Moldy Starter

Threw that in the trash. My second attempt to make sourdough bread failed before I ever saw bubbles in the mix. We were all gifted with something special, mine was not gardening or elaborate cooking. Steam some veg and cook some chicken, done. Boil pasta and make meatballs, easy. Thanksgiving dinner? I wish. I wish I had the gift of basting and stuffing that big turkey. Nope.  Raw or overdone. That perfect cooked bird gift was passed to someone else.

This is the reason into why I’m so interested in health and nutrition. How can I maximize my meals and lifestyle without being reminded of my incapacities as a gardener? Growing fresh strawberries sounds lovely, but when I tried, mine died. In that case, how can I find the best ones in the area? How can I maximize their nutritious value?

Also, let’s face it. Being a mom of four children you have to cut corners and sometimes give into certain foods. I can’t sit here making homemade ketchup only to find out it came out all clumpy. Not everyone has the gift of time and cooking. I like to keep things practical for every day, yet keep the realization that the avocado on the counter may end up in the compost. (Going in to check on avocado…moved it to the fridge for tomorrow’s consumption.) If my kids are going to eat pasta with butter, what’s the better pasta option and better butter option? I’d rather invest in their health in the food quality even if they’re unwilling to explore other food options.

My husband wishes he could play music, but he never learned an instrument, and realizes he lacks the music gift others possess. He can still enjoy the music. Just like we can enjoy better meal options even if we’re not growing or making our own foods. We can enjoy food other people have made. We can combine foods to make sure we’re getting a great assortment of nutrients. It seems like the gold standard is to have your own garden and eat from it. Instead, let’s celebrate those who have that gift and accept that there are those of us to don’t.

Health Tip:

It’s May. That means the farmer’s markets are open! Try to visit one or two this month. Get some spring produce to work on your plate. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Steaming, roasting, sautéing, chop to put in a salad.. If I can do it, so can you.

Post Script:

I didn’t grow up in a city. I grew up in a rural town and my father had a large garden. I helped him plant and pick the produce. I think it’s because I live in a different climate that makes it difficult for me to figure out growing things.