Alot of people are totally unaware of the controversy regarding raw milk vs. pasturized milk.  Raw milk is illegal, just like cocaine, marijuana, and so on.  So, why?  Is it true that pasturized milk is the better, best and the only acceptable way to drink milk.  Many people think not and it's very important for you to do your own research and find out why this controversy exists.  Some people believe that pasturization destroys the nutritional integrity of milk and we, in fact, need the nutrients that are being destroyed for optimal health.  I've included a very interesting article about some mothers who took action regarding the issue of raw milk being illegal.

http://www.naturalnews.com/034027_raw_milk_protest.html

Bon Apetit!

I was soooooooooo excited to see the post I've linked to for you to review.  Please, if you have ANY concerns at all about GMO's or Mansanto or preserving your right to naturally reproducing seed that is nonhybrid, please copy and paste this link everywhere you possibly can and make a committment to follow this case closely, notifying every representative you can of this action!
http://rareseeds.com/GMO_lawsuit

Bon Apetit!!!

We just returned for a little trip to the Bahamas to help with the celebration of a dear friend's birthday.  While it was a lot of work, it was also a fun time enjoyed by all.  Returning to the Ozarks, where Chef Roland and I live, we were greeted by the arrival of Fall with it's clear, crisp skies.  Time for a change and to begin wearing the warm clothes!

On our trip, I had the opportunity to speak with other people who had their concerns about their own food production (gardening plans and projects), as well as their concerns regarding GMO's.  As more and more people become aware that there are some VERY REAL concerns regarding the food sources that we have available to us, it becomes paramount that we each take whatever opportunities we have to keep the information flowing.  Talk with your family, friends, neighbors and any stranger that will listen.  Write to your representatives and any organization that you can think of to help enlighten them as to what your food concerns are, especially regarding, but not limited to, GMO's.

I am posting a link that I think gives good information that helps to keep food health concerns regarding GMO's crisp and clear and will help us all start to prepare as we face VERY SERIOUS health questions that demand that we all start taking action.  It's the public that must become educated on the issues regarding GMO's, seed monopolies, and the threats that corporations pose when it comes to the foods we have available, or not, for our consumption.


http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/05/01/this-company-may-be-the-biggest-threat-to-your-future-health.aspx

Bon Apetit!

Hello!

I'm very excited in that I've recently come across a website where concerned individuals have the opportunity to collectively address the FDA over labeling Genetically Modified Foods (referred to as GMO's which is Genetically Modified Organisms).  If you are interested in the health risks of these Frakenfoods (foods created in a laboratory "like a frakenstein") this is your opportunity to sign a petition asking that the public AT THE LEAST be made aware of which GMO foods are in the public market for consumption and then they can make personal decisions as to whether they would like to consume these products, OR NOT!!  Some people might have questions as to what could possible be wrong with ingesting GMO's.  I think if you do a little research on bio-compatibility, you will see that it is a VERY serious concern.  As the incidence of food alergies and other potentially related food/health/body & mind performace issues steadily increase, it's time food consumers begin to educate themselves as to what the food controversies are really about.  So, with that lead in, here is the link that will further address the issue and offer an opportunity to add your name to the growing demand for the labeling of GMO's:
http://co101w.col101.mail.live.com/default.aspx#!/mail/InboxLight.aspx?n=1428152742!fid=1&n=1227622108&mid=aa517f88-ee91-11e0-b563-002264c24a08&fv=1


Bon Apetit!

The "seed" of something is usually considered its 'genesis', its nucleus, where something germinates from to become something else.  It's miraculous how the basis for our whole food chain, which we are MOST DEPENDENT upon comes from little, sometimes miniscule, seeds.

Likewise, an idea, a dream, and a controversy of with Fascist/Disctatorship-like characteristics can spring from 'a seed'!  In previous posts I have referred to Genetically Modified Organisms (primarily food) and the HUGE concerns that we, as a consuming/dependent public should have regarding them.  Not only are there some main concerns such as biological compatability and unknown health consequences, the most concerning is the idea that we no longer will have the freedom to produce our own food.

Some people have referred to me, Elaine Parny, as an alarmist and that I unnecessarily focus on the negative.  I can tell you this, if the public does not go out of its way to question, investigate and advocate, it will be subjected to tyranny in every area of their lives.  And, with the control over food production, any ruling agency will, in fact, have the government sanctioned capacity to exploit your dependence on food and to regulate what you can and cannot have for food consumption, unconcerned as to your optimum health but rather prioritizing the producers profits.  Case in point, please read the following:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateU&navID=&page=Newsroom&result&dDocName=STELPRDC5092024&dID=152103&wf=false&description=USDA+Grants+Protection+to+40+New+Plant+Varieties+&topNav=Newsroom&leftNav=&rightNav1=&rightNav2=

I soooooooooo apologize for neglecting our blog for so long.  Life just keeps getting in the way of things I want and need to get done.  That's my excuse....it's the best I have.


I just came across this clip and, SERIOUSLY, it tells the story of WHY France is so well known for their fine cuisine and their outstanding reputation in Food Culture. 


We actually visited one of these schools that has a similar program in a small community and it was incredible how the program is managed and the food presented.  It takes school lunches and school cafeteria workers to a whole new level!!

Enjoy!  Bon Apetit!



http://www.wimp.com/schoollunches/

We know what we like and, what we like is good food!  How we love to go to our favorite restaurants, over to grandma's or enjoy that Sunday family get-together.  We have our favorite's no matter where we go and the grocery stores are packed with more choices than we can take home at one time.  Variety is everywhere around us and we love it!  Soon, that could all come to an end.  Sorry, I have a link to another article to alert you to a growing threat to the foods we eat and food's availability, in general.


It's the Bees.  Maybe you've heard of Collapsed Hive Syndrome already, but I know there are many people who have never heard of the crisis and how alarmingly threatening it has become to the food supply of our planet.  Please,  read over this article and understand, it is by the food consumer becoming more aware of food production practices, such as how pesticides are used, and then becoming politically involved, we have a chance to slow down the incidence of Collapsed Hive Syndrome and, hopefully, to reverse this dangerous trend.  At the rate it is happening, we have little time left.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8306970/Einstein-was-right-honey-bee-collapse-threatens-global-food-security.html

Bon Apetit!

Yahoo!!  Spring has sprung and, regardless of ticks and poisen ivey, I'm there!!  Unfortunately, we had to sell our tractor last year that would have been able to turn over the spot where I would like to put our garden.  And, it's been a bit wet.  So we are late getting our ground prepared for it's new inhabitants.  Chef Roland is a very good mechanic so, he has the privilege of working over an old rototiller we have to see if he can get it running.  He's a diligent guy and I'm sure he will not give up until he has conquered that machine.  Hopefully, we will be turning the soil over next weekend!  (Rather, I should say, I will be wrestling with that thing in hopes of getting some seed into the ground.) 


I have managed to get some flower seeds and roots into the soil, hoping to attract the many birds and butterflies that we have visit our place.  I like keeping the critters happy and the pop of color is always nice during the growing season.

I really believe that spring is the season of hope and I do want to encourage and lift up by the articles that I post on our website.  The age we live in seems a far cry from what we wish it would be.  I know alot of us are wondering what direction history is taking us.  I do believe that I would be negligent if I did not stop and take this opportunity to encourage you in becoming more responsible and involved in your personal food production.  I'm sure there are alot of uncertainties for many of us and there are many of us who are blessed to go about our daily life without much difficulties.  However, given the seemingly increasing instability of world economics and how they affect us ultimately through the global food market, I believe we must, at least, give some thought to the possibility that the food products we consume, could become more scarce or increasingly unaffordable, even to those with a more stable income.

With that said, I would like to post a link to a report that, I believe, gives a clear overview of world politics and how they do play a role in what you pay for food products and how those food products are becoming less available in the global food market.  Please take a moment, even if you aren't too concerned with these issues, and read over the report before you dismiss it as not possible.  If, after you read the article, you believe that there is a significant level of truth to the article, I would again like to encourage you to go out and invest whatever monies you can, even if it is just a few dollars and purchase seed to grow food for yourself.  Many of us do not have a garden space available so, I would direct you to do an internet search on the subject of "container" gardening or "urban" gardening.  You would be suprised what you can grow in a windowsill or on a balcony/patio.  Also, don't be overly concerned about bug control or fertilizers.  If you grow native plants they are very hardy.  They and "heirloom" seeds reproduce themselves and you need to know that "hybrid" seeds DO NOT reproduce themselves.  This is important to know because if food should be difficult to obtain, purchased seed will also be difficult to acquire.

You can do an internet search to find common items in your own home that are just as good (and better) than chemicals that are commonly advertised as necessities for gardening.  I, myself, look for household tricks (such as diluted soapy water) and use implements like an old knife to garden with.  I am, by no means, a gardener.  In fact, this is really the first time in my life I've really made an effort to get some gardening done.  Mine is small at this time but it is something and I am learning as I go.  A good bug catcher I discovered that my family in France uses is empty soda bottles that have the "funnel" top cut off and inverted back into the bottle.  They rig them up so that they can hang them in their fruit trees with a little sugar water in the bottom.  The flies/bugs are attracted, go inside the container and can't seem to manage their way back out.  I tried that last year, for the first time, and it helped to keep my persimmon fruit from having eggs laid in them. 

Another direction I have been pursuing is to search out native plants that are, in fact, edible and nutritious.  It's something I do for fun and as a hobby, at this time, and, who knows, maybe that information might come in handy should I get lost in the woods.  :)  I read that the new baby pine needle tips are extremely high in vitamin C and you can make tea out of them.  Fun stuff to know.  Did you know that the purple fruit and "leaves" of a prickly pear cactus are edible??  The fruit makes excellent jelly.


Another interesting way that you can become more involved in your own personal food production is to research and learn to "can" your own food at home.  There are several techniques to process and preserve food and if you should come across a good deal in the store or famers' market, or your neighbor gifts you with some of the bounty of their own food production, you will able to "keep it back" for months to come.  Food preservation is a good way to stretch your dollars in the food market.

Fine dinning, going out to our favorite restaurants to enjoy well made food with family and friends, and trying our own hand at culinary creations is always a true joy and blessing and I pray you have many.  Always take a moment to consider helping out your local food banks and discover what types of food/garden programs are in your area.  Get involved and "play" with your food!!

Here is the link:  http://www.offthegridnews.com/otgNCurrent/Food_Shock.pdf

Bon Apetit!

I can only apologize for not attending to my blog lately.  We are dealing with many issues related to my parents' health and keeping up with managing their affairs.  It's a bit distracting from all the other things I would like to be doing.

Chef Roland is keeping quite busy working with a local non-profit in developing their baking/culinary program for rehabilitating persons.  It's an awesome program.  We have managed to work in a few outside projects and I will hopefully have pics up soon.  In addition, we will be involved in some private culinary classes, some culinary presentations and helping with our church to develop their concept for gardening/culinary/food preservation classes.  Though we live in a very rural area, I can't believe how many opportunities keep popping up in the most unexpected places. 

We are also looking at the possibility of collaborating with two local venues to present culinary classes to our immediate community, with the idea that we will possiby start our own small cooking school nearby.  Lots going on.

In the meantime, I am persisting to find what I can regarding the GMO/hybrid/Mansanto connection.  I hope you find the link I've included to be interesting regarding an article that ran in the NYTimes.  As you read the article, especially take note of the reference to how Mansanto is brought into this article.  I really wish their could be some kind of public pressure that could be organized and brought to bear on Mansanto and the FDA.  Any political activists reading this???

I would love to hear back from some of you as to what your thoughts are on this most important subject of GMO labeling. 


http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/why-arent-g-m-o-foods-labeled/?ref=dining

Bon Apetit!







 

Since I've referred to Mansanto in various articles and links I've posted, I thought I would give you a link that, I think, gives a very good overview as to why we should be concerned about this corporation and how it is negatively impacting our world.  Here's the link:

http://www.naturalnews.com/030967_Monsanto_evil.html


http://www.naturalnews.com/030913_Monsanto_suicides.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/030406_GMOs_survey.html


http://www.naturalnews.com/030940_Bill_Gates_Foundation_genetics.html