Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

by | Aug 27, 2022 | Anytime, Recipes

Depending on the seasonality of the year, there are several fruits that you can substitute in this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe. This strawberry and rhubarb crumble is a family favorite this time of year. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or frozen vanilla yogurt is simply delicious.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Baking time: 30 – 35 minutes

Ingredients:

 

  • 3/4 cup (100g) rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (125g) white whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups unpeeled rhubarb, less than 2 stalks, rinsed and dried
  • 1 1/2 cups washed, hulled, and diced strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar (55g)
  • 1Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Butternut Squash
Carrots-Celery-Onion
Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (180 C) and grease an 8 by an 8-inch square baking pan.
  • Place oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, and salt. In a bowl and mix.
  • Add the melted butter and stir until it is lumpy. Add a touch more flour if the mixture looks too wet.
  • Put 1/3 of the crumble mixture aside.
  • Put the rest of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down evenly.
  • In a 2-quart pan, add the rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ginger, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of water and mix well. Cook. Uncovered on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
  • Spread the fruit onto the prepared crumble base.
  • Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the warm fruit and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  • Cut into squares, serve warm with frozen custard, or cool completely, and serve as a snack.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a reusable container.

Chef Yvonne Dwyer

Recipe compliments of OPL Naturalist and Home Chef Yvonne Dwyer

OPL Plant-rich Recipes

Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you and the planet.  Find more delicious OPL-recommended plant-rich recipes here.

Banana Oat Pancakes

Banana Oat Pancakes

by | Aug 26, 2022 | Breakfast, Recipes

These banana oat pancakes topped with fruit, and nuts, and drizzled with maple syrup are a great delicious way to start the day. If there are any leftovers, I like to make a peanut butter sliced banana sandwich packed in my stash bag to take along with me on a hike or bike ride.  

Servings: Makes 15 4-inch pancakes



Ingredients:

 

  • 1 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup ground Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats flour  ***see note
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 small overripe banana, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Butternut Squash
Carrots-Celery-Onion
Instructions:
  1. In a medium-size mixing bowl add the all-purpose and oat flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Mix well.
  2. In a separate smaller bowl combine almond milk, mashed banana, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.  Whisk until well blended.
  3. Add the banana wet mixture into the dry flour mixture and blend.  Do not over mix,  batter should be lumpy.
  4. Set a griddle or non-stick pan on medium-low heat, add about a teaspoon of butter, and heat to sizzling but not brown.  Drop 1/4 cup of the batter onto the grill keeping about 1 to 2 inches of space between pancakes as the batter will swell.  Cook for 2 minutes on one side. Flip pancakes and cook for another 1 – 1 1/2 minutes.  Pancakes should be golden brown and fluffy.
  5. Serve immediately with your favorite fresh fruit topping, nuts, and maple syrup.

 *** Note – To make oat flour, process them into your blender or food processor until the oats have turned into flour. It will look similar to sand.  I usually blend a bag of Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats and store them in a 2-quart glass jar in my pantry. If you plan to reduce some of the all-purpose or wheat flour with the oat flour in some recipes, be sure to check online on how to correctly replace flour with oat flour as oat flour is lighter in volume.


Chef Yvonne Dwyer

Recipe compliments of OPL Naturalist and Home Chef Yvonne Dwyer

OPL Plant-rich Recipes

Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you and the planet.  Find more delicious OPL-recommended plant-rich recipes here.

Wildflowers are Essential to a Healthy Ecosystem

Wildflowers are Essential to a Healthy Ecosystem

by | Aug 26, 2022 | People and Planet First, Protect the Planet, Quality of Life

We love wildflowers for a variety of reasons. The vision of beautiful bright colors displayed in natural floral arrangements catches our eyes, whether in meadows in the countryside, vacant lots in the city, or beyond human-dominated areas such as forests, wetlands, and seascapes. However, there is so much more that wildflowers provide besides their beauty. Wildflowers are an essential part of our ecosystem. 

What do wildflowers benefit?

Colorful wildflowers attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. They enjoy the nectar and collect pollen on their bodies as they move from one plant to another. That pollen dusted on their bodies pollinates the new plants they visit. For humans, this is extremely important as pollen is essential for plant production in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Wildflowers provide food for birds, insects, and other animals. In addition, they create natural habitats, nesting areas for birds, and shelter for small mammals, insects, amphibians, and protection from other animals.

What is the significance of wildflowers?

For centuries, native wildflowers (plants here before European settlement) have been foraged for tea and food recipes, medicinal purposes, ceremonies, symbolism, stories, ink, and in some instances, as a currency. In A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers, author Laura C. Martin states, “The indigenous people of North America found medicines in the woods and fields, plains, and deserts where they lived.” Amid our days of modern medicine, several wildflowers have been shown in studies to be complementary health resources found in teas, essential oils, and tinctures. Always do your research with these resources before experimenting.

Are wildflowers thriving in today’s environment?

Some varieties are in trouble. Common milkweed, a wildflower that is an important food source for Monarch butterflies, is in decline. As a result, our migratory monarch butterfly has recently been placed on the (IUCN) endangered red list. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) states, “Native populations, known for migrating from Mexico and California in the winter to summer breeding grounds, have shrunk by 22% and 72% over the past decade. Pesticides and herbicides used in intensive agriculture kill butterflies and milkweed, the host plant that the larvae of the monarch butterfly on which they feed.”

Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed

Non-native invasive species known as exotics are wild plants brought here to North America for their beauty or by accident. Unfortunately, they are not only out-competing and smothering our native wildflowers, but invasive plants also secrete chemicals into the ground, prohibiting the growth of native wildflowers. Plants such as Japanese knotweed, oriental bittersweet, and garlic mustard are just a few to mention.

Where can we buy wildflowers?

As the spring, summer, and fall seasons progress, we notice not only the change in colors and variations of the types of wildflowers but the variety of species that catch our eyes and ears. They lead us to want to learn and know more about them and how we can do our part to protect them by creating our unique wildflower garden, be it in a pot or plot. Wildflowers can be purchased through your local conservation resources and online.

Saratoga Springs Stoked My Love Affair with Water

Saratoga Springs Stoked My Love Affair with Water

by | Aug 19, 2022 | People and Planet First, Protect the Planet, Quality of Life

On a recent visit to Saratoga Springs, I learned the extensive history of the area’s natural mineral springs created millions of years ago. It stoked my longtime fascination with water. My love affair with water started in my youth, growing up in upstate New York.

I grew up on the shores of Oneida Lake in upstate New York, surrounded by water in every form. In the summer, the Verona Beach State Park and Sylvan Beach beaches were a haven to enjoy and have fun. In the winter, the snow piled so deep that, at times, we had to climb out of the front window just to remove the snow from the front door so we could open it. On the lake, where the ice was so thick, people drove their vehicles out to their ice fishing huts.

Growing up surrounded by an abundance of water, I was perplexed when I heard a neighbor say that we would be paying for water one day. Why?

It was the 1970s, and any thoughts of climate change were overshadowed by worries of the technological era of spaceship launches. Nuclear explosions were at the forefront of the news and collective thought processes.

Natural Spring Water
As we have learned from hydrology experts, water is not a commodity that should be taken lightly or for granted as it is limited by nature.

According to the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), “The earth has an abundance of water, but unfortunately, only a small percentage (about 0.3 percent) is even usable by humans. The other 99.7 percent is in the oceans, soils, icecaps, and floating in the atmosphere. Still, much of the 0.3 percent that is usable is unattainable. Most of the water used by humans comes from rivers.”

The freshwater supply in Saratoga Springs is a national treasure. Natural mineral springs were created at the Saratoga Fault.

This geologic fault provided the break in shale layers to enable underground streams and a combination of gases and minerals to escape and rise to the surface as natural mineral springs. Water’s taste is impacted by the concentration of minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, as well as many electrolytes.

The Mohawk Indians discovered the “healing” springs and believed the water to be a gift from the god Manitou. Introduced in the late 1700s to early settlers, believers of the proclaimed restorative water would later discover several more natural springs. By 1826, bottled water from these springs would be shipped worldwide.

The Saratoga Springs State Park buildings were built in the early 1930s and retain their original exterior appearance, with much of their architectural detailing intact.

The bottling plant was built in 1935. Mineral spring water from three different springs, Geyser, Coesa, and Hathorn, was bottled in iconic cobalt blue bottles and sold in the US and Canada. The coloring of the bottle came about as mineral spring water was once considered a healing tincture. It was fascinating to learn that the plant was in operation until the 1970s, when the New York state-run mineral water bottling plant closed because, at the time, the market for bottled water and, in particular, carbonated water was not popular. It is now the Saratoga Auto Museum, housing many antique cars.

Saratoga Springs Mineral Water bottling company has been in business for approximately 149 years, bottling the nation’s oldest natural and carbonated spring water. The day would not be complete without trying some refreshing natural cold spring mineral water. Carbonated mineral water is deliciously bubbly, refreshing, and has no calories. Like people throughout history, my taste buds recognized this was special water. It reminded me of champagne or Prosecco without the alcohol.

The Mineral Water Bottling Plant

The Mineral Water Bottling Plant

The Mineral Water Bottling Plant was Constructed in 1935 and in operation until the 1970s. It may be hard to believe now, but miscalculation and disbelief that bottled water would never become a successful business enterprise led to its closure. It is now the Saratoga Auto Museum, housing many antique cars.

State Seal Springs Geyser Spring

State Seal Springs Geyser Spring

As a part of the Clean Water and Air Act, the water originally bottled at the Bottling plant was rerouted to this Joseph L. Bruno Pavilion, where the public continues to bottle water from the spring today. This water was so refreshing, cold, and delicious. I wished that I had brought another bottle to fill up. For the courtesy of others who are partaking in bottling water, there is a limit of no more than two five-gallon containers.

Next, we visited the beautiful Hall of Springs and Reflecting Pool.

Constructed in the early 1930s and proclaimed one of the most beautiful buildings in America, the Hall signified the prominent beginning of spa development. With gratitude to President Franklin Roosevelt for preserving the Saratoga Springs Mineral Water area, bathhouses such as the Lincoln Bath House and Roosevelt Baths were created to protect and promote bathing in tempered effervescent mineral water. Known widely as “taking the cure” (associated with tension relief, rejuvenation, assumed healing, and medicinal benefits naturally), mineral water from the Geyser, Hathorn, and Coesa Springs was piped in for visitors to consume while walking or listening to live orchestra music.

Hall of Springs and Reflecting Pool

Hall of Springs and Reflecting Pool

Hall of Springs and Reflecting Pool Circa early 1930s. This building signified the marked beginning of the spa development benefitting the mind and the body. 

With its story-filled buildings, rich history, and delicious mineral spring water, it’s no wonder why guests feel great after their Saratoga Springs visit. I will be back to partake in a mineral bath, a concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and once again stoke my love affair with water.

To learn more about Saratoga Springs’ History, visit discoversaratoga.org.

OPL Naturalist Yvonne Dwyer

This experience was shared by OPL Naturalist Yvonne Dwyer.

Learn more about Yvonne.

Environmental Conservation of Our Waterways is Key to Sustainability

Environmental Conservation of Our Waterways is Key to Sustainability

by | Aug 11, 2022 | People and Planet First, Protect the Planet, Quality of Life

Environmental conservation of our waterways and land in the United States is key to sustainability. Conservation organizations, landowners, and volunteers spend hours working together to preserve and maintain our waterways’ natural beauty and health. These organizations and their volunteers work to remove a wide variety of inorganic items from waterways, including tires, household appliances, plastics, clothing, glass, and cement blocks. In addition, they work to restore and maintain riparian buffer zones, strips of grasslands, forested areas, wetlands, and farmlands that provide shade and protection along the waterways tract to help enhance water quality. Their actions restore many of our creeks and rivers to their natural beauty and bring them back to life.

One of these organizations is the French Creek Valley Conservancy.

Established in 1982 is the Conneaut Lake-French Creek Conservancy and now named the French Creek Valley Conservancy, concerned citizens formed it to address serious issues facing these important Pennsylvania waterways. French Creek feeds into Conneaut Lake, which is Pennsylvania’s largest lake. Conneaut Lake is an hour and a half north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and about the same distance when traveling east from Cleveland, Ohio.

Our waterways offer abundant outdoor recreation activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and watching birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and invertebrates in their natural habitats.

Unfortunately, some of these waters are becoming unsuitable for recreation or wildlife habitat. Pollution from raw sewage, stormwater runoff, trash, mine drainage, and industrial chemicals such as herbicides for weed control make these bodies of water unfit for recreation and supporting wildlife species.
On a recent canoe paddling day trip along French Creek, we learned that this waterway is nationally recognized as one of the most biologically diverse waterways in the United States.

We were thrilled to see a bald eagle soaring above us when we slid our canoe into the water. We knew immediately that this nine-mile adventure would be unique and special. We didn’t think we would see more of these majestic eagles as we floated along the creek.

Yvonne Canoeing on French Creek

Bridge along Channel of French Creek

Bank Erosion along French Creek

Osprey Nest in the Trees

French Creek is alive with bird songs from migrating birds.

With the help of the Merlin Bird App, we identified over 40 birds. If you are a birder, you would be in awe of the 379 species of birds that make this great creek their home. For many birds, it is year-round.

The banks of the streams and rivers flourish with several hues of greenery from various ferns, maple, oak, walnut, spruce, wild flowering apple trees in full bloom, and several types of shrubs. Some of the trees appear to be hundreds of years old. With bank erosion from heavy rains and flooding, you can see how high the water once was. As we continued our paddle, we took note of the massive roots on many of the trees exposed on the eroded creek banks. We were amazed that the trees didn’t topple over from the excessive weight above the ground. Native and non-native spring ephemerals such as Dame’s Rocket, Philadelphia Fleabane, Wild Geraniums, Golden Alexander, Common Milkweed, Yellow Buttercups, Violets in purple, white, and yellow colors, Columbine, Sweet Cicely, Purple Crown Vetch, and invasive Japanese Knotweed are just some of the plants we identified along the way.

French Creek has abundant wildlife, as we witnessed firsthand.  We spotted freshwater mussels, amphibians, reptiles, fish, Tiger Swallow Butterflies, and Red-spotted Butterflies, among other species.

According to the French Creek Valley Conservancy, “the French Creek watershed contains over 80 species of fish and 27 of Pennsylvania’s approximately 65 species of native freshwater mussels, including threatened and endangered, the most diverse population of any stream in the state and any stream further north and east in the nation. Mussels require clean, oxygen-rich water to filter food and absorb dissolved oxygen. In the microscopic larval stage, they often attach to fish gills such as darters and are transported to different sites on the stream. As a result, their distribution and number are directly linked to the host fish’s survival.”

To learn more about waterways near you, visit your local water conservation organization and federal, state, and local parks.

These organizations support aquatic science, riparian plantings, aquatic connectivity and species passage, safety on the waterways, canoe/kayak access development, watershed grant programs, and additional resources to inspire you to get involved.

Let us take action to joyfully preserve and sustain our natural world and its inhabitants for future generations. Download our One Planet Life app to access other insightful posts, resources, and organizations that you can participate in and track your actions.

Share This