Earlier this summer, tragedy hit Appanoose County, Iowa, when a 17-year-old high school student and Prom King was found dead just an hour after being reported missing.
On June 26, 2024, Ayden Beeson was swimming when he disappeared under the water and never resurfaced. A 911 call reported a possible drowning at Rathbun Lake. The Appanoose County Sheriff and the Water Rescue team quickly launched a search, but sadly, the outcome was heartbreaking.
The rescue team found Ayden’s body in 15 to 20 feet of water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ayden was a popular student in the Centerville School District. He was a leader on the football field, a talented tennis player, and had been voted Prom King before his spring graduation.
Superintendent Mark Taylor expressed the community’s grief, saying, “Losing such a great kid in the prime of his life is devastating. He was kind to everyone, really popular, and there wasn’t a single person at school he couldn’t be nice to.”
Ayden’s coach shared a heartfelt tribute, saying Ayden wasn’t afraid of hard work and was a standout player. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
The day after Ayden Beeson’s passing, the Centerville Community Schools shared a heartfelt message on their Facebook page, expressing that they were “deeply saddened” to learn about the loss of one of their beloved students.
The district highlighted Ayden’s active involvement in the school community and emphasized how he was known and appreciated by both staff and students for his “genuinely kind” nature.
Ayden’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him, with many remembering him as a kind and positive presence in the school.
Why Purslane?
Have you ever used purslane in a recipe? It may surprise you to hear that this frequently disregarded plant—which is occasionally seen as a weed—is actually a nutritional powerhouse and can be quite pleasant. I was first introduced to this adaptable item by my Turkish neighbors, who also showed me how to use it to make a dish that surpasses the flavor of meat. Allow me to explain to you how to enjoy this tasty and healthful plant at home.
Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are all abundant in purslane. It’s a lovely complement to many recipes because it’s not only healthy but also has a crisp texture and a somewhat acidic, lemony flavor. The best thing about it is that it grows really easily and is frequently found in markets and gardens.
You’ll need the following to make a tasty purslane meal with Turkish influences:
Two cups of young purslane leaves with delicate stalks
One large onion, diced finely
two minced garlic cloves
two medium-sized sliced tomatoes
One-third cup olive oil
One tsp of paprika
To taste, add salt and pepper.
Juice from lemons (optional)
To prepare the purslane, start by giving it a good rinse to get rid of any grit or debris. Take off any tough stems, leaving the fragile stems and leaves alone.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté them until aromatic and tender.
Add the Tomatoes: Cook the diced tomatoes for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they begin to break down and produce a sauce.
Cook the Purslane: Add the purslane to the skillet along with the tomato mixture, making sure to fully combine. Add the pepper, salt, and paprika. Cook everything until the purslane is soft but still somewhat crunchy, about 5 minutes.
Finish with Lemon Juice: Right before serving, drizzle a little lemon juice over the dish to add even more flavor.
This is such a versatile dish made with purslane. It goes well warm as a side dish or cold as a component of a cool salad. It tastes well on its own with a slice of crusty bread or as an accompaniment to fish or grilled meats.
A tasty and healthy addition to any dish is purslane. Its distinct flavor may compete with even the tastiest meats. This easy and tasty meal with Turkish influences is a great way to incorporate this amazing plant into your diet. Try it and savor the delicious flavors and health advantages of purslane!
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