The theme today (Valentine’s Day in the United States) is something borrowed…
The book I “borrowed” from a friend who has since passed on?
The idea I “borrowed” (with permission of course) from my friend in fourth grade? She really drew the best people!
The money we “borrowed” from our parents, truly intending to pay back and then didn’t have to?
Lots of Love in this borrowing we do!
I think I will “borrow” my idea for this page from several sources, internet-based, and just make a list of interesting sites that are food/health related. I am inspired by the Weekdayprogram on the local radio station (KUOW) that I am listening to as I write and work around the house this morning. The interviewee is Michael Pollan, who has written a new book called “In Defense of Food” — about the need to return to foods eaten fresh or at least cooked from “scratch.” As much as our budget and my energy/health allow, we eat a good bit of “real food,” though I admit to sometimes not taking it as seriously as I ought.
Left to my own, I would choose a primarily vegan/vegetarian diet because I feel better when I do — but I have a child who doesn’t feel better on only plants for food, and so our family also consumes a lot of poultry and seafood (things I am not allergic to). The very coolest website I have found for vegan recipes is Vegan Yum Yum. Not only does she talk about her successes, but also the things that didn’t work — and why (if she knows). This gives me hope that I can also make some yummy, decadent and tasty meals without resorting to things in packages or eggs (the only thing I really miss on a completely vegan diet).
I also drool when I look at this recipe on the gliving.tv website… Chocolate Raspberry Cake.
Here is someone who, like me, dries their own apple slices. And, like me, has discovered that really thin crispy ones take on a life of their own… Grandpa’s Crunchy Apple Chips.
And one more to tempt you, not vegan, but delicious (and adaptable) for a day like today… Fruittart’s blog has a Chocolate Hazelnut Cake recipe.
Now, I want to point out that there are many really good ideas out there. I really like the “idea” of the slow foods movement, but find it difficult to make my entire life center around meal preparation the way the die-hards seem to. To be honest, there are generally only two or three hours between the time we are all at home and the time the children need to go to bed. I take a middle road in most methods as a result — I strive for integrity in buying good food, whether pre-made or home-grown. But sometimes, it’s important to look at what is reasonable as well as what is healthy.
I encourage you to buy the most natural, most organic, most socially responsible food you can… but don’t sweat the small stuff, either. If you are on a trip, and your kids are hungry … feed them at the closest restaurant and don’t worry that it’s a chain. If you are out of money at the end of the month, and organic lettuce and tomatoes put you over your budget for the week, then buy what you can.
If eating reasonably becomes a huge burden, you won’t want to. So — do what feels right, and stretch a little bit.
Bon Appetit!