Category Archives: Food LOVE

Common site with today's agribusiness. Image from propankitchen.com.

Factory-farm chickens.

I don’t even know where to begin.  The state of our food today so deeply saddens me, and concerns me. I worry about the future of food for our children, their children, so on. I believe that it’s our responsibility to make the world a better place for future generations and I’m afraid we’ve failed and are moving too slowly to recover our mistakes.  We are in such a deep whole, it’s going to be a difficult climb out.  I know there are movements that are working hard to make strides in the right direction, thank goodness.  Here at home we’re doing our best and constantly moving towards doing better, a little at time as to not get overwhelmed.

I’ve always been one to educate myself about the environment, where our food comes from, etc.  Years ago I read everything I could get my hands on about Factory Farming, how the animals are treated prior to getting to our table, how this industry effects our planet.  It’s appalling. One book I really took a lot away from was Mad Cowboy.  To read a story about a man, a fourth generation cattle rancher turn Vegan, was uplifting & inspiring. I believe everyone should be educated in the process of how our food comes to the table. I also believe that we shouldn’t have to be worried about what toxic chemicals or genetically modified crap is in our produce, it just shouldn’t be there. The Americans’ need for low food costs have COST us plenty more in quality of life and medical bills. We need to WAKE the heck up and start nourishing our bodies with food, good food, whole food. Can’t tell I recently watched Forks over Knives can you? Most of the information in this incredible documentary wasn’t new to me. Though the statistics were jaw dropping. I had myself convinced prior that as long as I looked for sustainable, grass fed, free-roaming, humanely slaughtered, wild, etc., animals than I could still eat them. I was a vegetarian years ago for ethical reasons and caved after my kids were born out of ease. I beat myself up a bit about this and would like to head back in that direction, though I find my will power has decreased since then. My husband and I are finally in a place that we’re ready to begin the big changes. Though compared to the typical American diet, we’ve done good, eating very little red meat, mostly poultry and fish, lot’s of veggies, etc. This isn’t enough. We know that.

As a people we need to seek out our local sources, grow what we can. We have to be in control of this, no one else is watching out for us. The government is supporting big industry, like Monsanto, unfortunately it’s all about big business. The small farmers are suffering. Go to your local farmers market on weekends, they’re spreading rapidly and can be found in most large and small communities now (Click HERE to find one near you). SUPPORT THEM! Join a CSA. Do whatever small part you can. I’m not one to throw in the towel because it seems hopeless, it IS hopeless if you do that. We the people must demand changes!

If you’re interested in learning more about your food, the future of food and what you can do about it, here are some links to articles, documentaries and groups that can help.

Food Inc.
Forks over Knives
Ingredients
Food Matters
The Future of Food

Slow Food, USA
Non-GMO Project
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (School Food – demand better)

Mad Cowboy (links to books & documentary)

Current Monsanto article – Washington Post

Tell Obama to Cease FDA Ties to Monsanto!
Watch This!

Anything written by Michael Pollen!

….

We love pasta and this year I wanted to conquer making it from scratch. So I did, three times already and it’s getting easier every time.  PFMan surprised me with a Kitchen Aid mixer with pasta making attachments for Christmas, so cool!  So I was off to find a recipe.  The first one I used was fine, but then I looked through our Top Chef cook book and found another recipe by Fabio and switched.  I mean, “it’s Fabio, from Italy”, how could I go wrong, lol.  He didn’t steer me wrong.  Using more eggs and the same technique.  First making the pile of flour, then making the hole in the center, adding the water, olive oil, salt and eggs, then beginning to combine slowly working out from the center. My mini volcano erupted through the sides the first two times  I did this.  I had mastered keeping it together on the third try. Fabio’s recipe, calling for more eggs, was richer and deeper in color, we could taste the difference.

Here’s how it’s made:

1. Make mound of 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, make well in center.

2. Add 2 tbls olive oil, 2 tbls water, pinch salt, 8 egg yolks whisked with 2 whole eggs, to the well.

3. With a fork begin to slowly work the flour into the mixture, be careful to keep the outside wall supported with your other hand so you don’t have a premature eruption.

4. As dough forms use your hands to knead in all the flour forming a smooth ball. (I’ve had issues getting it smooth, but after it rests in fridge it’s fine)

5. Cover dough and let rest in fridge for an hour.

6. Split into four pieces, working one piece at at time (keeping others covered with damp cloth), roll out until 1/2 thick and easily passable through pasta maker.

Make pasta!

Most importantly though, HAVE FUN!  There’s nothing like fresh made pasta!

Mangia!

Eggs Benedict with Meyer lemon dressing.

One of my goals for 2012 is to cook more at home, with fresh ingredients, using what’s on hand with less waste. I love to cook, I love cookbooks, so this year I’m making it more of a priority. This past weekend our close family friend, Britt, spent the night on New Year’s Day. We had made Grilled Salmon and a Fennel salad with Meyer Lemon Dressing from my new X-mas gift cookbook, Big Sur Bakery Cookbook, (I highly recommend by the way). I was so excited to make this at home. PFMan and I spent a few days in Big Sur in July and fell in love with the Bakery. Though all the food we had in our 9-day trip to Northern California, my absolute favorite meal was the simple salad of fennel, greens, herbs and Meyer lemon dressing at the Bakery! So I’ve been itching to get the cookbook and PFMan didn’t let me down for the holiday!

Anyway, we had plenty of dressing leftover, as well as a French Baguette, some greens and a hunk of ham in the freezer so I whipped up a beautiful new recipe for Eggs Benedict on Monday morning.

Believe it or not, I’d never poached an egg before. So I got on-line, of course, and had that figured out in under five minutes.  I have to say I was very pleased with my first try at poaching.  Anyway, the Benedict went like this. Cut baguette into slices, lay on cookie sheet, brush with olive oil, toast in oven.  We plated four slices per plate as the base of our Benedict. Then we placed the ham, which had been previously cut into thick slices and heated in a skillet, on top of baguette slices and then a dollop of salad greens. Next came the poached egg, a drizzle of Meyer lemon dressing and some chopped fennel tops to garnish.  It was a crowd pleaser.

On a cookbook note, I’m also really enjoying Jamie Oliver’s At Home Cookbook.  It’s about his garden and the recipes inspired from the beautiful bounty that grows there.  Very inspiring to eat healthy, fresh and sustainably.

Salute!

The PFFamily in Key West - May 2011

I was up pretty late last night, four glasses of wine not settling well in my belly. I read, actually finished my current book, A Modern Witch, and then turned to my I-phone for a little research on a couple of things I wish to begin in the new year.

Last year around this time I posted about how I’m really not into making New Year’s Resolutions. I still refuse to put that much pressure on myself, but I do have a laundry list of things I’d like to do, change, see, stop doing, etc.

Before I begin my list for 2012, let’s see how I did in 2011.

Things I will be working on in 2011:

Family – Feel good about this. We moved to the country and began homeschooling, lot’s of family time.
Travel – Good here too. We began our yearly family trip overseas with Ireland in March, road trip over the summer along with nine days in N. California with PFMan celebrating an early 15 year anniversary. We took two cruises with a highlight on one out of San Juan, taking us to Curacao, Dominica & Aruba. To round it out, we also took a couple of much needed camping trips, one to North Georgia, one to Ginnie Springs in North Florida. Ahhhh….
Positive energy & intentions – This a failed miserably, well not entirely because I still have intent and know my triggers to self destruction.
Eating clean -Did well for a few months only. I did really well with giving up coffee and drinking more tea. Got to August then crashed. Have to reboot this one.
Organization – This will be a never ending battle, lol.

So what about 2012?

There are many personal accomplishments I would like to achieve this year. In the kitchen I want to learn how to make Thai and Indian food, get better at meal/menu planning and stocking the kitchen, learn to make bread, start canning regularly, shop at farmer’s markets and from local ranches and farms more often and consistently. This year is the year to get the chicken coop and run built, I’d like to have 3-5 egg layers:-). Also, get the hydroponic garden started and plant the Meyer lemon trees. We’re thinking things like, sweet potatoes, lettuce, strawberries, green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs at least. Going along with natural/sustainable trend we need to get the compost reinstated too!

Other Personal plans: Begin yoga and stick with it, it WILL be tough for me but I must prevail. Part of the Self-help, positive energy & intentions theme. Thinking about Tai Chi as well. Michael and I will get bikes, the kids are just getting them on New Years Eve (we’re celebrating our family Christmas when we return from NY).

In the house we need to get the great room painted and focus on the meditation garden off the master bedroom and Asian decor in the master bedroom/bathroom. I need to get the studio organized too, both the Tails Collection shooting/office areas, as well as organizing the arts/crafts area for Addy and I. There is so much space to work with, so I will most certainly get a bit overwhelmed, ha.

Travel plans! To start off the year and celebrate my 40th b-day, I’m heading to Big Sur for three nights! Doing a hike-in and staying ALONE, to reflect and get centered, hopefully, ha:-). Then driving north to meet my girlfriends for some time in wine country. The kids and I have a 6-8 week road trip planned for the June/July. Heading back to Big Sur, taking 2ish weeks to get there, stopping in AL, LA, TX, AR, UT and CO. PFMan will meet us out west for a 10 day California Adventure, then the kids and I will head back. I CAN’T wait!! And cross our fingers for Vienna/Paris for the Holidays.

Now I realize this is super loaded, these are just top priorities, which change, we tend to be indecisive at best, or as I like to say, Perfectly Flawed. Some things may not happen, others may be added, but at the end of the day or year, it will all be another super adventure, surrounded by my PFFamily and that makes me smile.

Happy New Year everyone!
Buon Anno!
Ein glückliches neues Jahr!
Feliz año nuevo!
Bonne année!

I can’t help but look back at PFMan and I’s trip to Northern California this past July. We went to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, a bit early. I’m planning on going back in February to mark 40 years here on earth. Can’t think of a better way then to be surrounded by girlfriends, sipping wine, hiking in the redwoods, biking through wine country, etc.

PFMan had such an amazing trip. We did all of the above, took an incredible pedal ‘n paddle tour in Healdsburg, a town we absolutely LOVED! We booked the excursion through Getaway Adventures, our guide Tommy was super personable, knowledgeable on the wine growing process and the area. We started with a bike tour leaving from the Alexander Valley Campground, through the beautiful countryside filled with vineyards, first stop Robert Young, AMAZING wine here! This was one of three wineries we became members at and one of our favorites of the trip. Their Chardonnay is so rich and creamy! Then we headed to de Lorimier. Also good, but the highlight here was the beautiful pergola under which Tommy had set-up a seriously yummy spread of meets. cheeses, homemade salads, etc. Sweet! Time to sit back, relax before heading out the the Russian River for our 5-mile kayak trip back to the campground. A wonderful day, I highly recommend it!

So that was just one day, we also met with some very good friends, who in previous years had moved to N. California, for some trippin’ through wine country. It’s hard to pick a favorite day, but this one ranked high. On a friend of Wendi’s recommendation we ended up at Viansa. OMG! LOVE! This was our favorite vineyard/winery of the whole vacation. It felt like we had stepped off the train in Tuscany. The wines, every one we tasted, were all amazing, of course we became members, ha. They also have a large selection of marmalade, honey, sauces for everything and very unique I must say. I walked away with Truffled honey, and Chardonnay Carmel sauce. You can easily picnic here. They have a deli of sorts with packaged meats, cheeses, salads, and fresh baquettes. We grabbed a bottle of wine, an assortment of noshing grub and headed out to a table. This was one of the best lunches ever. Great friends, beautiful view, great food! Then we moved onto Cline Cellars and the goodness never ended.

We simply had way too much fun on this vacation. We spent a total of nine days in N. Cali, six of those in Wine Country, three nights in Guerneville (Russian River area, Redwoods – Hello!) and three nights in Sonoma, on the Plaza. We stayed at the El Dorado Hotel, right across the Girl and the Fig restaurant, a favorite of mine! We were also able to make it over to Bodega Bay, (Alfred Hitchcock – The Birds). Wowzer, COLD! But we had some super splendid clam chowder soup at the Spud Point Crab Co. and took the stunning drive up the coast to Jenner Beach. Watched the sea lions basking in the sun and playing in the water, took a nap in the car at Goat Rock, a walk in Armstrong Woods…. Enough said!

Other places we enjoyed immensely!

Willow Wood Market Cafe in Graton, Ca! – In the area? You must stop here.
The MacLeod Family Vineyard – I’ve been here twice now and will be going again. Call and make an appointment for a tasting/tour, you won’t regret it! Here’s a bit on the Vineyard when I went with my girlfriends this past February, this is becoming a trend:-).
Harvest Moon Cafe (just love the name) The ambience and food were both very good – in Sonoma on the plaza.
Spoonbar at Hotel Healdsburg!
Zazu – Farm to table in Sonoma
Also – The first three days of our trip were spent in Big Sur, you can check that out HERE!

Peace!

I know this week is an exception with all the going through closets and organizing to get ready for the Yard Sale we had yesterday, but really, can’t we find an exception any week? Let’s take this week coming up for example. I’ll be working on my orders, playdate Monday, Clearwater Aquarium Tuesday, and other such activities the rest of the week along with needing to begin boxing for our move.

What am I talking about? Meal Planning! The fact that I’m awful at it. I get going good for a few DAYS, not weeks and then it fizzles. UGH. I do have Monday/Tuesday under control for this week, but it’s my typical chicken fall back. Roast one day with veggie sides and use leftover chicken pulled from bone in a chicken/pasta ragu (which is great I might add) the next evening. I so want to get better at this and I’ve tried people, I really have. And I’ll keep trying, that’s really all I can do. Maybe sometime in the future the good DAYS will turn into weeks?

Times Up!

This has been my Sunday 5 minute Stream of Consciousness. Brought to you by all. things. fadra.

Want to try it? Here are the rules…

* Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
* Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
* Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
* Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
* Link up your post at all. things. fadra.
* Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.

Today I want to share with you links to some super cool stuff!! Enjoy!

Trying to go paperless? Use these PeopleTowels to help.

I loved reading the book No Impact Man, it really helped me to begin living more simply. As a family we are making new strides everyday to reduce our impact on this great planet. You can also watch the documentary which was equally great!

Loving PFMan and I’s oh so yummy and super healthy breakfast concoction.

Toast a good whole wheat or sprouted bread, we use Ezekiel, spread on some Greek yogurt and pile on your choice of greens.  If out of greens I’ve used sliced tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, you could use a variety of other veggie toppings.  Then top with an over-easy egg, shave some yummy cheese, like Parm, a little salt/pepper, if you like, EAT! Enjoy!

Also, a favorite Eco-blog I follow is Good Girl Gone Green.  Always great information!

One more thing, loving this craft idea that uses old magazines and/or newspapers.

‘Live long and prosper” – Spock

Pacific Coast Highway!

This was the first of three locations where we stayed while in California, it was magical! Big Sur is breathtaking, it harbors a vibrant energy that you can feel everywhere you go.  We ate our most favorite meal of the entire 9 day trip here at the Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant.  It was so incredibly simple, a salad of Bibb lettuce, shaved fennel, fresh shaved parm cheese and a beautiful Meyer Lemon dressing.  Sublime!

We choose to use VRBO.com to find a home rental to stay in and we hit the jackpot. On top of mountain, about 1100 ft. up, the view of the coast was amazing and the house… their are no words! No TV, phone, computer, complete peace, just the two of us.

Take a look for yourselves!
Peace!

Beautiful by Sprouted Kitchen!

I’m a blog junkie!  I’m a foodie, I love to perpetually learn new things, I’m ever eco-friendly and evolving.  Today I give you some of the food blogs I follow:

Sprouted Kitchen
Nourished Kitchen
Honey & Jam
101 Cookbooks
Cheever Sauce
Tasty Kitchen

Mangia!

Love road trips, but mostly when there is time to stop along the way and explore. Even when we drive home from the mountains in GA or TN we make time to stop in Peach County GA to visit Lane Southern Orchards. They have the best Peach ice cream and you can watch them package the peaches too!

The kids and I leave in the morning on our two-day road trip to NY. They are staying with the g-parents for a couple of weeks and PFMan and I are flying to N. CA next Thursday. On our road trip up to NY we will stop in Savannah, GA and Virginia Beach. I think it’s kinda absurd that I’ve been in FL most of my life and here in St. Pete for 11 years and I haven’t yet been to Savannah. It’s only 6 hours away!! I would love to stop at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House for lunch. They are only open M-F from 11-2, so the goal is to leave early enough to get there in time. Mrs. Wilkes is known for the best in Southern eats! They always have a super long line to get in, it’s served family style. Here’s the description from the website:

Inside Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, four generations of the Wilkes family have worked the ground-floor, keeping the restaurant’s tables laden with platters of Mrs. Wilkes’ legendary fried chicken, beef stew and biscuits. Friends, family and fellow diners pass bowls brimming with her butter beans, collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes and banana pudding.

Hello!  I’m there!  I love to eat regional food while I’m traveling and the kiddos love to try new things too, yay!  I want to live like a local everywhere I go.  I mean really,  stop eating at the chains and seek out the local eats!! 

I haven’t figured out V Beach yet. Probably just tool around the boardwalk, head to the beach, Chesapeake Bay, etc. I’m actually more excited to cross the Bay Bridge-Tunnel, it’s known as one of the seven engineering wonders of the world.

Ciao!