Kids: eating and their palates, part 3

One reader asked, following part 1 of this little series, what happens if my kids adore something, like mangoes, that aren't ever local? And what if they want something that just doesn't jive with my outlook? Great questions. Let's start with the first query. It is true that if you're a sincere, dedicated locavore, you're never going to eat certain things. Mangoes are not growing in DC as far as I know. But Mexico isn't New Zealand, and when champagne mangoes come into season, I cannot help but buy them by the bushel. Organic/local- it's a definite mental conversation.

I do make every effort to look for purveyors who source such products in a Fair Trade way, meaning that the growers and pickers are paid a fair, living wage, encouraged to create sustainable businesses that will generate regular incomes, and are not, to the best of my knowledge, exploited. When I buy unrefined cane sugar from Malawi, for example, I pay a little more despite the longer distance from me because I like supporting groups who hew to such a just mission. It is a balancing act in which I find myself often engaged. For example, there aren't many local, organic orchards; apples attract many pests, and as such, lots of farmers spray. Because apples are high on the "suck up LOTS of pesticides" list though, I tend to preference organic over locale for them which often results in me buying apples from Washington state rather than Virginia during certain months of the year.

If I think something defeats my purpose of organic/local and will be devoid of taste, then we simply say we'll enjoy it when its season comes round. See: previously discussed watermelon, winter tomatoes.

I haven't, thus far, had much difficulty with the second question, that about desired foods that go against my philosophical grain. Sodas, sugar cereals (other than the organic Cinnamon Toast Crunch that we all love) and really weird food products don't reside here -ever- and we don't eat fast food. Industrially-produced meat is the food about which I am most manic and I admit to doing my damnedest to ensure that the boys eat as little-to-none of it as possible. Otherwise, especially as they get older, I try to stay the path of "everything in moderation, including moderation" which I think was said by the wonderfully spirited Jacques Pepín. Agreed.

Tomorrow: what do these little boys actually eat?

Friday's One Day Deal, scones, leaving

In 24 hours we'll be on the plane, tucking the boys into their seats for a full night of uninterrupted slumber. PLEASE! In the meantime, I so successfully used up most all the food in our fridge (and am still smarting from the 4:40a wake-up) that we're doing take-out for dinner tonight. As there will be no cooking on which to report, I will tell you that I made one last batch of scones for a little catering gig today, and they just turned out beautifully. I will also tell you that the preserved lemon-Greek yogurt-celery seed-crème fraîche dressing/sauce I came up with last week (or whenever that was) for the spring has sprung celery salad is my new favorite condiment. O.M.G. And lastly, I cannot stop thinking about the creamed kale from last night. So, if you need some inspo, try any/all of those. Magnificent! Friday's One Day Deal at participating Whole Foods is 31/35 count raw, shell-on, responsibly farmed sweet white shrimp for just $5.99/pound. As I'm suspicious of crab farmed in India, I'm also a bit suspicious of shrimp farmed in Thailand and Ecuador, the latter locale being the source of Friday's crustaceans, so take this as simple passing on of info rather than any rabid encouragement (or not).

Over and out!

Sad timing

Of course I am thrilled to head to Italy, but I am somewhat saddened by the timing in that my first tulip opened today and that means the rest will soon follow. All the daffodils are buds-about-to-burst, and the azaleas are near. It is going to be such a beautiful time in my yard, and I will surely miss it. Just look at this bounty! Friends welcome to come and pick! The greens too!