Thursday, October 31, 2024

Halloween in North Miami Beach

Tonight is Halloween, but it feels so different than the Halloweens back in Pennsylvania. Here in Florida we live in a high rise on a street that is all high-rises. There are no Halloween decorations, and it seems like life as usual. 

In Pennsylvania, everyone is abuzz with Halloween parties, preparation, and decorations in the stores and in front of homes. I took some shots of a few decorations before we left to spend the winter in Florida. I'll share my favorite photos. All the photos were taken in Pennsylvania except one in New York. 


In Florida, the kids will have limited Trick or Treating in our 600 unit building. We had a sign up sheet if we wanted to participate and there is a designated time today for the kids to knock on the doors of ONLY those who signed up. It's between 4:00-6:00 PM today. 

This pic is from New York in my son's neighborhood taken a few years ago. But I love it. 

Truthfully, I never liked giving out candy on Halloween. I hated the up and down of answering the door. We live in a development in Pennsylvania where we get over 100 -150 kids, half of them who I've never seen before.  However, we always gave out candy anyway!!


I did not sign up to give out candy here in the condo building in Florida since we do not have any kids (that I know of) on our floor. 

Tonight in North Miami Beach it will be business as usual. I won't even see the trick or treaters on the streets! In Pennsylvania the young kids dress in costumes for school so we also see them at the bus stop and kids trick or treat until 8:00 PM + . 

It's a different world here in Miami Beach. 

Hope everyone has a happy Halloween! Don't eat too much candy! and stay safe!


Halloween sign

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

“Simple Asian Cucumber and Edamame Salad: A No-Fuss Recipe”


cucumber and edamame salad

If you enjoy starting your meal with a salad, but are looking for something a little different, you may enjoy this simple Asian  cucumber and edamame salad using English cucumbers.

Dressed with rice vinegar, tamari sauce, and a hint of maple syrup, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with specific health benefits.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

"Diwali 101 for Americans: Understanding the Holiday + Recipe


Diwali Festival illustration and picture

I shop at T.J Max, Marshalls, and Home Good's . In the past few years, I've noticed beautiful festive items being sold for the holiday of Diwali (pronounced Dee -Val -Lee) this time of the year. 


Diwali display

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Crustless Sweet Potato Pumpkin Pie -vegan and gluten-free


A slice of vegan pumpkin pie topped with coconut whipped cream

Nothing welcomes the spirit of fall quite like a slice of homemade (sweet potato) pumpkin pie. Do you agree?

This creamy flourless recipe combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, with the warm spiced flavors of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and satisfying. 

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Florida- Here We Come


fall trees in orange colors

It’s Time!

The leaves are now crimson and amber bright,
And pumpkins are visible in the autumn’s light.
With crisper air and cooler days,
We feel the pull of warmer ways.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Warm Up With Miso-Ginger Vegetable Soup


vegetable soup

It's 9:00 AM and it's a chilly 45 degrees outside (it will warm up to 75 degrees by noon). We have not turned the heat on yet, so I'm warming up with a nourishing bowl of miso-ginger vegetable soup.
 

I just made it this morning in less than 15 minutes. It took no more time than making a bowl of steel cut oatmeal.

Who eats soup for breakfast? 

Monday, October 14, 2024

Growing Greens In the Fall



You may remember that I shared this photo of the garden that my son built. It was a big project, and he didn't finish it until the end of the summer. Although he has never gardened before, he was pleased to find out that he could actually still attempt to grow some fall crops before closing shop for the winter.



Someone gifted him the sign 

Although the days are shorter and the air is crisper, fall offers a wonderful opportunity to plant a garden. While many think of spring as the prime planting season, autumn is perfect for growing a variety of hardy crops, especially leafy greens.

My son was a little too late to start his fall crops from seed, so he found a farm selling tiny starter plants which included lettuce, Swiss chard, carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, dandelion greens, and some herbs - all fall crops.



Vegetable Garden Now in Bloom 

It has now been 6 weeks since I first shared his plantings, and the garden is now flourishing. I went over this morning to pick lettuce, kale, dandelion greens, and Swiss chard. 

Free Food Lactuca Sativa photo and picture

Unfortunately, his radishes and cauliflower didn't seem to want to develop: there were plants but no bulbs. It is something he will have to figure out for next growing season. 

Free Chard Nature photo and picture
Swiss Chard

I looked it up and the reason the radishes bulbs never developed, and it may be that they were planted too close together, the soil many be too acidic, or since it is a first time garden, the soil may not be loose enough. 

Free Lettuce Salad photo and picture

He still has a lot to learn for his spring planting, but he is enjoying the abundance of greens!

Free Green Salad Head Of Lettuce photo and picture

Why Plant Leafy Greens in Fall?

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, arugula, lettuces, dandelion, and Swiss chard thrive in cooler temperatures.

Leafy greens provide important health benefits: 

Nutrient-Rich Powerhouses

  • Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach is rich in iron, kale boasts high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, while Swiss chard provides magnesium and potassium.  
  • Greens such as kale and collard greens are rich in calcium and vitamin K, important for maintaining strong bones as we age.
  •  Incorporating these greens into your diet may help boost your immune system as winter approaches.

  1. Quick Harvest: Many leafy greens are quick to mature, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce in just a few weeks. This is especially rewarding in the fall, when the first frost can sweeten the leaves, enhancing their flavor.


Storing My Pickings

Since I only go to his garden once a week, I needed to know how long the greens would stay fresh in the refrigerator. This is what I found to help them maintain their freshness: 

  • Lettuce: up to 1 week. Store in a plastic bag or container to retain moisture.
  • Swiss Chard: up to 1 week. Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag.
  • Spinach:up to  5-7 days. Keep it in a breathable bag in the vegetable drawer.
  • Dandelion Greens: up to 3-5 days. Store similarly to spinach for best results.
  • Kale: up to 5-7 days. Use a perforated bag to maintain humidity without causing rot.
Free Kale Fresh photo and picture
Kale 


Anti- Inflammatory Salad - this is a wonderful fall salad made with lettuce, kale, chickpeas, celery, red cabbage, roasted butternut squash and some other vegetables. Why not try it? It's a powerhouse of nutrients and tastes delicious.  It goes great with a bowl of quick and easy carrot ginger soup.

anti-inflammatory salad


Do you plant a garden? Do you re-plant crops for the fall? Any suggestions on the radishes? 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Crunchy Tofu Bites: A Delicious Way To Eat Tofu

Pasta and tofu cubes in a bowl

If you wonder what to do with tofu, you may want to try this quick recipe for simple "tofu bites" which are easy to make, come out crunchy, and are quite tasty.

Monday, October 7, 2024

Carrot Ginger Soup Made Easy

carrot soup in a white bowl

If you love fall soups, you will love this super quick and easy carrot ginger soup that I make I my Instant Pot in literally minutes (of course it is totally adaptable for the stove top too). 

Got carrots? Make soup!!!

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Rosh Hashanah October 2024


Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated with thanksgiving, prayer, synagogue services, and family meals. Unlike New Years Eve and Day in the secular calendar, this is a 2 day religious holiday. You may like the recipes I'm sharing.

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