Interesting article

This year's cold snap has definitely left me with the winter blues. My only ray of hope came in the form of a seed catalog! I love looking through it, dreaming of warm summer days in my garden.

The following link is to an op/ed article from The New York Times. The author has some interesting proposals. I agree with a lot of what he suggests, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with his proposal to give the FDA even more power over our food. The recent passage of the new food safety bill may actually prove more harmful to small farmers than many realize. While the large corporations, who tend to be the source of most food-borne illnesses,  find ways to get around safety laws, the small and less powerful farmers get the squeeze. Anyway, the article is definitely worth taking the time to read.

A Food Manifesto for the Future

New Design

As you can see, I've been making some changes to the appearance of my blog. I just felt like a change! I also found a handy gadget that you will see on the right side of the page - a seasonal foods tool. Using the drop down menus, you can see what foods are in season in different parts of the country. Let me know what you think!

Exporting the Western Diet

The link below will take you to a news video about an island now called the fattest place on Earth. Why did this small nation's inhabitants, who were once healthy, become overweight? Why are so many now suffering from Type 2 diabetes? They imported our foods!

ABC News Video about the Fattest Nation on Earth

Processed Foods and Weight Gain

As we approach the new year, losing weight will be on the minds of many Americans. Here is an interesting article about some of the foods you may think are good for you, but aren't. And you'll notice that they are all processed foods!

The Truth About Your Weight Gain - 6 Foods To Avoid

A Poem

My mom shared this poem with me, and now I am sharing it with you. It's a nice reminder of the people involved in the food that nourishes us, and how that food connects us all.

Kneading Bread

by Belle B. Broadbent

While the dough I gently grasp,

I think of those who must clasp

Seed to sow the garden grain

And reap the harvest it contains.

And those who then work hour by hour

Turning this grain into flour.

While these joining clasping hands

Feed the hungry of the lands.

So I find a kinship spread

While I'm gently kneading bread.

Christmas Morning Breakfast

Christmas is a week away, and I've been busy baking cookies and making candies. I wanted to share a recipe that my family loves for Christmas morning. It's perfect served with real maple syrup and bacon! Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Eggnog-Spiced French Toast
serves 4

2 large eggs
12 oz. evaporated milk
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. rum extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
8 slices of firm, day-old bread
Nonstick cooking spray
Powdered sugar

Beat eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, rum extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in shallow dish until well blended. Place a few slices of bread into egg mixture, turning over to evenly moisten both sides. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Transfer prepared bread slices to skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove slices to a serving platter. Repeat process for remaining bread slices. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Edible Landscaping

Below is a link to an interesting article about Rosalind Creasy, an environmental activist and author of Edible Landscaping. Creasy has started a movement to replace traditional American lawns with decorative fruit and vegetable gardens. She has proven that a vegetable garden can be beautiful and practical. Be sure to look at the slideshow that accompanies the article. I'm going to try and find a copy of her book!

Edible Landscaping article