by jessie voigts
Member since:
December 19, 2005

Live Chat with Chef Jill on Gardening and Cooking - July 30th, 3pm

July 29, 2008 12:09 PM EDT (Updated: July 30, 2008 02:53 PM EDT)
views: 199 | rating: 10/10 (10 votes) | comments: 146
great news!! lillie and i are hosting a live chat with our very own chef jill, on gardening and cooking...perfect for summer time! we had such a fun time on our last chat with chef jill, that we were more than happy to do it again, on a slightly different topic...


pertinent details:

event:
live chat - WHICH will take place in the comments section of this article

who:
chef jill! jillbcooks.gather.com

she has a great website, called teach kids to cook!

wednesday, July 30
3pmET

BONUS! gather will be giving away a copy of the new DK book, grow it cook it, to a random commenter.

we'd love for you to come and participate! if you are unable to make it, but have a question for chef jill, please post it in the comment thread below. we'll be sure to pose your questions during the live chat! be sure to bring your kids, if they have questions. i know that lillie will!!

we also will talk about the new book from DK, grow it cook it. YUM!


hope to see you there!
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Comments: 146

Ang, inspired by good, G. Jul 29, 2008, 1:00pm EDT
Oh I loved the last chat, I'm gonna have to remember to get on tomorrow afternoon and get in this one.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Jul 29, 2008, 1:12pm EDT
That's great Jessie, I will definitely see if I can get there, but I hope you will post a reminder tomorrow. My sons and I actually planted some tomato seeds from the grow it cook it book about a week ago, and they are so excited about the little green tomato plants they now see. We love the book!
d g. Jul 29, 2008, 1:15pm EDT
I'll be working. ;-(

But I bet they'll be comments and commentary for me to read later?

Will check out the website, too.

Thanks!
mona d. Jul 29, 2008, 1:20pm EDT
sounds like fun - i know the last one was. hopefully i can shut my office door and be left alone long enough to participate...if not, i know lillie will ask plenty of fascinating questions that i can catch up on later!
Sharon K. Jul 29, 2008, 1:50pm EDT
Sounds great! I will be sure to check it out!
Kevin (''The SiteWizard'') V. Jul 29, 2008, 2:00pm EDT


This sounds like a fun chat Jessie.
I know the previous one was very interesting and educational.
Your article will be featured in the Community DateBook™!


I've been away for a few days dealing with a family medical problem, but I will begin publishing the DateBook again tomorrow! (possibly even tonight!)
Sonia M. Jul 29, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
Thanks for doing this Jessie and Lillie....I won't be here as Anthony has aptps in town, but will try to post a question a bit later for her.

Sounds like a lot of fun for all!
Connie C. Jul 29, 2008, 4:01pm EDT
Oh this is exciting
Kerry Dexter Jul 29, 2008, 4:45pm EDT
great, jessie. I really enjoyed your earlier chat with chef jill. I'd like to hear about ways to use fruit, raw or cooked, and what she thinks the best fruits are in terms of nutrition.
Vicky P. Jul 29, 2008, 5:26pm EDT
Thanks Jessie, will make a note of it.
Bridget ♥ Jul 29, 2008, 6:19pm EDT
I have this book - would love to make chat, PLEASE send me a reminder tomorrow!
jessie voigts Jul 29, 2008, 7:04pm EDT
thanks, friends! i'll send a reminder tomorrow- and please leave your questions here in a comment box, if you can't make it!

we're excited!
Beryl Singleton Bissell Jul 29, 2008, 7:12pm EDT
My grandson is coming and this would the perfect time to prepare for a cooking lesson with him. I won't be able to attend, however, as I'm having lunch with a friend who lives far away . . . well over an hour and we do like to talk.

I wonder if Jill has any ideas about edible wild flowers. He was enchanted last time we sampled clover and honeysuckle. We have lots of of daisies, fire weed, black eyed susans, lupine, birds-eye-trefoil, and pearly everlasting.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 11:38am EDT
Hello:

Can't make the chat later? Post some questions in advance. Can't wait until chat time!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 2:17pm EDT
Beryl: I don't have a whole lot of edible wild flower experience, unfortunately. I would recommend cultivating the plants in pots at home--so gather clips for transplants from the wild. Really emphasize safety!
Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team Jul 30, 2008, 2:30pm EDT
Attention Everyone-

Gather will select one member who participates between 3-4PM ET to receive a free copy of "Grow It Cook It".

See you all at 3PM ET!
Bridget ♥ Jul 30, 2008, 2:46pm EDT
We were lucky enough to receive a free copy of your book from Gather and we love it! The photos and details are amazing!

Jill, what is your favorite recipe in your book and why?
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 2:59pm EDT
hi everyone, and welcome to the live chat with chef jill!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 2:59pm EDT
Hi, Bridget: I was one of many contributors to the book. My favorite section of the book is the one on blueberries. It inspired me to plant a pot of them myself, and I was astonished by the results. I love the blueberry cheesecake recipe on p 71---all the taste of cheesecake, without all the effort!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:00pm EDT
Thanks for having me to chat today. Food and gardening are two of my favorite topics.
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
Hi How are you
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
My husband and children love blueberries.
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:02pm EDT
hi jill! lillie has a huge list of questions that i've tried to tone down a bit. ;) but she heard that you did the blueberry section - we just got 30# of fresh blueberries from saugatuck, MI. i love that place. anyway, we're eating muffins, pie, and fresh with yogurt and granola. lillie wants to know what are your favorite blueberry recipes!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:02pm EDT
Anne Marie: Thanks--I am great. We are having a bit of a heatwave here in Minnesota, but I am hoping this helps coax my tomatoes into ripening.
Bridget ♥ Jul 30, 2008, 3:02pm EDT
My kids LOVE gardening, especially their tomato plants! It's something we have done with them for years!
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:02pm EDT
Hi , I remembered to get her
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:03pm EDT
I have been wanting to start a small container garden with my children. Do you have an recommendations on what to plant first?
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:03pm EDT
Hi Jessie and Lillie:

My absolute favorite blueberry recipe is for something called blueberry fool.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:03pm EDT
I tried to get mygrandaughter interested in blueberies by taking her to pick them she loved that but still will not try them
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
Blueberry fool is basically a puree of blueberries and sugar combined with whipped cream. So light and delicious!
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
recipe? whipped cream and blueberries? or more goodies...
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
Is it too late in the season to plant things ?
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
I am not a gardener, but really want to give it a try and involve my kids
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
YUMOLA!
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
we'll make that fool tonight...thank you!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
April:

Your granddaughter might like them baked--it makes the texture more palatable to picky eaters. Who can resist muffins?
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:05pm EDT
Didn't think to puree it and add whipped cream I just gave them to her whole and she refused them
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:06pm EDT
Anne Marie: I love growing tomatoes and small peppers. They tend to give fruit fast. Also, depends on your location...where are you?
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:06pm EDT
well, anything is better with whipped cream. i just read a recipe for bacon ice cream. no thanks, to that.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:06pm EDT
I will post a recipe for Blueberry Fool at the end of the chat!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
It is not too late to start container gardening, especially if you bring plants indoors.
Chris E. Jul 30, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
Hi! I just wanted to stop in and say that I love the book! There are some really great ideas and recipes etc.... I have even been inspired by the section on composting to give that a try.
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
I will have to try the muffins
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
I checked your web site out and it is pretty cool
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:08pm EDT
I would try getting some herb plants and keeping them on the patio, then when the cooler weather comes, spray them down with a spray bottle to remove dirt and bugs. Then, let them live on your counter top. It will work!
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:08pm EDT
How large should the containers be?
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
Thanks, Chris...composting is easier than it seems. Start small in a trash can, and build from there. If you have great neighbors, you can work together on it.
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
i love this book, too, and we've been drooling over the recipes. for gather, we have to do a photo essay on planting and caring for the seeds. we got them pretty late in the growing season for MI, though - our container tomatoes (in earthboxes) are taller than i am! lillie wonders if the tomatoes will still produce/not get frozen if we start them 2 months late.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
Is it too late for tomatoes?
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:10pm EDT
April: Container size depends on your space. You could get a large rectangular window box and plant several plants in it. Or, stick to 6-8 inch pots.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:10pm EDT
April: Not too late for tomatoes if you buy a more mature plant. Try the garden stores in your area.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:12pm EDT
Remember, you don't need to go buy new pots. Found containers around your house can do the trick...old stained Gladware with some small rocks in the bottom are great. Any large plastic container (think mega laundry soap size) becomes a great planter when you cut the top off.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:12pm EDT
Do you have any great recipes for those tomatoes?
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:12pm EDT
I just checked out your website. My 8 year old son is most definitely a picky eater. Surprisingly enough he loves to cook! Both of my children love to experiment, learn, and make new things in the kitchen.
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:13pm EDT
our next question is a two-parter. we grow zucchini - and they never seem to grow the zucchini, just the flowers. we take qtip and spread the pollen around, since the bees don't find us. what else can we do? (good thing they are cheap at the farmer's market).

and lillie's fave zucchini recipe is zucchini pancakes. what is yours?
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:14pm EDT
Will a rubbermaid tub work? Does it need holes or will just stones work in the bottom
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:15pm EDT
You can also grow tomatoes indoors---I wrote an article about it. Look for it here http://jillbcooks.gather.com/ If you can't find it, I'll pull it to the top after the chat.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:15pm EDT
YEs please spotlight the tomatoes and Blueberry Fool
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
Thanks to all for comments on my website. Check out the blog for weekly ideas.
Amy C. Jul 30, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
What is a good natural fertilizer that will not contaminate your plants? I am very interested in the organic type gardening...
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:17pm EDT
I bookmarked your web site
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:17pm EDT
tagging onto amy's comment, what about a good bug spray? we use dish soap which is sort of weird.
Anne Marie A. Jul 30, 2008, 3:18pm EDT
Thank you for the ideas and I look forward to reading your blogs and trying out some recipes and gardening ideas with my kids.
Amy C. Jul 30, 2008, 3:18pm EDT
oh I am very interested in how to grow tomatoes indoors. They are always so much more sweeter it seems when you grow them yourself.
Amy C. Jul 30, 2008, 3:18pm EDT
Jessie I have used dish soap too I thought it was weird but a fine gardener told me to... hmmm
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:18pm EDT
Zucchini--I suspect that , yes, you are right about pollination. Try using a paintbrush rather than q-tip. It help the fragile pollen "drop" in the transfer more easily.
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
well lillie likes spraying the dish soap water onto the plants. it cracks me up. but i thought there may be other things.?? we are all organic.
Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team Jul 30, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
Jill,

My niece tends to like canned beans over those picked fresh from the garden because of the sodium. Any suggestions on how to spice up those freshly grown without adding a ton of salt?
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
My grandaghter who is two and I will be planting stuff this weekend.
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
thanks for the pollen tip. we have PLENTY of paintbrushes!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:20pm EDT
I love zucchini bread. It's a classic. I also love zucchini fritters--sounds similar to Lillie's pancakes, but with more shredded zuke. They are great "faux" crabcakes.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:20pm EDT
I go with dish soap myself. My gran taught me that a LONG time ago.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:21pm EDT
What flowers should we plant amongst the veggies as a natural bug repellant
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:22pm EDT
what is your zucchini fritters recipe? we take grated zucchini - a LOT, a kitchenaid bowl full, add 2 or 3 eggs, a little bit of bisquick. and garlic and basil. then cook them, and serve them with a yogurt/basil/garlic sauce. i'd love to know your recipe!!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:22pm EDT
April: Marigolds are natural bug repellants.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:23pm EDT
Amy: The best way to get rich soil is by composting. Start with a small metal bin--the smal size trashcan and lid can be found at hardware stores. It is a great way to recycle food waste and paper.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:24pm EDT
Another natural pest deterrent is eggshells. If you are having problems with invaders like slugs or maggots, sprinkle crushed eggshells at the base of plant stalks.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:25pm EDT
Jill, thanks for all the tips, unfortunately I have to run as I must pick up my grandaughter. but it was nice to chat with you
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:25pm EDT
Thanks, April!
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:26pm EDT
I love zucchini bread! Those fritters sound good as well
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:27pm EDT
I have problems with those bugs that get into the vines of all of mt squash plants. Any advice on keeping them out?
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:27pm EDT
lillie's excited about our cucumbers - we are going to pick 2 tonight, as they are big enough. what are your favorite ways to eat cucumbers? we like them plain, and in a yogurt sauce, but do you have other favorites?
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:28pm EDT
Zucchini fritters: Grate 2 zucchini (3 if small) and remove excess liquid. Combine with a smidge of oil, a clove of garlic that is crushed, 1/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon Old bay. Shape into fritters and gently pan fry.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:29pm EDT
Any good recipes for the 9 month-one year old set?
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:29pm EDT
omg goodness we love your recipe! we can't use cheese bc ed is allergic. DRAT!!!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:30pm EDT
I love cucumbers diced really small and in all kinds of salads. Cuke + corn + red onion + splash of olive oil. Cuke + tomato + watermelon + zucchini + teensy bit of sugar, oil and poppyseeds. I love minced salads.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:32pm EDT
we have a watermelon that shoulld be ready this weekend! I bet that salad would be good with some homegrown mint as well!
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:32pm EDT
oh my!! your salads!! so fresh and yummy. THAT is on our menu. we have fresh corn from the amish down the road. and will remember your tomato one when our tomatoes come out. thank you, thank you!!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:33pm EDT
April: Ack! Sounds like your plant has aphids/plant lice. They are tricky to get rid of...you may need a gentle insecticide. Try really rinsing the vines with water and using your fingers to remove them before going to chemicals. Sorry!!! :(
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:34pm EDT
lillie's laughing at the words PLANT LICE. sigh,. 6 yr olds!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:34pm EDT
I also love cucumbers sliced very thin on sandwiches. It sneaks in an extra veg!
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:35pm EDT
Plant lice is a pain! I have an indoor gardening unit that got aphids and I just about FREAKED!
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:35pm EDT
ohh yum!! we just love cucumbers. but we usually eat them plain. you've given us lots of new ideas!
Mary M. Jul 30, 2008, 3:35pm EDT
Hi everyone! I finally made it to a Gather chat! I have been hearing about this interesting book on Gather for some time now.
jessie voigts Jul 30, 2008, 3:35pm EDT
ick plant lice. did you throw out the plants??
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:35pm EDT
they aren't aphids - i think they're called vine borers are something...they actually get INSIDE the vines. Maybe they're only in the South?
Mary M. Jul 30, 2008, 3:36pm EDT
My 8 year old daughter is very interested in gardening but sadly I have a black thumb and tend to kill whatever I try to grow! Eager to learn some project ideas she and I could try together.
Jill B. Jul 30, 2008, 3:36pm EDT
Threw out the plants and the growing lights.
April H. Jul 30, 2008, 3:36pm EDT
Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are yummy as well