Agropraxis Farm

We make most of our food from scratch. The farm produce is typically the center of most meals. So you don’t see many boxes in our grocery cart. This local-seasonal eating style is an economical choice as well as a health based choice. We try to inspire the same type of eating through our efforts at Farmers Market and through the CSA we grow for, Harmony Acres CSA. Our oldest was home on spring break and wanted to treat us for dinner the other night. The treat was a home cooked gourmet spread that made us proud!!!

Our kids help in the kitchen a lot. They love to fix desserts. They’ve learned that if they want to be certain there will be dessert, then they better find the time and check to see what’s on hand rather than complain about why we never have any! The middle child helped with cutting up the chickens last week. Necks, backs and wings went into the stock pot and the rest for dinner. The importance of compliments and thank-you’s always come easier for the kids when they know the work going into food.

Before their cooking event the kids looked through the food magazines and a few cook books for ideas. It struck me that so many of the gorgeous pictures and recipes were completely unachievable. One  had a recipe for snow peas, yellow peppers, and radicchio salad. The magazine was a February issue. None of that produce is in season…maybe at the grocery store! This scenario helped me realize that our home eating style has evolved to a seasonal and stored food style that meets our needs. Yes, we have canned tomatoes, frozen meats and vegetables and dried fruits and herbs. They can be combined to make wholesome meals that save us considerable money on our food bills. They also limit our choices to what is seasonal and preserved.  We end up looking or creating meals from the pantry rather than the beautifully styled food entertainment media.  Incidentally, the kids did an outstanding job on the meal. What a treat!

Farmer Pete