Happy Friday!! Yesterday was a day where I remembered why I do love my job. We got to go to the Queens Botanical Gardens. It is one of my favorite trips we take all year and the weather made it even more fun. My class was very well behaved as we walked around the grounds and looked at plants that the early Americans used to survive. The grounds here are gorgeous, but unfortunately they are in danger of closing because of budget cuts in NYC. My class is writing letters to different people to try and get them to stop the budget cuts.
Two of my students nervously tasting a plant.
The gardens are beautifully manicured and kept up so well.
You can imagine I was salivating at all of the fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of the crops were not ready for harvest but it was so fun looking at all they have growing. Maybe the reason why I love this trip so much is because we pick crops and make a salad the early Americans would have made and then we eat it. I do love food…especially salads, so this is probably why. I also love that my students learn about farming and get to taste and view different crops. It’s so great to hear them make the connection between a crop and food, you actually hear/see the lightbulb go off.
Most of my students were good sports and tried and even liked it. Of course there were the few that didn’t care for it, but they all did try it.
Couldn’t not have a group photo…they weren’t all pleased, but hey I’m the teacher…
When I got home I went for a run outside. The day was just beautiful and I was looking forward to hitting the pavement all day. I donned my healthy kidney 10k top and was off.
I had a great run, there were lots of people out mostly with kids. Everyone just seemed to be enjoying the day. I am happy to report I didn’t see one person with a cell phone OR smoking a cigarette the entire time I was out. I think these people are steering clear of my after my last rant post.
I had some leftover beans from my bean burgers so I decided to make some more. This time I switched up the recipe.
I used the same base, but made a few changes. I used:
2 cups beans (I had them mixed together, red kidney, lentil and cannelloni)2/3 cup spelt flour
2 T flax seeds (soaked in 1/4 cup water to make flax eggs)
4 large leaves of beet greens
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 red onion (medium sized)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
3 T balsamic vinegar
2 tsp dijon mustard1/4 cup black pepper
2 cloves garlic
3/4 tsp sea salt
2 T flax seeds (soaked in 1/4 cup water to make flax eggs)
4 large leaves of beet greens
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 red onion (medium sized)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
3 T balsamic vinegar
2 tsp dijon mustard1/4 cup black pepper
2 cloves garlic
3/4 tsp sea salt
I followed the same process of putting beans, greens, garlic, onion and parsley in the food processor. I removed the mixture and put it in a large bowl. I added the remainder of the ingredients, adding the flour last. This makes 6 delicious burgers.
Next week I promise to get more creative. I’ve been inspired to break out some cookbooks and take a gander in them over the weekend for some new ideas. I’m about to take my first smoothie for breakfast, I’m nervous! I hope it keeps me full…but not to worry I’ll be stocked with extra fruit just in case!
Happy Friday! Any plans for the weekend?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like an awesome trip – I don't rememebr ever doing something like that when I was in grade school. I think Jamie Oliver would be proud, though
And glad you had great weather – wasn't it just gorgeous yesterday?! And today, too, I think. Can't wait!!
What a fun trip and I love the bean burgers!
That looks like such a great day! My kids never go on fun field trips like that! What a great experience. By the way, I got the Falafel Chips through their web site. If you ask them, they can give you a list of stores where they are available. I have a list of health food stores in my area. The chips are large and they are pretty low cal, if you ask me. They are full of flavor! Have a great weekend!
Such a great field trip. I'm so impressed the kids were able to try the produce. Maybe it will trigger healthy habits for life!
What a great field trip!
love the pictures what a nice day you had! Have never been to Queens, we were near Syracuse, about 5 hours from the Big A…great looking dish here love the bean burger…
Looks like the kids had such a fun time
What a great field trip! I work at a weight-management camp for kids and we are also taking a trip to a farm – SO excited! I think it is so important for kids to see where food comes from!
what a great day…..it is so nice when the kids behave
so wish i was an elementary school teacher! looking forward to a three day weekend-we have a furlough day this monday.
That's so great you got to take your students to such a great place! You seem like an awesome teacher (you can always tell
)
This weekend is my last weekend of freedom before summer classes begin. I am going to read for the classes, go for a long run in anticipation of my half next weekend, cook, and catch up with a friend.
Have a great Friday!
I wish I had gone on field trips like that back in the day! I love the picture of the kids tasting a plant. Too cute!
Aww glad you had a nice field trip. You are so pretty! I wish I looked that good when I am about to go work out lol!
I miss field trips! Looks like so much fun!
What a beautiful spot for a field trip.
Love the faces they are making! Haha.
I agree with Jennifer. How do you look so great just going to work out!?
What a fun day!!! I loved field trips when I was a kid!
your like the veggie burger queen missy! looks great!
seems like the perfect day to spend outside with the kids
bet they enjoyed it more than school! haha
the kids are loving the plants haha their faces are to die for
What a great thing to do for kids – making that connection between what is on your plate and where it comes from is sadly missing for so many these days.
Those plants looks so awesome too – yay for gardens!
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