Dear Friends of Extension,

It’s hard to believe that as of this past August 1st I have had the privilege of serving as your County Extension Coordinator for 12 years. And, November 1st will mark my 19th year work anniversary with Alabama Extension. I am so blessed to have a career that I love and time truly does fly by when you are having fun!

Last year we hosted our first Pink & Teal Breast & Ovarian Cancer Awareness Luncheon and it was a huge success! This year we are focusing on prostate and lung cancer awareness. (see page 12) We are still in need of Community Sponsors ($50) and Contributing Sponsors ($25). Please consider supporting our effort. We hope to see you at this year’s Blue & White Prostate & Lung Cancer Awareness Luncheon!

Until next time,

Alabama Cooperative Extension System St. Clair County Office

Extension Newsletter September/October 2017 Volume 12, Issue 71

Inside This Issue

Wayne Johnson Recognized Publication Spotlight: Yellow Jackets, Wasps, and Hornets Raw Poultry Products: What Do All Those Labels Mean? Agent Spotlight: Alex Tigue Newsletter Donor Recognition Future Veteran Farmer Opportunity Assisting Those Who Served Us Gardening Corner: Lawn Burweed St. Clair County Master Gardener’s Lunch & Learn Gardening Program Fact or Fiction? The Truth Behind GMO’s & Other Food Myths Recipe Corner: Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Baklava Local Honey Yields Sweet Results Blue & White Prostate & Lung Cancer Awareness Luncheon

This Newsletter Made Possible by the

St. Clair County Commission

We, at the St. Clair Extension Office, are beaming with pride! Our very own Wayne Johnson, Extension Veterans Outreach Agent Assistant, was recognized by the St. Clair County Commission during their July 25, 2017 commission meeting.

Not only was he recognized, but he also received a plaque and proclamation in honor of his service to our veterans. Words just aren't enough to express how proud we are of him! We also greatly appreciate our County Commission for their support and the funding that makes this WONDERFUL program possible.

A special thanks to everyone in attendance, including those who have helped by donating their time and/or materials as well as the ones who shared their sentiments about our special colleague during the meeting including Admiral Clyde Marsh, State of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner.

THANK YOU, WAYNE!! We are SO proud to call you our co-worker and friend! Keep up the GREAT work! PROGRAM UPDATE

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Page 2 Volume 12, Issue 71

ellow jackets, some wasps, and some hornets can pose a health threat to humans because of their painful sting. These insects have smooth stingers as opposed to the

barbed stingers found on bees. The smooth stingers allow them to sting more than once. When stung, some people experience immediate pain, localized swelling, and redness. Other people may experience a systemic reaction such as respiratory problems, swelling beyond the sting, nausea, anaphylactic shock, or even death in very rare instances. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a medical facility immediately. The following are some common yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets you may find and how you can control them. Yellow Jackets Yellow jackets are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and have black and yellow bands on their thoraxes and abdomens. They usually ground nest in areas such as old rodent burrows, beneath landscape timbers and heavy mulch, or in rock walls. They may also be found in the wall voids of homes. Each year, the yellow jacket nest starts with one fertilized queen. In early spring, the queen emerges from her overwin-tering site and locates a suitable cavity of some sort to start a nest in. After the nest is constructed, she deposits her first batch of eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the queen forages for food to feed the larvae. The larval diet consists of a wide variety of insects. Yellow jackets are excellent predators of potential pest insects. The larvae become pupae and then adults. These adults are sterile females. These females take over the job of foraging for food for the next batch of larvae. They also continue building the nest as the queen continues to lay eggs. The colony of yellow jackets can grow to thousands of individuals by the end of summer, peaking in August or September. At the end of summer, eggs hatch into fertile males and females that mate. The males die shortly after mating. Recent-ly mated females then search for an overwintering site during the fall to protect them during the winter. Next spring, the cycle starts over again. As the yellow jacket’s natural food supply begins to decrease during the fall, they tend to become more of a problem to humans. As the weather cools, we tend to picnic outdoors a little more. Yellow jackets will not hesitate to feed on our picnic foods (hot dogs, hamburgers, and soda) in order to

fulfill their dietary needs for protein and carbohydrates. Yellow jackets can also become a problem around dumpsters and trash cans at public facilities. Control Methods Locate the nest during the day, if possible, and mark its location. Do your treatment at night. Yellow jackets are similar to people in that they “go home” at night. Do not shine a flashlight directly at the nest because you may startle the yellow jackets. Use a dust formulation or at least 1 gallon of a liquid insecticide labeled for yellow jacket control. (For more information about insecticides, see Extension publication ANR 500B). Gently puff the dust at the nest entrance, or thoroughly drench the nest with a liquid insecticide. We recommend that you wear full protective clothing includ-ing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and a bee veil when attempting control. Several traps are also available that may help you locate the source of the yellow jackets or simply trap the few that have become a problem. These traps can be purchased at many stores. The instructions may ask you to add a protein source (a meat) during the early summer or a carbohydrate source (fruit juice) during late summer and fall since the yellow jacket’s nutritional needs change through the season. In sensitive areas, such as public facilities or schools, empty and clean trash cans or dumpsters regularly to eliminate food sources. When possible, use trash cans that have lids or are otherwise closed. Yellow jackets can become very aggressive if disturbed. Call a pest control professional for difficult yellow jacket problems. European Hornet The European hornet is in the same family as the yellow jacket (family Vespidae). This hornet is large at almost 1 1/2 inches long. It is brownish in color and has orange stripes. The European hornet feeds almost exclusively on live insects and is an excellent predator.

Y

Extension Publication Feature: Yellow Jackets, Wasps, and Hornets

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 3

European hornets normally nest in wooded areas in tree hollows. However, nests can also be found in attics and wall voids. The colony may contain between 200 to 400 individu-als. The life cycle is similar to that of the yellow jacket. Although the European hornet is not as aggressive as the yellow jacket, its sting is potent. In addition to their sting, a common complaint about European hornets is that they girdle twigs and branches of trees and shrubs. This girdling can sometimes kill the plants. The hornets use the sap from the plants and plant fibers in constructing their nests. European hornets become a problem during the summer and fall. At night, they fly to lights on porches, at campsites, and other places people frequent. Wear full protective clothing as described for yellow jacket control. Locate the nest during the day, and treat at night as described previously. The nest may be high in a tree and difficult to treat. In this case, use a pressurized container that can shoot a stream of insecticide. Some containers can spray up to 22 feet away. Use a liquid insecticide containing a pyre-throid such as resmethrin and pyrethins for outside treatment. If the hornets are nesting in a wall void, puff a dust formula-tion into the void. Do not plug the hole right away. The hornets may try to chew threw another place in the wall. A pest control professional may be able to collect the hornets from a wall void, using a vacuum cleaner, or may be able to treat the void with products not available to homeowners. Traps or baits that may work for yellow jackets probably will not work for European hornets because these hornets prey on live insects. Paper Wasps, Umbrella Wasps, and Red Wasps These wasps are easily recognizable by the nests they construct. The nests look like inverted umbrellas. The nest cells are visible from below, unlike the bald-faced hornet nest that has a paper envelope wrapping around the whole nest. Nests are built under eaves, fire escapes, decks, and ledges. All the females in the nest have the potential to become the queen. The queen is usually the female who begins laying eggs and constructing the nest first. The other females then become subservient to her. If more than one female begins laying eggs at about the same time, the female who eats the eggs of the other while replacing them with her own eggs becomes the queen. Control Methods Since these nests are quite visible, control is easier than with ground-nesting species. Wear full protective clothing, and treat at night, using a pressurized liquid insecticide labeled for wasps and hornets. These products can be purchased at almost any department or grocery store. Other wasps that homeowners may encounter include mud

daubers, digger wasps, and cicada killers. These wasps generally do not warrant any control. They are all excellent predators and are considered beneficial insects. Mud Daubers These wasps are bluish black in color, are slender, and are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. Mud daubers rarely sting. Their nests are clusters of mud attached to structures such as the sides of buildings, under decks, on sheds, in attics, and on ceilings. The adult mud dauber collects spiders that she paralyzes and places in the brood chamber. The spiders become food for the emerging larval wasps. Check nest chambers for holes before performing any control. If the nest chambers have holes in them, control is not necessary because the wasps have already left the nest. Digger Wasps These wasps are slender and about 3/4 inch long. Digger wasps are easily recognized by their flight and nesting behavior. They fly over the lawn during the day looking for grubs. Because they kill grubs, they are considered a beneficial insect. When a digger wasp finds a grub, it paralyz-es it, digs a chamber in the soil, and lays an egg on the grub. The soil that is dug for the chamber appears on the lawn as a fist-sized mound. There can be a few mounds to hundreds of mounds in a lawn, depending on the severity of the grub problem. The wasp larva that emerges uses the grub as food. These wasps generally do not attack people. Summary Home control measures for controlling yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets can be effective, but because these insects can become a safety hazard to humans in certain areas, consider contracting the services of a professional pest control operator who can devise a control program that is right for you.

For a complete copy of this publication, visit our website, www.aces.edu/StClair. Then just click on publications and search for ANR-1134 to download a copy or stop by the Extension Office located in Suite 103/BO4 which is on the lower level of the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City.

Source: ANR-1134 Yellow Jackets, Wasps, and Hornets, Faith M. Oi, former Assistant Professor, and Matthew Aubuchon, Graduate Research Assistant, both in Entomology at Auburn University, October, 1998

Visit us on the World Wide Web

www.aces.edu/StClair

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 4

Raw Poultry Products What Do All Those Labels Mean?

Understanding the many labels on raw poultry products can help you choose the right product for you and your family.

Local supermarkets offer consumers more choices than ever. Each time you visit the poultry section of the meat depart-ment, you can select the chicken you buy based on how it was raised, what it ate, how it was processed, and whether it was seasoned prior to purchase. Navigating all the available choices and labels can be a real challenge. This guide will help you to understand the labels you commonly see.

Conventional, Free Range, Pasture Raised

Most broilers in the United States are raised in large, environmentally controlled houses. These birds are described as conventionally raised. Growing broilers inside an enclosed house regulates temperature and prevents outside contamination from wild birds.

Other options include free-range and pasture-raised chickens. Free-range chickens are raised in stationary houses and have access to the outdoors. Pasture-raised chickens are raised outdoors with access to a moveable enclosure. “Raised cage-free” is another phrase you might find on a chicken label. Conventional, free-range, and pasture-raised chickens raised for meals are all cage free.

No Added Hormones, No Antibiotics Ever, All Vegetarian, Organic Chickens are typically fed corn and soybean diets with added fats, vitamins, and minerals. Some product labels will state “no added hormones,” but that is not necessary. It is against the law to use hormones. Hormones cannot be added to broiler feed or given directly to birds.

Antibiotic-free chickens are those raised without the addition of antibiotics in the feed. Even if antibiotics are used, by law no antibiotic residues are allowed in any poultry meat.

All-vegetarian diets indicate that the chicken feed does not contain fats and oils from meat and poultry by-products. This labeling claim does not guarantee that the chickens did not eat any non-vegetable items, such as insects, that were available in their environments.

All chicken labeled as organic must comply with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal regula-tions. From the second day after hatching, birds must be fed and managed using 100 percent organic feed. Access to the

outdoors is also required.

Self-basting, Natural, Fresh

Self-basting turkeys have been injected with or marinated in a solution of fat, broth, stock, or water with spices, flavor enhancers, or other approved ingredients. The percentage weight that has been added to the product is included on the label. These turkeys do not need to be brined at home before cooking.

The term natural indicated that no artificial ingredients or coloring were added and that the product was minimally processed.

Fresh poultry products have never been cooled to below 26° F. Frozen products must be cooled to 0° F or below.

Humane Certifications

The American Humane Certified label requires that the farm on which the chickens are grown adhere to specific animal welfare standards. Specific standards are included for record keeping, feed and water, environmental specifications, transport to the processing plant, and processing of the chickens.

The Certified Humane label is similar to the American Humane Certified label, but with a few additional require-ments. No animal by-products or antibiotics can be added to the feed. Environmental enrichment, such as straw bales, lengths of rope, or access to live vegetation, is also required.

To apply the label of humane certification, the farm on which the animals are raised must be audited to ensure that specific husbandry practices are followed. Lack of a humane label does not indicate that the product was not raised humanely. Those farms simply have not undergone the auditing process. Whether you are looking for free-range organic breast fillets, low-cost conventionally raised meat, or a product to meet your religious requirements, you have an abundance of options to choose from. Understanding what those labels mean will help you to make the right choice for you and your family.

Source: ANR-2386; Dianna Bourassa, Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor, Poultry Science, Auburn University

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Page 5 Volume 12, Issue 71

Alex Tigue Regional Extension Agent,

Animal Science and Forages

Alex Tigue joined the Alabama Cooperative Extension System 3 years ago. Prior to that, he worked in management at three poultry processing facilities across north Alabama and southern Tennessee. He currently serves as a Regional Extension Agent in the area of Animal Science and Forages. He is a native of Dutton, AL in Jackson County but now lives in Hampton Cove on the southeast edge of Huntsville. He is looking to relocate to Marshall or Blount county in the next few years. He graduated from Section High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Master’s degree in Animal Science with emphasis on meat science and food safety both from Auburn University. He is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. Animal Science program where he is focusing on meat science at Auburn and expects to graduate in 2020.

Alex is housed in the Lawrence County Extension office but also serves St. Clair County. His number one goal is to provide programming that directly impacts farmers and livestock owners in St. Clair County. As opportunity arises, he wants to be flexible enough to meet those needs. Two areas in particular that he is very interested in is grazing management as a tool to improve farm sustainability and lower cost production as well as find ways to add value to calf crops. Alex believes that in Alabama we are blessed with a climate that allows us to grow an abundance of forage, and he feels the most cost-effective way to harvest that forage is by letting a cow/goat/sheep/horse graze it instead of using time and diesel fuel to convert it into hay. He thinks that by using better forage and grazing management practices we can minimize our need for hay and other feed supplements by allowing four-legged creatures to do all the work, in turn making us more sustainable and profitable. Many times, since we can’t control the price we receive for our livestock at market, this would allow us to lower our production costs and in turn create more profit.

His other area of interest is helping beef producers create more value in the calves they produce. He believes that this can come in many ways, whether that simply means castrating bull calves and adding $0.10—$0.15/lb more value at the stockyard or retaining ownership of your calves all the way through the feedlot and many ways in between. On most farms, he feels we leave money on the table that could have been captured by implementing simple management strategies or working with our neighbors.

While away from his job, Alex and his dad own a small beef cattle operation in Dutton, AL on the farm where he was raised. He really enjoys being around livestock and working outside, so that is where you will find him in his free time. Outside of that, he spends a lot of time in the gym training for obstacle course races. He has run two Tough Mudders in the last year and will run two more before the end of 2017. Alex is also a season ticket holder for Auburn football and goes to as many games as possible every fall. He is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, American Meat Science Association, Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists, and National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

To learn more about programs offered or for more information in the area of animal science and forages, please contact Alex by calling the St. Clair County Extension office at (205) 338-9416 or on his cell at 256-309-9496, or email dat0002@aces.edu. He will be happy to assist you.

Alex conducted a Private Applicator Training Course on June 18th at the ALFA Farmers Federation Building in Ashville

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 6

The St. Clair County Commission

We gratefully acknowledge the St. Clair County Commission, the St. Clair County Conservation District, and all our Extension Newsletter

readers who have donated monies that make it possible for you to continue to receive the printed version of the Extension Newsletter.

Pictured: (l to r) Commissioners Jeff Brown, Ken Crowe, Chairman Paul Manning, Commissioners Tommy Bowers and Jimmy Roberts

For Your Donation A special thanks to all these readers who generously donated funds that has

helped us to continue to provide the printed version of the Extension Newsletter!

Mrs. Judith Abernathy

Ms. Sheila Armbrester

Mr. John Armstrong

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Baker

Mrs. Pam Bedsole

Ms. Cathy Bowman

Mrs. Charlotte Brown

Mrs. Gale Bunt

Mr. William Collier

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Davis, Cove Springs Farm

Ms. Charlotte Dickerson

Mr. Ronnie Flannagan

Ms. Virginia Franks

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Goudeau

Judge (Ret.) & Mrs. Bill Hereford

Ms. Neva J. Hestley

Ms. Judy Hicks

Mrs. Faye Howard

Mr. & Mrs. James Hursh

Mr. Leonard Kuykendall

Ms. Marianne Landman

Ms. Gloria McLeod

Ms. Jackie McKeever

Mr. & Mrs. Emery Mayoros

Ms. Frances Matukas

Ms. Carolyn Mills

Mr. Donnie Murray

Ms. Patricia Peoples

Mrs. Edna Peters

Mrs. Jeraldine Reynolds

Ms. Judith Reynolds

Mr. Edward Rice

Ms. Carol Schultz

Ms. Jean Simmons

Ms. Ann Sweat

Ms. Mary Sullivan

Ms. Ponda Terry

Ms. Nola Traweek

Ms. Betty Tucker

Mr. Richard Earl Walden

Ms. Catherine Walker

Ms. Charlene G. Witt

Mrs. Rebecca Wisotsky

Mr. Arthur Woods

“You’re never a loser until you quit trying.” ~Mike Ditka

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 7

Be Sure to “Like” Our Facebook Page to Keep

Up With All That is Going on In Our Office!

Future Veteran Farmer Opportunity Are you looking to identify and establish new or alternative markets for your produce, fruit or meat/dairy products? Are you a new/beginning farmer or even a seasoned farmer that wants to learn more about the eligibility to participate in USDA programs? Or are you looking to have questions answered about programs and services that are provided by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System? If you answered yes to any of these questions there is a workshop available for you. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and other USDA and government partners will be hosting free, two day workshops in four locations within the state that anyone can attend. They are open to active duty military members, their spouses, and veterans. These events will focus on the following items: defining what an enterprise budget is and how to complete one, identifying marketing opportunities, how to conduct a market analysis for farming endeavors, what are the food certification standards, understanding the demand for organic products, and what organic production looks like. If you are interested in receiving more information about these workshops please contact Extension Veterans Outreach Agent Assistant Wayne Johnson at 205-338-9416 or email wjj0006@aces.edu.

The St. Clair County Commission upgraded the Veterans Outreach vehicle recently and our logo was added.

Be on the lookout for Wayne Johnson, Extension Veterans Outreach Agent Assistant, as he travels around St. Clair County assisting our Veterans who are in need.

We GREATLY appreciate the St. Clair County Commission for this vehicle and their continued support of all our Extension programs as well as Wayne Johnson for all he does for our veterans!

If you are a Veteran or know of one in need of assistance, please give Wayne a call at 205-338-9416. ARCHIVE

Issue 1 Page 5 Extension Newsletter Page 8 Volume 12, Issue 71

Alabama Cooperative Extension System is committed to affirmative action equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

Educational programs of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Question: Last spr ing, I noticed our family dog almost tip-toeing through the yard. He acted like some-thing was pricking his feet. When I walked in the same area, I realized that he wasn’t just acting!! Whatever it was pricked my feet too! On closer inspection, I found this weed that had small stickers all over it. What is this weed and how can I prevent it from being a problem next spring? Answer: Ah – the infamous lawn burweed! As you discovered, it is a menace to man and beast alike! I am thrilled that you asked this question now, because this time of year is the perfect time to start your plan of attack! Lawn burweed (Soliva sessilis) is a winter annual that germinates throughout thin turf in the fall months as temperatures cool. It is small and not very noticeable during the cold winter months. However, as tempera-tures warm in the early spring, lawn burweed initiates a period of rapid growth and begins to form spine-tipped burs at the base of each leaf. The seed is contained within the hooked bur. Now that you know what it is, the most important question remains – how can you get rid of it? The best strategy in controlling lawn burweed is to apply a preemergence herbicide, containing the active ingredi-ents atrazine or isoxaben in late September to early October, before the winter weeds germinate. This method will kill it upon sprouting and greatly reduce its presence in your yard next spring. One point to mention – these products are available in either a granular or liquid form. Granular products require ½ inch of rainfall or irrigation to become active. Just in case you have a few weeds that escape the preemergence herbicide (which is not unusual), you can also spot spray with a postemergence herbicide. The key to success is to treat between November and February, when lawn burweed is very small and much easier to control. During this time, the weed has yet to

By: Bethany O’Rear,

Regional Extension Agent

Home Grounds, Gardens and Home Pests

develop the spine-tipped burs. Spray your lawn with a postemergence herbicide containing the active ingredients of three broadleaf weed killers: 2-4-D, dicamba, and mecoprop (MCPP). Many brands of broadleaf herbicides on the shelf contain these ingredients. Using the herbicide 2-4-D alone may not be quite as effective, so a three-in-one product is preferred. Keep in mind that broadleaf herbicides are not effective unless applied when the air temperature is above 68 °F. The window of opportunity can be very limited during the winter season. Again, another reason to use pre-emergence herbicides in the fall. Unfortunately, most people do not notice a lawn burweed problem until warmer temperatures arrive. However, waiting until spring is too late. If you delay until April or May to attempt lawn burweed control, you are fighting a losing battle. Once the weed has reached a more mature state, multiple herbicide applications may be necessary, which can increase the potential for turfgrass injury. Because lawn burweed is a winter annual, it will begin to succumb to the warmer air temperatures (~90 °F); however, the spines have already formed and will remain after the weed withers and dies. Mowing the area at a very low height and bagging the seeds might offer some relief. Some severe situations may call for killing the entire area, including the turfgrass, with a non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate. Of course, one will have to replant grass or lay new sod but this method may be worth it, since it will ensure no more lawn burweed! Dead or alive, lawn burweed poses a painful problem. The only solution is early identification and control. Remember lawn burweed is an annual and will come back from seeds that develop each spring. Take action now for prickle-free turf later!

Lawn Burweed

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 9

St. Clair County Master Gardeners Association’s

Lunch and Learn FREE Admission! Soft Drinks Provided!

Bring a Lunch & Bring a Friend!

October 24th—Fall Gardening Do’s & Don’ts Location: Purser-Ray Hall, Odenville

GMO, Genetically Engineered, Bio Technology—What Does It All Mean? Come join Alabama Extension professionals, researchers, and specialists from Auburn University and

Alabama A&M University as we uncover the truth with non-biased & research-based information.

Seminar Held at Moody City Hall, 670 Park Avenue, Moody, AL Monday, October 16th, 6—8:30 p.m.

$5/person Light Meal Provided

Must pre-register to attend no later than October 11th

Call the St. Clair County Extension Office at (205) 338-9416 to Register or For More Information

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 10

Grilled Chicken Bruschetta

4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb.) 1/4 cup Kraft Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, divided

Heat grill to medium heat.

Place chicken in large resealable plastic bag. Add 2 Tbsp. dressing; seal bag. Turn bag over several times to evenly coat chicken with dressing. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Remove chicken from bag; discard bag and dressing.

Cover half the grill grate with sheet of heavy-duty foil. Place chicken on uncovered side of grill grate; grill 6 minutes. Meanwhile, combine remaining dressing, tomatoes, cheese, and basil.

Turn chicken over; place on foil. Top with tomato mixture. Grill 8 minutes or until chicken is done (165°F).

Source: Kraftrecipes.com (I prepared this recipe for a team leader meeting and it was a hit! So easy and very tasty!)

*Note: Use of name brands does not imply endorsement by the St. Clair County Extension Office.

Baklava 1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough

1 pound chopped nuts

1 cup butter

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9x13-inch pan. Chop nuts and toss with cinnamon. Set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. Cut whole stack in half to fit pan. Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Place two sheets of dough in pan, butter thoroughly. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Top with two sheets of dough, butter, nuts, layering as you go. The top layer should be about 6-8 sheets deep. Using a sharp knife cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. You may cut into 4 long rows then make diagonal cuts. Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp. Make sauce while baklava is baking. Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted. Add vanilla and honey. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon sauce over it. Let cool. Serve in cupcake papers. This freezes well. Leave it uncovered as it gets soggy if it is wrapped up.

Source: 2017 Allrecipes.com

*Note: Urban Extension Agent & beekeeper, Sallie Lee, said her favorite honey-filled recipe is Baklava. She makes baklava using this recipe she found on allrecipes.com. Give Sallie’s favorite recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed!

1 tomato, finely chopped 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup honey

ARCHIVE

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 11

September is National Honey Month, and Alabama is home to more than 600 registered beekeepers. According to the Department of Agriculture and Industries, this number has fallen but still provides Alabama residents with a variety of options to obtain local honey.

A Rise in Popularity Alabama Extension Regional Home Grounds Agent Dani Carroll said the rise in beekeeping popularity is due in part to media attention.

“Beekeeping became more popular when honeybees and other pollinators gained news time,” she said. “Colony collapse and general pollinator decline really contributed to the backyard beekeeping movement.”

Backyard beekeepers play vital roles in the pollinating community. Carroll said any time pollinators are added to an area, it is a good thing.

“As long as beekeepers are watching out for insects and diseases, adding pollinators to any area is doing everyone a favor,” Carroll said. “Community beekeepers are helping their neighbors with pollination issues, and in turn probably making some extra income on the side.”

Carroll said a lot of the desire to consume local honey is stemming from the push to eat local produce and support local businesses, something she said she’s been doing for the last 10 to 15 years. While natural, unprocessed honey is available in stores, the option to get it from your neighbor makes it taste much sweeter.

Why Choose Honey A Penn State study found honey to be the most effective alternative to over-the-counter cough medicine. While it specifically sited buckwheat honey, most types of honey are known to provide excellent relief for night-time coughs. Honey may be an excellent alternative for toddlers and older children, but Carroll said it is not recommended for children under one year of age.

While there is a lot of anecdotal information on local honey and allergies, there has only been limited research done on the subject.

Foremost, honey provides those who enjoy cooking with a sweetening alternative. Honey is a natural sweetener, easily substituted in food and drink recipes. Carroll said honey’s sweet taste is a number one benefit on her list.

“It is delicious,” she said. “Its versatility and its ability to improve the flavor of any dish makes it number one in my book.”

Registering Hives While not required to register by law, hives can be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Industries via their website. Registration includes regular inspections for hive pests and diseases. For more pollinator information, visit www.aces.edu. Contact your county Extension office for more information about beekeepers in your area. Also check-out Backyard Beekeeping, an Alabama Extension publication.

Source: Extension Daily, Katie Nichols, 9/09/15

ARCHIVE

1815 Cogswell Avenue Suite #103/B04

Pell City, Alabama 35125

Alabama Cooperative Extension System St. Clair County Office

Phone: 205-338-9416 Fax: 205-338-9417

www.aces.edu/StClair

Extension Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 71 Page 12

Tuesday, October 10th

11 a.m.—1 p.m. Pell City Civic Center FREE!

Everyone Welcome!

Please call the St. Clair County Extension Office at 205-338-9416 to make your reservation no later than October 3rd.

For more information, please contact Lee Ann Clark, County Extension Coordinator

Lunch Will Be Provided, But Seating Is Limited

ARCHIVE