To Organic cook or NOT to Organic cook??

I asked one of SA's Eco-Babes to fill us in ...

Michelle Cory a Graphic designer and Miss Earth SA Finalist 2009 is working on her own organic cookbook. Here's what she has to say...

We think 'organic cooking' and the words raw veggie diets, earthy soiled lettuce and a big greenhouse in your backyard comes to mind…What is organic cooking, and do we need a big greenhouse?
"Organic cooking basically put, is cooking with organic food, which is produced without the use of sewer-sludge fertilizers, most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic engineering, growth hormones, irradiation and antibiotics. A variety of agricultural products can be produced organically, including produce, grains, meat, dairy, eggs, and processed food products… all of which are great for cooking:)

LOL You don't need a big greenhouse - but growing your own veggies is a great idea because it's healthier, cheaper and of course has a positive impact on the environment! Buy organic produce from your local supermarket."

Why should we be cooking organic?
"Organic food is full of flavour and tastes great, plus it’s healthier for you than processed foods full of pesticides and chemicals. AND as an added bonus organic agriculture helps to minimize the greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability to sequester carbon in the soil. It's better for us and the environment:)"

Where's your favourite green hangout for some good green food?:)

"Tash’s at Morningside Centre wins hands down. I love their separate organic menu, and would recommend the wild brown rice chicken salad to anyone any day. "

Got some Green Christmas recipes to share with our Eco-glam readers?
"I think food is the best Christmas gift. Every year my Austrian Gran and I do all our Christmas baking together, I always make sure there is extra Vanillekipferln (Vanilla Crescent) and Husarenkrapferln, which I wrap beautifully and give as gifts:)"

YUM! I love the idea of baking home-made cookies, wrapping them beautifully and giving them as gifts this Christmas.

Michelle's home-made cookie recipes:

Vanillekipferln

For Dough:
200g butter
250g flour
100g pelled grated almonds
1Tbs vanilla sugar
50g sugar
1 egg yolk

Sugar to roll in:
100g sugar 1 Tb vanilla sugar

Spread the flour on a board, cut butter in it, rub with fingers until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Mix in all dry ingredients with the yolk and quickly knead into a dough. Allow to set for ½ hour in the fridge. Once the dough has set, break off small pieces and shape into crescents (or whatever shape you fancy- I often shape mine into m’s:) ) Place on a baking tray and bake in a medium oven until light brown. Roll in sugar, mixed with vanilla sugar.

Huarenkrapferln

Dough:
175g butter
50g sugar
2 egg yolks
240g flour

Filling
Jam of choice

Mix ingredients together. Make sure butter is soft and creamed. Once dough is made, leave to set in fridge for ½ hour. Once dough has set break off small pieces and roll into small round balls. Place on baking tray and with the end of a wooden spoon pre-dipped in flour, create 1cm deep hole in the biscuit. This hole will later be filled with jam.
*Tip Dip wooden spoon into flour first, after every biscuit to avoid it sticking to the dough*
Glaze with egg yolk and milk (or just milk), and bake until golden. Whilst still warm fill with jam of your choice. (I usually use apricot, fig and strawberry... mmm)

Lastly, your favourite pair of heels ever bought?:)

"I would have to say my pair of cream no brand peep toe heels, which I wear when I want to feel sweet, cute and feminine."

Ok last last one... What's your favourite shoe label?

"Mmmm I actually don't have a favourite ... Yes i know!!! Shock Horror ha ha but if someone was holding a gun to my head i HAD to choose i'd probably pick Jenni BUTTON. I love their diamonte collection-super sexy!!"

Thanks for sharing Mich, eco-chef extraordinaire, we'll look out for your Organic cookbook!

xxx