LIVING MUSEUMS Our Nation’s Botanical Gardens
In 1842, the Wilkes Expedition returned from its trek across the Pacific Ocean on behalf of the United States government, having visited parts of Portugal, Brazil, Antarctica, and Fiji. Among the specimens the explorers brought back from their travels were collections of plants gathered from around the world — just what the young nation needed to start its very first botanical garden. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams had a shared dream of creating a national botanical garden, but the idea did not really get off the ground until the Wilkes Expedition brought back the garden’s first plants. The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) was established in Washington, D.C., and four of the plants on display there today are part of the original collection brought back from the expedition. Since it is not always possible to go on vacation and visit far-off gardens, many botanical gardens around the world have started bringing the flora right to you with virtual tours. In addition to the USBG, which
offers virtual tours at USBG.gov/take-virtual- tour, check out these other gardens that allow you to explore without having to leave your home. Chicago Botanic Garden In the spring, the Chicago Botanic Garden staff invited virtual visitors to join them for a nature moment. Garden staff shared images from around the 17 gardens kept there. The Chicago Botanic Garden continues to wow with virtual tours that, thanks to Google’s technology, make you feel as if you are really there. Start your tour at ChicagoBotanic.org. Waddesdon Manor and Gardens This historic site across the pond in England gives visitors detailed virtual views of the Waddesdon Manor and its stunning gardens. Each day at Waddesdon Gardens, the staff designates a specific area as a “Silent Space,” where visitors can go to disconnect and find peace. The Gardens also created a special message for their virtual visitors that we can all take to heart: “We encourage you to find
a space in your garden or in your home that feels peaceful and designate a time each day to enjoy a quiet moment of reflection.” To see this historic site for yourself, visit Waddesdon.org.uk.
CHOCOLATE PUDDING
WORD SEARCH
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 tbsp cornstarch • 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 2 1/2 cups milk • 3 large egg yolks • 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped • 2 tbsp butter • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Whipped
cream, for serving • Chocolate shavings, for serving
directions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to combine. Place saucepan over medium heat and whisk until mixture comes to a boil, about 6 minutes. 2. Place egg yolks in a medium heatproof bowl and beat until light and frothy. Slowly pour in about 1/2 cup of the cocoa mixture, whisking to combine. Slowly pour egg mixture back into sauce pan, whisking constantly. 3. Return to medium heat, whisking, until thickened to a pudding-like consistency, about 3 minutes. 4. Take off heat and whisk in chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth. If mixture looks lumpy at all, strain it through a fine mesh strainer. 5. Pour into a large bowl and place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding. Refrigerate until chilled, 2 hours. 6. When ready to serve, spoon into individual bowls or ramekins and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
SUMMER BARBECUE SUNSHINE GEMINI FATHER’S DAY BEACH
HOT PEARL ROSE SOLSTICE GRILL PRIDE
281.218.0880
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