The formidable Joan Dye Gussow finished the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) conference with a speech that included a personal history of the food movement and rabble rousing call to action. “We are well overdue in this country for a revolution!” she incited. I happen to agree though I am not the revolutionary type. I prefer to work at the ground level, tending my small plot of land, eating food from reliable sources, [...]

Planning for our annual English-style Christmas Eve Dinner began back in August when we ordered a fresh goose from Cota Farms.  We pick up the bird at noon and will be cooking all day.  Lil will help cook in her newly dyed and embroidered apron, an early present from me. This year our entire immediate family is joining us for this menu: First course Green salad Roasted local pumpkin soup Passed entrée and sides Stuffed [...]

This post is part of Menu Plan Monday but I have to start with Sunday. Tonight, Alex made a wonderful paella with shrimp, mussels, and clams for his mother’s birthday dinner.  Served with steamed brussel sprouts on the side, the shellfish-loving Baillieul family appreciated every bite. Here’s what we’ll eat the rest of the week: Monday – parent observation night for Lil’s ballet followed by Mad Mex for dinner Tuesday – baked Mahi, roasted homegrown [...]

Tastes and smells are a necessary component to memory.  Foods bring us back to a place and time, defining everyday and holiday experiences. At Christmas time, the formal Christmas Eve dinner is that memory maker for me. The last two years we have hosted a meal for friends and family at our house, as we will again this year. The menu varies slightly each year but typically follows an old English style. Dishes are always [...]