Buy Fresh, Buy Local

Lakeside Farmer's Market

They are back in business this Saturday, May 1, and this year the locals can set up shop under a Pavilion that holds 24 vendors. The market offers an array of seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, coffees & teas, baked goods and flowers from the greater Richmond area.

If your still carnivorous (like me) you will find beef from Deer Run Farm. The cattle are grass fed on open pastures and are given no hormones or antibiotics. Organic products are currently the only thing used in the pastures and soil and water conservation practices are in place. Check them out along with all the other amazing farmer's - you won't be disappointed.

6110 Lakeside Ave, one block from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
May thru November
Wednesdays 8am-12pm and 3pm-7pm
Saturdays 8am-12pm

Meatless Monday

I know, it's Tuesday. Start next Monday. Or pick a different day of the week. Let me fill you in.

One day a week don't eat meat.

According to the UN, the livestock industry is responsible for nearly one fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. AND, land for the cattle is the leading factor in the destruction of the rainforest. It's been estimated that rain forests produce 40% of the oxygen we breathe. Not to mention, there's a lot of fresh water being used for agriculture.

I'll be honest. I got a little (okay, a lot) nervous cooking meatless. In my life, meat has usually been the centerpiece of a dish. But it doesn't need to be at all. And after reading In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan and The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone, I'm not so sure meat was ever meant to be the focal point.

I'm discovering all kinds of veggie dishes and having a great time doing it! You may already be spending a day meatless and not even realize - oatmeal for breakfast, tomato basil soup for lunch, a nice lemon artichoke pasta for dinner. Who knew!

I made the below for the first time, swapped out the usual ground beef for soy. It was awesome and full of healthy protein.

Soy Chili

olive oil
coarse salt
red pepper flakes
1 package Morning Star soy crumbles
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 yellow onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (I usually keep another can of crushed tomatoes handy if the chili needs a little more liquid)

Saute garlic and onion in olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and red pepper flakes. Add soy crumbles. "Brown" like you would ground beef. Add a little more spice, to taste. Add tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Add beans. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes (you can let this sit longer).

The Naked Chef

Jamie Oliver. His food is earthy, organic, fresh.

He shared his recipes. He taught us that rough chopping will do and a few simple ingredients make for a better meal.

He opened a charity, the Fifteen Foundation. It helps those not in eduction train for a career in catering.

Now he's encouraging a Food Revolution. Jamie's calling us out on the processed food that's infiltrating our communities and schools.

I adore this man.

Please check out the petition to support better food at school for kids in America.

http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition

And, if you've never added a Jamie Oliver recipe to your roster, you don't know what your missing. Try Jamie's Farfalle with Carbonara and Spring Peas. http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/farfalle-with-carbonara-and-spring-peas

"Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?"

In our world of preservatives and additives, I'm so excited to know exactly where my veggies are coming from. Local food is often safer, not to mention you're eliminating the need for gas guzzling trucks to carry produce across the country.

So in addition to frequenting the areas farmer's markets, I'm growing my own food! Ever supportive of my (often times odd) endeavors, the boyfriend took to building 2 veggie boxes with gusto. Pouring pounds of good wholesome dirt on top of weed netting, I was ready to begin. I planted rows and rows of vegetables knowing I would be over the moon if just one little guy worked his way up towards the sun.

EVERYTHING HAS SPROUTED! Poblanos, arugula, squash, spinach, jalapenos............!

Look. You might take one peek at the pictures and shake your head, mumbling "that's amateur" or something of the like. But keep in mind, it isn't about the tidiness of the rows, or the spacing of the plants. It's the point of growing your own food.

Our choices in food affect the earth in so many ways. Be mindful and have fun!

So I've decided to lighten my footprint on Mama Earth, beginning with food. My hope is to share my ideas, resources and just the general ups and downs as I take steps towards a happier healthier fuller self with sustainable living.

"You are - by making simple, delicious choices - loving the whole planet with every single bite." The Kind Diet