February 20, 2011 Newsletter

Dear GHD Member,

Using spices and herbs in cooking adds flavor and just makes food taste better. However, sometimes the flavors are not what we anticipated because our spices are old or have lost their potency due to poor storage. Cuisine Cuisine gives some helpful tips about keeping our spices fresh. 1. Store spices in a cool, dark place. Humidity, light and heat will cause herbs and spices to lose their flavor more quickly. 2. As a general rule, herbs and ground spices will retain their best flavors for a year. Whole spices may last for 3-5 years. 3. When possible, grind whole spices in a grinder or mortar & pestle just prior to using. Toasting or Dry roasting whole spices will bring out even more flavor.

4. It is not recommended to store herbs and spices in a refrigerator due to the humid environment. To keep larger quantities of spices fresh, store then in the freezer in tightly sealed containers. Remember when cooking with spices, the goal is to compliment the dish, not overpower it. As with everything else, use restraint and good judgment.

Don't forget to visit us at : http://www.gethealthydesoto.blogspot.com/ and http://www.buyfreshlocal.blogspot.com/

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UPCOMING EVENTS

November:
GHD Christmas Tour Tickets on Sale First State Community Bank, Pogolinos De Soto, Drummonds Florist, Cherished Memories, Nature’s Aglow, Mona Lisa. & Library & DeSoto
Chiropractic. Tickets are $15.00.

November 12th
Toys for Tots Christmas Craft Fair 9:00-4:00 De Soto Armory Come by the Get Healthy DeSoto and De Soto Farmers’ Market Booth for great gift ideas. Cookbooks, umbrellas, cutting boards & knifes, raffle tickets on original Pastel Work of Art and GHD Christmas Home Tour Tickets.

November 19th
GHD Hiking adventure at St. François Park. Gather at 9:00 a.m. at the De Soto Public Library and then travel to the park. Walk will be approximately 2 hrs. leader: Brenda Eaves 314-954-1578

November 26th
Get Healthy DeSoto Christmas Home Tour 9:00-3:30. 8 homes on tour. Tickets are $15.00 in Advance. $18.00 day of tour. For more info contact Elaine at 586-8335 or Debby at 586-4570.

Donations

Dear GHD Member:

This is such an exciting time for Get Healthy DeSoto. Our membership is growing and we are spreading the enthusiasm to surrounding communities. We have some significant projects under consideration for DeSoto. As a member I know you understand and appreciate the accomplishments GHD has made so far. I would like to update you on a couple of projects we are working on at this time.
Walking/Bicycle Trail in Ritcher Park
This would enable people to better utilize Ritcher Park in a healthy active way. The trail would cost approximately $13,500. At this time GHD has $2,500.00 on deposit with the City of DeSoto to go toward this project.
Walking Pocket Maps
Some of you may have seen the maps we currently have for three different courses throughout DeSoto. Our goal is to print seven additional courses. The total cost of the project is $3,099.50. This would give us 2,000 copies of each new map, reprint 1,000 copies of the three existing maps and would provide 10 outdoor plastic map holders.
Get Healthy DeSoto is proud to be able to provide the free membership that gives you access to the many educational sessions, newsletters and activities hosted by GHD. Our intention is to maintain this free membership.
If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution toward the projects listed above please make your check payable to “Get Healthy DeSoto” and mail to Get Healthy DeSoto, c/o Debby Campbell, 431 Johnston Drive, DeSoto, Mo. 63020. All donations are appreciated. We hope you will consider becoming a vested member in these projects.
Thank you for your participation in making DeSoto a healthier and active community.

Sincerely,
Cathy Boyer
Secretary of Get Healthy DeSoto