Stirring the Pot
Stirring the Pot: Dialogue, Discussion and Dinner in the Dairyland is a picnic celebration of summer gardening bounty held from June through August at the Monroe Arts Center, in Monroe, WI. Each attendee brings their own picnic to a fun forum event where area residents gather and learn about creating a healthy, green and sustainable local food system. A grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council enables Cara Carper, Green County UW-Extension, to lead these events. Stirring the Pot offers something for everyone in the family. Area “guest chefs” share their secrets for cooking fresh tasty dishes, while attendees enjoy their own picnic. Kids activities are provided as well as local live musicians performing. People also engage in discussion tables about food issues. For more information contact Cara Carper, Green County UW-Extension by email or at 608-328-9441
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June 17, 2009- Our first event was held with the guest chefs being:
Mark Olson, Culinary Arts Program, Blackhawk Technical College demonstrated: 
Steph Culberson, Culinary Adventures, The Goose Chaser Farm shared her expertise with us and demonstrated: Music for this event was provided by “MooGrass”
Other recipes submitted by local producers included Spanakopita; Yogurt Spinach Dip; and Letuce Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing (All submitted by Brenda Carus);
Roasted Asparagus in Balsamic Vinegar (submitted by John Ivanko); and Cream of Asparagus Soup; Rhubarb Custard Bars (both submitted by Lisa Kivirist). - “Stirring the Pot”, Newsrelease, The Monroe Times, June 23rd, 2009
- “Stirring the Pot” Picnic Series Tonight, Newsrelease, The Monroe Times, June 17th, 2009
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Extension to hold food events , Newsrelease, The Monroe Times, June 5th, 2009
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County Residents Invite to Bring A Potluck Dish to Pass , Newsrelease, The Monroe Times, May 28th, 2009
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July 15, 2009- Our next event was held with the guest chefs being:
Brett Davis, 80th DIstrict State Representative, Wisconsin State Assembly (with assistance from Peppercorn Banquets) demonstrated: 
Katie Thomas, Culinary Arts Program, Blackhawk Technical College
Music for this event was provided by: “Calvagna Harris”, Frank Calvagna, and Mary Harris (Contemporary and Latin Jazz)
Other recipes submitted by local producers included Lois’s Luscious Pastry Cream; Mr. Dodge’s Sweet-Bee Popcorn; Honey Ginger Cookies (All submitted by Katie Thomas);
Strawberry Cookies; Frosted Rhubarb Cookies; Radish Sandwiches (submitted by Kurt Kline); April’s Summer Slaw (submitted by Cara Carper) and Toasted Zucchinin Snacks;
Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast; Beet Burgers (All submitted by Lisa Kivirist). -
Stirring the Pot, A Second Time, Newsrelease, The Monroe Times, July 9th, 2009
August 19, 2009- Our last event will be held with the guest chefs being:
 Joe Wolllinger, Culinary Arts Program, Blackhawk Technical College |
 Kurt Kline, Monroe Farmers Market |
Images from the events
Resources
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Books
Rural Renaissance: Renewing the Quest for the Good Life by Lisa Kivirist & John Ivanko (local authors and innkeepers at Inn Serendipity)
Edible Earth: Savoring the Good Life with Vegetarian Recipes from Inn Serendipity by Lisa Kivirist & John Ivanko (local authors and innkeepers at Inn Serendipity)
Ecopreneuring: Putting Purpose and the Planet Before Profits by Lisa Kivirist & John Ivanko (local authors and innkeepers at Inn Serendipity)
A National of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil by Sharon Astyk & Aaron Newton
http://www.sharonastyk.comLunch Lessons: Changing the Way We Feed Our Children by Ann Cooper
Nice video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR7iVPv-xRg
http://www.chefann.comGrub: Ideas for an Urban Kitchen by Anna Lappe and Bryan Terry
http://www.eatgrub.orgAnimal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
http://www.kingsolver.comHope’s Edge by Francis Moose Lappe and Anna Lappe
http://www.smallplanet.orgIn Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto and The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan http://www.michaelpollan.com
Nice video/Bill Moyers interview: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/11282008/profile.htmlUncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds by Claire Hope Cummings
http://www.clairehopecummings.comStuffed and Starved by Raj Patel
http://www.stuffedandstarved.orgEpitaph for a Peach by David Masumoto
http://www.masumoto.comSqueezed: What You Don’t Know About Orange Juice by Alissa Hamilton
http://yalepress.typepad.com/squeezed/Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser
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Articles
“The Community Table: Celebrate your local bounty with a potluck meal of regional fare,” by Lisa Kivirist (local Green County author & farmer), Hobby Farm Home Magazine
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crafts-and-nature/the-community-table.aspx“A Salute to Self-Sufficiency: Show your patriotism for by re-creating your own victory garden for modern times,” by Lisa Kivirist (local Green County author & farmer), Hobby Farm Home Magazine
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crops-and-gardening/victory-gardens.aspx“Politics of the Plate: The Price of Tomatoes” by Barry Estabrook, Gourmet Magazine
http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/03/politics-of-the-plate-the-price-of-tomatoes“Is Local Food Better?” by Sarah DeWeerdt, WorldWatch Institute
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6064?emc=el&m=227941&l=4&v=f8b3bca867“Community in 17 sensible steps,” by Wendell Berry, Utne Reader
http://www.utne.com/archives/Communityin17sensiblesteps.aspx“Think Before You Eat: Agriculture and the Environment” by Jim Goodman
http://www.counterpunch.org/goodman05012009.html -
Video
Jim Goodman at the Progressive Magazine’s 100th Anniversary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhZNDs2O27s
