Bloomingdale Garden Club to host 'Be a Herbal Gourmet' Aug. 20
The Bloomingdale Garden Club will present "Be a Herbal Gourmet" with Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St. in Bloomingdale. Social time and announcement begin at 6:15 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m.
Lautanen-Raleigh began growing herbs in 1992 and started an herb business marketing a variety of herb products in 1995.
What began as a hobby and a way to grow herbs for use in programs at the museums she managed, soon became a personal passion which was turned into a full-time endeavor. She is a regular contributor to "The Essential Herbal Magazine," has a trilogy of short books on using herbs, and shares her more than 20 years of herb gardening experience on www.backyardpatch.blogspot.com.
She will discuss extracting the flavor from herbs in various media like vinegar, butter, sugar and salt, as well as techniques for enjoying the items you make in cooking projects.
Using sampling and demonstration, you will leave not only with recipes, but skills to try them on your own.
Lautanen-Raleigh says, "My favorite aspect of herb use is cooking with herbs and this program is a fun and easy way to introduce individuals to using herbs in cooking."
In the fall, the club will present "Scarce Gardeners, Sustainability, And Recycling" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First St. in Bloomingdale. Kay McKeen will address the many aspects of sustainability and conservation, including the history and importance of composting, water, and our direct connection to nature and the environment. It will also provide tips on how to protect our resources and where to dispose of all unwanted materials properly. Attendees will definitely leave with valuable information pertaining to healthy living, prosperous gardens, and pollution reduction.
Visitors are welcome. Social time and announcement begin at 6:15 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m. For more information contact bloomingdalegardenclub@gmail.com or visit www.bloomingdalegardenclub.org.