CPC Mention in this week's Reader

Thank you Mac and Sue for your letter in this week's Reader!  I hope more people become inspired to work together to grow and share healthy food.

Don't forget that our next exchange is on Saturday, October 15th. 

I would also like to schedule the potluck after our November exchange on November 12th.  I hope this works for everyone.  Location is TBD for now.  You should bring anything you consider to be "comfort food".  Every nationality has a different dish that falls under this category whether it's fried hushpuppies or stuffed cabbage. I think we'll all leave feeling both full and very comforted!

I'll see you at our next exchange!

-Lisa

This is the place to get a hold of each other!

I hope that all CPC members will begin to use this blog to get in touch with each other for quick exchanges, information and brainstorming.  Networking and communication are important--they keep this group exciting.  Don't lose sight of the "community" side of the equation and  how fun it is to find surprises in your variety bag at the end of the exchanges.  The next exchange is on October 15th.  What's in your bag?? ;-)

Thank you for another great exchange!

Thank you members who were able to participate in the produce exchange yesterday and don't forget that our next one is on October 15th! -Lisa

Produce Exchange, Saturday, September 10, 2011

If you are interested in participating in a produce exchange next Saturday, September 10th, please let me know by Wednesday, September 7th.  I'm also looking for indoor locations for a meeting/potluck in November so if you have any ideas on venues, please let me know.  Have a great week and a relaxing Labor Day!

Gazpacho Recipe from Leslie

This recipe can be used for the last of your summer harvest!

1 cucumber peeled
3 tomatoes peeled (you can blanch them for 15 seconds to peel them easily)
1 onion peeled
1/2 Green pepper
4 cups water
4 cups french bread (crust removed) broken apart in chunks
1 Tbsp lemon pepper
4 tsp salt
2 tsp chopped garlic
1/4 cup wine vinegar (or use half lime juice and half balsamic vinegar)
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 green onion finely chopped an d3 slices cooked crumbled bacon for garnish

Assembly:
Cut a small amount (1tsp) of each vegetable and finely dice reserving for garnish.  Put remaining ingredients in a food processor and puree.  Simmer on low for 3 hours.  Chill and service with the diced vegetable and toast points.  Lesley says you can add a little seeded and minced jalepeno to the soup before processing for extra zip!

Urban/Backyard Gardening Information from KPBS

Krystal sent me this link from a KPBS broadcast regarding urban/backyard gardening and the new "grow it yourself" trends.  It really sums up what we're about.  Take a listen!
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/aug/29/urban-farming-grow-it-yourself-movement/

Great tour idea!

Joyce mentioned a great tour option for CPC would be the Olivewood Gardens in National City.  It looks like a great place to get ideas.  Check it out and let me know what you think: http://olivewoodgardens.org/about.  -Lisa

Introducing the CPC Blog!

The time has come for our growing community to have a dynamic forum for communicating ideas, providing advice and setting up exchanges.  Welcome to our new blog!  I hope our excitement continues to build for CPC. It's clear after today's meeting that our collective knowledge is a force to be reckoned with!