They’re high in health benefits

Blueberries possess the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit because they are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (an effective immune builder and antibacterial), selenium, zinc, and iron (promotes immunity by raising hemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood). These nutrients help boost the immune system. Blueberries’ anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color, neutralizes free radicals in the body, which affect disease and aging. The abundance of vitamin-C is also a big factor for this as well. Berries for a healthy heart? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

Easy Recipes

Enjoy delicious blueberries this summer, and take advantage of their health benefits as well.

Blueberry Fruit Shake

Makes 2 to 3 portions, about 2-1/2 cups

• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 cup frozen mixed fruit (including cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, peaches)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In the container of a food processor or blender, place blueberries, mixed fruit, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract; whirl until smooth. Serve immediately.

Blueberry and Goat Cheese Salad

Makes 4 servings

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 3 to 4 ounces goat cheese or other soft cheese
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts*
• 1/4 cup prepared Italian or balsamic dressing

Arrange greens on four salad plates, dividing evenly. Slice or shape goat cheese to form four rounds; arrange in center of each plate. Sprinkle blueberries and pecans on greens. Drizzle dressing over salads.

* To crisp nuts and bring out their full flavor, toast them in a 300º F oven for about 5 minutes.

Blueberry and Gorgonzola Salad with Mixed Greens
From Executive Chef Albert Paris Zanzibar Blue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Makes 4 servings

• 1/4 cup Safflower oil
• 3 tablespoons Sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon White vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 8 cups Mixed salad greens such as Bibb lettuce, tatsoi, and Belgian endive
• 1 cup Fresh blueberries
• 2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

1. To prepare poppy seed dressing: In a blender container, combine oil, sour cream, honey, vinegar, poppy seeds, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until blended.

2. To plate each serving: In a bowl, combine 2 cups salad greens with about 2-1/2 tablespoons poppy seed dressing; toss. Place greens on serving plate. Top with 1/4 cup blueberries and 2 tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese.

3. Garnish plates with additional endive leaves, if desired.

Blueberry-Onion Sauced Pork Tenderloin

Makes 4 servings

• 3/4 to 1 pound pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup port wine or sweet sherry
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes

Preheat broiler. Broil pork, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove to a platter; cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.  Add onions, salt and pepper; cook until onions are golden, about 10 minutes. Add sugar; cook until onions are caramelized, 3 minutes longer. Add port, balsamic, blueberries, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Thinly slice pork and serve with sauce.

Luci Wilson, garden consultant from Peaceful Valley Farm, a California-based supplier of organic farming and gardening supplies, recommends gardeners keep a “garden first aid kit” on hand in order to target problems when they are new and more manageable. It’s much better to use just a little spray on a beginning infestation than over the whole garden. “The key thing is to be observant with plants,” advises Wilson. “Watch what they are doing and how they are behaving and they will give you a lot of signs about what they need.”

Garden First Aid Kit

Insecticidal Soap: There are many organic versions available that kill soft-bodied pests such as aphids and mites. Do not apply when it is over 90 degrees or in full sun. You can make a milder version by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of a mild biodegradable dish detergent with 1 gallon of water. Homemade soap sprays may burn plant leaves so spot test first before applying.

Horticultural Oil: Again, look for an organic version. These oils suffocate insects at all stages. Careful, some of the heavier grades can clog the plant pores as well so spot test on a few leaves. Sesame oil can also be used in a pinch.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Used for organic gardening since the 1940s, Bt is bacteria in a powdered form that kills only leaf-eating caterpillars, leaving all other animals and insect stages unharmed.

Liquid Kelp Solution: Derived from the seaweed, this solution provides a combination of trace minerals, natural growth hormones, and B1 vitamins. Diluted and applied on the leaves or the soil, it is an excellent remedy for stressed plants. Wilson waters all her transplants with it to reduce transplant shock.

With the liquid remedies, be careful not to apply in extreme heat or sun, since this can also lead to damaged leaves.

Turn to your Pantry

You can mix up some effective insect sprays from common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, according to GardenGuides.com.

• Make a mix of 1 teaspoon dishwashing detergent, 1 quart water, and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake well and apply every 10 days to kill aphids, spider mites, and other insects on contact. Use it on eggplants, cucumbers, carrots, celery, peppers and other vegetables. It may cause tip burn, so test it on one plant first.
• Add one ground-up garlic bulb or large onion to 1 quart of water with 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper and let it sit for at least one hour. Use a strainer to put the liquid into a spray bottle. This is an effective remedy for many types of chewing and sucking insects.
• Use your blender to make a spearmint spray with 1 cup each of green onion tops and chopped spearmint leaves, 1/2 cup water, the juice of one lemon, and 1/2 cup chopped hot red peppers. After blending put mixture into 1 gallon water with 1/2 cup dishwashing detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of the final product with 1 quart water for spraying.
• To kill aphids, mosquitoes, and onion flies, soak 3 to 4 ounces of chopped garlic bulbs in 2 tablespoons of mineral oil for one day. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of fish emulsion in a pint of water and add it to your solution. Stir. Strain liquid and store in a glass container. Dilute 1 part solution to every 20 parts of water and spray.
• Crushed eggshells are great for getting rid of soft-bodied insects including snails and slugs. Snails and slugs want to avoid the sharp jagged edges of the shells, so sprinkle crushed eggshells liberally on top of the soil around garden plants.

by Linda A. Thompson-Odum

Wine typically doesn’t make most summer beverage lists. Instead, people reach for beer or frozen cocktails as the weather warms. However, with the vast collection of worldwide wines available, many varieties are perfect for summer’s heat and lighter cuisine.

A good summer wine selection is one that will please many palates at cookouts, picnics, and other gatherings. Here are our top 10 picks:

1. Ermita Rioja Rosé A medium-full bodied red wine from Spain with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and a little raspberry. It goes well with ham and Mediterranean-style foods—anything made with garlic, olive oil, and salt. ($16.99)
2. Cappella Sant’ Andrea Vernaccia Di San Gimignano From the Tuscany region of Italy, this white wine pairs with seafood and cold cuts. As far as the flavor goes, think citrus and minerality. ($16.99)
3. Porta Sauvignon Blanc A classic sauvignon blanc from Chile with citrus and floral characteristics and some minerality. It makes you think of summer and it’s user-friendly with a screw cap. ($13.99)
4. OS Winery Riesling From a small, family-owned winery in Washington State, this wine is low in alcohol—under 10 percent—which is classic of Rieslings made in the German style. Unlike what most people think of Rieslings, this one is off-dry—not sweet. It is medium-bodied with good balance and flavors of apples and chocolate. It pairs well with ham and other salty dishes. ($20.99)
5. Amavi Semillon A big, dry wine made with white Bordeaux grapes. Brock likes this wine with scallops since it has flavors of citrus oil, honey, and melon. ($19.99)
6. Oreana Pinot Noir This California red has flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cola, with a nice smooth texture. Pair it with grilled salmon or other grilled fish, and grilled pork seasoned with a little rosemary. ($18.99)
7. Ermitage du Pic Saint Loup A French wine that has a dark, almost black, color with a spicy pepper flavor balanced with plumb and violet flavors. It goes well with t-bone steak, rib eye, and lamb. ($18.99)
8. Familia Mayol Bonarda Made from Argentina’s national grape (bonarda), it is fermented in stainless steel, not oak, which helps to emphasize the aromas of mint-eucalyptus and fruit flavors. It has a silky-smooth texture and pairs well with skirt steak. ($19.99)
9. Melanto Terrace Zinfandel This is a typical California zinfandel that is very fruit forward. It has flavors of raspberry and a little blackberry, plus chocolate and black pepper. It goes well with anything grilled, but nothing serious. Nothing too spicy or sweet. ($14.99)
10. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon The wine has the sweet black cherry and dark berry fruit character that distinguishes California’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons, and its ripe fruit is supported by velvety tannins and well-integrated oak. This is a wine of excellent depth, richness, and length on the palate. ($16.99)

Party Punch

To give wine even more of a summer twist, mix up a pitcher of sangria. This wine punch, which originated in Spain, is a great party beverage and is enjoyed by non-wine drinkers. Feel free to experiment with different fruit and liquor additions, and for a sweeter beverage, use ginger ale instead of club soda to get the fizz.

Sangria

• 1 bottle red wine (zinfandel, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup Cointreau
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 cup club soda or ginger ale

Mix all ingredients except the club soda or ginger ale. Chill overnight. Add club soda or ginger ale just before serving.

White Sangria

• 1 bottle white wine (pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup Cointreau or rum
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup orange juice (or try lemon or lime juice or peach nectar)
• Favorite fruit (sliced orange, lime, and/or lemon; peaches, white grapes, melon, kiwi, strawberries)
• 1 cup club soda or ginger ale

Mix all ingredients except the club soda or ginger ale. Chill overnight. Add club soda or ginger ale just before serving.

WOODSTOCK MAGAZINE CELEBRATES

BY E. SENTEIO

As the world slid into the 21st century and people around the globe worried about what effect the year 2000 would have on computers—and therefore humankind—residents of Woodstock, Vermont, had a more auspicious and tangible event to look forward to: the premier issue of Woodstock Magazine. This year we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, we have shared with our readers the individuals, businesses, places, and attitudes that are the very foundation of this community—a community that encompasses not only Woodstock, Quechee, Bridgewater, Barnard, and Pomfret, but also places beyond our borders, where we may have been or only dream of going. Yet, as much as we enjoy traveling with you, together we have always returned to the place we love best. Our readers have allowed us into their homes and into their lives. Over the years, we have helped you set your table for the holidays, with pinecones from your yard and lace made in Vermont. We’ve provided savory recipes and told you where to buy the perfect complement of wine. On our pages, we introduced you to new crafts or put a twist on old favorites. We’ve visited festivals, gone wassailing through neighborhoods, and skiing on Suicide Six. We told you how to keep warm, stay healthy, and be happier. You told us about children who change the world and adults who change the lives of children. You let us know what you found interesting, funny, or poignant. Together we have gone fiddling and farming, blueberry picking and snowshoeing, hiking mountains and walking trails. Artisans have shared their talents: quilters and potters and glass blowers and storytellers. The works of nationally renowned artists have graced our pages, as well as our covers, in all manners of mediums from painters and photographers to woodworkers and sculptors.

We’ve had winter fun and we’ve been delighted by fall foliage. We’ve visited sugar shacks in springtime and farmers’ markets and horse races in summer. We’ve seen nighttime creatures and been awed by skies filled with stars and shelves filled with books and homes filled with love. We have marveled at how things have changed; and stood on covered bridges that have withstood the ravages of harsh winters and countless years and pondered how very much they stay the same. You’ve told us what is important to you and we’ve put it in words and in pictures, then tied it with a bow. If it’s of interest to you then it’s a topic for us. So, just as Y2K became a fixture in our lexicon of words, Woodstock Magazine has become a fixture in, of, for, and by the community. Thank you for a decade of loyal readership; if you are new to Woodstock Magazine, welcome to the family. Pick up a copy, put up your feet, and stay a while.

Smart & Beautiful Floors

If you’re building or remodeling this spring, there are more choices than ever before when it comes to sustainable, environmentally friendly products. Choices in flooring materials, for example, can help to preserve our forests and other resources, and cork and bamboo tops this list.

Cork floors are made from the harvested bark of the cork tree. Because the tree is not cut down and the bark is a renewable resource, it’s a desirable choice for environmentally aware consumers. Cork is cushiony soft and helps to diminish noise. Cork flooring is offered in many colors in both planks and tiles. Like solid wood, cork can be finished, stained, or painted.

Bamboo flooring has been used for centuries in Asia because of its beauty, hardness, and durability. Recognized as the fastest-growing plant on earth, bamboo offers 25 times the yield of hardwood, yet is just as durable. Bamboo can be harvested every 5 to 7 years, unlike 15 to 100 years for many tree woods. Today’s bamboo floors are available in many colors and textures.

Make the living area outside your home as stylish as the inside

The economy of the past few years has introduced the “staycation” trend, and this year, designers are eager to give homeowners more ways to make at-home leisure a destination. The current trend has homeowners creating lush, relaxing, resort-like exteriors furnished with outdoor all-weather furniture, high performance outdoor flat screen televisions, fashionable accessories and rugs, pro-level outdoor kitchens, and outdoor lighting, all of which rival indoor furnishings for beauty and functionality. Besides furniture and outdoor kitchens, the trend encompasses outdoor fireplaces, water features, rock and container gardens, and innovative planters.

Customization is key when planning an outdoor living space. You’ll want to create an environment that is comfortable, inviting, and geared toward your personal needs. Options to consider may include an outdoor kitchen, a dining space, a place to sit and relax, a meditation garden, or a play area. Since you’ll want landscaping to complement your project, you may want to consider adding or modifying various hardscape elements, such as a stone wall, terraces, or a walkway.

Hottest New Trends

Staying home more means homeowners are spending more money on improving their surroundings. People are going all-out with popular new additions to their outdoor spaces:

• Built-in gas grills are hugely popular. Instead of a freestanding grill that looks bulky and out of place, homeowners can purchase built-in grill units from manufacturers like Viking, Weber, and Wolf, to name a few. These units slide into a brick or stone surround that has been built into the architecture of the home and become a more elegant alternative.
• Flat screen LDC televisions are now available with outdoor all-weather technology designed to protect the inner workings from water and overheating. They can be mounted on a wall, a pole, or any method that is appropriate for a typical interior flat screen TV.
• An outdoor billiard table with a genuine slate playfield so you’ll still experience great play. The table cloth is an acrylic fiber with water and UV resistant characteristics. The cloth will not only repel water, it is designed to retain its color and resist mildew and rot for up to 5 years. The exterior frame looks like cedar but is actually a high tech composite material.
• Portable outdoor putting greens that are durable and weather-resistant, UV protected, and color safe. The greens are constructed of professional quality turf and retain their play in any kind of weather while the panels are simple to assemble and disassemble for storage. These greens come in a variety of sizes and shapes for any level player.
• Green, energy-saving products are all the buzz. LED lighting, an ultra energy-efficient light source, uses 75 percent less electricity than typical incandescent lighting products. With this in mind, lighting companies are offering a variety of outdoor LED fixtures, including LED deck lights, step lights, path lights, and accent lights to ensure every area of the landscape can be illuminated efficiently. Outdoor lighting is a great “extender,” permitting you to enjoy your outdoor spaces under the stars.
• Fans and lamps designed for exterior use in a variety of trendy and attractive styles. These days, some fans even feature built-in lighting.
• Outdoor fireplaces, electric heaters, and gas heaters are accessories that will keep you warm through late fall and allow you to resume your pursuits in early spring, extending your use of outdoor spaces, even in New England.
• Standing lighted planters spread beautiful shadows on path and patio surfaces and wall-mounted planters spotlight flowers at eye level.
• HOT TIP: Slate has long been used in outdoor pathways and walkways. Now, slate and other natural materials are being incorporated into other outdoor elements, such as outdoor furniture and landscape lighting fixtures. Popular this year are mission-style path lights that combine the richness of mission esthetics with the beauty of natural slate.

Reduce your waste and nourish your garden

Think twice before you toss those kitchen scraps in the trash! The same foods that nourish your body can also nourish your lawn and garden. Start a compost pile to create rich organic material to feed your soil.

Getting Started

Choose a level area with good drainage that gets half-day sun. Avoid placing your pile too close to a wooden building, as the compost can rot the wood. All compost piles need carbon and nitrogen to feed bacteria and other microorganisms in order to decompose. Fallen leaves and branches provide carbon, while food scraps and green materials provide nitrogen. Water and air are also necessary—add water to your pile and turn the pile regularly with a pitchfork.

What You Can Compost

In addition to fruit and vegetable scraps and leaves/yard trimmings, the following items also make great compost:

• Cardboard rolls
• Coffee grounds and unbleached filters
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Fireplace ashes
• Pet fur.

What Not to Compost

There are several items that may be harmful to you or your plants or attract pests:

• Meat or fish bones or scraps
• Dairy products
• Fats, lard, or oils
• Pet waste
• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides.

Remember that compost should not be used as potting soil for houseplants; it contains weed and grass seeds. Spread the rich, black organic matter in your gardens and on your lawn to suppress plant diseases and pests, eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers, and improve the quality of your soil.