Video: The truth about chocolate

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(and what the plant looks like when it’s growing)

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Edible Ferns, Nuts, and Grasses

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Edible Ferns, Nuts, and Grasses: "Natural intelligence plays a role in life, when it comes to who survives and who doesn’t, in a world fraught calamities and woes. You aren’t born knowing a lot of things, but if you are intelligent, you’ll grow up to deliberately seek some practical knowledge, along with the pursuit of learning all that “extra stuff” that won’t amount to much -- if you are caught unaware of what has already been provided for you, if only you knew where to look. Familiarity of edible plants falls into this category of practical knowledge.

In order to use edible plants intelligently in an emergency, you need to know what they look like, where they grow, and what parts are edible. Since there are thousands of edible plants found all over the world -- the best way to gain a little practical knowledge about them, is to ideally have someone point them out to you. If you are lucky enough to make the acquaintance of a local expert, always make a mental note of both the habitat, and the characteristics of the plants as they point them out to you.
Otherwise, it's a matter of mastering a few general facts and principles about recognizing plants..." 2 videos.

By Jerilee Wei

Video: Chocolate chip cookie history

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Common Edible Wild Plants - Part I

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Common Edible Wild Plants - Part I: "Sitting at nature's dinner table, most would be surprised at the goodness and variety of the bounty. By learning about just a few wild edible plants, you'll soon be able to recognize them, and never have to be worried about being hungry worldwide, as many wild edible plants are commonly found around the world.

Don't try to learn them all in a short time, learn a few well, and add to your list of nature's wild dinner table from time to time." 4 videos.

By Jerilee Wei

Recipe: Cornmeal Waffles with Savory Butter

Image by Marilyn M via Flickr

Photo of a cornmeal waffle with pecan butter, yum! We have wonderful pecans here in Louisiana - a favorite brand is Bergeron's.

From Denny: Louisiana has a large German population from the past century. We love sausage down here be it French, German or even Polish versions. These easy waffles are just the ticket for a savory side dish for an easy weekend meal combined with grilled sausages.

From: Eating Well in a Busy World by Francine Allen

Yield: Serves 8


Ingredients for Waffles:

3 eggs

1½ cups buttermilk

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¾ cup cornmeal

1 cup self-rising flour

1½ Tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ cup grated Cheddar cheese


Ingredients for Savory Butter:


½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 Tablespoon or more fresh snipped chives

Dash of Tabasco sauce (more if you are from Louisiana!)


Directions for waffles: Preheat the waffle iron. Put a large platter in the oven to heat.

Mix together the eggs, buttermilk and butter. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, soda and cheese. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid; stir gently until the ingredients are combined. Cook the waffles in the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. Cut the waffles into pieces that can be handled like bread. Transfer each to the warm platter as they are cooked, loosely covering with foil so they don’t dry out.

Directions for Savory Butter: Meanwhile, blend together the butter, mustard, chives and Tabasco in a food processor or blender. Serve the waffles with the butter.

Per serving: 366 calories, 26 grams fat, 145 milligrams cholesterol, 438 milligrams sodium.