(Actually from the Vice President; President Petruccelli is on vacation in Florida)
Amazing Autumn, Garden Lovers,
We are so lucky to be living in an area where we can experience the beauty of the four seasons—autumn, being my favorite for many reasons. We are well aware of the color changes taking place everywhere now, and the cooler temperatures are happening more often and lasting longer, especially at night. But now the leaves are falling, with some tree species completely bare. Soon we'll be raking and bagging leaves as we begin to put our own "gardens to sleep." Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 10th, we'll be putting our own community garden "to sleep." If you can spare an hour or more, please join us.
Not only are changes taking place outside, but we're beginning to make changes inside, too. You may be bringing plants inside that cannot tolerate the colder temperatures. You may be decorating for the fall with artificial leaves, aromatic spiced candles, or pumpkins and cornstalks on your porch. You may be preparing for Halloween with jack-olanterns, black cats, and lots of candy.
Don't forget about our costume party (awh come on, have a little fun), at our annual Harvest Dinner where everyone brings a favorite dish to share. This year's feast will be held on Oct. 27th at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, starting at 6 p.m. with a DJ and your best voices (OK, Ronnie, this one is for you) we should have a fun evening.
Lastly, I love the smells of autumn, like leaves burning, fireplaces crackling, soups and stews cooking, hot apple cider simmering, pies bubbling and cookies baking. My mouth is watering right now. Slurp. Slurp!
Just a reminder. This month's meeting at the American Legion Building is on October 23rd, at 7 p.m. It's election month. No more Presidential debates, please. Two is enough. hahaha
No meetings in November and December. We will resume, same time, same place, on January 22, 2013...yep! 2013. Carolyn
We’re looking for donations for our Salute America
2013 Spring Luncheon. They can be
something to put in a basket that we
make, or a basket with something in it that
you would like to win.
Everything will be cherished.
You can call me at 289-0867
Or e-mail me at
Mark Bittman's Tomato Jam
Makes 2 small jars with a little left over
1.5 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne
1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan, Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then pour into hot, sterilized jam jars, screw the lids on and turn the jars upside down to cool completely.
As 'The Minimalest' himself says, "A Pretty Great Jam"
