It isn't easy being Green (Dotters)

From the Lincoln Trail District Area (Kentucky) Green Dot website (bold emphasis is my own): Hundreds of research studies have shown that thousands in the US and around the world are victims of sexual assault, partner violence, stalking or child abuse every year. Each incident hurts us all. These acts of violence are like red dots covering a map, much like an epidemic spreading out of control if not stopped. But, we CAN stop violence and you are a part of the solution. Through your words, your choices and your actions in any given moment, you can add a “Green Dot” to our map-displacing a red dot-and making a difference. A “Green Dot” symbolizes a single moment in time that can be used to end perpetration or support victims of violence. Adding a Green Dot will increase community safety for everyone. If each of us adds 1 or 2 or 5 or 100 green dots-we will begin to reduce violence in our community one green dot at a time. On October 18, AngelFood participated in the 16th Annual Culinary Carousel, which is an event held at Hawk Pointe Golf Club, featuring the area's best restaurants and chefs. The proceeds from ticket and silent auction sales benefits the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County. We've participated in this event as part of the restaurant committee and preparing the evening's hor d'oeuvre for 4 years.

This year's menu featured Edible Green Dots! We served miniature Arancini (risotto balls being cooked on right) dipped in Pesto (get it, little green dots?!)

And then we began playing with Molecular Gastronomy. On the left are Cilantro Pearls made by combining pureed Cilantro with other food additives. The result are tiny pouches (as seen in the photo on left, suspended in their finishing liquid) of flavor that burst in your mouth. We used the Cilantro Pearls to garnish Crab Cakes on Wontons (as seen in the photo on the right). When all was said and done, we realized we could've used capers but the Cilantro Pearls were much more adventuresome and fun!

The biggest hit of the evening, were the Molecular Olives. We took really good, traditional green olives, on the left, (still the whole green dot theme!) and put them through the Molecular process (in their finishing liquid on right).

We presented the olives on our custom-made spoon display, spooning them on right in front of guests (and fellow chefs) who were amazed by the texture and intense flavor!

We're happy to report that the event raised around $44, 000 for the shelter, helping to provide a place of refuge and safety for victims.

It's not easy being green. It's not easy taking steps towards ending violence. It's not easy speaking out or standing up for the lookout. Like creating Molecular Gastronomy, the process is arduous, time-consuming and frustrating. But as each small goal gets met and each small triumph is made, the results are truly amazing.

In May, I graduated from the one-day Green Dot Training. I wear my t-shirt proudly, helping to spread the message that "No one has to do everything, but everyone must do something" to put an end to violence.