I am a little late with this - we were in Cleveland all weekend visiting Geoff's family. I don't know what it means that I am desperate to get back to my computer after a weekend away, but it can't be a good sign.
After last week's embarrassingly simple change, I thought it was time for something tough. I found the perfect challenge for myself with One Local Summer. One Local Summer is a challenge to prepare one meal a week that is entirely made from local foods. You then share a description of the meal (and photos if you can) with the other participants. I became interested in the idea of eating more local food after reading two different and compelling blog reviews of Barbara Kingsolver's new book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. One review was by my favorite book blogger, 50 Books and I am sad to report that I do not remember who wrote the other review I read. If it was you, please let me know and I will add a link. My interest in obtaining our food locally has only been increased by my participation in Lancaster's Eastern Market, which is, as far as I know, the only market in Lancaster where the vendors are selling only produce they have grown themselves.
The real challenge in this change is not finding local food, as I am lucky enough to be living in a county that contains "the most fertile non-irrigated farmland in the country."* The challenge for me will be planning a new meal around what is in season, rather than relying on my usual meal rotation which usually involves canned beans, pasta or something frozen. I signed up for this challenge just before it was closed, although obviously anyone can take up this challenge without linking through the Pocket Farm blog.
*This quote is loosely translated from something I read at the local children's museum. My point is that you cannot drive two miles without hitting a farm stand, and if you sit in my yard at 5PM on a weekday, eventually an Amish boy will come by with his little red wagon and try to sell you some eggs and a bag full of whatever vegetable happens to have been picked that day.
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9 comments:
being in Cleveland is enough to make anyone want to make a change....
sad isn't it, when you are away and the first thing you do when you get back is to jump on the computer.
I love the IDEA of eating locally, but the reality of where I'm living makes it not possible, unless I want to live on venison and ferns. Still, we're trying to make more responsible food choices, buying things from as close as we can.
I'm jealous of your Amish visitors! What gold!
You could always go to Epicurious and just type in the produce of the week . . . I've found some fun stuff through that site. And also some weird stuff from the 1990's. Blech.
Yay for eating locally grown produce!
What a wonderful area of Pa you must live in! I remember some years ago going to "Amish Country" to the Kutztown Folk Festival. Loved it!
I think thats a terrific challenge. One of the things that I love about the weekly market I do is the produce booths. All the food is locally grown and many is organic. Best of luck finding recipes!
Felicia
http://fluffyflowers.typepad.com/
Oh you are doing so well on the challenges! So much better than I am but I am planning to catch up. I also have so many blogs to catch up on and have just been reading yours - congratulations on your etsyversary and also the art fair. Also thanks so much for the good wishes for my engagement - aaah the dress - mmmm I think I will have a wee while to ponder on that one!
Steph ~ Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
I want to further educate myself on eating locally produced foods, please keep me updated on what you are able to do!
I really like clicking over here and finding ways to better myself and the life of those around me!
I love the concept of One Local Summer. I would participate but the farm stand where I live is simple, and that is being polite about it. It consists of one old man selling cantaloupes out of the back of his truck. And, my garden only has herbs in it.
So, I will be very interested to see what you cook up for this challenge. I will be eating vicariously through you. :)
xo,
Karen Beth :)
Enjoyed your post. I'd like to invite you to link it to the Animal, Vegetable, Miracle blogpost roundup.
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