A few months ago, a feature in Daily Candy caught my eye. It highlighted a new non-profit called More than Milk that organized opportunities for new moms to volunteer with their children. Founded by former teacher, Amy Cahill, More than Milk partners with a different non-profit 4 times a year. More than Milk highlights the partner organization in its newsletter and events. It also allows moms to volunteer with the featured non-profit by arranging for babysitters through Urban Sitter to watch the little ones.
Since July, Purple Asparagus has been the beneficiary of More than Milk's efforts. The moms accompanied me to Green City Market for our Club Sprouts session where we made Salad Cubed (Tomato, Peach, Cucumber Bread Salad). More recently, More than Milk organized a book signing and talk with Dr. Natalie Digate Muth, author of Eat Your Vegetables and Other Mistakes Parents Make at Purple Monkey Playroom.
After a great talk with Dr. Muth, the spotlight turned to us where we spoke about our own Delicious Nutritious Adventures and made Yogurt Parfaits with our little patrons.
Granola
Makes 4 ½ cups
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
¼ cup maple syrup or more to taste
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup dried cranberries
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix together the first eight ingredients. Spread out the mixture onto a non-stick pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until light brown. Let cool and then stir in the cranberries. Scoop into an airtight container. The granola will keep for a few weeks.
Perfect Parfait
Makes 4
2 cups of plain low fat yogurt
¼ cup strawberry jam
¾ cup granola
1 cup mixed fruit like raspberries, bananas, blueberries, bananas
Stir together the yogurt and jam in a medium bowl. Divide the yogurt evening into 4 pretty glasses. Top with fresh fruit and granola. Enjoy.
Photography Credit, TK Photography
--Melissa Graham is a former attorney, chef, and, head spear of award-winningPurple Asparagus, trying to live sustainably in Chicago.
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