07/24/2025
We had a fun time picking plums and herbs and cooking at the Western Colorado Research Center. Thank you Amanda, the , Community Food Systems Coordinator, for hosting us.
Our CMU Physician assistant students Chloe, Michaela and Jayla taught us about the healthy effects herbs and tomatoes have. Who knew that Rosemary helped your brain, or basil your immune function?
Then we made some healthy dips and English muffin pizzas.
They were delicious with fresh herbs and healthy too!
We will be back at the farm in September so join us for our fall classes starting Sept. 3.
Here are the recipes-
No Cook Tomato Pizza Sauce and Fresh Herb Mini Pizzas
4 tomatoes, chopped and crushed
1/2 tsp minced garlic (or garlic powder for milder flavor)
1/2 tsp dried oregano (we used fresh)
1/2 tsp dried basil (we used fresh)
Whole grain English muffin or pita as base
Shredded cheese
Optional- pinch of salt or tiny bit of sugar to balance acidity
Add Ingredients to a bowl.
Stir until well combined
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Using English muffins or pita as a base, Spread tomato sauce
Add shredded cheese
Top with chopped tomatoes and fresh herbs
Can eat cold or bake 10 minutes or until cheese melts. (we used an air fryer!)
Garden Party Salsa
4-5 small tomatoes roughly chopped
3 Tbsp green bell pepper diced
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp red onion, finely diced (optional)
Juice of one lime
Pinch of salt
Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired texture- chunky or smooth. Or alternatively, chop by hand and mix in a bowl.
Serve with vegetables- carrots, peppers... or whole grain tortilla chips (watch your portion size)
Creamy Tomato Dip (No- stove version) perfect as a pasta topper, veggie dip or sandwich spread
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened plant based yogurt
1/2 tsp oregano dried or fresh
1/2 tsp basil dried or fresh
pinch of salt or a touch of honey as desired
Optional: finely chopped parsley or chives
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl
Stir until smooth and creamy
Taste and adjust seasonings
Serve as a dip with vegie sticks, whole grain crackers or chilled pasta spirals. Add more vegies to your pasta dish to make it even better!
