Chef Candice Kumai Talks Community Gardens And New Program, 'Giving Through Growing'

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — Top Chef Contestant and celebrity chef, Candice Kumai stopped by the KCAL9 studios Thursday to talk about a local community garden program!

Giving Through Growing is a national program established by Woodbridge Wines in partnership with the American Community Gardening Association that encourages people to come together and share a great meal at a communal table.

This year's program has awarded five community gardens around the country grants that will allow them to expand and contribute greater quantities of fresh, healthy produce to community food banks, as is done by the Giving Garden at Woodbridge Winery.

Los Angeles' Solano County Farms won a grant  and is completely renewing a site in Downtown LA, whose produce will be contributed to the Downtown Women's Center.

For more information about Giving Through Growing, click here.

Garden Fresh Recipes

Swiss Chard with Golden Raisins and Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients:
2 pounds Swiss chard, stem ends trimmed
¼ cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Place the chard on your cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut out the colorful stems from the leaves. Slice the stem cross-wise into ¼-inch pieces and place them in a bowl. Working in batches, stack the greens, roll them into a thick cigar shape and slice them crosswise into ¼-inch-wide ribbons.
• Toast the pumpkin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan often, until fragrant, toast-brown and plump, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a small plate to cool and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and salt and cook, stirring often, until it begins to soften, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the chard stems and cook until they're starting to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the greens and cook, stirring often, until they begin to wilt, about 4 minutes longer. Stir in the raisins and turn off the heat. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the top and serve.
• Recommended Wine Pairing: Woodbridge Chardonnay

Woodbridge Sweet White Peach Mint Sangria
Makes 6 Cocktails

Ingredients:
1 bottle Woodbridge Sweet White Wine, chilled
1 bunch fresh mint
2/3 cup Elderflower Liqueur
1.5 cups diced white peaches (about two)
Seltzer Water (to taste)

• In a large pitcher combine sliced white peaches, fresh mint and elderflower liqueur. Mix with wooden spoon and add full bottle of chilled Woodbridge Sweet White Wine. Place in refrigerator to let Sangria set for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours as desired.

• To serve add seltzer, gently stir and pour in to glasses.