The Dragon Fruit

photo from picasaweb.google.com

A recent trip to the local Farmers Market landed an unusual fruit in my produce bag....The Pitaya, more commonly referred to as the Dragon Fruit. The taste and texture is similar to a kiwi, but nothing compares to the beautiful and intense presentation that this fruit delivers!

photo from hort.purdue.edu/newcrop

The Dragon Fruit looks like something the Chiquita Girl would wear on her head. Its hot pink and lime green flames catch your attention and when you slice it open, there's a jaw dropping surprise. Dragon fruit is a type of cactus and can be found in pink and yellow with white flesh, sprinkled with black seeds and if you are lucky, you get one filled with the most brilliant fluorescent fuchsia you've ever seen! It's low in calories and offers nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, fiber and antioxidants.

photo from 2.bp.blogspot.com

This exotic fruit is best eaten chilled. Cut the fruit in half and scoop the flesh out. There are many creative ways to use the fruit including using it as a "novelty" dessert, garnish a drink, serve in salads, make into a drink, jam or sorbet. It's a refreshing treat that's sure to impress your dinner guests and wow the kiddos.

photo from whatsforsupper-juno.blogspot.com

photo from seduceyourtastebuds.blogspot.ca

Our family started our own tradition. Each time we have new guests over for dinner, my husband makes a Dragon Fruit after-dinner presentation which includes a magical, make-believe history of the fruit....because, well, "the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree!"

Dragon Fruit, go and get yourself this unique little treat.

Do "Something" About Chick-fil-A

Maybe you agree with Chick-fil-A's views against same sex marriage, maybe you don't. Either way, you should show your support. You can go buy a chicken sandwich today or you can protest outside a Chick-fil-A with all your gay friends.

To all you "pro-chicken anti-gay" folk, I respect your opinion, but I don't have to agree with it. I just ask that you respect my opinion too. Two reasons why I won't be eating at Chick-fil-A anymore...

To be fair, I've only been to Chick-fil-A a few times. The food was good and so was the service. And to be honest, I don't eat a lot of fast food so by me not going to Chick-fil-A isn't going cut into their profits. I'm simply choosing not to eat at Chick-fil-A based on two reasons....gay rights and corporate bullying.

I've never really been one to “stand by and watch” or “follow the crowd.” I've always been one to stand up for what I believe in, even if it's uncomfortable, even if I'm all alone and even if the person to the right of me starts to distant themselves. I'm comfortable enough in my own shoes to speak what's on my mind. To me, it's the right thing to do.

photo by estergoldberg.com

Chick-fil-A has the right to voice their views against same sex marriage, just like I have the right to voice my views for gay rights. I believe we are all equal and should be treated as equals. Chick-fil-A is passing judgment. That doesn't seem very Christian to me. The God I know doesn't judge or discriminate against anyone. The God I know created you, me and gay people. Enough said.

photo from cbsnews.com

My family and I actually started boycotting Chick-fil-A months ago when we found out they were suing Vermont's small business owner Bo Muller-Moore. Bo's eco-friendly t-shirt business promotes sustainable food messages such as “EAT MORE KALE” and has been doing so for more than 10 years. Chick-fil-A claims that Bo's slogan “EAT MORE KALE” is similar to their slogan “EAT MOR CHIKIN” and is confusing its customers. Really? Someone is going to mistake chicken for kale?

As soon as I heard about the lawsuit, I purchased an “EAT MORE KALE” t-shirt for my husband and a bunch of bumper stickers to help support Bo and his business. I get asked all the time, “What's that Kale sticker on your car all about?” And I am ever so happy to explain.

Corporate bullying doesn't sit well with me. Apparently not with others either...In just one month, Bo raised nearly $90,000 to make a film about his ongoing legal battle with the fast food chain.

You too can help Bo by signing his petition and buying some of his products. Put your money towards helping a small business! Go to eatmorekale.com

Chick-fil-A has the right to Free Speech, so do you and so do I. Are you going to stand up for what you believe in? Are you going to show your support? Come on, what are you, chicken?

photo from cagle.com