A message from our founder:
Summertime in North Carolina is magical. There’s something for everyone in this great state. Are you yearning for the sound of the waves crashing and the feel of sand between your toes? Head to one of NC’s many beaches. Looking to cool off a bit and explore waterfalls and hiking trails? Head to the mountains and take in the gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities. NC has got you covered. Whether you prefer the mountains, the beaches or lakes, take a moment for you. Relax. Don’t feel guilty taking care of you.
Self-care is so important for women. We are often so focused on the needs of those around us, our kids, partners, aging parents, pets, whatever it might be that we neglect our own needs. At WE Power Food’s July meeting, we spent time exploring ways to take better care of our own needs and not feel guilty about it but to embrace it. We were joined by Chef Amelia Irene, a trained chef, esthetician and Ayurveda specialist and firm believer in food as medicine and intuitive healing through food, our senses, herbal therapy and meditation. Chef Amelia is the Founder of both Lotus Lane Curated Wellness Retreats and Amelia Irene Catering and Event Design. Chef Amelia reminded us that self-care doesn’t have to be an inconvenience and that we can start with little things that make us happy and give us joy. You are worth it!
Meet a Maker: Denise Goga Food Cravings Reflections on Summer I grew up on a farm which meant that summertime involved a great deal of work as we picked strawberries, corn, watermelons, tomatoes, and other produce. We always had plenty, so we shared with our neighbors and friends. As a young girl, I just knew that it was our routine to grow food on a regular basis during the summer. I didn’t really think much about it at the time. How could I have known at such a young age what an impact that was going to have on my life? Now that I am an adult, I realize that those summer days of my childhood were so special… Picking strawberries and making homemade ice cream. Cutting open a fresh watermelon and tasting that delicious sweetness. Holding an ear of corn in my hand like a microphone and singing into it, pretending to be a famous singer. Sitting around the dinner table with family as we ate the fresh food that we had just picked or gathered. Sipping lemonade on the porch swing with my grandmother. During those summers of my childhood, I did not fully realize the lessons that I was learning growing up on a farm. Now those lessons and values mean everything to me. Work hard. Be kind. Help one another. Be grateful for food and your blessings. Share what you have with neighbors and friends. Be part of a community. I am so happy to be a part of the WE Power Food community. All of us bring our various backgrounds and experiences together to form an amazing group of women who support and lift one another up. Enjoy your summer everyone! Take time to slow down and appreciate the little things in life which mean so much. Photos: Left - Denise as a child enjoying summer gifts from the garden and right - as an adult bringing the gifts of her salsa to stores near you!
Recipe: Raspberry Chipotle Chocolate Mousse
Kelly Minor, Yo Momma's Style
Raspberry Chipotle Chocolate Mousse is a dreamy spicy mixture of Southwestern flavors, almost reminiscent of a Mexican mole. The raspberries brighten the dish, while the chipotle peppers in adobe sauce from our Raspberry Chipotle Jelly add some zing to cut the richness of the chocolate. The idea of creating a mousse came from chocolate bars with some of the same ingredients in Whole Foods when I was back in Colorado. While you could probable technically use those bars, I think it would be easier to incorporate our jelly. This would lend some thickening agent from the pectin, and would allow you to decrease the sugar which is already in the jelly. Served in a hand-cut crystal wine glass, and topped with fresh raspberries will impress all your guests. You may top with some Creme Fraiche to take it over the top. Remember to Be Healthy, Happy, and Eat Well!
Melted Chocolate
2 squares of chocolate unsweetened
1/2 cup half and half
1/4 cup Raspberry and Chipotle Jelly
1/4 tsp sea salt
Eggs
2 Extra Large eggs separated
1/4cups sugar
1/2cup half and half
Instructions
Melted Chocolate
Melt first 4 ingredients slowly either over a double boiler, or slowly in microwave safe bowl. Once melted to a smooth chocolate sauce whisk in sea salt. Set aside to be incorporated into eggs.
Eggs
Separate eggs with whites into a mixing bowl, and yolks into a heavy sauce pan. Whip whites into stiff peaks, and then set aside. To the yokes add the sugar and half and half. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the mixture begins to coat the back of the spoon. Then pull off the heat, and add melted chocolate mixture. blend until creamy smooth. Let cool until stir to room temperature. One cool gently fold in egg whites 1/3 at a time, once incorporated GENTLY spoon into your favorite serving dishes. Refrigerate 4 hours, top with fresh raspberries, and creme fraiche for an elegant desert.
Serves 4
Congrats to WE Power Food member, Julz's Creations on winning 2nd Place in the 2021 Artisan Flave Awards for her “You’re My Boy, Blue!” Sweet Spicy Mustard! Julz's Creations was also recently featured on CBS 17's My Carolina. Julz's Creations, LLC is a woman owned and operated business out of Durham, North Carolina. Julz creates small batch, artisan hot sauces, pickles, mustard, and bbq sauce utilizing North Carolina grown produce. Her hot sauces have great heat and great flavor. Extracts are never used.
