Published: April 16, 2008 12:04 pm            

Earth dinners showcase local, organic foods

EDMOND — By Family Features



The food on your dinner plate has a story. But, can you explain where the food was grown, how it was processed and how it ended up at the grocery or market where you purchased it?

With many Americans becoming increasingly aware of their food’s origins and seeking out locally grown, seasonal, organic foods, Earth Day, April 22, is the perfect time to gather for a memorable Earth Dinner and share the tale of the food on your platter.

“We launched Earth Dinner because Earth Day needed its own special meal filled with meaningful conversations about food and the environment,” said Theresa Marquez, Earth Dinner founder and chief marketing executive for Organic Valley, the nation’s largest organic farmers cooperative.

“Earth Dinners are a perfect way to slow down, connect with family and friends and honor each aspect of the food being served.”

Organic Valley offers helpful Earth Dinner planning tips, creative recipes and conversation starters on its Web site, www.earthdinner.org.

The recipe for Souffléd Twice-Baked Potatoes featured here would make a great conversation piece for any Earth Dinner. The earthiness of the potatoes is married with the richness of organic butter, milk and eggs — and further enriched with the addition of nutrient-rich kale or spinach for a hearty side dish or light main entrée.

Even if you can’t find locally grown and raised dairy products or kale or spinach for the recipe, you can opt for organic products, which were grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals and have not been treated with additives or preservatives .

        

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