Fall Is Here

As the summer season ends, the harvesting of the garden and preservation of foods for the winter needs to be done. Take the opportunity to teach children about important aspects of the garden.

Start by teaching them about picking fruits and vegetables and how to tell if the food is ready to be picked. Spend time admiring and smelling the foods to show them how precious "straight out of the garden" food can be.

See the "Pita Pizza" recipe.

Fall is also a great time of year to teach children about the environment and the circle of life. Starting a composting pile reduces waste at the garbage dump, teaches children about decomposition, and makes some great soil for next seasons' garden.

How to Start a Compost Pile

Food scraps and yard trimmings are good for the compost. Do not compost meat, bones, milk products or fatty foods. These foods attract animals and pests. For the best results combine kitchen scraps with yard clippings.

Thin layers of soil also improve the compost. Keep the pile moist and turn the materials every 2-3 weeks. This mixes the soil with air and reduces the smell. If the compost smells, it is too wet or is not being mixed enough.

Alternatively; you can collect food scraps in a heap for several months. In the fall, spread them on the garden and dig them in. By the spring time the compost will be broken down and you will have some great soil for your garden.

Here is a recipe to try with children to immediately enjoy the "Pick of the Day".

Pita Pizzas

This recipe is quick and easy and is a great recipe to encourage children to try at home.
You need:

• Pita Bread
  
• Pizza sauce
  
• Mozzarella cheese
  
• An assortment of vegetables (whatever you have on hand) such as:
  
  • Red pepper
  • Green pepper
  • Mushrooms
  • Broccoli
  • Onions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees or use a toaster oven or broiler. Cut up the vegetables into thin slices or small sections. Steam or boil the vegetables until they are just slightly softened (they will soften more in the oven). Grate the cheese.

Spread the pizza sauce on each pita. Place your favorite vegetables on top of the sauce and cover with cheese.

Place in the oven or broiler for about 7 minutes. Watch carefully! As soon as the cheese turns golden, the pizza is ready. Enjoy!