The opinions expressed in these blogs are solely those of the people who wrote them, and do not represent the views of WPSU or Penn State University.

Local Food Journey

Diverse Beans a Warm-Weather Garden Star

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 05/31 at 08:30 AM

Beans are a popular garden plant, with good reason—they are one of the tastiest vegetables in the garden. They are also pretty easy to grow, and with a little bit of TLC you can get quite a yield of tasty pods or shelled beans that can be used in all kinds of recipes. Beans are also a perfect garden crop for vegetarians because of their high protein content. What’s not to like?

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Journey to the Borderland

May 27

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/30 at 07:58 AM

Farewell Ukraine!

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Journey to the Borderland

May 26

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/30 at 07:31 AM

Last day in Kiev.

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Local Food Journey

Rhubarb Applesauce

Posted by Kristin Camplese on 05/30 at 06:59 AM

I wanted to do something slightly more savory with my recent bunch of rhubarb, which is tough because it is very tart and needs some sugar. I settled on the idea of something “applesaucey” and it was a hit with our grilled pork. It would be great with some strawberries added in (if you like the strawberry-rhubarb combo and are willing to part with your strawberries—but I’m not there yet.)

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Local Food Journey

The Great Coffee Adventure: Helena’s Chocolate Cafe & Creperie in Carlisle

Posted by Naomi Elle Schwartz on 05/29 at 08:35 AM

Have you ever walked into a place and smiled? It’s like finding your “happy place.” Happiness may not be found in coffee (or chocolate), but they definitely help. And when you meander into a little cafe like Helena’s Chocolate Cafe & Creperie in Carlisle, and look around, I guarantee that you will smile.

It’s a little touch of European cafe-style happiness in the middle of a historic town. It’s the feeling of being involved in the community, and yet, somehow elevating the community … adding something special to the recipe of community. A sprinkle of joy + a dash of delectable delights + sunny sentiment = Welcome to Helena’s!

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Local Food Journey

Fire up the Grill

Posted by Emily Wiley on 05/25 at 07:00 PM

What are you grilling this Memorial Day weekend? Fire up the grill and try one of these summertime recipes!

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Journey to the Borderland

May 25

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/25 at 04:18 PM

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what are five thousand pictures worth?

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Journey to the Borderland

May 24

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/25 at 04:08 PM

A truly authentic experience…

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Local Food Journey

The Amazing (mostly unknown) Rhubarb

Posted by James Eisenstein on 05/25 at 02:52 PM

When I moved to State College in 1972 and noticed five large plants growing in my backyard in suburban Lemont, I had to ask what they were. Rhubarb, I was told. I had never heard of it. So I took out all but one of them to make room (ironically) for a strawberry patch. Who knew?

I know better now, of course. And judging from the (modest) increase in sales of our Jade Family Farm rhubarb, folks in Happy Valley are catching on, too. Now you can find it from several vendors at most local farmers markets – and sometimes in supermarkets. 

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Our Town

Thank You Nanty Glo!

Posted by Whitney on 05/25 at 01:40 PM

The support last night for the broadcast premiere of “Our Town: Nanty Glo” was amazing! Everyone in the studio said they were so proud to be a part of the project and that they were so proud to be a part of the community. The excitement from the community was felt from the moment the program began and we’ve received 323 contributions in support of the program.

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Journey to the Borderland

May 23

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/23 at 11:36 PM

I <3 Kiev.

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Journey to the Borderland

May 22

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/23 at 04:46 PM

Next stop—Kiev!

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Journey to the Borderland

May 21

Posted by Lindsey Whissel on 05/23 at 04:41 PM

A day in Mirgorod.

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Local Food Journey

How to Transplant Tomatoes Now for Great Harvests Later

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 05/23 at 08:42 AM

It’s mid-May, which is peak time for “putting in the garden,” an old saying that means planting your frost-sensitive plants now that we are mostly past the risk of frost. (Although not completely, more on that later.)

Whether you started tomatoes from seed or bought the plants at your favorite garden center or farmer’s market, transplanting them the right way is very important.

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Local Food Journey

The Great Coffee Adventure: Pump Station in Boalsburg

Posted by Naomi Elle Schwartz on 05/22 at 09:23 AM

Welcome to the Pump Station Cafe. One of the only free-standing cafes that we have visited, it stands out among the rest. It’s just past the only stoplight in the middle of Boalsburg, near the Pennsylvania Military Museum and the bronze statues of three ladies who founded Memorial Day in this historic small town.

While the Pump Station does not memorialize fallen soldiers like the historic attractions surrounding it, the cafe seems to memorialize the long-lost time of gathering by the gas station for a chat with neighbors and friends. This place has a happy sort of nostalgia. A little gas station/garage that used to shelter cars in need of repair now takes a turn as a place for human refueling, refreshing, and restoration. Massive windows encourage the sunlight to flood in, which we all know gives us necessary vitamin D and improves our moods!

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