Comments for Southwestern Ontario Locavore http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com Adventures in Eating and Living Local Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:48:49 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Eating Well by Jen http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/eating-well/#comment-585 Jen Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:48:49 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1015#comment-585 I am fortuneate to have full time work, live in a rural neighborhood yet only commute 10 minutes to work. I started off by trying to make my home as energy efficient as possible, and then getting free of fossil fuel dependancy- I had geothermal heating/cooling installed replacing a 20 year old oil furnace. Next will be solar panels to offset electrical consumption and solar thermal for hot water heating. I have always had a garden but once I have eaten or given away everything I just go to the grocery store and buy product of Ontario or at least product of Canada produce. I have tried raising chickens and ducks but they were just a tasty snack for the coyotes. I do not eat beef as the land requirements to raise beef are an inefficient use of productive land that could be better used to grow edible crops. I have never tried to push my goals and ideals onto other people unless my opinion is asked and then I usually refer to websites or books where I have sourced products or information. When I am invited out for a meal people often ask if there is anything I don't eat- my response is that I can eat around anything. There is always soup or salad or veggies, pickles or just dessert to satisfy me if beef is on the table. I do not enjoy driving around to source items as I still like 'one stop shopping'. I doubt that my desire to eat locally would ever lead to giving up items like citrus fruit, bananas or pineapple but I would like to achieve a much higher local rate than I am currently doing. I get great pleasure from walking daily, reading, and bird watching. I love just being at home. I also live alone but I am never lonely. I do not have a TV as there is very little that I feel I am missing out on. I refuse to pay ridiculous fees to watch comedies that don't make me laugh. It has taken a good part of my life to find inner peace and feel confident in going against the flow in the direction that I am going in life- self sufficiency here I come!!! I am fortuneate to have full time work, live in a rural neighborhood yet only commute 10 minutes to work. I started off by trying to make my home as energy efficient as possible, and then getting free of fossil fuel dependancy- I had geothermal heating/cooling installed replacing a 20 year old oil furnace. Next will be solar panels to offset electrical consumption and solar thermal for hot water heating.

I have always had a garden but once I have eaten or given away everything I just go to the grocery store and buy product of Ontario or at least product of Canada produce.

I have tried raising chickens and ducks but they were just a tasty snack for the coyotes. I do not eat beef as the land requirements to raise beef are an inefficient use of productive land that could be better used to grow edible crops.

I have never tried to push my goals and ideals onto other people unless my opinion is asked and then I usually refer to websites or books where I have sourced products or information.

When I am invited out for a meal people often ask if there is anything I don’t eat- my response is that I can eat around anything. There is always soup or salad or veggies, pickles or just dessert to satisfy me if beef is on the table.

I do not enjoy driving around to source items as I still like ‘one stop shopping’. I doubt that my desire to eat locally would ever lead to giving up items like citrus fruit, bananas or pineapple but I would like to achieve a much higher local rate than I am currently doing.

I get great pleasure from walking daily, reading, and bird watching. I love just being at home. I also live alone but I am never lonely. I do not have a TV as there is very little that I feel I am missing out on. I refuse to pay ridiculous fees to watch comedies that don’t make me laugh.

It has taken a good part of my life to find inner peace and feel confident in going against the flow in the direction that I am going in life- self sufficiency here I come!!!

]]> Comment on Eating Well by ontariolocavore http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/eating-well/#comment-584 ontariolocavore Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:37:56 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1015#comment-584 Hi Jen - thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I have struggled for a long time about how much personal content I should include. The blog is intended to be about my efforts to live a more sustainable life and explore the choices I make. This is an on-going process with many ups and downs. I find it challenging to discuss the issues without inserting myself into them. Indeed, how these choices impact on my life is part of what I think is important to share. I'm curious about your statement that I am being very critical of other people's choices. Could you please be more specific? I am very critical of the system in which we live, but I do my best not to critique individuals. I believe that most of our "choice" are made for us and that we have far fewer options than appear at first glance. If my language is coming across as critiquing individuals, that is not my intention and I will do my best to address this. As for making choices that will lead to greater happiness, that is always my goal and an on-going process. I would love to hear how you have achieved this yourself if you care to share. Hi Jen – thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I have struggled for a long time about how much personal content I should include. The blog is intended to be about my efforts to live a more sustainable life and explore the choices I make. This is an on-going process with many ups and downs. I find it challenging to discuss the issues without inserting myself into them. Indeed, how these choices impact on my life is part of what I think is important to share.

I’m curious about your statement that I am being very critical of other people’s choices. Could you please be more specific? I am very critical of the system in which we live, but I do my best not to critique individuals. I believe that most of our “choice” are made for us and that we have far fewer options than appear at first glance. If my language is coming across as critiquing individuals, that is not my intention and I will do my best to address this.

As for making choices that will lead to greater happiness, that is always my goal and an on-going process. I would love to hear how you have achieved this yourself if you care to share.

]]> Comment on Eating Well by Jen http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/eating-well/#comment-583 Jen Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:45 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1015#comment-583 I was drawn to this site to learn more about the interrelationship between food, health and the enviroment. Overall I have found it to be a good resource and has been thought provoking. For someone who has the opportunity to impact a lot of people and encourage them to take even small steps in making an impact on food choices, the content as of late seems to be very critical of choices other people make. As for choices that you have made for yourself, please make some new choices that will make you happier. I think that some positiveness in your life will be reflected in the tone of the blog. I was drawn to this site to learn more about the interrelationship between food, health and the enviroment. Overall I have found it to be a good resource and has been thought provoking.

For someone who has the opportunity to impact a lot of people and encourage them to take even small steps in making an impact on food choices, the content as of late seems to be very critical of choices other people make. As for choices that you have made for yourself, please make some new choices that will make you happier. I think that some positiveness in your life will be reflected in the tone of the blog.

]]> Comment on “Black Thumb” in the Kitchen by ontariolocavore http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/more-disappointments-in-the-kitchen/#comment-581 ontariolocavore Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:56:35 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1000#comment-581 Thanks for checking this out! I'll be sure to try some of those recipes with all the lamb I have in the freezer. I figure by the time I'm through a dozen packages of lamb chops and four legs (not to mention a huge roast), I should have figured out how to cook it well! I'll be sure to keep the Stockyard Smokehouse in mind for my next trip to TO! Thanks for checking this out! I’ll be sure to try some of those recipes with all the lamb I have in the freezer. I figure by the time I’m through a dozen packages of lamb chops and four legs (not to mention a huge roast), I should have figured out how to cook it well!

I’ll be sure to keep the Stockyard Smokehouse in mind for my next trip to TO!

]]> Comment on “Black Thumb” in the Kitchen by ontariolocavore http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/more-disappointments-in-the-kitchen/#comment-580 ontariolocavore Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:54:39 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1000#comment-580 Oh, thanks for those suggestions! The cheese sauce recipe sounds wonderful. I just got the most beautiful cauliflower in my latest CSA share and would love to eat it simply with a cheese sauce. Sounds wonderful! Is this the recipe you're referring to? http://www.annabelkarmel.com/age-range/babies-9-12-months/recipes/cheese_sauce_recipe As for soup stock, I actually make my own quite religiously. I usually make veggie or chicken stock but last week tried my first go at beef stock (which was relatively successful but needed more bones for more flavour... next time!). I don't find it particularly onerous as you just throw a bunch of roughly chopped veggies and bones or a chicken carcass into a pot and let it simmer away for hours. I make it when I have the time, then freeze it for use later. And you're right, it does add a lot of flavour! Oh, thanks for those suggestions! The cheese sauce recipe sounds wonderful. I just got the most beautiful cauliflower in my latest CSA share and would love to eat it simply with a cheese sauce. Sounds wonderful! Is this the recipe you’re referring to?

http://www.annabelkarmel.com/age-range/babies-9-12-months/recipes/cheese_sauce_recipe

As for soup stock, I actually make my own quite religiously. I usually make veggie or chicken stock but last week tried my first go at beef stock (which was relatively successful but needed more bones for more flavour… next time!). I don’t find it particularly onerous as you just throw a bunch of roughly chopped veggies and bones or a chicken carcass into a pot and let it simmer away for hours. I make it when I have the time, then freeze it for use later. And you’re right, it does add a lot of flavour!

]]> Comment on A Whole New Meaning to Deer Season by ontariolocavore http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/a-whole-new-meaning-to-deer-seasons/#comment-579 ontariolocavore Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:49:49 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=992#comment-579 Oh my goodness, hitting a moose would be game over. I am very grateful that it was only a small deer who got in the way of my car. The huge flat-bed truck that picked up my car had hit a 9-point buck the week before and he said it was a darn good thing that it was him and not a car that ended up in that collision. I now creep down the roads at sunrise and sunset, times I unfortunately find myself on the road far too often this time of year! Oh my goodness, hitting a moose would be game over. I am very grateful that it was only a small deer who got in the way of my car. The huge flat-bed truck that picked up my car had hit a 9-point buck the week before and he said it was a darn good thing that it was him and not a car that ended up in that collision. I now creep down the roads at sunrise and sunset, times I unfortunately find myself on the road far too often this time of year!

]]> Comment on “Black Thumb” in the Kitchen by Barbara aka 1000ponies http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/more-disappointments-in-the-kitchen/#comment-578 Barbara aka 1000ponies Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:50:57 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1000#comment-578 I am hardly in a position to offer advice about cooking, but probably like you, I've really had to learn the hard way - doing and redoing! A couple of thoughts: have you ever thought of using recipes for kid's food? There's a guru here called Annabel Karmel whose recipes are delicious and, of course, because middle-class parents in the UK are absolutely obsessed about organic, 100% organic and very healthy - low-salt, lots of veggies, and though labor-intensive, very very simple. Very locavore-friendly. Her recipe for cheese sauce is the best I've come across - I've tried them all! Joy of Cooking gets used in our house at least once a week if not more - I've never found anything to replace it when I am facing a bizarre vegetable (e.g. celeriac) that I don't know how to cook (even google can't compete here). And the single greatest discovery I made about cooking is that organic stock (which I imagine you use anyway) is a world apart from OXO cubes. There's a brand here called Marigold, which is vegan, and is the only stock I ever use in soups regardless of what they call for. Unless you have the luxury of homemade, which I rarely do, a good stock can really help boost flavor. I am hardly in a position to offer advice about cooking, but probably like you, I’ve really had to learn the hard way – doing and redoing! A couple of thoughts: have you ever thought of using recipes for kid’s food? There’s a guru here called Annabel Karmel whose recipes are delicious and, of course, because middle-class parents in the UK are absolutely obsessed about organic, 100% organic and very healthy – low-salt, lots of veggies, and though labor-intensive, very very simple. Very locavore-friendly. Her recipe for cheese sauce is the best I’ve come across – I’ve tried them all! Joy of Cooking gets used in our house at least once a week if not more – I’ve never found anything to replace it when I am facing a bizarre vegetable (e.g. celeriac) that I don’t know how to cook (even google can’t compete here). And the single greatest discovery I made about cooking is that organic stock (which I imagine you use anyway) is a world apart from OXO cubes. There’s a brand here called Marigold, which is vegan, and is the only stock I ever use in soups regardless of what they call for. Unless you have the luxury of homemade, which I rarely do, a good stock can really help boost flavor.

]]> Comment on A Whole New Meaning to Deer Season by Barbara aka 1000ponies http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/a-whole-new-meaning-to-deer-seasons/#comment-577 Barbara aka 1000ponies Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:15:56 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=992#comment-577 Oh my goodness! This is an incredible tale and so good to know that you and the dogs made it out okay. I once saw a moose crossing the highway in BC and I could not believe how huge it was or how swiftly it moved - leaping with ease over a 6ft. fence designed to keep it away from passing cars. I am glad that it was not what you hit! Oh my goodness! This is an incredible tale and so good to know that you and the dogs made it out okay. I once saw a moose crossing the highway in BC and I could not believe how huge it was or how swiftly it moved – leaping with ease over a 6ft. fence designed to keep it away from passing cars. I am glad that it was not what you hit!

]]> Comment on “Black Thumb” in the Kitchen by Al (Torontovore) http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/more-disappointments-in-the-kitchen/#comment-576 Al (Torontovore) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:52:42 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=1000#comment-576 I asked Peter today about using pastured lamb in his bison and elk recipes (btw the elk is at www.eatingelk.com) and he says no problem. Might want to make some mint sauce to go with it though. I don't often eat out because of the cost, but last night we tried the grassfed burger at The Stockyards Smokehouse in Toronto. It was really good. I'll be posting a review and photos on www.torontovore.ca very soon. I asked Peter today about using pastured lamb in his bison and elk recipes (btw the elk is at http://www.eatingelk.com) and he says no problem. Might want to make some mint sauce to go with it though.

I don’t often eat out because of the cost, but last night we tried the grassfed burger at The Stockyards Smokehouse in Toronto. It was really good. I’ll be posting a review and photos on http://www.torontovore.ca very soon.

]]> Comment on H1N1 Vaccine Madness – History Repeats Itself by pegan http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/h1n1-madness-history-repeats-itself/#comment-575 pegan Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:28:04 +0000 http://ontariolocavore.wordpress.com/?p=957#comment-575 Thank you so much for this article, as it helped support our decision, not to expose our diabetic son to this very questionable and dangerous vaccine. Thank you so much for this article, as it helped support our decision, not to expose our diabetic son to this very questionable and dangerous vaccine.

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