Three things have aligned for me in the past few weeks to change my life, my health, my time, my entire food paradigm. This is big. Maybe, even I eventually won't be as much so. But that's not my motivation. It's for my food to taste good, to support the local economy, and to rethink how I've been living for the past 38 years. To take time and consideration with the most vital routine of the day, eating. Here are the three things:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
www.animalvegetablemiracle.com
I've always been a fan of her fiction, but this book has taught me more in one reading than any cookbook or how-to book I've ever read. Next up is In Defense of Food, I have high hopes for that one as a companion read.
The Webb City Farmer's Market
I have never shopped from one in my life until now. Link to the blog is on my blog list. On Saturday mornings, they have a hot breakfast. Also, local live music. Not exactly hip, but authentic to the area for sure. The book above has great seasonal recipes to help me figure out how to cook this fresh produce.
A Food Processor
Seriously. Pesto, guacamole, tapenade, dressings. Where has this little machine been all of my life? This stuff in jars at the store is not fresh and much more expensive. I know I won't be happy the first time I slice my fingers washing the blade, but it's worth the risk.
What I've made just today, with mostly local produce, and jazz blaring and my dog looking up at me extremely confused:
Blackberry Peach Crisp
Basil Pesto
Carmelized Onions
Pizza with dough from scratch
Guacamole
Potato Cucumber salad, no mayo and loaded with fresh herbs and balsamic. Come on!
Haven't sampled it all yet, it's mostly marinating. But very shortly...yum! I know the eventual challenge will be having to work again. Uh, oh yeah, that professoring thing. But at some point I also want to learn how to make batches, freeze things. I'm on my way!
