I 'm a big fan of social media and I am also a big fan of food. There are many out there that frown upon people that are constantly posting pictures of their pastas, burgers and stirfrys (me). They imply that somehow these photos and stories of food are not as important as their political musings, family stories or cat pictures. I disagree with these food Grinches because I believe that food is the greatest platform for communication. The world's first currency, it is often the reason we convene with family and friends to discuss, debate, laugh and generally enjoy ourselves.
It may be the food Grinches don't actually enjoy food. They may simply eat it because it is nothing more than fuel. I have known some of these types over the years and genuinely feel sorry for them in that they cannot or do not want to appreciate taste notes in sauces or how wine parings can enhance flavour profiles.
Growing, preparing and eating food should be fun, a celebration of family, of community and an appreciation of what can be grown in the backyard.
As a kid, I was lucky to have parents and grandparents who were avid backyard farmers and spent lots of time in the kitchen. There was always fresh baked bread, pies, cookies and other goodies around and seasonal salads would accompany homecooked meals.
You don't need a huge amount of space to be self-sustaining on home grown staples. A pot, window box or small patio footprint is all you need. I can't tell you the last time I purchased rosemary, sage, oregano, chili peppers and other herbs and spices from a grocery store.
I was also fortunate to spend several years in the hospitality industry and worked with some top notch chefs. I am very much appreciative of my exposure to food and gastronomy and now take great pleasure in teaching kids how to grow their own on school farms all around Delta.
The genuine excitement the kids show when they are planting, harvesting and eating their own food is inspiring. Last week at English Bluff Elementary, 50 kids, Principal Smith, Mrs. Morrow and Liptrot, Superintendent Turner and myself enjoyed "BATS" salad for lunch. Bacon, arugula, tomatoes and strawberries all combined for a tasty treat. Some of the kids asked about dressing for the salad and I explained to them they did not need any because the ingredients took care of our flavour needs.
The saltiness of the bacon, the spicy peppery taste of the arugula and the sweetness of the tomatoes and strawberries all contributed for a well-rounded and tasty bite. No complaints, and with the exception of a couple of bowls, all was enthusiastically consumed. If they grow it, they will eat it. That is pretty much a certainty.
If you have school-aged children in your extended family, the quickly approaching Christmas season will afford lots of opportunity to get them involved in the kitchen. It does not have to be a huge task. They will enjoy spending quality time with you [1]and will invariably be proud of their contribution. They will also remember and pass it on to their kids.
And hey, take a picture of the creation and post it on Facebook. I want to see it.
Mike Schneider is founder of Project Pickle and likes to write about growing, cooking and eating food. He was recently named as a Jamie Oliver Food Revolution ambassador.
