Crystal Clear Coaches

Strawberry season is here, and there’s no better time to fill your cart with this sweet, versatile fruit!

Fresh strawberries are in season through October, making them a perfect addition to breakfasts, snacks, desserts, and everything in between.

On my Sunday grocery haul, I picked up some beautiful local strawberries and turned them into Chef D’s Jersey Fresh Fruit & Yogurt Parfait...a simple, protein-packed recipe that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Layer creamy Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, crunchy granola, chopped nuts, and finish it all with a drizzle of local honey.

It’s a refreshing way to start the day, fuel an afternoon, or enjoy a healthy treat any time.

What seasonal produce are you adding to your cart this week?

Starting a meal with safety, cleanliness, and organization sets the foundation for a successful cooking experience. A clean and mindful kitchen not only helps prevent accidents and foodborne illness but also allows you to cook with confidence and efficiency.

Whether you’re preparing a simple meal or working in a fast-paced kitchen, practicing safe habits from the very beginning creates a smoother and more enjoyable cooking journey for everyone involved.

Cross-Contamination Prevention:
1. Clean and sanitize all work surfaces before use, during prolonged tasks, and after each use. Keep sanitation buckets available at every workstation. Wash your hands thoroughly and change gloves regularly, especially after leaving your station or handling different food items.

Time and Temperature Control:
2. Keep food out of the temperature danger zone between 41°F and 135°F to help prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

Knife and Equipment Safety:
3. Always use sharp knives, as dull blades are more likely to cause accidents. Use safety guards on mixers, slicers, and mandolines, and stay alert and focused when operating any kitchen equipment.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention:
4. Clean up spills immediately and place “Wet Floor” signs when necessary. Wear proper non-slip kitchen footwear and keep walkways free of boxes, cords, and debris to reduce the risk of accidents.

Burn and Fire Prevention:
5. Use dry hot pads or towels when handling hot cookware or removing items from ovens and stovetops. Never use wet or damp towels. Turn pot handles inward on the stove, and open combi-ovens and steamers slowly to avoid steam burns.

Remember, all great meals start with great habits! Stay safe, keep your station clean, and have fun creating something delicious in the kitchen.

Over 850 students from middle and high schools across Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties showed up ready to create, perform, and express themselves at the Teen Arts Festival.

From music and theater to visual art, the energy inside the Levoy Theatre was nonstop and did not disappoint.

I had the pleasure of bringing creativity from the kitchen with a fun exercise, Edible Identity: The Culinary Canvas Challenge.

Students stepped into the role of artist and chef while learning how to thoughtfully plate a dish, tapping into their own inspiration, and sharing the intention behind their creations.

It was amazing to see our next generation create art on their plates.

And a huge thank you to Butterball Foodservice for providing the Butterball turkey and helping make this experience possible.

Moments like this remind us how powerful creativity can be on stage, on canvas, and even on our plate.

Thank you to all the students who participated. Make sure you scroll through the photos to check out their creations!

Did you know that eating seasonal Pennsylvania produce means more vitamins on the tray and better flavor in every bite? Since these veggies are harvested at their peak and travel just a short distance to our schools, they stay packed with the nutrients students need to power through the day.