I feel as if I'm taking over Jessie's blog! You see, Jess, Lissie and I are all very anxious about our environment and our effect on it. We are interested in sustainable agriculture, buying local and organic and feeding our families wholesome, healthful meals.

Jessie had begun this blog as a way to document her ideas, her gardening, anything that didn't quite fit with Tangential Thoughts. This morning, while we were chatting, she decided we needed to document our family's journey into the world of food and more. She decided (and I agreed) a blog would be a lovely place for us to post our favorite family recipes as well as new ones we come across that look yummy.

I have been striving towards simplicity in our foods and food choices. I have long thought organics are a much better choice for my family for many reasons. Yes, they are more expensive, however, they are produced without the use pesticides, often on smaller, family-run farms. Ukrop's provides me with local organic produce whenever possible. I prefer organic dairy products and meats. I have long held that little girls are maturing and developing faster than ever because of all the hormones that are pumped into the cows. I may be full of nonsense, but, what if I'm not? Additionally, we don't need to ingest all the antibiotics that are pumped into the cattle, poultry and pork. Besides, organics just TASTE better! :o)

I also have a theory about all the preservatives and additives we're pumping into our children through all the processed foods available today. Our lives are SO busy we fall into the trap of purchasing items that are quick and convenient, whether it's fast food or pre-cut packaged apples. If we're going to homecook meals, they often come from boxes and cans. I wonder how much of this contributes to AD/HD, ADD and childhood obesity? I'm sure the research is out there, I just haven't found it yet.

I don't remember much of the cooking from my childhood coming from boxes and cans. We ate fresh produce from the garden and from our friends' and families' gardens. Mom and Papa both prepared food from scratch and, quite frankly, Jessie and I were quite trim and healthy children. I'm working toward more healthful cooking and eliminating HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and trans fats from our diet as well as processed foods. I want us to be healthy and happy together!


--Rach