Let Them Eat Kale

Real Americans Eat Real American Produce

Check out today’s column from the always swoon-worthy Mark Bittman, on how local food is not an elitist plot, but rather, should be considered part of the “Made in America” ideal we appear to voraciously desire these days…in all other realms but food.

Of course, I’m biased here, but Bittman — and his “foodie’s porn” column — has a point. How can we continue to talk about jobs ad nauseam, while importing “Peruvian asparagus, Canadian tomatoes, South African apples, Dutch peppers and Mexican broccoli?” Sure, a global economy is a healthy one and we can’t realistically close our borders to all food imports (particularly to our friendly neighbors to the North…said the Canadian), but a locally-sourced carrot in your salad from the farmer’s market in town is also conducive to a productive, thriving economy here in the US of A. With Farm Bill negotiations coming up, this is one to read, folks.

Emily Dickinson: American Poet and Baking Enthusiast

Here ye, here ye, let it be known that I am a closeted American history dork. I also harbor a passionate love of baking. Enter Emily Dickinson and her scrumptious coconut cake recipe. My two worlds have officially collided, bringing my level of gleeful geekiness to an all time high. Why yes I’ll be making this, this weekend, thanks for asking.

 

Bangers & Mash and All Things Nice

As most womankind, I have an affinity for Brits – men, that is – particularly those with beards, if I’m going to be completely honest. Their self-deprecating humor and unpretentious use of “brilliant,” their adorably floppy hair and unapologetic fondness for scarves, East London hipsters, it just does it for me. And if they can cook, well clear your schedule good sir, because we be stayin’ home tonight. Enter Jamie Oliver, England’s favorite celebrichef and healthy food advocate. I wouldn’t exactly say “Is that a mullet?” Oliver sets my little heart a flutter, but what he stands for and the awe-inspiring work he’s doing in bringing the fight against childhood obesity to the forefront makes me swoon.

I stumbled across his TED award speech from last year, which I thought I would share – if nothing else but because he’s fun to listen to and dumps a wheelbarrow full of sugar cubes on the stage.

If seeing children struggling with obesity before the first grade, a class full of students unable to identify cauliflower and Jamie’s plaid shirt spark your interest, I would encourage you to check out Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. There are some yummy nuggets on here to learn more about his work and how to get involved in your own little corner of the world.