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Let's explore fun and creative ways to cook with zucchini, a quintessential summer vegetable. From practical advice on picking the best zucchinis to three delightful (and easy!) recipes, your zucchini wishes are ready to become reality. Tune in to learn these simple yet delicious methods to make zucchini a hit in your kitchen.

00:00 Welcome to the Empty Nest Kitchen
00:27 Zucchini: The Ultimate Summer Vegetable
02:19 Choosing the Perfect Zucchini
03:44 Delicious Zucchini Recipes
08:39 Zucchini Boats: A Fun Twist
10:18 Protein-Packed Zucchini Egg Bites
14:49 Wrapping Up: Zucchini Tips and Tricks

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Let's dive into the world of corn. Get practical advice on choosing, storing, and cooking corn (keeping the husk on until right before consumption is important!). With tips for using corn in various dishes like salads and pancakes, and a unique microwave method for cooking, you'll find a delightful and informative guide to making the most out of fresh corn.

00:00 Introduction to Corn Talk

01:00 Corn at the Farmer's Market

03:25 Choosing and Storing Corn

06:52 Microwave Corn Cooking Hack

08:06 Creative Corn Recipes

09:21 Corn Salad and Vinaigrette

13:24 Corn Pancakes and Conclusion

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Let's kick-off the summer cooking series 'Small Bites', focusing on short episodes under 15 minutes. Each week will highlight a different food or technique, starting with summer tomatoes, covering tips on choosing, using, and storing them for optimum flavor. 

00:00 Introduction to Summer Cooking Series

00:57 Choosing the Perfect Summer Tomatoes

03:09 Storing Your Tomatoes Correctly

04:00 Simple and Delicious Tomato Recipes

06:28 Making the Perfect Panzanella

11:47 Roasting Tomatoes for Extra Flavor

12:46 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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The Mediterranean diet is a great first step toward a healthier lifestyle, but what the heck is it? It's the ease of cooking lighter summer meals, using fresh seasonal produce, and incorporating healthy fats and lean proteins, plus so much more. 

We're making food an event by inviting friends and savoring meals, the benefits of including physical activity, and promoting joy in the kitchen. 

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Mediterranean Diet
00:39 Seasonal Cooking and Farmer's Markets
01:53 Mediterranean Diet Principles
05:03 Healthy Fats and Lean Proteins
07:53 Herbs, Spices, and Social Eating
11:16 Exercise and Lifestyle Balance
12:39 Realistic Approach to Healthy Eating
13:59 Invitation to Mediterranean Magic Course

Find more information on Mediterranean Magic for Midlife, Fall Back in Love with Cooking here.

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Remember back in the day when tv shows would declare a "very special episode"? Well this week, I'm declaring it too, as I convince my brilliant sister-in-law, Laura Van Bloem, to join me on the podcast to talk all things non-profit marketing.

Laura shares her insights on the importance of storytelling and impact communication for successful nonprofit fundraising. We get into hybrid work culture, fractional employment, and the transitions women experience as our children leave home. You'll find practical advice for nonprofits and service businesses on effective marketing strategies, and a great conversation about being a mid-life woman in today's world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 Gym Stories and Hydrotherapy Chair
03:42 Nonprofit Marketing Insights
07:17 Career Journey in Nonprofit Sector
09:45 Challenges and Strategies in Fundraising
13:36 Transition to Consulting
20:37 Work-Life Balance and Career Reflections
22:44 Reflecting on Gen X Responsibilities
24:15 Changing Career Dynamics
25:51 The Rise of Fractional Employment
30:09 Hybrid Work Culture Challenges
32:01 Navigating Empty Nest Syndrome
36:01 Future Plans and Retirement Thoughts
40:27 Favorite Meals and Final Thoughts

Find Laura at VB Communications or on Linked In.

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Practical money-saving tips for grocery shopping are a must-have in today's world, particularly for empty nesters. In this episode, you'll find helpful tips and tricks for shopping smart for your own Empty Nest Kitchen. You can save money while still enjoying good food and reducing waste.

00:00 Introduction and Current Market Overview

01:35 Smart Shopping Tips for Spices

05:39 Buying Meat for the empty nester

08:26 Bread and Stock Tips

14:33 Meal Planning and Final Tips

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Let's celebrate the arrival of spring by digging into a variety of spring veggies and herbs, including artichokes, asparagus, and fresh chives. You'll hear tips on how to prepare and cook these ingredients, with a bit of practical advice. And be sure to register for my free cooking class sponsored by AARP Maryland on April 5, where you'll learn to cook eggs with ricotta and fresh chives, cappuccino chip muffins, and super crispy oven potatoes. 

00:00 Introduction and Springtime Joy
00:57 Spring Veggies Overview
01:33 Artichoke Adventures
08:15 Asparagus: The Spring Kahuna
12:40 Herbs: Fresh and Flavorful
18:11 Upcoming Cooking Class
19:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Register for the April 5 AARP Maryland cooking class HERE.

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Looking for inspiration? Meet Natalie Gibson, Home renovator, empty nester, and independent educational consultant. We're discussing Natalie’s journey into buying and renovating a fixer-upper home in downtown Frederick, Maryland, and her professional pivot into educational consulting. Natalie shares her experiences with her family, the importance of female friendships, and finding a support network during life's transitions. 

00:30 Welcome to the Empty Nest Kitchen
00:59 Meet Natalie Gibson
01:55 Natalie's Fixer Upper Journey
04:42 The Candlelight House Tour
09:02 Natalie's Career Transition
17:53 The Importance of Female Friendships
20:25 Navigating Midlife Challenges
24:50 Reflecting on Parenting and Future Possibilities
25:44 The Certification Process and Peer Support
26:45 Visiting Colleges and Maintaining Certification
28:23 The Importance of Asking for What You Want
30:00 Passion for Working with High School Students
31:01 Exploring Local Food and Dining Experiences
34:41 Frederick, Maryland: A Great Place to Live and Eat
40:10 Conclusion and Contact Information

You can find Natalie here at Gipson College Consulting.

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Learn essential tips and tricks for efficiently freezing meals tailored for empty nesters. You can simplify meal prep and avoid repetitive meals, and still have great food. We'll talk the science of freezing, selecting appropriate containers, proper cooling techniques, and foods to avoid freezing, as well as proper portioning and labeling for convenience and food safety. For more helpful hints, visit EmptyNestKitchen.com and sign up for the weekly email newsletter filled with practical cooking advice and free resources.

You can find the Kitchen Stickin' here.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:41 The Challenge of Cooking for One
01:17 Simplifying Meals and Avoiding Repetition
02:18 The Freezer Revolution
02:37 What Foods Freeze Well
04:53 Freezing Techniques and Tips
10:02 Proper Cooling Techniques
13:06 Foods to Avoid Freezing
14:21 Recap and Final Tips
16:35 Conclusion and Invitation

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Meet Alysia Feuer, who runs a program called Farm to School. Alysia discusses the expanded mission of farm to school initiatives to include broader public health objectives, focusing on local food access and nutritional education. They describe various collaborative activities such as cooking classes, hands-on learning experiences, and a veggie van that delivers fresh produce to communities. Further, Alysia shares her personal background and the challenges faced in securing funding for these initiatives. 

Find out how you can join an upcoming online cooking class fundraiser with Chef Drew Allen, emphasizing how participants can learn, enjoy fresh meals, and support the mission.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:44 Understanding Farm to School
02:15 Hands-On Learning and Community Engagement
05:11 Challenges and Success Stories
07:12 Local Food Systems and Farmer Support
09:26 Personal Background and Passion for Farming
12:06 Public Health and Nutrition Education
17:20 Funding Issues and Future Plans
19:45 Exciting Fundraiser Announcement
25:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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