617 Walnut Avenue
Santa Cruz, California
Customers take whatever they want and donate whatever they want. All proceeds go to a different global charity each week. Ingredients are fair-trade and as local as possible, from the Farmer's Markets or backyards. Students from Santa Cruz High School sometimes help out, play ukuleles, or play with the baby chicks.
Are you Local to
Food in the Hood?
We welcome donations of:
- » Backyard produce
- » Baked goods
- » Homemade food
- » Preserves
- » Canning jars
- » Plants & seeds
- » Plant containers & flats
- » Scraps for chickens / rabbits
FitH partners WitH:
Wide World Partners
high school students raising awareness and funds for global causes.UniverseCity
enabling the great reskilling through affordable small classes.The Parent Network
how to raise giving kids in a taking world.RetroMetro
artisans and entrepreneurs making the practical beautiful and the beautiful practicalTransition Santa Cruz
a catalyst for relocalizationSlow Money Santa Cruz
an investor co-op for a return to small-scale agriculture & industry.Third Paradigm
A radio thinktank about community sovereignty and regenerative economics.FRSC 101.1 FM
Sunday 1:30pm
GrowFoodPartyCrew
helping to make santa cruz into an edible oasis.
To those who take the FitH,
Hurrah! I mean... I'm terribly sorry that we ran out of food early for the first time ever last Friday. We also made $250 – a new record! This was helped greatly by John and Jenny Bost, who are back from New Zealand and Australia, and were on their way to visit their new little granddaughter. We think their name should be Boost for their effect on our donations. So that brings us to $6650 as we near the end of our first FitH year.
This week I'd like to follow Noam Chomsky's advice and subscribe to the Monthly Review. It's not specifically a donation, but they've lured me with a free copy of Eduardo Galeano's Open Veins of Latin America. I've been meaning to read it, and would like to start a discussion group around it this summer, if anyone's interested. Noam promises that the MR delivers "reliable, searching, stimulating thought and debate, without the debilitating factionalism that has been such a painful internal barrier to progress." Can I just say, "Amen to that, bro."
A subscription is $39 if anyone would like to get their own magazine and books. For an associate membership of $85, you get two books and 50% off all of their publications for the year. I'll have the list at Food in the Hood if you'd like to get a book for your donation – a double win! We definitely want to get our money's worth for the neighborhood library. Speaking of which, I have a roomful of double-stacked bookshelves, and I don't charge overdue fees. As our public library is cutting hours, come check out Books in the Hood.
And check out the photos Mike added on your left: chickens, fruit trees, our strawberry shortcake hearts, and Cassandra with Beth Regardz' granddaughter Fatima with a baby chick in her cloud-hair.
Menu for Friday, May 28th from 4:00 to 6:00
This week I'm cooking entirely from the Orangette Blog recipe list.
For the last year I've been cooking from Molly Wizenberg's A Homemade Life, and have loved her writing and the recipes. Now that I'm finishing the book, it's time to go to the source – which means that you'll have the recipes and photos that might even match. What a concept! This week I compared both waffle recipes from the reader-submitted contest (raised and non-). Today I plan to make her flour tortillas with my own pure leaf-lard. I'll let you know how they are.
If you'd like to order any quantities ahead, let me know and I'll make up enough. I'm always happy to make more when I know they have a good home.
- Broccoli Soup with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream
http://orangette.blogspot.com/2009/02/now-you-know.html - Sliced Spring Salad with Endive, Cilantro, Radishes, and Feta
http://orangette.blogspot.com/2006/04/spring-sliced-and-straight-from-bowl.html - Carmelized Onion Sauce with Madeira and Parmesan over Fresh Pasta
Adapted from Beard on Pasta, by James Beard, with the mass quantities of butter modified, somewhat.
http://orangette.blogspot.com/2008/05/entirely-unmannerly.html - Sesame Polenta Rye Sourdough
Since Molly doesn't do yeasted breads, thank goodness Gardner does.
http://chefmonicapope.keepercollection.com/content/display/page/recipe-list - Maple-Almond-Raisin Granola Cookies
Ditto on Gardner's granola.
http://www.bigcitylittlekitchen.com/2007/07/10/ricotta-cake-with-pistachios-and-apricots/ - Classic Carrot (Cup)cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Adapted from Bon Appétit.
http://orangette.blogspot.com/2008/06/i-baked-you-cake.html
See you there!
Tereza
To the Cats in the Hoods and the Hats,
Along with my delight in having raised $6400 so far (including $200 for S!Paz) is my delight that the food always works out.
Last week I was a little nervous. By 5:00, only Kirsten had shown up to gift us some arugula and mustard from her garden (featured in this week's salad.) Then, at 5:30, everyone came. Sumita's daughters went to visit the chickens. Chris brought Veronica flowers for feeding her cat. Juliana's mother, who's getting remarried this weekend, picked her and some food up too. Harriet and Cassandra had a long debate about whether or not Persephone went along with Hades willingly. It was a grand time.
I then went off to the Understanding Deep Politics conference, where I heard Michael Parenti, Ellen Brown, Annie Machon, David Ray Griffin, Peter Dale Scott, and others. I spent an intense weekend learning about economics and false flag operations, and then was invited to a retreat with some of the organizers and speakers. This time, Persephone definitely went willingly, and helped write up a manifesto to demand the return of Constitutional rights from Hades. We'll see.
This week, we're again sponsoring Rights Action. Grahame Russell has written a diary of his years in Latin America, which he calls "Code Z59.5: There Is Only One People Here." It begins by defining radical as meaning literally, "going to the root," and with this quote:
— Samora Machel, 1933–1986. First President of Mozambique
Here is this week's menu. Since I've picked the photos from the internet, but the recipes are from my cookbooks, FitH results may differ. But I include the recipe source for the photo below it, in case you want to make it.
- Gingered Snap Pea Soup in Chicken Broth with Water Chestnuts and Shiitakes
My Dairy Hollow cookbook, which isn't usually so snooty, says that if you can't find fresh water chestnuts, make a different soup. I'm hoping that my backyard-fresh eggs and cream in the velvety broth will make up for my lack of fresh water chestnuts.
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/hearty-garlic-and-snap-pea-soup/ - Lentil Dal over Massa Brown Rice
Using bright orange lentils, this flavorful soup is garnished with Garden Variety yogurt.
http://lisaiscooking.blogspot.com/2009/03/warm-red-lentil-dal.html - Healthy Multi-grain Bread
Gardner's signature loaf.
http://www.allbreadrecipes.com/breadrecipes/multi-grain-bread-2.html - Arugula Salad with Pistachios and Chocolate
Don't question me, this is what the recipe calls for.
http://chefmonicapope.keepercollection.com/content/display/page/recipe-list - Pistachio-Almond Cake with Honeyed Apricots and Whipped Cream
Can't resist this again, now that fresh apricots are in the market.
http://www.bigcitylittlekitchen.com/2007/07/10/ricotta-cake-with-pistachios-and-apricots/
RSVP if you'd like anything saved for you!
Tereza
Dear FitHs and starts,
Thanks for your understanding about the prom last week – a fun and safe time was had by all. This weekend and next, SC High is putting on The Wedding Singer, which has usurped our student helpers the last couple of months. Go see what they've been up to!At our last FitH, we raised $200 for Witness for Peace, bringing the total to $6200 raised so far.
Thank you to my wonderful sister-in-law Joan, who took these great photos of our soup jars and our strawberry heartcakes!
We have some catching up to do on our check mailing, in case you've written a check that hasn't been cashed yet.
This week we're raising funds for S!Paz, which Caitlin and Christine have kicked off with a $54 donation for my birthday. However, I cheated them - I did the calculations and I'm only 53. A spring chicken! My friend Meg says that if you're going to lie about your age, always lie up, so people say, "Why you look fabulous for..."
Our friend Phil McManus has been instrumental in both Witness for Peace and S!Paz. This is what they write:
We would like to use our funds this week to support S!Paz, but to also give our moral support to the Zapatistas. In our opinion, both are needed to create a just world - those in the developed world who refuse to take up arms and defenders of the oppressed who have the courage to do so.
All people have the right to protect themselves, their communities, and their resources, through whatever means are available to them. We, who have the luxury of peaceful means - free speech, economic power, and politics - are obligated to use them. That's the end of diatribe, now on to the food:
Menu for Friday, May 14th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm
- New Garlic and Semolina Chicken Broth with Fresh Spinach and Parmesan Cheese
Combining three of the healthiest foods around: garlic, homemade chicken broth, and spinach, this would make Popeye happy. - Creamy Bisque of Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper, Zucchini and Massa Whole Grain Rice
This week, Tom and I ate at the incomparable Dametra's in Carmel, where the owner, Faisal, told us the ingredients to this delicious soup and the Greek salad dressing below. I'm going to do my best to recreate it, using the whole grain rice that's just appeared at our farmer's market. - Honey Wheat Berry Bread
Slightly sweet with nubbly little bits of pure wheatiness, this is a good one. - Greek Salad with Feta Cheese
The first lettuce from my garden, combined with Rebecca's Garden Variety Feta, oregano, lemon, cucumbers and tomatoes. - Apricot Caramel Pecan Shortbread
We just can't go too long without more of this.
Hope to see you there!
Tereza
Hello, FitHoodies,
Our nifty design of the UniverseCity can be seen here.
Thanks to everyone who helped us raise $200 for Green America last week, bringing our total to $6000! This gives us the ability to give free Green America memberships to nine people. If you'd like one, please email us your address, whether or not you came last week. They'll send you the national green pages, which lists fair-trade products from around the country. They also send out a quarterly newsletter, which has been a great source of info for me on how toys, carpets, or chocolate are made, or eco-tips on dry-cleaning and laundry. While they don't gloss over the ugly truths, what I like about them is that they always have a positive action to take. It's inspiring to know so many people are actively pursuing fair alternatives.
FitH's birthday and Veronica's are the same on June 16th, so we have five more FitH's before the summer NOT including next week. We won't have a FitH then because we'll be hosting prom-prep festivities in our back garage. Look out for some traffic-stopping dresses! If anyone's especially good at photography, we'd love to have some help around 4:00, when it should be glam-city around here.
To celebrate my 54th birthday this week, I want to support those who voluntarily go into the heart of darkness - Witness for Peace. They write, "From the provocative placement of seven new US military bases in Colombia to an irresponsible response to the military coup in Honduras, the Obama administration so far has given us more of the same disastrous policies. We see a retrenchment in failed trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA, and an expansion of ineffective drug wars with the Merida Initiative in Mexico. The devastating earthquake in Haiti underscored the truly disastrous effects of economic violence and poverty."
While the People's Summit on Climate Change in Bolivia shows a resilient shift towards independence and progress, WFP keeps the focus on the dark side of US partnerships - important and necessary work, although not as easy to swallow as our food. And speaking of which, here's...
The Menu for Friday, April 30th from 4:00 – 6:00
- Soup of Beans and Bowties
This is a vegetarian pasta e fagioli that's ready to party, using yellow peruano beans from Betty at the Farmer's Market. - Spicy Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Teriyaki Chicken
A very flavorful soup with indian spices and deep roasted chicken broth, garnished with Rebecca's yogurt and cilantro. - Maple Oatmeal Sunflower Bread
Great for toast and jam, morning, afternoon, or late at night! We won't judge you. - Spinach and Tomato Lasagna
Uses Rebecca's ricotta cheese mixed with spinach and garlic, then alternates layers of cheesy bechamel and tomato sauces. - Cheesecake with Strawberry Jam Topping
Now that it's strawberry season again, it's time to thaw and use last autumn's jams. With California's long seasons, who can keep up?
RSVP if you'd like anything saved. Please remember that the soups aren't canned, although they come in canning jars. We might work our way up to that, but until then, please refrigerate and eat promptly.
Tereza
Hey to the 'Hood,
We had a fabulous time last Sunday. Veronica and I represented Food in the Hood at the Design Renaissance. Everyone we talked to loved the idea, and they didn't mind the Yogurt Sambuca Cake and Blood Orange Torte either. Beth Regardz helped us represent the UniverseCity – a way to bring education out of the classroom and into homes, farms, and coffeehouses. Here's our first draft, so you can see what we're working on (view larger version):
Then at 5:00, Tom and I went up to John and Betty Devalcourt's house for the potluck to bring a virtual library to a high school in Nigeria. I was worried because I'd only gotten a couple of responses, but I vastly underestimated John and Betty's network, especially their Cuba Caravan connections. Shannon, the Voices of Angels instigator, gave an informative presentation on how the virtual library works and how the high school they're bringing it to got started. It's an impressive project, and you read more by clicking the blue "Sunday April 18th" heading below.
Best of all, $700 and several used laptops were donated to this project.
Although this is overwhelmingly due to Betty, John, and Shannon, we're going to take credit for it anyway, bringing our FitH total to $5800 so far!
What's up for this week? We're back to our regular Friday 4-6 schedule. In honor of Earth Day, we're going to be renewing our membership to Green America, formerly known as Co-op America. One of the many things I like about Green America is that they oppose unfair labor practices in the supply chain, and aren't afraid to name names. At the same time, I've found them to be one of the most positive forces around, whether it's helping you move your money back home or getting airlines to recycle.
For a $20 membership, you'll receive the National Green Pages – a directory of fair-trade businesses around the country. You'll also get the quarterly Green American and Real Green, a popular green-living newsletter. You can join by writing a check at tomorrow's event or donating online (and letting us know.) Or you can donate cash and we'll add it to our donation without signing you up.
And Here's the Menu:
Friday, April 23rd, 4-6 pm at 617 Walnut Avenue- Leek and Potato Soup Simplicity
A vegetarian base with Yukon Gold potatoes and spring leeks with a touch of cream and butter. Comfort food even if you don't need comforting! - Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Mini–Meatballs
Homemade chicken broth with root veggies bobs with meatballs made with chicken, ham, Parmesan, ricotta and walnut bread. - Pain Compleat
This was so popular last month, Gardner's brought it back. The best of both worlds, wholesome and decadently light. - Grilled Asparagus and Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding
Using some of that good Pain Compleat, we're mixing in our backyard-fresh eggs, chargrilling some fat asparagus and sauteeing some shiitake and oyster mushrooms. - Carmelized Cauliflower
Roasted and glazed, with a touch of piquant jalapeno. - Strawberry Shortcake
Yes! Ronald the crazy Dutchman is back with the best strawberries at the market. That's something to celebrate.
RSVP if you want something saved.
Tereza
Although this is a potluck, here are some of the dishes that Betty and I are bringing, to whet your appetite:
Multicultural Menu:- Asian Cucumber Salad with Daikon Radish, Carrots, and Jalapeno Pepper
- Grilled Polenta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Garnished with Char-Grilled Peppers with Anchovies, Garlic, and Capers - Inzimino di Ceci
Chickpeas with Red Chard, Carrots, Kale, Tomatoes, Garlic and Olive Oil
- Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage, Onion and Parmesan Cheese
- Bally's Casino Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Betty and John made enough of this for 120 guests for their son's New Orleans wedding last week. And they were still willing to make more for us!
Please RSVP because it helps us not panic when we know someone's coming!
All contributions are tax deductible. The last potluck was a delightful time, with meaningful conversations and a nice neighborly feel. We hope you can come to this one.
Tereza
Fooders and Foolers,
Aren't you glad you checked out our cool new Food in the Hood web page? Every visionary needs a behind-the-scenes webophile friend like Mike Scirocco. While you're here, check out the links to our Third Paradigm radio show and see how beautiful politics and economics can be. Visit vox diligo, our beetle mascot, on the other writings link where there's a list of my poems, articles, and essays. And my favorite – the contact page with the map showing all the places around the world that have visited Third Paradigm. Without Mike, I'd still be a provincial gal talking to a half-dozen people on Free Radio and handing out my poems on the street corner.As mentioned in the email, there's no Food in the Hood this Friday. But on Saturday the 10th from 10-5, I'm cooking lunch for the Grow Food Party Crew at 508 Olive Street and you're all invited!
If you missed the Grow Food Party we had at our house last spring, there's a fun short video of it here.
The concept is that a horde of helpful people converges on a house and plants an edible garden in one day. Music and dancing encouraged – bring instruments and garden tools, but don't get them mixed up!
I'm willing to do the cooking for anyone in the 'hood who wants to have the next Grow Food Party. I'll put out the donation jar and we'll do a FitH-mobile. Come dig a little, plant a little on Sunday, and make sure you're there at 1:00 for lunch. Bruce Sawhill, whose party it is, has billed me as a vegetarian Italian chef, so I've been scouring my cookbooks to live up to it. It seems only fitting to continue to raise funds for Grassroots International, who supports Via Campesina, the largest coalition of peasant farmers in the world.
In case of rain (a 50% chance) we'll eat indoors: the food must go on!
On to the menu is...
- Grilled Botticelli Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
None of those skinny little spears for us! - Inzimino di Ceci
Isn't that more fun to say than chickpeas with chard? - Grilled Polenta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Arugula
- Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage and Onion
- Broccoli and Mozzarella Rigatoni
- Salad with Radicchio, Fennel and Shaved Parmesan
- Yogurt and Sambuca Cake
- Sicilian Blood Orange Torta
On to the menu for this week:
- Wild Mushroom and Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Roasted Garlic and Herb Topping
Considered an auspicious start to a new year, maybe these black-eyed peas and shiitakes in mushroom broth can help re-start Haiti. With generous dollops of Madeira wine and Calvados brandy, it's an auspicious start to lunch or dinner. - Sesame Cracked Wheat Bread
A classic in the Gardner repetoire. - Whole Poached ChilePepper Rockfish with Spicy Mayonaise and Green Tartar Sauce
I'm meeting Hans at the harbor to pick up these pouting fish with the spicy name. To live up to it, we're adding a curry-caper-horseradish mayo and a cornichon-caper herb tartar sauce.
- Asian Cucumber Salad
Daikon radish, carrots, red onion, mint, garlic, lime, rice vinegar, and, oh yeah, cucumbers. - Partly-Pickled Beets
In three colors, these partly-pickled beets are dressed for a party, or have come from one. - Tiramisu
This is made for Ezra, the Turkish exchange student from Germany who is Veronica's friend. Her host family can't eat eggs and she's having tiramisu withdrawal. Always happy to help out!
RSVP if you want anything saved for you.
Tereza
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