Recently, CommonGround hosted its second virtual cooking event, focused on relieving food-related mom guilt and providing support in this holiday season when many moms may have be tackling the full Thanksgiving dinner for the first time.
This event was led by CommonGround Texas farmer Kalley Howard as the chef and moderated by St. Louis mom and coach Jenn Whitmer. Kalley led the group through a cornbread dressing, turkey brine and honey pecan pie as farmer volunteers shared how the ingredients they farm make it to holiday tables. Farm-raised, Kalley shared her personal experience in agriculture and how their family works to grow quality products that ultimately end up on the dining table. Kally and fellow Texas CommonGround volunteer, Julia Andrus Williams, run the farm and garden blog The Farmer’s Hobby.
Missouri volunteer Addie Yoder discussed GMO foods and farm ownership along with Kalley’s cornbread dressing demonstration.
Texas CommonGround volunteers Kalley Howard (upper right) and Amy Halfmann (lower center) discuss food and farming in the Thanksgiving Edition of Mom Meals
To pair with Kalley’s turkey brine, Texas volunteer and registered dietitian Amy Halfmann talked food safety, and Iowa volunteer Katie Hermanson told moms about the ways her family keeps their turkeys safe and healthy. Amy underscored the importance of being aware of cross-contamination between foods – and the extra importance of washing hands after working with raw egg or meat.
Maryland volunteer Paula Linthicum discussed how she grows the wheat for pastries and pie crusts sustainably as Kalley introduced the honey pecan pie recipe. Sara Hewitt, a Minnesota volunteer, talked about the pie’s special ingredient – honey – and how they care for and protect pollinators.
Miss the live? The event was recorded and each made into easily digestible segments that you can find the videos on the CommonGround Facebook page. CommonGround’s next virtual cooking event, Mom Meals: Holiday Edition, takes place December 10 at 6 p.m. Register in advance here.
