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NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW LUNCH?
It can be hard to get kids to try a food they’re not used to. But in a season of new—new classes, new teachers, new notebooks—can a new dish be slipped into the mix? Debbie Bessen and Tracee Yablon Brenner think so. They’re registered dietitians at Holy Name Medical Center’s Holy Name Nutrition Center in Teaneck, and BERGEN asked them for a lunch that hits the trifecta—healthy, easy to make and good-tasting too. Thus the recipe below. “Hummus is a nourishing and delicious spread to introduce to your kids with some veggies in a wrap,” says Brenner. “You can add some fruit and pumpkin seeds to complete the meal.” Mediterranean Veggie Wrap with Hummus Ingredients: n 1 large wrap or 2 slices whole grain or sourdough bread n ¹/ ³ cup hummus, store-bought n ¼ cup seedless cucumber, grated n ¼ cup carrot, grated n 1 piece roasted red pepper, drained Directions: Grate cucumbers and carrots, then mix into hummus. Spread hummus on tortilla or bread. Add roasted red peppers, roll up the wrap or, if using two slices of bread, add another slice of bread on top and cut in half.
IF YOU SPOT SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES… A spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pretty sight if you haven’t seen one before. Go ahead and admire its colors for a second—then squish it, state environment officials say. While harmless to us and our pets, the invasive species feeds on and can cause damage to native trees and crops. The state’s Department of Agriculture offers tips to anyone who sees these creatures: • Identify them. At this stage in late summer, SLF appear red with black splotches and white spots. By early fall, they’ll grow white wings with black spots. • Crush them. The easiest way to deal with an SLF is to step on or swat it. “Squish them wherever you find them,” says Don Torino, a local environmentalist and president of the Bergen County Audubon Society. “Squish what you can!” Kayakers, use those paddles to slap them out of the air, and hikers can do the same with
A PICNIC IN THE PARK
trekking poles. Be alert, though, as SLF move quickly. • Trap them. These bugs favor the tree-of-heaven, a species commonly found in New Jersey. If you have one on your property, consider wrapping it with a glue or sticky trap. Be sure to use wire or a mesh cage over the trap so that other animals like birds and squirrels won’t get caught. • Exterminate them. Exterminator companies such as Viking Pest Control in Paramus offer several options to protect against SLF infestation, primarily through tree treatment. Spray treatment, for instance, acts like flea and tick protection for dogs. • Report them. After killing the bugs, anyone who sees SLF is encouraged to report the sighting at nj.gov/agriculture.
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Maybe you and your crew have been eating alfresco all summer, as our county’s restaurants are stocked with great outdoor seating areas. But Aug. 31 is officially National Eat Outside Day, so that day’s meal(s) should be special—a picnic, perhaps? Bergen is home to 21 county parks, many of which have picnic areas where you can sit and enjoy your sandwiches with a small group of pals, no questions asked. However, all the pavilions require permits no matter your party size, and most picnic spots— including Van Saun Park in Paramus, Veterans Memorial Park in Ridgefield Park and Carpenter’s Grove, just south of Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee—require permits for parties of 10 or more. You can easily reserve a spot and pay your security deposit at bergencounty.service-now.com/parks. You just need to register through the portal once before logging in with your account. Alternatively, you can print and fill out an application for a permit at co.bergen.nj.us and mail it to the county office in Hackensack. Applications can take up to three weeks to process during summer, so keep that in mind before you mail out those party invitations or send those Evites. Questions? Call the county for details and fees at 201.336.7275.
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