Plans

I've been advocating "real" food for some time now. I've been trying to buy more whole organic foods, more natural, humanely raised meat, and less processed "food".  I have to admit, that I haven't always been as diligent as I should. Time for that to change! It's not always easy to find what you need in a grocery store. Even so-called organic groceries (please don't get me started on Whole Foods...) don't always carry real food.

What does this all mean, you wonder. You were wondering, weren't you? Well, it means that I'm going to start shopping in the European way. We've all seen the footage of the crowded market with its stands of locally produced goods. It's in that kind of place that you learn about your food, your culture and your neighbors. You shop for the week based on what is in season and abundant, not what's on sale or what sounded good to you while you were sitting at home. You buy the ingredients and then figure out the meals to use them. It's the reverse of every organizational/frugal living/meal planning site on the web. They all tell you to plan your meals months in advance and shop only when armed with the strictest list. Well, I'm not going to do it anymore! I'm going to embrace the seasonal market model of shopping. Once or twice a week, I'm going to venture to the market, pick out the products that look best that day and then take them home and cook with them. It will be difficult at first, but I love to cook and it's time to put my money where my mouth is. If I'm truly going to be a "real" foodie. This is the only way to do it.

I'm really excited for this new plan. I'll be sure to share my favorite producers and markets with you. Not to mention the recipes I use and create and the meals that come out of this grand plan. Stay tuned! The traditional markets will be opening soon and I will be the first one there. Until the seasonal markets open, I'll be using up the contents of my freezer and pantry to get them ready for all the good stuff that will be coming their way!