A Beyond the Scenes Look at Hamptons Chef Society ‘s Editor, Virginia Tran

logo of the Hamptons Chef Society

Every good blog needs an excellent editor, and Hamptons Chef Society has just that; Hampton Chef Society has Virginia Tran, who is responsible for editing blogs and letters for the organization.

But editing isn’t Tran’s only responsibility. Like many modern women, Tran juggles a variety of responsibilities — work, volunteerism and a large family.

Tran became associated with Hamptons Chef Society after meeting Peter Cooke, the head of the organization, through her local ambulance squad. Both Tran and Cooke are volunteer Emt’s who respond to 911 calls. After learning about Tran’s editing experience, Cooke asked Tran to help edit documents for Hamptons Chef Society. Tran, who has a love for writing and editing, willingly accepted.

“Virginia is my editor and Chief Advice Person,” raves Cooke.

Tran started editing during college; she frequently edited  papers for friends and other students.

“It was never about the money,” says Tran. “I was always good at writing, and I enjoyed editing. I just fell into the opportunity.”

During college, Tran took a variety of advanced writing courses. She was a bit of a perfectionist when it came to her writing. She would spend time crafting the perfect final draft. Then she would take the paper to the school’s writing lab and have a graduate student criticize her work.

“The grad student would tear my papers apart. He taught me how to publish a piece for reader consumption,” reveals Tran.

In addition to editing, Tran trains teachers to manage an online classroom. Part of Tran’s responsibility is showing teachers how to edit online lessons for a global audience and for students with learning disabilities.

As if that weren’t enough, Tran also stays home to raise her five sons, ages 18, 16, 14, 7, and 5.

“Yes, I am an editor for Hampton Chef Society and I train teachers, but my real job is raising my sons,” says Tran.

Even though Tran considers herself a stay at home mom, she does not consider herself very “domestic.”

“I write and edit because I enjoy it, not because of the money. Plus, it is more fun than doing dishes and mopping floors,” reveals Tran. “Luckily, my two oldest sons enjoy cooking.”

Although Tran experimented with cooking and hosting dinner parties after college, she quickly learned that she preferred to be at her computer desk.

“It was fun to host dinner parties when I first got my own place, but with a large family, it becomes a lot of work. Besides, I am a better baker than cook,” says Tran.

Although Tran prefers words to food, her sons do not. All of her sons enjoy cooking, especially her two oldest sons who are inclined to culinary arts. Naturally, her 14-year-old enjoys helping Cooke with personal parties. Even her youngest, who is only five, loves to cook.

“He can’t read yet, but he follows directions well. He really enjoys baking,” Tran says of her youngest son.

So what can we learn from Tran and her family? If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. It sounds cliché, but Tran proves that it is true.

Why You Should Eat Blueberries and Cranberries!

On Monday, I wrote about New Jersey’s blueberry and cranberry production. In case you missed the post, New Jersey ranks 2^nd in national blueberry production and 3^rd in cranberry production. So why should you care?

Well, both fruits offer a variety of health benefits.

Studies show that blueberries may reduce belly fat and risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. According to WomensFitness.net, blueberries have the highest antioxidant level of all fruit. Antioxidants help prevent cancer and slow down aging. Blueberries also promote urinary tract health, eye health, brain health, and digestive health. Blueberries are also a healthy source of vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin E.

Similarly, cranberries have a variety of health benefits. Most people link cranberries to urinary tract health, but according to the Cranberry Institute, this berry has even more health benefits. Like blueberries, cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, which prevent disease and aging. In addition, cranberries are linked to dental and heart health. Furthermore, research suggests that cranberry juice can prevent ulcers.

So how can you increase your blueberry and cranberry consummation? Here are just a few ideas:

• Use fresh berries to make smoothies. These are great for breakfast or snacks.
• Eat dried fruit. This product is easy to store. I like to keep nuts and dry fruit in my purse for a healthy snack.
• Have a glass of cranberry juice. This is a simple, convenient way to consume cranberries. Just be conscious of added sugar.
• Add berries to your favorite recipes such as muffins or pancakes.
• Create a low-fat desert by eating berries with cool whip.
• Add berries to cereal or oatmeal.
• Search the internet for blueberry and cranberry recipes.
• Enjoy the berries all natural.

Well, now that you are motivated (who doesn’t want to look younger and be healthier) and equipped with recipe ideas, all you need to do is go out and buy fresh blueberries and cranberries. Local produce can be purchased at farm markets, pick-your-own farms and grocery stores.

Not able to purchase fresh berries? No problem. Frozen fruit is just as healthy as fresh fruit. Check out the selection in the frozen section of your local grocery store. Another great option is to stock up on fresh berries when they are in season and freeze them. Then you can enjoy Jersey Fresh berries all year round.

Stay tuned for more advice and information about Jersey blueberries and cranberries.

Do You Know Where Your Blueberries and Cranberries Come From?

Do You Know Where Your Blueberries and Cranberries Come From?

When I tell people I am from New Jersey, they think of the Jersey shore or New York City. News flash!  There is more to New Jersey than coast lines and city commuters. (And just for the record, no one at the Jersey shore REALLY acts like Snooki or The Situation.)

Known as the “Garden State,” New Jersey offers a vast amount of agricultural products. Within ten minutes of my house, there are several farms with livestock and crops. Summer is my favorite time of year because I get fresh asparagus, potatoes, carrots, corn, peaches, green beans, and so on. Plus, I get to see cows and chickens on my daily walk.

According to the official website for New Jersey, the state is home to more than 9,800 farms covering 790,000 acres of farmland.  In addition, New Jersey ranks 2^nd in blueberry production and 3^rd in cranberry production. I bet you never realized that the blueberries in your pancakes or the cranberry juice you drank with breakfast probably came from New Jersey.

According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, 53 million pounds of blueberries were produced in 2009. The majority of production occurs in Burlington and Atlantic counties. The season typically ranges from June to September. This bite-size fruit is full of cancer fighting antioxidants. To enjoy this summer treasure, eat the berries plain or try a delicious recipe such as blueberry cobbler or blueberry muffins. You can purchase fresh Jersey blueberries at local farm markets, pick-your-own farms, and supermarkets (look for the Jersey Fresh label). To locate a farm near you, visit www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov or www.visitnjfarms.org.

Just as impressive, New Jersey cultivates approximately 3,500 acres of cranberries, which results in about 10% of the nation’s total output. The majority of production occurs in Burlington County, particularly in the Pine Barrens. The season typically begins around Labor Day and lasts through October. Every year, the delicious fruit is honored at the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival. Admission is free. In 2011, the event will be held on October 15^th and 16^th. The festival features contests for the largest cranberry, cranberry floral design, and the best cranberry recipes.

Like blueberries, Jersey Fresh cranberries can be purchased at local farm markets and grocery stores. Recipes can be found at www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov. No time to cook? No problem. Support East End farmers by occasionally ordering a cranberry and vodka at happy hour. (A large portion of Jersey cranberries go to Ocean Spray). Cheers to cranberry season!