Living Well In Yalobusha County
By Pamela Redwine
The Zumba class that we have each Friday from 9 to 10 am. in October is going great. We had 14 this last week and we had a great time while we exercised. It’s such a good feeling to have fun and know it’s good for you too. The class is $5 and is open to the public. We also exercise every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. and this exercise class is free.
The 4-H FCS Club will meet Thursday, October 18 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building. This will be a special Fall/Halloween meeting. Don’t forget to bring your pumpkin already decorated for our decorated pumpkin contest. Also please call 675-2730 to let us know if you will be coming.
We are looking forward to the MSU football game this weekend. Not only is it homecoming at MSU, but it is also 4-H Day at MSU football. Go Dawgs!
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Holiday House which will be Saturday, November 3 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. We have lots of great booths, and food vendors signed up as well as nine great holiday demonstration programs that will be going on all day. Watch the paper for more information in the next couple of weeks about Holiday House.
We will have a painting class offered at Holiday House. These classes normally run anywhere from $20 to $45 a class but we are offering one for $10! This amount covers your supplies and you will get to take home your painting.
A special thanks to Donna Hill and Jo Davis, who have graciously volunteered to teach the class. Check out the article in this paper to see a picture of the painting and find out more details about the class. Space is limited so sign up now!
5 Great Uses for the Last Tomatoes
Here are 5 great ways to celebrate fall tomatoes before their season is gone forever.
Which recipe will you try first?
Sliced Tomatoes with Balsamic Glaze
These make a perfect snack for any fall day. Slice one large, ripe tomato (we recommend beefsteak or heirloom) and arrange 2-3 slices on each plate. Drizzle the slices with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Then pour a ribbon of balsamic vinegar glaze (about a tablespoon) down the center of the slices. Garnish with mini saltine crackers.
Warm Tomato Salad
Ripe tomatoes blend well with balsamic vinegar, onion, and sweet peppers in this amazing side dish. Place 3 medium tomatoes (cored and diced) into a microwave-safe container. Add 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, 1 cored, seeded, and diced green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Toss gently, then microwave on high for two minutes and serve.
Tomato Basil Spaghetti
For a quick, warming meal on a cool fall evening, you really can’t top this spaghetti.
Cook 8 ounces of whole grain spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain, rinse, then set aside. Place 2 cups pasta sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, 1/2 cup sliced green onions, and 1 cup of diced fresh tomatoes into a 3 quart sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, then add cooked pasta to the pot. Mix well and serve hot.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a perfectly refreshing appetizer. Combine 2 cored, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl and toss gently. Divide mixture between 4 slices of grilled 100% whole wheat bread, then top with a dash of grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Green Bean Tomato Salad
This salad is a fantastic way to start any meal. Mix 1 pound of green beans (boiled and drained) with 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon each of vegetable oil, oregano, and basil. Serve warm or refrigerate until ready to serve. If you plan to wait a while before serving, be sure to “shock” the green beans in an ice bath before adding them to the salad. Otherwise, the beans will continue to cook as they sit, and you’ll end up with mush!
