So the more I've been thinking about this the harder it is seeming. I immediately thought about foods I'd be missing out on during September: chocolate, coffee, citrus, and I think I can deal. But, this week, as I started thinking about composing actual meals, I began to think of individual ingredients I use on a daily basis. Here's three that have me stumped, any suggestions are welcome!:
1. Olive oil. I've already mentioned that I have a CSA share through Sommer's Harvest Farm in Hamilton, NY. One of our favorite weekly staples is greens such as spinach, chard, and collards. We do a simple preparation of the greens by sauteing garlic and onions in oil, then adding the greens, a little more oil, and some salt and pepper. When I'm feeling fancy I put a poached egg on top. Seems like this could be a good option for me, but what about the oil? I have bought locally-made organic sunflower oil from Stolor Organics in Cazenovia in the past for baking (it adds a new dimension to cupcakes!), but I'm not sure it will work the same on the greens.
2. Cane sugar. First of all, I do a lot of baking. Also, in the fall, nothing is better than butternut squash with a little brown sugar. Cane sugar is a staple ingredient in a lot of fall dishes. So, what can I use? Well, I do have honey from my good friend Nikki who keeps bees in Rome. I also have some maple sugar from Baker's Maple in Bainville. I'll have to be creative with where and how I substitute. I think the squash will be good with the maple sugar!
3. Energy bars/gel. I'll be competing in a triathlon on Aug. 6 and during the race I usually consume some chemical-laden energy bars and gels. I also have become fond of Stinger Waffles, a honey-based cracker for quick energy. I know I can make my own granola bars, but I need to find comparable foods for quick energy that are easy to carry, open, and eat.
So those are my stumbling blocks so far and I'm sure I will run into more! By the way, all of the foods I mentioned earlier, I have picked up from CNY Bounty in the past. Hopefully, they will be back up soon because I have a feeling they will be a great resource for me!
You don't have to give up everything for the Locavore Challenge. Plenty of devout Locavores have their "exemption" list of foods that they won't give up, like coffee and chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI need to get going on my blog posts for the challenge as well.
Good Luck!