Gratitude for Good Food

As we approach November, the traditional month for giving thanks, I took pause to think about what I am most grateful for in my quest for living a greener and healthier life with my family.  There are many, many things of course and it would be hard to put it all into words.  But the one thing that stands out the most for me is FOOD!!!

I love food.  I love to eat it.  I love to cook it.  I love to grow it.  I love to see, touch and taste it.  And I am so incredibly thankful to live in a country where I have access to an abundance of good, healthy, organic and locally produced food everyday and that I have the resources to buy it.  I am SO lucky!!

Here are just a few of the food-related things I am grateful for:

• The many farmer's markets where I can buy locally grown, raised and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, bread, flowers etc....  I love that each farmer's market has it's own personality.  The hip Mill City Market on the downtown riverfront, the earthy Midtown Market where we can dance to local music and eat fresh crepes and tamales, the workhorse downtown Minneapolis Farmer's Market that I can depend upon 7 days a week...and many more. 
• My local co-op (The Wedge) and all the other great food co-ops in the area that are such a dependable source for local and organic foods and eco-friendly staples.  My boys would tell you they are most grateful for the pear-ginger galette that they occasionally get from the bakery.  I especially appreciate the friendly advice I get from the employees when I'm in need of help.
• The natural food chain stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and the ever expanding natural and organic sections of our local grocery stores.  My busy schedule and variety of needs (and yours too I bet!) means that I don't do all my grocery shopping in one place.  I am so grateful to have so many options for healthy, earth-friendly groceries.
• Our family garden where we grow good things to eat and show the kids that food does not just come from the store.  Watching my boys unearth beets and potatoes and proudly share some with the neighbors is a happy sight indeed!
• My husband's brother and his wife for their farm-grown veggies, dried apples, fresh smoked trout, homemade jams & jellies, canned beets and especially their homemade maple syrup - an incredible luxury and a weekend staple in our house!
• My Mom, my husband and all of the friends who have helped me learn not only how to cook but to appreciate and enjoy cooking!  Give me a basket of fresh ingredients and I can whip up something delicious with them.  I am truly thankful for that!

This is my post for the Green Mom's Carnival on the topic of gratitude for our favorite green things.  It will be hosted in November by Karen at Best of Mother Earth.  Be sure to check her site in November to see all the other posts on this topic.  We are a bunch of wildly diverse and interesting women and it's fun to see how we all have a unique take on the same topic!

Comments

[Mary]

You left off Pensey's Spices! That's always a must-go-to any time I'm in town.

Thanks for the trip down the food memory lane.

[Anna]

Wow. You have so many farmer markets to choose from! I love to grow it but not as fond of cooking it. Would you post a recipe for how to make homemade jam. I have 2 bowls of strawberries in my freezer. Would love to learn how to make jam.

[The Not Quite Crunchy Parent]

This is awesome. Thanksgiving should be about good food and this is a great place for folks to start.

[JessTrev]

Yum! Maple syrup talk alone makes me swoon. But you're right, we do all have an embarrassment of riches.

[Mother Earth]

You have exemplified choice ever so perfectly, Micaela. You also have more local/food coop options in your area than I do! I am completely envious!

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