The Allen's Came for Supper

       I watched the episode of Oprah with Martha Stewart earlier this fall. I think Martha is awesome because she shamelessly values her domesticity and handles herself like royalty. I like her brand of rigid femininity and capableness. What struck me most was when she said people never invite her to dinner because she intimidates them, hell I wouldn't either, but I would love to have dinner with her. Interview
      
      In desperate need to spend some quality time with the other Shannon, we had her family over to dinner. Now, Mrs Allen, is our own Martha, not anyway uptight, but everything Shannon cooks is perfect. She is generous with recipes, but nothing ever tastes quite as good as when she makes it. This is what makes her Martha-esque, the genuine passion and love with which she makes food renders all her creations absolutely heavenly. The fudge she gave Melanie and I for Christmas two years ago can send us into drooling fits. Melanie and I both made the fudge with less fantastic results.


     But inspired by Martha herself, I figured why not have the Allens' over? I miss her and with enough wine who'll know how my cooking pales. The night had a good share of local foods, chicken from the neighbour, potatoes from our community, frozen beans from the garden, milk and ice cream from the local dairy etc. But what pleased me most was that even the food that wasn't local was still homemade. Shannon brought some pickles, beets, and homemade (by Mr. Allen) tarts (yummy). The leftover tart didn't make it to dawn.  


   I am nearly out of backyard potatoes, green beans and tomatoes, clearly I need to expend the garden next year. Good times were had by all, some preliminary talk of seeds was had, but thought best to leave it to January. 


  As this year draws to its close, I am most grateful for the changes in how we grow, buy and share food. I hope you get a chance to invite your friends over for dinner and enjoy superior foods in the comfort of your home. Nothing warms the heart like local food. 
    

Mrs. Duguay makes bread!

There it is folks, a very nearly local loaf, made with these two hands in my kitchen.  As you can see by the correct date stamp, it was some time ago, but I did it! Since finding my camera I've uploaded some photo's, my chocolate zucchini cake and the granola bars- make sure you take a look.

As for my local eating, things are still pretty good- my daughter and I pick up groceries every Friday at the Eat Local Sudbury store, our meat, cheese, milk and other dairy products are still all local all the time.     Grains and veggies- well, we buy Ontario but I already wish I had more frozen foods. Lessons for next year, I guess. Pick every day!