Aug 13, 2010

Healthy alternatives

Chef Derek Olson of Harvest Thyme Bistro, Wadena, prepared and served a local-foods meal for guests attending the Aug. 12 Energy and Horticulture Day at the Central Lakes College Agricultural and Energy Center near Staples. Derek created a Southwest-flavored main dish with locally raised chicken and assorted vegetables and complemented the menu with a fresh apple bake (ice cream optional). Sweet corn grown at the Ag and Energy Center was a bonus for diners. Derek and wife Shari are part of the area movement building a sustainable economy through healthy, organic food, from vegetables to meats to grains. The Ag and Energy Center is operated by Central Lakes College and provides research on and demonstration of crop varieties and new energy crop opportunities for the region, all focused on eceonomic development. For information, contact Director Bob Schafer at (218) 894-5160 or rschafer@clcmn.edu