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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

10 local food resolutions for 2017

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/31 at 12:31 PM

During the early days of 2017, many of us set resolutions. While many resolutions are based around exercise, getting more sleep, visiting old friends, etc., we have some suggested resolutions are local-food focused.

They are resolutions to try some new things, and branch out your support of our region’s local food. Here they are, and here’s to a great 2017, and Happy New Year to you, our faithful Local Food Journey reader:

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Local Food Journey

Baked apple sundaes an easy-to-make holiday crowd pleaser

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/21 at 10:14 AM

Everyone loves apple pie a la mode, this recipe takes the basic concept of an apple pie and simplifies it for those who don’t want to deal with a crust.

The first step to baking apples is making sure you choose one that can hold up to baking, otherwise they’ll fall apart. The best firm baking apples include varieties such as Granny Smith, Jonagold, and McIntosh. Very important to choose the right variety if you don’t want to deal with a real mess. You can definitely still find apples from local sources like Way Fruit Farm.

Once you have the right apples, then you core them. You can use a paring knife if you have the skills, otherwise an apple corer can be had for cheap. The key is to get all or most of the core out, and not cutting the bottom to allow the melted butter/brown sugar mix to stream out the bottom during baking.

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Local Food Journey

Pennsylvania Dutch sand tarts are a fantastic holiday cookie

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/16 at 09:24 AM

To many who live in Pennsylvania Dutch country, sand tarts are a big part of the holiday festivities. Topped with sprinkles or ground almonds, hese wafer-thin sugar cookies are crispy and delicious. I feel bad for the parts of Pennsylvania that do not have them, as they are quite the holiday treat.

Below is an old recipe for these tasty cookies that you can easily do at home. The ingredients are simple, but key to a great sand tart is rolling them thin. Otherwise, they’re not sand tarts!

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Local Food Journey

Spiced cranberry sangria combines local shrub, wine

Posted by Linda Weaver on 12/14 at 10:27 AM

Editor’s Note: Linda Weaver of Mt. Nittany Vineyard and Winery offers this delicious recipe for a pleasant cocktail full of holiday flavor that features Mt. Nittany wine and cranberry shrub from Tait Farm Foods.

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Local Food Journey

Local Food Notes for Dec. 9

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/09 at 10:04 AM

This very holiday-ish edition of Local Food Notes features a holiday open house at Mt. Nittany Winery, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, gingerbread houses at Millbrook Marsh, and a great band playing at local food hotspot Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks.

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Local Food Journey

Five holiday gift ideas for gardeners

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/07 at 09:52 AM

Gardening season is over, but for the serious gardener, thoughts of playing in the dirt are never far from one’s mind. And that includes the holiday season. Finding the right gift for a gardener can be a bit of a challenge if you are not one yourself, but here’s five sure bet gifts that will be well-received by any gardener:

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Local Food Journey

Winter Craft and Local Food Fair Saturday to benefit Taproot Kitchen

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/02 at 10:20 AM

Taproot Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that brings adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities together to cook local food and socialize, will be holding a Winter Craft and Local Food Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Meetinghouse on Atherton, located at 318 S. Atherton St. in State College.

The event will feature a variety of holiday gift ideas and local food. The crafts on sale will include handmade, locally sourced ceramics, wood block prints, hand-knit clothing, baby toys and mobiles, holiday ornaments and cards, specialty foods, and more.

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