brain on Childhood (Prometheus, 2011), will be leading the presentation.  Principe, a developmental psychologist, has dedicated herself to translating research about human development into information teachers and parents can use to educate and better rear children. Because Principe is mother, she doesn’t use the scientific research alone; she combines it with her determination to bring freedom and fun back to parenting and childhood.

This final meeting will be held at Princeton High School, Performing Arts Center (PAC), 151 Moore St.  Remember to bring an open mind for your children’s best interest on Monday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. For more information please contact Assenka Oksiloff, Communications Manager for Princeton Regional Schools, at (609) 806-4215.

For PrincetonScoop by Gabby Castelan