#TWKAskAnExpert
TWK Staff Talks Seasonal Favorites
Our #TWKAskanExpert series is where we pose questions to our network of food experts and then share their responses with you! Submit questions using the link at the bottom of the page to get your expert opinion!
Autumn Abundance
We're kicking off the first issue of TWK's Ask an Expert series by turning to our own TWK staff. First, they'll tell you a little bit about their experience here and then they weigh in on all the great fruits and veggies that this colorful season has to offer.
Let's Talk to...
Wendy, Executive Director at TWK
How did you get involved with TasteWise Kids?
I was part of the small group who started TasteWise Kids in 2015 and became the Founding Executive Director. Before that, I had been involved with the Days of Taste program (which was part of an national organization - American Institute for Wine and Food and continues to be implemented in the Baltimore area by TasteWise Kids) for many years as a volunteer and then local chapter Board member.
What is one seasonal ingredient you love right now and how do you use it?
Winter squash of all types. My 2 favorites right now are Honeynut and Delicata. I roast them in the oven and then either eat them straight or throw them into dishes of all kinds - winter salad, grain bowls and even pasta. My kids like to eat them like sweet potatoes - with a little cinnamon and a spoon.
If you had one tip for the holiday season, what would it be?
Given we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, I have two.
- Since I have young kids, for each night of Hanukkah, we have a special activity to help learn the traditions of the holiday. One night we make dreidels, another we read a story about the meaning of Hanukkah, another we make lattukas, etc. Not only are our kids learning about the meaning behind the holiday, it gives us a special evening activity once it gets dark.
- For Christmas, we make a baked french toast or strata recipe (which we prep and leave in the fridge overnight) so we can all enjoy Christmas morning but still have a special breakfast.
Kerry, Director of Development and Partnerships
How did you get involved with TasteWise Kids?
I volunteered for our signature Days of Taste program for about 10 years, taking the morning off from Ad Agency life when I was able. After having my kids, I was interested in making a change and working in the nonprofit world, and was lucky that TasteWise Kids had an opening for me! I am now our Director of Development and Partnerships, securing everything from funding to volunteers and salad making ingredients.
What is one seasonal ingredient you love right now and how do you use it?
Whenever I see them, I grab sunchokes - they are so delicious and provide a really different artichoke/potato hybrid flavor when roasted simply with olive oil and salt!
If you had one tip for the holiday season, what would it be?
Make your own traditions, even if they are silly/not the norm - it will make them all the more memorable for your family/children. We love sauerkraut and frying our turkey at Thanksgiving, making Star Wars cookies for Santa, and visiting the 34th street lights in Hampden.
Izzy, TWKatHome Program Coordinator
How did you get involved with TasteWise Kids?
After graduating from college this past May, I knew I wanted to work in food and education. I was able to network with Wendy and started volunteering over the summer. I had such a great time learning about TWK and helping with all sorts of communications and programming projects. Now I am the TWKatHome Program Coordinator, making fun, food-related activities to share with you!
What is one seasonal ingredient you love right now and how do you use it?
Often overlooked, I'm in love with fennel bulbs right now! They are onion-like in shape and texture but with a delicately sweet, licorice flavor. They're great raw, thinly sliced on a salad. My favorite way to use them is roasted in the oven with honeycrisp apples and Italian sausage over a bed of rice. I drizzle everything with a sweet mixture of apple cider vinegar and oil to get beautiful caramelized edges. Yum!
If you had one tip for the holiday season, what would it be?
The holidays can be overwhelmingly focused on giving and getting--gifts, gifts, gifts! But what I love most is the creating! Focus on making this holiday season, whether thats baking up some yummy cookies, making paper chains, or building snow sculptures together. My mom and I make some of our own holiday ornaments every year. Plus, homemade goods make the best gifts!
Stenealle, Engagement Coordinator
How did you get involved with TasteWise Kids?
A class I took at Coppin State University provided me the opportunity to be introduced to Wendy (Executive Director). Within that conversation I fell in love with what TasteWise Kids offered the food industry and communities they serve. I later joined the team as a volunteer intern and felt ecstatic around the work we were doing. After my internship, I came back on staff as the Engagement Coordinator and am extremely grateful to be on the TasteWise Kids team.
What is one seasonal ingredient you love right now and how do you use it?
My favorite is Acorn Squash with a little butter and cinnamon or roasted butternut squash with salt, pepper, and rosemary (coat the squash with a little olive oil to get the seasoning to stick and also to not stick to the pan).
If you had one tip for the holiday season, what would it be?
I would say make the holiday about spending time with the ones you love, family, friends, whoever is closest to you. One of my favorite holiday traditions is whipping out old family albums and walking down memory lane. It's always a good time full of laughter and tears of joy that fill the room.
Find new Expert tips and tricks here every other week. Have a question you want an expert opinion on? Submit your questions to Stenealle, TWK Engagement Coordinator, at sragin@tastewisekids.org