Author Archives: Virtual Farmgirl

We’ve been more active than ever this year, in sports, in our community, in doing the things we don’t want to put off until tomorrow. That’s meant for a pretty hectic 2012 and 2013. It’s also meant I’ve had to cut back on a few things, including this blog. But I’m happy that the FarmersContinue reading “In the bag at this week's Farmer's Market: Farm-fresh eggs, strawberries & rhubarb, and (bonus) French pastry”

I love this exchange from Oak Park Farmers Market longtime vendor Jim Hardin, who married into the farming business 27 years ago. When talking about holidays, he says he’s often asked by friends to relax on a boat during the 4th of July. He declines, because he’s always working. When his friends protest that it’sContinue reading “When 4th of July rolls around, this farmer will be hard at work”

This is one of those few Saturday mornings I was happy I didn’t sleep in. I was up early enough to sneak out before our out-of-town guests woke up so I could do a quick walk/shop through the Oak Park Farmers Market. It was glorious morning to welcome the farmers back for what I hopeContinue reading “Welcome back farmers!”

A few years ago, or maybe on another day, I might have felt differently leaving Oak Park’s inaugural Great Food Truck Rally with a child near tears and our tummies empty. But my expectations are different now. Another time, I might have had an impulse to scold the organizers or seethe in line like theContinue reading “4 Reasons I Enjoyed the Oak Park Food Truck Rally Even Though I Left (Almost) Empty Handed”

This Saturday it was finally warm enough to cook out and eat outside, then light up the fire pit to make s’mores. For supper, we threw a marinated tri tip and some veggies on the grill while the kids played in the backyard. Besides being outside, the highlight of the meal was the salsa verde.Continue reading “Recipe: Salsa Verde with Roasted Tomatillos”

I wish this photo did this dish justice. It was my first attempt at carnitas and I (and my family) was very pleased with the result. It’s so similar to making Southern pulled pork. Only with carnitas, instead of a paprika rub and vinegar sauce, I rubbed the pork butt down with cumin and oregano.Continue reading “Carnitas, Kale & Sopes with Salsa Verde”

Photo shoot of Irving students for Earth Day ’09 It’s official. A new Irving schoolyard is coming. The District 97 school board voted Tuesday to break ground this summer on a new modern playground, multipurpose turf field and new, safer layout of the Irving schoolyard. I wasn’t sure we’d see the day and, forgive meContinue reading “Softer Landings Are On the Way”

We’re still two months away from the start of the Oak Park Farmers Market and I’m already starting to get a little excited. This is the time of year when I start to crave spring. It’s coming. Even though it’s only 32 degrees right now (and weather reports say it’ll be that way for atContinue reading “Farmers Market Countdown”

Ever since I heard last year that my community was experimenting with composting, I’ve been itching to sign up. I know for sure that we’ll put the compost bins to good use. I’d venture a guess that it’d be worth it just to find a good, more earth friendly home, for our Friday pizza boxes.Continue reading “Food Scrap Recycling Comes to Oak Park”

We had a little fun, thanks to this step-by-step post by Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on blowing up balloons by way of chemical reaction. It’s a super easy experiment using what most kitchens likely have on hand: an empty plastic water bottle, baking soda, and vinegar. If you’re like me, you have someContinue reading “Science in the Kitchen: Balloons Plus Baking Soda & Vinegar”