Benefits of Organic Produce

Organic produce has come into the spotlight in recent years with a growing awareness to the hazards of the commercial food system and a desire for a healthier life. With cancer, heart disease, and diabetes taking their toll on Americans every year, people have recognized their diets as a main cause of the problems.

In the 1950’s, convenience foods took off marketing to people based on their ease and quickness to prepare. These food were created after WWII, when America created new techniques for food and rations to be preserved. When the war ended, these producers began creating food for the general public. Many modern industrial food practices were born in this time period, such as bleaching flour and using many chemical preservatives.

Now, with American’s having a shocking rate of obesity, we have begun to take a closer look at the food system. Even though there will always be fad diets, pills, shakes, bars, and other “magic” health foods, there is no substitute for real, wholesome food. Quality food is making a comeback, and the organic movement is helping it along. People have begun looking back to farmers to supply food instead of going to the grocery store.

There are other options as well, such as grocery delivery and organic food delivery. Nature’s Garden combines the best food available with the convenience of home delivery. You can find everything from local and organic produce, dairy, and meats, to locally produced snacks and other items. Nature’s Garden is a convenient and easy way to get healthy food brought right to your home. Sign up and see how you too can experience the organic difference with Nature’s Garden.

Nature's Garden Greek Hummus Dip

This recipe is great for entertaining! Use Roots Food Hummus and Atlanta Fresh Cream Cheese to make the base for this tasty dip. Top with fresh veggies and feta cheese then serve with Accidental Baker Garlic Chive Flats for a simple and satisfying appetizer that your guests are sure to love!

Nature’s Garden Greek Hummus Dip

1 8-oz package Roots Food Original Hummus

1 8-oz package Atlanta Fresh Perfectly Plain Cream Cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup cucumber, chopped

1 cup tomato, chopped

½ cup Sunfood Pitted Kalamata Olives, chopped

¼ cup red onion, diced
1 cup Capra Gia Feta Cheese, crumbled

salt and pepper

Accidental Baker Garlic Chive Flats for serving

In a mixing bowl, combine the hummus, cream cheese, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic until smooth. Next, prepare the vegetables and layer on top of the hummus mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then top with feta cheese. Serve with Accidental Baker Garlic Chive Flats or Way Better Snacks Multi Grain Tortilla Chips. Enjoy!

Nature's Garden Loaded Veggie Nachos

This week, we have another fun and healthy recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or your next game day party!

Use Way Better Snacks tortilla chips as a base for your favorite produce items, cheese, and salsa to make deliciously guilt free nachos that are loaded with flavor and nutrition!

Nature’s Garden Loaded Veggie Nachos

2 cups Way Better Snacks Tortilla Chips
1 ear fresh corn, cut away from the cob
2 tomatoes, cut into bite sized chunks
⅛ cup red onions, thinly sliced
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
4 oz Sweet Grass Dairy Thomasville Tomme, shredded
¼ to ½ cup milk
dash of your favorite hot sauce

Prepare all the vegetables as directed above. Meanwhile, gently heat 1/4 cup of milk over a low heat. Add the shredded cheese, stirring to melt. Add more milk as needed to adjust to the desired consistency and continue stirring constantly. Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese and remove from heat. When ready to serve, place the chips onto a plate and pour on the melted cheese. Next, layer up the veggies, and top with fresh cilantro to garnish. Enjoy!

Nature's Garden Baked Wings Recipe

Football season is here so we are kicking off this week with an easy recipe that's perfect for your next game day!

These chicken wings are seasoned and baked, not fried, making them lighter and healthier than your typical wings. Toss them in your favorite flavor of Causey's Barbecue Sauce when they come out of the oven and enjoy the game!

Nature's Garden Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

1 package Darby Farms Chicken Wings

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

Causey's Barbecue Sauce, to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Rinse and dry the chicken wings, then remove the wingtips and cut in 2 pieces, separating the drum and the split. Toss the chicken pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper then arrange them on a parchment lined sheet tray in a single layer making sure they are not crowded. Place the wings in the oven and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees (about 25 minutes). Place the wings into a bowl and toss in your favorite Causey's Barbecue Sauce to coat. Serve immediately.

Save Money With Nature's Garden!

Nature's Garden has an awesome referral program where everyone wins! Share your custom invite code with others and for each person who signs up, you earn $10 towards your next purchase and your friend gets $10 off their first box. It's a win win! Check out naturesgardenexpress.com!

Nature's Garden Carolina Creamed Rice Recipe

Carolina Gold Rice is considered to be the grandfather of all long grain rices in the Americas and became a staple grain in the Carolina Territory by 1685. After almost becoming extinct following the Great Depression, this heirloom rice was revived in the 1980’s and is still prized by chefs and foodies who enjoy it’s superior taste and texture.

Check out Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice from Nature’s Garden and don’t forget to add some to your next order!

Carolina Creamed Rice with Green Beans and Mushrooms

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice

½ cup white wine

1 ½ - 2 cups boiled water or stock

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ cups green beans, rough chopped

1 ½ cups crimini mushrooms, sliced

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

¼ cup Southern Swiss Dairy Heavy Cream

2 tablespoons butter

salt to taste

In a sauce pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute for several minutes, until soft and translucent. Next, add the rice and stir to coat. Saute the rice for a few minutes more until lightly toasted but not browned. Add the wine to deglaze the pan and reduce. Next, Add one cup of the boiled water or stock and stir the rice constantly until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Add more liquid one ladle at a time and continue to stir between each addition. Continue this process until the rice is cooked tender and creamy. Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, heat the other 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and mushrooms with a little salt and saute for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked and tender. When ready to serve, add the green beans, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter to the rice and stir well to combine. Add salt if desired and adjust seasonings to your taste. Enjoy!

Reasons to Not Eat GMO's

Check out this great article discussing why this medical doctor does not eat GMO foods! Thanks to eatlocalgrown.com for this great read!

http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/13265-3-reasons-i-don-t-eat-gmo-food-an-md-explains.html