With the start of September comes a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, like peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, blueberries, pumpkin, and more! Just a short walk or drive away from a number of local grocery stores, produce stands, and markets, the Beacon's location offers many options to find fresh, local produce and spark inspiration for your fall culinary creations.

An awesome way to make your grocery choices more sustainable and support your local community is to buy locally and seasonally. Buying locally, when possible, not only helps small businesses, it reduces the environmental impact of your food by cutting down on fuel consumption and emissions associated with transportation. Local produce also tends to be fresher and more nutritious, because it wasn't bred for long shipping times and an extended shelf life. Buying locally also allows you to look for farmers avoiding or reducing their use of pesticides, hormones, etc.

According to the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, if all Maryland families who are able spent ~$12 per week on locally-grown products for 8 weeks, $200 million would be invested back into the livelihoods and growth of local farmers! Click the farmer's market guide below to find some great places to find local produce and visit the AACED website at www.aaedc.org/agriculture/farmers-markets/agriculture-guide/ for the annual Arundel Grown Guide, a directory featuring local agricultural businesses, from produce, baked goods, and honey to eco tourism, vineyards, etc.

Late summer, early fall is the perfect time to enjoy a wide selection of seasonal produce. What seasonal ingredients are you most excited to use in your recipes this season? Check out the recipes below for some inspiration:

Cozy Entrees:

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 Cup onion, diced
• 3 Cup carrots, diced
• 1 pkg (20 oz) Butternut Squash
• 1 container (32 oz) Vegetable Broth
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Broth Concentrate
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat oil in stockpot on low. Add onions – cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min, until soft, but not browned. Add carrots – cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min. Increase heat to high. Add butternut squash and broth – bring to boil, about 7 min. Reduce heat to med-high. Simmer, about 30 min, until squash is tender. Add broth concentrate – stir. Remove from heat – cool slightly. Add mixture to blender in two batches – puree until smooth. Season as desired.

Turkey Pumpkin Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp ground coriander
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2lbs ground turkey
• 2 Tbsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (15oz) cans cannelini bean, drained
• 2 Cup chicken broth drained
• 1/2 c. heavy cream

Instructions:

• Sauté: In a large stockpot or skillet set over medium, heat the olive oil and sauté the carrots and onions until they become soft – about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Toast the spices: Add the minced garlic, coriander, paprika, cumin, black pepper, fresh thyme, and salt and toss with the vegetables to toast slightly for 1 additional minute.
• Brown the meat: Move the vegetables to the side of the pot or skillet and add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it down into small pieces as it browns and then toss it together with the other ingredients in the skillet.
• Set up the slow cooker. Add the mixture from the skillet to your slow cooker along with the pumpkin puree, beans, and broth (leave the cream out). Set the temperature to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. When ready to serve, stir the cream into the chili.

Breakfast Treats:

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup rolled oats
• 2 Cup milk or water
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine oats, water or milk, and diced apples. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until oats are fully cooked and apples are softened. Stir in cinnamon and sweetener, if desired. Serve hot. Garnish as desired with chopped nuts, raisins, etc.

Blueberry Muffins:

• ½ Cup Butter
• 1 Cup Unsifted Flour
• 1 Cup Sugar + 1 Tbsp for topping
• 2 Large Eggs
• ½ Cup Milk

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add eggs one at a time and beat. In a second bowl, combine dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture along with milk and vanilla. If desired, mash 1/2 c. blueberries and stir into batter, turning it blue-tinted. Next, add remaining blueberries and stir.

Prepare baking sheet with muffin cups and preferred method for greasing. Fill greased muffin cups with batter. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Bake for 25-30 mins. Remove and cool in pan. Run a knife around the edge of each muffin until it is loose and can be freed from the pan, then let cool. If desired, brush muffin tops with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Enjoy!

Fall Smoothies:

Apple Pie Chia Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, cut into small pieces
• 1 c. of your preferred milk
• 2 Tbsp chiai seeds
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg & salt, to taste

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired. Note: You can replace maple syrup (or any of the sweeteners) with honey, agave or even stevia, if you prefer.

Power Pumpkin Seed Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ¼ Cup vanilla yogurt
• ¼ Cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds, raw
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• ¼ Cup you preferred milk
• 1 Cup ice

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired. Note: You can replace maple syrup (or any of the sweeteners) with honey, agave or even stevia, if you prefer.

Oatmeal Pear Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 large pear seeded and chopped
• ½ Cup your preferred milk
• ¼ Cup vanilla yogurt, low-fat
• ¼ Cup rolled or quick-cooked oats
• 1 Cup ice
• ½ Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp almond butter
• ½ tsp ginger, finely grated
• Pinch cinnamon, to taste and extra to garnish

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired. Note: You can replace maple syrup (or any of the sweeteners) with honey, agave or even stevia, if you prefer.

Happy Fall, everyone!

The post Seasonal Tastes: Local Farmer’s Markets & Fall Recipes appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.

                                                          
Sometimes it is difficult to make plans when you don’t want to leave your dog home alone for the day. Luckily, The Beacon is conveniently located near a number of destinations you can enjoy with friends, family, and fur babies. Check-out the options below and let us know if you have any additional suggestions!

Towsers Branch Park – 3min
This is the closest dog park to us, a 3min drive or 20min walk away. Make a right on Evergreen Road, which runs behind Wegman’s, continue for a few blocks, then make a left on to Jackson Road. The park will be on your left.

Two Rivers Dog Park – 11min
When exiting the Waugh Chapel Towne Center, turn right onto MD-3 South and continue until the first traffic light by the Aldi. Turn right onto Conway Road and continue for a little over 2mi. Turn left onto Two Rivers Blvd and continue until you see the dog park on your left.

Bell Branch Park – 12min
Located in Crofton, this park has a lot of amenities for you to enjoy, like picnic areas, trails, and playgrounds. For more information visit: www.aacounty.org/locations-and-directions/bell-branch-park

Montpelier Farm – 21min
This pet-friendly attraction offers fun for the whole family. You can enjoy the picnic areas, playgrounds, special events, and more. Open Summer Sundays June 5 – July 31 then re-opening for the annual Sunflower Festival August 12,13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. Come Autumn, the farm will open September 17 – November 6 for the annual Fall Festival. Remember, dogs must remain on a leash while visiting the farm. For more information visit: www.montpelierfarms.com/

Watermark Journey Annapolis and Baltimore – 25min
Take a cruise (leased dogs are welcome) in Annapolis or Baltimore and enjoy the day on the Chesapeake Bay. For more information, visit: www.watermarkjourney.com/category-event/public-cruises-water-taxi/

Downs Park & Quiet Water Park – 25min
Ready to soak up the sun? Check out these two dog-friendly beaches along the Chesapeake Bay to enjoy a picnic, concerts, and events in the calm water of the shore. Please visit their websites for more info: www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/downs/index.html
www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/quiet-waters/

We hope you enjoy your next day out with your furry friend and don’t forget to tag us @thebeaconatwaugh in any pictures you share enjoying these local outings!

The post Dog Days of Summer – Local Outings with Your Furbaby appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.

When we think about Cinco de Mayo, we may picture parties and margaritas. But, what is the history behind the holiday? Many people think this holiday celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day, like the 4^th of July in the United States, but Mexico’s real Independence Day is September 16^th. On that day in 1810, priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bells in Dolores Hidalgo in the middle of the night calling Mexicans to fight for their liberty and against the Spanish throne. Mexico’s War for Independence lasted 11 years and ended in 1821.

Cinco de Mayo is the day that Mexicans remember their 1862 victory against the French army in the Battle of Puebla. It’s a story of overcoming extreme odds, as the smaller Mexican army gained victory over the better-equipped French force. So, how did Cinco de Mayo become such a big celebration in the United States? During the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Mexican-Americans re-embraced Cinco de Mayo celebrations as a way to show pride for their ethnicity and a reminder that they could overcome the obstacles they faced.

If you would like to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the broader community, walk on over to Querétaro in the Waugh Chapel Towne Center (1406 S Main Chapel Way 110). We’ve been told they will be having drink specials to celebrate the holiday. Or stay in and relax with a delicious margarita on your balcony. Check-out one of our favorite margarita recipes below!

Ingredients:

• Shaker
• Glass
• Slices of lime
• Salt
• Ice cubes
• Your favorite Tequila or Mezcal
• Orange liquor
• Orange juice
• Natural Syrup

To start, frost the top the glass with lime and salt. Next, add 5 ice cubes, 1oz of tequila or mezcal, ¾ oz orange liquor, ½ oz lime juice, and ½ oz simple syrup to your shaker and shake it like a maraca. Pour into your glass, adding more ice if desired, and enjoy your frosty margarita.

Viva Mexico and Happy Cinco de Mayo to all our residents at Beacon Waugh Chapel!

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