Minor Measurement Mix-Up

Last week was the first ever Cooking Camp experience for 19 third-fifth grade students. Ginny and Andrea led the “Chefs” in designing aprons, games, cooking, measuring, kitchen safety, menu planning and a host of other culinary skills. Our young “chefs” quickly learned that a key to any recipe success is to read.

Our breakfast themed day involved work with eggs. Cracking eggs and separating eggs were listed as favorite activities by many of the young cooks. After practice with eggs, it was time to get down to business of completing the recipe for a creation. The recipe of “Sunrise Sandwiches” took on a little hint of night because of a measurement mistake.

The chef team quickly grabbed ingredients and added a ¼ cup of pepper and a ¼ cup of salt to their recipe of 6 eggs. Shredded cheddar cheese was thrown in to complete the mix. After a quick look in the bowl, the adults discovered that the recipe did not quite look right.

After a chat with the team, and a review of the recipe, it was discovered that the recipe actually required a ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper. Without enough eggs to remedy the large quantity of salt, we scrapped that batch and began again.

The second recipe was truly sunny – bright yellow and orange – and quickly gobbled up by some very hungry cooks!

Herbicide injury

This tomato, I've been growing in a 5 gallon bucket using only compost from the KSU beef unit compost. It has done poorly on account that there appears to be some residual herbicide in the compost. Note the distorted leaves. It does have a few tomatoes.

Summer Vacations

It doesn’t matter what we do or where we go on vacation, it’s just important that we get away. According to Joe Robinson, author of “Work to Live- A Guide to Getting a Life,” taking a vacation is as important as watching your cholesterol or exercising. Americans forfeited an average of four vacation days each last year. Approximately 574 million vacation days were lost. Don’t let your vacation days go to waste.

If you are searching for a low-cost vacation, a couple of options come to mind. Did you know that Rock Springs 4-H Center offers family camping opportunities? Yep, the entire family can stay for a weekend and experience the “Spirit of the Springs”. Family camps are offered:
July 3 - 5
July 10 - 12
July 31 - August 2
August 14-16
September 4-6

You can decide whether you want to rough it in tents or pamper yourself in Leadership Lodge. Rock Springs staff will take care of the cooking while you enjoy swimming, canoeing, horseback riding and the other fun activities that Rock Springs has to offer. More information is available at http://www.rocksprings.net/.

Another fun option for a stay-at-home vacation is the Riley County Fair, July 23-27 at CiCo Park in Manhattan. There’s lots of fun things for the whole family to enjoy. You can see 4-H exhibits and livestock, take part in the pedal tractor pull, or enjoy food on the mid-way. On July 23, 24 and 25 you can catch a performance of the Kaw Valley Rodeo. The Ottaway Amusements carnival will be at the fair and offer $20 wristbands each night. You can also check out local talent at the Riley County Idol Contest, July 24-26 in the entertainment tent. Live local entertainment will follow the Idol performance each evening. For a complete schedule and more detailed information, visit http://www.rileycountyfair.com/.

Whether you decide to check out one of these options or one of your own, travel safe and enjoy your summer!