I didn't manage a post last week for the Dark Days Eat Local Challenge. With the holidays and other obligations I wasn't at liberty to take the time to create a wholly local meal although at this point most of my meals are at least partly local in their origins -- that is just how I shop now. For me the eating local movement and my participation in it is not about denial and giving up things. It is not about eschewing something because it can't be sourced locally or eating something that soaks up resources just because it is. For me eating locally is about supporting small farmers, knowing where my food comes from and living in balance. (Sometimes I will buy those imported organic raspberries so that I can douse them in chocolate). The reason that I participate in the challenges and post about my food choices is because it makes me more mindful about my food on a daily basis. It pushes me to try new foods and new preparations. It makes me show off a little and in so doing I eat a balanced meal with a couple of different dishes instead of just a one pot meal that I might otherwise eat or the cheese and crackers I have been known to declare as dinner.
Having said all of that, this meal is none of that -- I have had a couple of meat centric meals lately and just wanted some vegetables prepared simply. So here it is...
I was so excited to find Brussel sprouts at the market on Sunday. They are a vegetable that I hated until I had them fresh (rather than frozen). I tossed them with a little oil and balsamic vinegar and roasted them in the oven. They turned a little dark but tasted wonderful.
I also sauteed up a pan of onions, greens and sun dried tomatoes. Just simple, filling food.
I felt the same way after I tasted fresh brussels sprouts. The frozen ones are awful - wonder why? I tried to grow them this year but the heat/drought apparently got them. They are still in the Back Forty though - I keep hoping for a sudden growth spurt.
Posted by: Laurie | December 01, 2007 at 07:10 PM