Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

by Barbara Kingsolver

Have you ever made a conscious effort to buy locally? Chances are, you have. Kingsolver and her family took that effort much farther and spent an entire year devoted to eating food produced only within a limited range of their home. Much of the food was grown/raised right in her own backyard. As I listened to the book, I couldn't help but think of a friend who really does live this way. She raises chickens and sheep, and grows nearly every plant her family will eat. She also trades with friends who do similar things. This is an admirable process, and many good ideas come from the book, but so many times I thought about how difficult it would really be to fit all those things into my life. All in all, this book was a fun and funny read.

From aspargus to zucchini

From asparagus to zucchini by Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition

I checked this book out of the library about three times before I just bought it. It is a cookbook, but so much more. I have fun reading about the various vegetables and how to store them and prepare them. If you've ever looked at a vegetable at the farmer's market and wondered what in the world to do with it, this book can tell you. Just joined a CSA and seeing a remarkable number of vegetables you've never heard of? Read this book.