All tagged tammy kelly
Can’t you always envision a fresh bright pink slice of watermelon whenever you think of summer?? There are hundreds of varieties of watermelon across the country, my favorite this summer has been the Black Jack, beautifully red, seedless and the perfect size! Growing in popularity and this summer’s star has been the very sweet yellow watermelon.
National Farmers Market Week, established 26 years ago, is celebrated each year during the first full week of August, August 3rd – 9th, 2025. This annual celebration was established by the National Farmers Market Coalition to highlight the vital role farmers markets play in the nation’s food systems.
Okra is either one of those vegetables that you love or you simply love to hate. Known for its scrubby texture when overcooked, okra is actually crunchy, crisp, and absolutely delicious when handled properly.
It’s time for summer squash and you can find many varieties at the local Farmer’s Market! Squash and Zucchini have a taste and texture that can be adapted to many different types of recipes, from traditional Southern, to Italian or Greek Style. No matter the way you like to eat and prepare your squash, this spring and summer veggie packs a load of health benefits.
According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, due to our exceptionally warm weather a bumper crop of high-quality has arrived earlier than usual. Peaches typically peak during July, but many peach farmers are already selling fresh ripe early peach varieties. Warm weather tends to make the peaches ripen not only earlier but faster so don’t wait to pick your peck of peaches!!
If you missed the Business After Hours at the Extension Master Gardeners of Lenoir County’s Children Garden (Children’s Garden), you really missed out! Great food, with a summer-time theme, as well as great fellowship was had by those that attended! Many exclaimed how amazing the garden space is, and how they cannot wait to visit again and bring their children, grandchildren, etc.!
Enjoy the bounty of the season without spending a lot of time cooking over a hot stove with these quick and easy seafood recipes. From shrimp to scallops and salmon to crab, these recipes will make using the seasonal harvest from our crystal coast, a breeze! Hope you will enjoy your dinner and support our fishermen!!
In case you haven’t heard, and I am not sure how you missed it, but the latest trend made popular by Tik Tok is “Sardine Summer.” The last I remember sardine talked about was way back when my Daddy used to open the rather smelly can for a quick lunch, but apparently everything from clothes, accessories, home goods and recipes are now featuring the tiny, sometimes tinny fish.
There are few fresh seasonal vegetables that bring the business to the Farmers Market than corn. Customers flock to the market to buy bushel bags at a time. The average American eats about 5 ½ pounds of fresh sweet corn every year, certainly making it one of the most popular crops grown in the United States.
Tomatoes are hitting peak season and even though tomatoes are available year round they are never quite as tasty as they are during peak season. There is nothing like biting into a vine-ripened red beauty, especially if you grow it yourself!
It is definitely “Picnic Season” and one of the best things about summertime and warm weather is enjoying a picnic on the beach or in a park. Make sure you don’t spoil the day with spoiled food. Recently the FDA updated their information on outdoor food safety. Keep these tips for transport and serving in mind for your next dinner on the grounds
The Mediterranean Diet has proven to be the healthiest way to retain lifetime longevity and good health! Food Choices very from region to region in the Mediterranean Area but are all focused on primarily a plant based diet, with as much as 95 percent of daily food intake coming from vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.
Kinston’s biggest festival is taking on its biggest challenge yet: setting a Guinness World Record. While Friday, May 2nd’s entertainment is headlined by Nashville recording artist Runaway June, the 44th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse will also attempt to break the world record for the most barbecue sandwiches sold in an eight-hour period on Saturday, May 3rd.
Cottage cheese has made a comeback. Cottage cheese recipes have become an unexpected viral social media trend, with good reason, cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium and is delicious and adaptable.
Who needs a trip to Louisiana to enjoy the food and flavors of Mardi Gras? Much like the Mardi Gras celebrations the foods are full of spirit and the bold flavors of Cajun and Creole.
With over two months to go until the BBQ Fest on the Neuse, excitement is already at an all-time high. The annual festival, set for May 2-3 in downtown Kinston, has seen record-breaking interest from vendors, cook teams, and sponsors alike.
Many years ago, the Mediterranean Diet jumped into popularity showing up as clearly the best way to eat to increase your longevity. A true “Mediterranean Diet” consists mainly of fruits and vegetables, seafood, olive oil, hearty grains, and other foods that fight against heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
It may be February and while we don’t have quite the large selection of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, we still have some great choices, like carrots, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and one of my favorites, broccoli
The days are very slowly getting a little longer each day, but unfortunately Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on the 2nd. We all know that means 6 more weeks of winter and that means 6 more weeks of wintertime suppers.
Super Bowl LIX is rapidly approaching and so does the search for n the very best in new snack recipes, with the added bonus of being a bit more healthy or low in calories and carbohydrates! I’ve done the searching for you; hope you will enjoy!!
