cookbooks for $100

cookbooks are shoved all over my house.  most of them are in two stacks in my kitchen, though.  the pages of how to cook everything and time for dinner are smudged and those two books seem to stay on top of the piles.  this time of year, though, canning for a new generation competes viciously with both.  also, my first cookbook given to me by my grandmother, alice, still gets pulled out from time to time.  it's a sort of junior cookbook put out by betty crocker.  my grandmother wrote in the inside cover page, too.  i love seeing her handwriting.  it still makes me tear up to speak of her.  she will have died 12 years ago this august.  she, too, had a cookbook collection issue.  i can still seem them lined up on a back counter in her kitchen.  i can close my eyes at any moment and smell what her fridge smelled like, feel the breeze from the back porch door, and see the flour sack towels laid on the counter.  she read cookbooks like they were novels.  much as i do today, actually. i miss her so much some days that it breaks my heart. i hope i never forget what that kitchen smelled, looked, and felt like.  i hope that my children and grandchildren remember what my kitchen smelled, looked, and felt like. 
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cookbooks hold a special place in my heart because they are tools for creating experiences and letting people you know that you love them.  food is love. that junior betty crocker cookbook is one of my most prized possessions. as well as, a cookbook that my friend, summer, made for me for my bridal shower.  she asked guests to contribute their recipes to the book and tell her why they gave her that recipe.  mike's mom included a recipe for macaroni meatballs that her mother used to make weekly when mike and his sister were growing up.  mike gasped and was left a little speechless when he saw that recipe.  my friend, julie, that i have known since i was hendrix's age contributed her grandmother moretta's chocolate cake recipe.  it made me so happy to see that recipe.  julie's mother is italian and i have many fond memories of eating with her family.  in fact, most of the "real, whole" food i had growing up; i had at julie's house.  that was one of the first home gardens i was exposed to, as well. i have a distinct memory of trying blueberries for the first time on the their front porch.  i was not a fan and didn't become one until i had hendrix.  i also have cravings for that mint tea you could always find in their fridge during the summer.  so, you see, cookbooks mean something.  they are powerful memory-chasers.   i collect them for many reasons, but maybe mostly, so my children can read through my collection someday and remember the many meals full of laughter and love that we had when they were growing up.  i guess that is why i cook at home so much, too.  not just to give my family real food, blah, blah, blah....but to create real memories.  the ones that matter.  and food made with love makes some of the best memories i have.
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so, what cookbooks would i buy today if you gave me $100?
DG at Home
Dinner A Love Story
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
The Homemade Pantry
AYear of Pies

{garden}REVOLUTION::two

where: andrea's in papillion, ne
awesomeness: this one blue barrel is growing potatoes, onions, kale, lettuce spinach, and herbs.
pretty awesome for a first timer!

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you can learn more about our blue barrels by emailing us at clementinespandp@gmail.com.  they are prolific producers, virtually maintenance free, and allow folks to  grow their own food in a relatively small space.



{garden}REVOLUTION:: one

where: stella's burger joint in bellevue ne
awesomeness: see that barrel in the middle? tubes split up and run through the raised beds in a square foot garden style grid.  it created a grid for planting and watering (soaker hose style).  awesome.

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have you noticed a revolution happening, friends?  there's a gardening revolution happening.  look around.  raised beds popping up, overfilled with greens and tomato plants.  pots on balconies filled with herbs.  blue barrels growing herbs, peas, and greens.  people are taking back their yards, balconies, and windows....they are growing food.  i'm keeping my eyes peeled and snapping photos.  every week, i'll feature the photos. want to see your garden here? invite me over! want to start a garden? email us at clementinespandp@gmail.com.

new projects + things to share

howdy! what a beautiful monday it is at the farm.  we spent the weekend celebrating the end of planting season for mike, taking a sunday car ride, visiting grandma, and trying to find the home of a dog that showed up on our doorstep.  i'm going to work in the garden today and tend to a sick cat.  just wanted to tell you about a couple of things....

check us out on twitter: @clementinepandp

follow the sayings and antics of hendrix: @HendrixtheKid

the super inspiring, ashley english, (yes, THE ashley english who has the column at design sponge) linked to a post of ours from her blog.  i was so flattered!!

did you see the shop truck article? gabrielle from design mom featured it last week. she also linked to us, too!

olive us...super cute new show.  last week was about gardening.

you all should make this rueben bake. immediately.  it is so good.
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look at what we've been working on....
his cousin and my super mom friend, andrea, has a garden for the first time this year.  so far that garden has supplied the some of goods for a zuppa toscana soup and herbed grilled chicken with herby garlic bread.

filling the growing barrels

what do you think? would you like to grow edible treats in your yard or on your deck too?  if you already are...what are you growing??

planting herbs & greens with romy

we're working on perfecting these and the heart ministry center's community garden also has some up.  we're also working on different styles and options.  stay tuned....

bountiful growing barrels, raised bed built and planted, gate put up
clementine's p+p helped andrea till and build her raised beds, as well as, set up her growing barrels

welcome to summer

welcome to summer party! found here!

summer is almost here!!  i am thrilled to have hendrix all to myself.  we opted out of any lessons, classes, or sports for the summer.   soccer was sort of a disaster (story for another time) so we learned our lesson and are going to wait another year or two before we commit to the daily/weekly shuffle to activities.  he's three so i think he's going to be okay. ha!  i do have a very loose list of summer plans and goals for our family, though.  what are your plans?  did you check out the list of free stuff happening in our area?  or did you see this list of places to visit in nebraska? 

here is what i have in mind for our family.....

make tents
eat smores
nurture our garden, so we can try these recipes
go on a roadtrip to somewhere in nebraska
be bored
go swimming
eat ice cream, popsicles, and other cold treats
go to the sarpy county fair
overdo it on watermelon
build our chicken coop
do free stuff
camp in the yard (we live on 180 acres, so there is plenty of "yard")
take part in the summer reading program at the library
build a sandbox for hendrix
hang a tire swing
run through the sprinkler
have potluck bbqs with our friends and family

gardening + parenting

yesterday, hendrix and i planted some more carrots & beets. while, i was prepping the beds i asked him to fill a bucket with compost before we planted the carrots.  he replied, "because they're hungry?". promptly, he got a bucket and filled it without any help or questions.  i was amazed.  he has been displaying a lot of gardening and cooking knowledge, lately.  almost like it is second nature.  then it occured to me that the cooking and gardening that he and i have been doing his whole life was finally starting to rub off. he was getting it!! 
i visited with the ladies of the pathway program this week.  we focused on ways to get and keep their homes/lives organized.  as well as, how to work with their children to contribute thorough chores and meal prep.  we looked at ways to incorporate family calendars, chore charts, meal plans, and budget plans into their everyday lives. while, i was there one of the ladies shared with me that she had used some of my cooking tips (from our last class) with her children and they were now eating salmon*!! we all had a great time thinking of ways we could involve our children in the housework and what lessons they would take from it. 
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if you are interested in gardening this week, why don't you check out the community garden at the heart ministry center on wednesday.  they'll be working and planting beginning at 5pm.

also, you can set up your own garden AND help the center by going to the plant sale.

*fyi: you can get a pretty good sized bag of frozen salmon for $4.99 at aldi.  and it is good!

things i love this week

it is a rainy week here in nebraska, but the farmers could use it so you won't hear any complaints from us.  last year, it was so cold and rainy for so long that the weeds took awhile to emerge.  this year, it started out pretty warm and now the rain has taken this year's weeds to a new level.  already.  and it is only march.  i don't love weeds.  however, here is what i do love this week. 

iced green tea: i read somewhere it a good idea to start your day with some green tea as opposed to coffee.  i have been slowly eliminating my daily caffeine intake.  my morning glass of iced, decaf green tea with honey and lemon really has helped me feel more rejuvenated.

our new family doctor:  she is amazing.  if you need a dr. referral...ask me.

vitamin  d3: i recently learned that i have a super low level of vitamin d.  vitamin d helps regulate your mood, helps your body absorb calcium, and helps you not feel so tired.  my dr. has me on a vitamin d3 supplement and let me tell you....i really feel better.  it is wonderful to have a doctor that will listen to the words that are coming out of your mouth.  also, if i was a b*tch to you...it may or may not of been the {lack of} vitamin d talking.

homemade granola

big batches of quinoa

this felt wall: my imagination has me almost convinced that it is a good idea for me to turn our storage cupboard's doors into a felt wall.  i can almost see a baby sitting there, too. (baby fever much???)

this sunday is crafternoon day!! we'll be making easter egg garlands, treats for the bunny, and more.  we will also be gossiping and boozing.  i love crafternoon!!

hendrix has his first soccer game on saturday!!! i am so excited for him.  his uniform is so precious, it hurts my soul.  this is going to be a riot.  i can't wait for him to run and make new friends. 

these toy bin labels are changing the way we play.

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i hope this week has been kind to you all and that this weekend is even kinder.
also, if you need photos done of your family, kids, or pets...contact cami rawlings.  she is now scheduling for the spring.  she is awesome. 

spring is here! photo by cami rawlings

catch up::prep

spring cleaning + organizing, beautiful weather, garden prep + planting, three year old birthdays, and time with my {baby}boy won out, my friends.  sorry, dudes.  i'm back.  i swear.

it is garden and rain barrel time!!

here's what i HAVE to tell you....

tilling: mike is quickly becoming booked, but for $50 (up to 500 sq. ft) mike will come till your garden with our commercial tiller.  tilling is a must for your traditional, in ground garden, to prepare the space for your new boxed, raised garden, or to work the ground of your raised dirt garden. email us to schedule a time.

compost:  $40 for 1/2 a pick up load.  mike can also till this into your garden if you book him for till job.  contact us for smaller or larger purchases.  this compost is black gold and will make your garden glorious.  great for containers, as well.

rain barrels:  check out our craigslist post for more info., the basic info is that these are brand new barrels with a garden hose spigot and are ready to go.  these are a great way to reuse water...so great we are putting one in at our rental property.

all natural, pest control:  we have 50 lb bags of diatomaceous earth available and duster applicators available, as well.  DE is an all natural way to treat those little buggies in the garden that won't bug off..pun intended.  read more here.  check out our craigslist posting.  the great thing about buying from us is that if you are in the omah area, no shipping!!

virtual gardening clinic: i'll be back.  i promise.  in the meantime, if you are semi experienced and ready to go...now is the time for collards, radishes, beets, asparagus crowns, onion sets, peas, spinach, & turnips to be planted.  (i know what i am doing when i get done writing this post!)  if you are not ready...no worries!!! you still of plenty of time.  we'll talk more later this week.

container gardening:  mike and i have been working on some awesome, {almost} completely maintenance free, container gardening set ups.  we have some around town that are going to be planted very soon...i will get some pictures very soon.  these are great ways for kids, busy people, people short on space, and handicapped folks to grow produce.  you can grow greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, peas, some root veggies, potatoes, and summer squash.  in fact, this year we will be growing quite a bit of own produce this way.  it will be easy for hendrix and easy for me if i am lucky enough to grow a baby this year, too.  pictures and details soon!!

consulting:  businesses and home gardeners, if you are wanting help with planning your garden or setting up your compost system please contact us.  initial consults are $40 and tailored to fit your needs.  i am becoming booked, but have time slots available.

community:  remember the heart ministry center when planting your gardens...plant extra and make a weekly donation to the food pantry.  fresh produce should not be a luxury.  also, did you know that the heart ministry center has a community garden??  perhaps plan to volunteer one afternoon there.  you will see our containers there, too.  we will be planting lots of herbs and greens in them making more room in the garden for other goodies.
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again, my apologies for a delay in posting.  frankly, i have been enjoying my time with hendrix and not having to rush to get things done like i had to last year.  this reaffirms our decision to not do the veg box this year.  i also have been percolating LOTS of ideas in my head.  so while i work those out...you may see lags in posting.  i will be back later this week with a clinic.  thanks!

virtual gardening clinic: what's the plan, stan?

it's FRIDAY which means it is virtual gardening clinic day.  today, we are going to talk about the importance of having a plan (and sticking to it) before the planting begins.  winging it in the garden is not a good idea.   things will either not grow, maintenance will be a b*tch, or you will have way too much to harvest.  in short, taking the time to plan will set you up for success and allow you to reap the rewards of your garden.  and make you not want to kill.

1. decide what you want to grow based on your eating habits
we eat at home 5-6 nights a week and 40% our grocery budget is devoted to produce.  during the growing season, we eat very seasonally to cut down on our vegetable buying.  however, some folks are busier than others and only eat at home 3 nights a week. some folks hate all veggies except salad greens and home grown tomatoes.  only grow what you like, want to try, and/or are going to use.  if only like a couple of zucchinis a year, don't grow them...they are big producers and you're going to be veggie bombing your neighbors in the middle of the night. buy them at the market.  they are practically free.  on the other hand, if you love them and have freezer space...you can always shred or chop them up and freeze them.  always choose one variety that expands your horizons.  variety is the spice of life. 

2. what's your commitment style?
decide what kind of garden you want to commit to.  some neighborhoods have strict covenant agreements that do not allow their residents to just dig up a garden.  fencing can be pretty pricey and is necessary to keep critters out.  maybe your yard isn't huge.  or your dog is an asshole and will dig the garden up.  perhaps a lot of the veggies you have chosen to grow are root veggies and would do better in the ground.  whatever your situation is...do a bit of research, or ask us, to decide which type of garden will work best for you.  container gardens are nearly maintenance free and can grow almost anything.  if you would rather go with an "in the ground garden"...go with raised beds.  they allow you to amend your soil, till very deeply, and make maintenance much easier.  deciding now will allow you to work on gathering your garden materials and getting them prepared for planting.  also, knowing what and how much you are going to plant will help you know what type and size of garden you need.

3. timing
once you settle on what to plant, you will need to know when to plant them.  some vegs love cool weather and will fry in the sun. and some need to be planted early to have time to produce.  much like me.  others hate cool weather and will do nothing when it is cold.  much like mike. i kid. kinda.
so here is a basic guide:
cool weather: kale, chard, beets, carrots, radishes, most lettuces, spinach, potatoes, brassicas (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, brussels), peas, turnips, parsnips, asparagus, onions, garlic,  rosemary, thyme, parsley, tarragon, oregano, marjoram, lavender, arugula, kohlrabi
warm weather: beans, tomatoes, eggplant, cukes, pumpkins, squash, melons, corn, dill, basil, cilantro

4. vitals
all seed packets, seed dealer websites, or plant markers will tell you the vitals of the produce you are hoping to grow.  once you know what you want to grow, go to your favorite seed dealer website and read about the veggies.  they will tell you what kind of dirt you need, what type of "producer" it is, sun & water requirements, spacing needs, and how long you will have to wait to eat the goods.  these vitals are pretty dead on, so unless experience tells you differently, follow their directions.

5. location
you are going to need sun, soil, and water to grow your food.  whatever type of garden you have you are going to typically need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.  you will need to be able to water it easily and efficiently at least 3 times a weeks and up to twice a day. your soil needs to be fertile.  we will talk more about soil at another time. but, in the meantime, you can pick your location now based on where you get the most sun.
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homework:

• take a moment this week to analyze your family's buying, cooking, and eating habits to help you decide what you would like to grow.
• think about how much time you really have or want to devote to growing food
• look around and choose a sunny place

this is an example of a ginormous garden and raised beds.  

next week:
we will talk more in depth about different produce varieties: where they grow best, how long they take to grow, weather they grow best from seed or plant, how much you can expect to harvest, preservation options, and when you can plant them.

giving up + going big

in the spirit of lent, i have given up sugar in the following forms: soda pop, cake, cupcakes, cookies, pies, bars, brownies, muffins, and coffee creamer.  which means i may or may not have cake on hendrix's birthday.  i make a mean chocolate birthday cake.  i also don't want diabetes by the time i am 35. soooooooo....the internal debate continues for the next 40 days.  please hold me accountable.  god knows i can't. ha!
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those of you who were at our wedding got to taste all the tasty food that my friend kadi helped prepare.  without her there would of been no food.  kadi's boyfriend, casey, is facing some serious medical issues right now.  and since the people she and he know are so wonderful...there have been sunday fun day fundraisers all over midtown for the past few sundays.  the next one is this sunday, feb. 26th from 1-8pm at tiger tom's near 72nd & military.  so weather you know casey or kadi, have had the pleasure of eating kadi's food (she is the head chef at tiger tom's, as well), or just really like tiger tom's...please think about having lunch or dinner at TT and going big for casey!!!

cooking with heart

2 hours.  5 recipes. 4 women. all mothers. yesterday, i met with three women from the pathway program and talked about grocery budgeting, meal planning, and cooking technique.  i also demoed five recipes for them.  we made minestrone, berry oatmeal, chicken "nuggets" & apples, shrimp with white beans, spinach, and feta, and spaghetti with spinach & egg.  it was a really great afternoon.  they all really wanted to be there and wanted learn.  some had more experience than others in the kitchen.  some did quite a bit from scratch cooking already.  some had lots of picky eaters at home.   we were all mothers, though.  so it took no time for us to compare notes on toddlers, picky eaters, and the struggles of feeding all those mouths.  in the end, i do think they enjoyed the class and took something away from it.  they tried all the dishes and even liked the spaghetti with spinach & egg (which i thought was the weirdest dish and would get some "no thank yous").  they agreed that breading the chicken cutlets WAS  totally simple and fast.  they asked how to alter some dishes for picky eaters.  they started to tailor the minestrone soup to their family's taste.  talking with each other about what they were going to add to it when they made it at home.  they were happy for some new ideas to add to their regular shopping and cooking routine.  i was happy to cook and serve food to women making life better for themselves. hell, i was happy to cook and serve food. 
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spaghetti with spinach & eggs (adapted from time for dinner)
spaghetti, prepared according to package directions
eggs, one for each eater
spinach or chard
olive oil
garlic, minced
salt
pepper
parmesan
hot sauce
prepare pasta, meanwhile fry an egg for each eater.  toss hot pasta with spinach, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.  cook on low until spinach is wilted.  place in bowls and make a well with pasta.  place an egg in each "well", top with parmesan and hot sauce.

put it in a......

pinterest is like porn for a gardener right now.  everyone is pinning garden ideas, tips, and pictures of beautiful containers growing beautiful food.  my experience tells me some of these ideas will actually grow food.  some won't.  my experience also tells me that it is february...and my don't we have big plans in february.  we still have big plans in april, may, and june when we are planting.  then july and august come with their oppressive heat, giant mosquitoes, and vacation plans.  and the garden of our dreams is in the weeds. literally.  so let us take a tour of some these beautiful pinterest ideas and see what works, shall we?
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theme gardens...i am a big fan.  especially for the kiddos.  who doesn't like a pizza garden with eggplant,basil, tomatoes, oregano, and peppers.  but this. THIS is genius. i present to you: the BLOODY MARY GARDEN.  container theme gardens are great and totally doable. just be sure to plant in containers large enough and if growing tomatoes...try sticking with "bush varieties" they usually stop at about 3 feet or cherry tomatoes that vine. also a bigger container will require less watering.

found on sunset via pinterest

gutter gardens!! i absolutely love the idea and the design of these gardens.  they would be wonderful for greens, green onions, and smaller type veggies.  my concern is how they are attached to the side of the house.  i believe they are attached by screwing into the house.  since, you are going to have to water your veggies and a lot because of the small size...i am afraid you are going to cause water damage to your house.  unless, there is a way to water seal your house...i would not recommend this type of container gardening, sadly.

found on lifehacker via pinterest


hanging baskets are beautiful, but have you considered growing your daily salad in one?   greens, cherry tomatoes, herbs, sweet peas, mini cucumbers, and strawberries are all wonderful options. wire baskets with moss liners or the moist, loose moss are your best options and you want to take into account the weight of your container once all the soil, water, and plants are in it when deciding where to hang it.  also, hanging containers are going to require daily (sometimes 2x a day) watering. they are great and  it is easy to bring them inside if frost is imminent.  as in any type of gardening, planning out your hanging basket before planting will ensure a beautiful and bountiful basket.

found at myhangingbaskets via pinterest



it was bound to happen...the pallet garden.  pallets are also everywhere on pinterest.  i happen to have about 14 pallets waiting for a home.  perhaps, i will put some to use doing this cute container garden.  pallets will really only work for herbs and flowers.  just cover three sides with landscape fabric (using a staple gun), fill with potting soil, and plant.  be sure to allow your pallet to lay flat for a couple of days to ensure the plants get settled and don't fall out.  again, daily watering will be neccessary.  i think this is super cute and doable.  you could even paint ot decorate it.  perfect for someone who really just wants herbs.

found on greenupgrader via pinterest

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as i mentioned last week, i believe that anyone can grow food. and i believe that is where the real food movement should be.  over the next few weeks, until the planting & growing season begin, i am going to hold a virtual gardening clinic here every friday.  after i share what i know...i will then feature your questions and your gardens on here.  let's help each other become better growers and better eaters.
so every week you can check here on friday for tips, how to, recipes, ways to preserve your bounty, and innovative ideas for your garden.  i will be your guide in getting you set up with first garden or helping hone your skills.  you can be your own grower.  and, yes, we will talk A LOT about container gardening. so if you want to grow food and you live an house or an apartment with a sunny spot...check here on fridays for gardening clinic.

2325 sack lunches to Omaha youth, 1100 people helped with clothing assistance

those numbers are just a few of the things the heart ministry center pulled off in january.  yes, in one month HMC helped that many people.  now you know why i won't shut up about how awesome they are!!  i was lucky enough to spend some time there last week. it was wonderfully eye opening.  i met some awesome people and am going back to teach a cooking class (finally!) to their women in the pathway program.  ericka, the pathway coordinator, asked me to focus on freezer meals, once a month cooking, meal planning, and budgeting.   these are especially important for the women to learn since most are on food assistance.  the pathway program's main goal is to help the women become self sufficient. so when these women find jobs/get better jobs, the hope is this class, will arm them with the knowledge and ability to budget and meal plan and it won't be so hard to acclimate to losing some of their food assistance.  i want the recipes to be easy, fast, and all the ingredients to be relatively inexpensive, that can be found at any grocery store.  it should also be noted that these women have voluntarily joined the pathway program and chose to attend these classes.  this goes back to what i was saying about people really wanting to learn how to cook and garden. the women are making the choice to make life better for themselves and for their children.  sometimes without the support of  their families. 

i have come up with some freezer friendly meals for breakfast & dinner.  they are:
apricot french toast served with cottage cheese
whole wheat berry pancakes
egg "cups" (those egg meals in a muffin tin all over pinterest)
quiches
lasagnas
minestrone
chili
enchiladas

then for lunches i was going to recommend making big batches of the following, once a week.  inspired from this post. they can also be served as a side at dinner:
lentils
black beans, rice, and spinach
ravolis (the frozen kind, prepared)
hard boiled eggs
black eyed peas (see recipe below)

for some cheap, quick, & easy meals i was going to talk about...
roasting
tacos
grilled cheeses and all the variations
soups + stews

for kid -friendly, but not totally gross meals....
homemade mac + cheese with veggies
mexican "pizza"
homemade whoppers (with ground turkey, whole wheat buns) and sweet potato fries)
spaghetti and eggs (linguine + spinach with fried egg, hot sauce, and parmesan on top)
runza casserole
appetizers for dinner (cheese, fruit, hummus, veggies)
pizza

what do you all think? anything i am totally missing? please share any recipes, tips, or ideas that you have with me. i want to really set the women up for success in the kitchen, for it to be fun, and for the kids to get into it, too.
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black eyed peas with leeks (+ variations) inspired by 101 cookbooks 
-- total cost: less than $6, enough for several lunches or as a side to one dinner and as the main dish for a couple lunches
1/2 lb. dried black eyed peas, prepared
3 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
olive oil
butter
juice from 1/2 lemon
salt & pepper
small handful, fresh or dried herbs (parsley, tarragon, marjoram are good choices)
heat olive oil + butter in skillet, add leeks and cook until almost caramelized.  add leeks to warmed blackeyed peas.  season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs.  add more olive oil if too dry looking. serve warm and enjoy.
*great with beef kielbasa or apple chicken sausages stirred in
*make a light soup by adding to veg or chicken broth
*put a poached egg on it
*beautiful with a roasted chicken
*easy protein for a kids lunchbox
* berries are tasty alongside

food is food is food

pretty sure we can all agree that food is a basic human need, right? i think the confusion comes when we all are trying to figure out what kind of food people in need deserve or really need. i come from the school of thought that basic pantry staples, fresh produce, and proteins should be available to everyone. also realizing that if you are homeless, a sandwich or pop-top style can of soup may be the way to go. however, i am also pretty sure that if you are the working poor-person in need shopping at one of the biggest pantries in town that you would appreciate arugula donated by one of the biggest grocery stores in the nation or the lump crab meat or the saffron donated by another donor. all this along with the rice, pasta, canned tomato sauce, tortillas, eggs, and ground beef. what? are you in disbelief that there is arugula at a food pantry? why? since when did certain food become too good for others. and why? anyone could grow arugula in a pot for less than $5 and have it to harvest for most of the spring and fall. in the summer they could plant some heat-tolerant lettuce or put up a shade. so why is some food reserved for the people who can "appreciate" its' flavor? because it should not be.
the school of thought where basic pantry staples, fresh (or frozen) produce, and proteins should be available at a food pantry comes from the belief and knowledge that this is the healthiest, cheapest, most efficient way for people to feed themselves. just as the ability to cook for yourself is, often times, the healthiest, the cheapest, most efficient way to eat. sure it takes some planning and knowledge...but like anything, i suppose, you have to want to do it. and more and more, i believe people do. i just think a lot of people are completely alienated and have been led to believe that they can't. just as the food network and celebrity chefs have somehow convinced people that cooking is hard...foodies have made gardening seem like a magical thing only hippies can pull off.
i say anyone can grow food because they can. my son, two at the time, was growing spicy mesculan greens in an old wine box last year. i am not saying anyone can grow food on a large scale because they can't...but pretty much anyone can get some pots or buckets or barrels, fill it with dirt, put some seed or starter plants in the dirt...and voila! you can have some fresh, local produce. sure you will have to water it, but the maintenance on container gardening is practically zilch compared to tilled plots in your yard. and not everyone has a yard. some people have a patio, stoop, or tiny, sunny spot by their parking space. regardless, anyone can grow food. in container gardening, a person would have to spend about 30 mins total a week weeding and watering. tops. while, you can't grow melons or squash/pumpkins very well in a container pretty much anything else goes. so why do people wait in line at the farmer's market for 20 minutes to pay $10/lb. for greens? who knows? but i am starting to think all this local food movement business is becoming a little too out of reach for the average "2 parents working" family trying to make healthy changes, the working poor folks, the single parent, or even the hipster college student. the real movement should lie in helping people grow and prepare their own food. not in villainizing every single thing that who knows who decides is not good enough for human consumption because when we do that we alienate a huge group of people who could really benefit from a true local food movement. food elitists are alienating to a large group of people who don't feel like they know enough or care enough about food, but want to make better choices. people who don't feel like they have enough time to shop local and cook. we should be helping everyone be their own grower, their own cook because when we empower people with this knowledge they will make better choices for themselves, their families, their community, their local economy, their environment. this is the way to make having a garden and eating dinner as a family the norm. for everyone.
farmer's markets are great because they give us access to growers and their delicious food. local food is wonderful because it tastes better, often has a higher nutritional content, creates jobs, keeps dollars in our community, and the list goes on. but not everyone can get to a farmer's market to buy local food. most folks have bigger issues happening then worrying about how to afford veggies or knowing where the eff the veggie came from. and when people throw out phrases like food desert and sustainable in the same breath...there is no problem miraculously solved. there is just a whole other group of people alienated. that doesn't mean folks don't want fresh, local produce or don't want to learn how to grow and/or prepare them. it just means it has been made to seem so unattainable and in a lot of ways it IS. so i am over it. i want to figure out ways to bring the local food movement to all of the people in our community. the families who want to grow a garden, but don't feel like they have time. the single parents who can't imagine adding one more thing to their "to-do" lists. the busy couple who only eats in 3 times a week, loves veggies, but never makes it to the markets. i want to do this in a variety of ways including aiding people in being their own grower and their own chef. there is an immense pride and empowerment that comes with picking your own sweet pepper and serving stuffed peppers for dinner. all in the same day. and along with it, eventually, a preference and appreciation for the home grown, home cooked food.
let us rise up and grow something. let us cook something. let us stop being food snobs. let us just let food be what it is...food. and everyone has the right to food. everyone can grow something. they just need guidance.

housekeepng

did you all survive the snow? better yet, did you enjoy it? i hope so.  we all had a great weekend.  lots of baking, sledding, cooking, and eating.  hendrix and i also did some craft projects together, but have yet to get to coloring a shirt.  i can save that for this week if it is too cold or boredom hits. 
hendrix also decided what HE will be planting in HIS garden.  he chose...carrots, peas, lettuce strawberries, sweet peppers, and marigolds.  some of his favorite things.  he will be entirely in charge of his little garden.  more on this later.
i did a lot of thinking about my garden, as well, and am considering moving more things to my container garden.  i hope to be growing a baby this summer and know that the container garden will be much less work and just as fruitful.
however, this week is all about making final decisions on what non-candy valentine hendrix is going to bring to school, mailing birthday invites, making seed orders, and continuing the organization battle i waged last week on my house. 
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please check these two facebook pages out:
GO BIG FOR CASEY Sunday Fun Days...if you are a midtowner or have ever been to the Dell then you know casey, go have fun on a sunday and help a great guy.
HEART MINISTRY CENTER ...they're on facebook! now you can be updated on their awesome activity and find ways to help. 
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i'm off to get this week started off right by drinking the rest of my latte.  i'll be back soon to talk about cute non-candy valentine options, valentine menu ideas for families, hendrix's big #3 party, CONTAINER gardening, and ways EVERYONE (anywhere) can grow food this year.

planning to be snowed in

photo: design mom

ever since the winter of '09 we have gotten real good at planning to be snowed in...even if we, ourselves, can get the drive plowed that doesn't necessarily mean that the county will come plow the road.  being that there are only three houses on this road for three miles and no businesses. 

sooooo...i always make sure to have plenty of food, milk, booze, diapers, and projects.  although, my whole house is one giant project so that isn't too hard.  and mike just plans on moving snow. secretly, i love being snowed in...except in 2009.  i did not love that because hendrix was 9 months old and had a fever of 103. scary stuff.
this weekend i am all stocked up.  here's what we will be doing to keep warm and busy....

• sledding and snowman building
• making red velvet cheescake brownies
• slow cooking banana oatmeal bread
• trying a new crockpot recipe....white bean, collards, and andouille soup!!
• finishing the "jet packs" for hendrix and jackson's birthdays
• coloring a t-shirt
• moving snow to make it to the volunteer fire dept.'s pancake feed at the legion hall in town
• planning our container garden (more on this next week)
• eating walking tacos and watching the superbowl

we hope you all enjoy the snow this weekend. check back here next week for ideas on container gardening, ways to be involved in the local food movement, and to hear about hendrix's birthday party theme. here's a clue: build.

woman's work

never underestimate the power of woman's work...cleaning, comforting, cooking, coordinating.  most of the women i know are in charge of making the house operate, keeping the kids alive and well, coordinating the little events in life, making their worlds go round....they wear many hats.  perhaps those hats on their own aren't particularly special, but together they make up the driving force behind their family. 
i am lucky to have a fiancee who appreciates my work and a family of women who are ready to pick up the pieces should i fall and need help back up. for this i am truly grateful.  most of the women i am friends with will swoop in at a moments notice and help make things happen.  for this i am truly grateful. 
our close family friends are dealing with an unknown illness and hospitalization right now.  their son and ours are bffs.  our community of friends has come together to offer prayer, dinner, and childcare.  i am seeing with my own eyes...the power of woman's work.  as you celebrate this weekend, please keep my friend's little family in your thoughts. xoxo.

food is love

the PLaiD foundation is hosting a soup drive for patients at UNMC tomorrow.  here is a little bit of what co-founder, jenn timperley, had to say when recruiting help:

Becki, my partner with PLaiD, spent last Christmas in the hospital as her daughter Abby had received her transplant just days before. There are many families stuck in the hospital over the holidays and although it's never easy to be in the hospital it is especially hard over a holiday.

One thing we thought PLaiD could do to make one day easier for these families would be to provide a meal for one day. It is so hard sometimes to get the chance to leave the hospital room and grab something to eat. You rely on family and friends a lot to stay with your child so you can run and grab something or you rely on them to provide you with picking up some fast food. I know from experience with Joe being in the hospital multiple times that something that seems as simple as grabbing something to eat...well its just not simple! 

Luckily our longest stays were only two weeks, we have a 2 parent family, are local, and have a strong team of family to help when we call on them. So many families are inpatient for extended periods of time-months or more and do not have family support. It is difficult for them to get away take care of themselves and grab a meal-not to mention very costly to eat in the cafeteria for an extended time.  
i absolutely love this awesome idea and the opportunity to take part in such a kind act.  i believe food is love. i know the families will appreciate eating a cup of home cooked soup that was lovingly packed for just them.  the PLaiD foundation is planning on doing more of these events in 2012, so i will keep in you updated on ways you can participate.  in the meantime, check out their website for more info. about what they do: http://pediatricliveraid.org/
in the meantime, we have some family friends that are going through a (unrelated to the above) hospital stay.  so please send lots of prayers and positive energy out into the universe for all people and their families that are dealing with illness and hospital stays over the holidays.