July 29, 2010 Twitter Party Recap

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What’s better after a long day at the beach than a good old-fashioned BBQ or picnic?

This week we discussed:

Health risks of grilling and how to reduce them
How to pack a healthy, eco-friendly picnic
Making summertime fun foods delicious and healthy (think popsicles, ice cream, BBQ, and more!)

QUESTION 1: What are your family’s favorite summertime foods?

Check out @weelicious mango pops http://bit.ly/cYzZlk and red/white/blue pops http://bit.ly/d3gDhY
Summer is time when most food poisoning occurs – take precautions! http://bit.ly/9xRpoi
YUM! Healthy Trail Mix is perfect for picnics, hiking, day the beach http://cot.ag/93nEH4
YUM! Penne w/summer garden sauce uses fresh, seasonal ingredients http://cot.ag/cksmaE
Submit an heirloom tomato recipe by 7/30 & win $100 Whole Foods gift card! http://bit.ly/dvxIsa

QUESTION 2: If you grill – what kind do you use and what precautions do you take?

Grill smoke has potentially carcinogenic PAHs, which end up on surface of what UR cooking.
Burning charcoal or wood produces sooty particles that can irritate asthma & other resp problems.
Try this summer marinade to decrease risky HCAs (created from grilling) http://cot.ag/93ej3l
READ: Dirty Facts Abt Grilling and How 2 Protect UR Health http://cot.ag/dyFkrR
Grilling veggies creates less toxics than meat – try a greek veg burger http://cot.ag/c0lyKJ
READ: Summer BBQ Safety Tips http://cot.ag/duhSmk
YUM! Try these sweet potato fries and maple BBQ sauce at ur next BBQ! http://cot.ag/bQSvJr

QUESTION 3: Do you have any tips for packing a healthy, safe & ecofriendly picnic? Food ideas? PLZ RT

Buy an extra set of utensils, cloth napkins, etc from a thrift store & keep in picnic basket.
YUM! Homemade hummus pita pockets R great for a healthy picnic http://cot.ag/bs9c3q
Use foil, natural wax paper or reusable snack bags (like wrap-n-mat) instead of plastic.
Use re-usable/recyclable/compostable plates and utensils.
YUM! Try making wraps like this healthy avocado/chk recipe for a picnic http://cot.ag/9F7w7K
READ: 10 Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Picnic http://cot.ag/aSWdw9

QUESTION 4 Do u have any summertime food rituals? (farmer’s mkt, canning, visiting farm) PLZ RT

READ: 7 Frugal Food Tips for the Farmers Market http://bit.ly/bH9Agy
Stock up on summer produce and try drying, freezing or canning! http://bit.ly/ctb6ZC
Get Kids involved in seeing where food comes from, choosing and making food! http://bit.ly/a9ejpM

Remember to join us next Thursday at 6pmPST/9pmEST for more Twitter fun and learning!