Animal, Vegetable, Miracle ch. 9-10

When reading about how career women in some other countries have a passion about preparing the meals, and even go after work straight to the market to purchase fresh food for the evening meal. Two things come to mind... One is that most Americans (myself included) think of the next meal only when we become hungry. Matt and I are trying to get out of that habit. We've begun making weekly menus and shopping for the week using the menu. It not only helps us be more organized and timely and local in our food prep but it saves money. I no longer pull the snacks and other goodies off the shelves at the store because I think I might like to have them sometime this week. Second, this passion of going from work to the market is great but possibly a little too ideal for our American lifestyle. Maybe that means our lifestyle change a bit? Another idea that was emphasized was that time around the table as a family is a VERY important time.
Cooking as a social event is also a very great idea mentioned in the text. We recently celebrated Chinese New Year with some friends from church. We met at Joanna's house and she taught us how to make dumplings (pot stickers) from scratch! It was wonderful fun for the men and women! Then we ate them! YUM!
In chapter 10, she talks about a restaurant that sells food produced by farms within an hour's drive! Incredible! I love it! Although, if you choose to eat at this particular restaurant, it's The Farmer's Diner in Vermont.
Matt and I recently watched a documentary called King Corn. It's about two guys who move to Iowa and plant and acre of corn. Most corn grown in Iowa is not edible as corn. It's shipped out and turned into corn syrup and feed for cows! The cows and treated VERY poorly. They are fed this mostly corn mix and kept in tight quarters in pens with many other cows. In 140-150 days, they are so fat and unhealthy that it's time for them to be slaughtered for beef. If they were allowed to live beyond the 140-150 days, they would soon die because they are so obese and unhealthy and corn fed instead of naturally grass fed, free-roaming cows. And this is ALL in the name of money! Those who know me well, know I collect cows... stuffed ones that is. Now I look VERY differently at my cows. I'm thinking of giving each cow a label that says, "I am grass-fed!" OK. Maybe I won't go that far! :o)
By the way, if you're looking for places that sell grass-fed beef, try Whole Foods or New Seasons and Burgerville!