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Table Talk: April 22

Eating green on Earth Day

By
April 20, 2010

Earth Day is a good day to talk about eating well — for the planet. Join Kim O’Donnel, on the road in Portland this week, as she offers links, advice, and recipes for eating green — and eats up your suggestions as well.

Plus, during the chat, Kim will give away a signed copy of Anna Lappe’s new book, Diet for a Hot Planet.

The chat happens right here on Thursday, April 22, at 1 p.m. ET, 10 a.m. PT. Sign up below to receive an email reminder in advance.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, is writing a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. Every week, she brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her live chats — right here at Table Talk, most Thursdays.

 Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - April 22, 2010(04/22/2010) 
10:01
Kim ODonnel: 
Hello, and Happy Earth Day! I'm typing to you from Portland, Ore., one of the country's greenest cities. Today is all about greening your kitchen, your cooking, your food shopping -- from local/sustainable to anything that's on your mind as it relates to food & our planet. Let's roll!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:01 Kim ODonnel
10:02
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Am dying for my farmers' market to start up again - May 2. Hi, everyone!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:02 Lizka
10:03
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Lizka - Where do you live?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:03 Linear Girl
10:03
Kim ODonnel: 
Hey there Lizka. I have been hearing the same kind of anticipation from lots of readers around the country. I cannot BELIEVE May is a week away! Asparagus, anyone?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:03 Kim ODonnel
10:04
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Alexandria, VA
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:04 Lizka
10:04
Kim ODonnel: 
Lizka, you'll probably be seeing strawberries really soon. And I bet the lettuces will be in full swing...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:04 Kim ODonnel
10:04
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Asparagus and rhubarb!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:04 JonClark
10:05
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, rhubarb! Green garlic, leeks, romaine....
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:05 Kim ODonnel
10:05
[Comment From Kristin Kristin : ] 
Here in Arlington, VA, we've been getting asparagus for 2 weeks now. It came early this year! I only eat asparagus when it's fresh and local, so this is my favorite time of year...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:05 Kristin
10:06
Kim ODonnel: 
Kristin, I had a wonderful salad last nite here in Portland -- asparagus stalks, shaved into thin pieces, left raw, dressed with lemon, olive oil & shaved parm. So simple, but outrageous.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:06 Kim ODonnel
10:06
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Just foraged for ramsons last weekend and made a pesto out of them. Used the pesto to fill ravioli with homemade ricotta. Delicious!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:06 JonClark
10:06
Kim ODonnel: 
JonClark, you are in Colorado, correct?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:06 Kim ODonnel
10:06
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
I KNOW!!! I'm afraid I won't be able to keep myself in check that first day :)
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:06 Lizka
10:06
Kim ODonnel: 
Ramsons are ramps?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:06 Kim ODonnel
10:07
Kim ODonnel: 
Nettles are big here in the PacNW. People are crazy for them, throwing into risotto.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel
10:07
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Kecskemet, Hungary
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:07 JonClark
10:07
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, of course! So tell us about the ramsons...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel
10:08
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Ramsons don't grow in the U.S. they grow in Europe and are known as bear onions. I also started finding morels in a forest near the city (4 different kinds!) as well as wild chives!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:08 JonClark
10:08
Kim ODonnel: 
Are they really stinky, Jon?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:08 Kim ODonnel
10:08
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I wonder how far South and/or West one has to be to get year round farmers' markets. In my imagination, Virginia has mild enough winters, generally, to allow it. Yippee to asparagus, strawberris and rhubarb. I've managed to convert my extended family into rhubarb lovers this last year.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:08 Linear Girl
10:09
Kim ODonnel: 
Well, there are year-round markets in the DC area. Selection is down, but markets do remain open...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel
10:09
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
We have a year round Farmer's Market in Falls Church. Last week we had asparagus and tomatoes! Grape tomatoes and a yellow tomato kind of in between a cherry and regular tomato in size. Not bad - definitely better than what I find in the local grocery stores.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:09 Jennifer
10:09
Kim ODonnel: 
Jennifer, were the tomatoes hydroponic?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel
10:09
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Ramsons are a leafy green that are among the first to pop up in the spring around the mountainous forests. They have a delicate oniony fragrance and flavor. The flowers are white and are also edible. I find them to be stronger in flavor than the leaves that are sought after.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:09 JonClark
10:10
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh, I love this. Such a treat to get a first-hand report from Hungary...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:10 Kim ODonnel
10:10
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I saw morels at the store last week for $50 per pound! I coveted them, then walked away. I haven't yet managed my $70 week for food but I am closing in on it.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:10 Linear Girl
10:11
Kim ODonnel: 
WOW! We need to get on the foraging train, Linear. And good for you to keep working away on the food budget.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel
10:11
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
I didn't ask about the tomatoes. I'll ask this week if they have them again.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:11 Jennifer
10:11
Kim ODonnel: 
That's gotta be it. Be curious to know -- quality of hydroponics can be pretty darn good.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel
10:11
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Not really, you can smell them before you can see them, but only because they covered the entire hillside and valley where ever we hiked! They're quite delicate. I like them a lot for pesto because they're not overpowering that way.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:11 JonClark
10:12
Kim ODonnel: 
Has anyone thought about growing some of their own food this year? I had 4 pots of herbs now in the yard, very excited to see what comes of them. Parsley, thyme, rosemary & mint.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:12 Kim ODonnel
10:12
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Right in Old Town, Alex. they have the longest running (supposedly) year round market, but I hear selection gets really dicey. I've never been cause it's too early on a Saturday morning for me
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:12 Lizka
10:13
Kim ODonnel: 
Old Town is not a producer-only market, if I remember correctly, Lizka. But FreshFarm market in Dupont is, and so is the year-round market in Takoma -- and poss. Falls Church.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:13 Kim ODonnel
10:13
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
On the California Central coast we've been getting locally grown green-house tomatoes for a month or so. They are a pretty nice bridge to real summer tomatoes.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:13 Linear Girl
10:14
Kim ODonnel: 
I CANNOT wait to bite into a vine-ripe tomato...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel
10:14
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I imagine morels should be just about ready to break above ground in Oregon too.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:14 JonClark
10:15
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, in the PacNW people go crazy for them & I am meeting more & more folks who go on foraging expeditions.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:15 Kim ODonnel
10:15
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Here in Central PA we now have year-round farmers markets. Definitely, selection is down during the winter months (mostly baked goods, jarred/canned, meats, cheeses, squash, garlic, potatoes), but man-o-man, spring is coming on STRONG. We've been eating local greens (hoop-housed, as we're still having frosts) and kales (cold-framed) for about 4 weeks now. No signs of asparagus at the markets yet, and we'll have to wait until June for strawberries. Woo!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:15 Erin
10:15
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
I'm growing too - cherry tomatoes and banana peppers (for my husband). Desided apart from those to concentrate on herbs this year, more bang for my buck, so to speak.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:15 Lizka
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
Herbs are a great cost saver, I agree! And I love being able to snip what I need from the plant. Very satisfying.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:16
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
I add more herbs to my garden every year. Last year I added winter savory and rue especially for drying then mixed them with other dried herbs for my own version of herbes de provence.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:16 Jennifer
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
what's rue, Jennifer?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:16
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I have an established rosemary bush from last year that survived inside along with two basil plants and a sage bush. I just planted mint, thyme, lemon balm, french tarragon, and will soon plant some chives.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:16 JonClark
10:16
Kim ODonnel: 
Fantastic, JonClark. Such a sense of accomplishment, no?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel
10:17
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
That sounds right Kim (about Old Town not being producer-only).
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:17 Lizka
10:17
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
I am in the process of putting pots of salad fixings together. I have land for a garden but no fencing to keep the deer out.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:17 Jean
10:17
Kim ODonnel: 
Jean, will you do hanging pots of lettuce then?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:17 Kim ODonnel
10:17
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
I gotta say that eggs at the farmers market are finally coming back, as is the uber-fresh raw milk... cows + new spring grass = sweetest bombalicious milk there is.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:17 Erin
10:18
Kim ODonnel: 
I love spring eggs, Erin. Know exactly what you mean. I feel like I'm eating the sun & the moon and the stars...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel
10:18
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I love the salad bowl idea, I've been thinking about doing that myself.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:18 JonClark
10:19
Kim ODonnel: 
It's so smart/efficient -- and you can snip what you need from the basket, and it keeps giving back. I don't have the right sun in the right place for it, but I think it's a swell idea.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:19 Kim ODonnel
10:19
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I love that so many people are growing things! Has anyone ever used a root cellar? I'm considering building one - hopefully into the hillside, but maybe just a space in the garage for wine and produce - and I'm curious what others have experienced.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:19 Linear Girl
10:19
Kim ODonnel: 
Ooh, fun idea, Linear. Anyone out there with root cellar experience?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:19 Kim ODonnel
10:19
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
I had never heard of rue until I started looking for recipes for Herbes de Provence. It looks like oregano and has a bitter flavor so I have only used it after I have dried it.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:19 Jennifer
10:20
Kim ODonnel: 
Wow, thanks for sharing, Jennifer. So it pairs up well with other herbs to create a dried blend?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel
10:20
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
Falls Church market is producer-only.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:20 Jennifer
10:20
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I've got tomatoes, peas, potatoes, onion, garlic, spinach, lettuce and herbs going right now. Have seeds starting for cukes, more tomatoes, basil, eggplant and peppers. We've got a small suburban lot, so our "landscaping" is generally a food garden, front yard and back. This is my favorite way of reducing my carbon footprint for food. Now if I could just convince my guy that we could do away with the lawns entirely . . .
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:20 Linear Girl
10:21
Kim ODonnel: 
Wonderful, Linear. So inspiring.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:21 Kim ODonnel
10:21
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Yes, the best part is that we only have a balcony and some windows that get light. They didn't design communist blocks to be cheery or green so we've been doing everything we can to fight that.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:21 JonClark
10:22
Kim ODonnel: 
Haha! I love it.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:22 Kim ODonnel
10:22
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
i planted my sprouted herbs in my window boxes last weekend! yay! lavender, chives, basil, and parsley. we'll see how they do.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:22 redweather
10:22
Kim ODonnel: 
Right on, redweather! I have basil in my window, too. I love the way it perfumes up the house.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:22 Kim ODonnel
10:22
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Jennifer - I just read about rue. How do you use it?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:22 Linear Girl
10:22
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
I am going to try the lettuce in hanging pots, but thinking of tomatoes too. any suggestions?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:22 Jean
10:23
Kim ODonnel: 
Jean, do you want to do cherry tomatoes or bigger varieties? I've had good luck with sungolds & other varieties of similar sizes in a deep pot. Lots of sun, lots of water and they are prolific producers.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:23 Kim ODonnel
10:23
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Linear, that's awesome!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:23 JonClark
10:24
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
Yes, so far I've only used the rue is dried blend.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:24 Jennifer
10:24
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
So Kim, what are you doing in Portland? I know lots of good things are happening this week with Earth Day.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:24 Jean
10:25
Kim ODonnel: 
Jean, I'm here attending the annual conference of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). Just came from hearing Ruth Reichl and Kim Severson, this afternoon is Madhur Jaffrey & Judith Jones! Very exciting gathering this year, lots of great energy.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:25 Kim ODonnel
10:25
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I finally read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and found it inspiring as well as entertaining. I feel like it was a perfect time to read it, right when the year is most hopeful and there are so many more conversations going on about green living.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:25 JonClark
10:26
Kim ODonnel: 
Nice, JonClark. I am also a big fan of "Plenty," and the names of the authors escape me for the moment. Hilarious, honest account of living locally for a year in Vancouver. Highly recommend it.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel
10:27
Kim ODonnel: 
Also just heard Anna Lappe speak. She's got a new book out, "Diet for a Hot Planet," and that's sitting by the bed when I have a few minutes to dig in.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:27 Kim ODonnel
10:27
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
The gimmicky ads are true - tomatoes really will grow upside down as well as right-side up, no staking required. Just give them enough earth, water and sunshine.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:27 Linear Girl
10:27
Kim ODonnel: 
Ok, Linear, you gotta explain this one. How do we grow tomatoes upside down?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:27 Kim ODonnel
10:27
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
I have seen the cherry toms, but would like to go larger, it it works.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:27 Jean
10:28
Kim ODonnel: 
Not as sure about growing larger varieties in pots. You got some ground for those?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:28 Kim ODonnel
10:28
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
JonClark - I loved that book. Kim - thanks for the "Plenty" tip.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:28 Linear Girl
10:28
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Oh! I've heard of that one! Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:28 JonClark
10:28
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, exactly. They're terrific. I could read it over & again.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:28 Kim ODonnel
10:29
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
speaking of spring eggs - i can't get farmers market "cruelty free" eggs year round - can i freeze eggs?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:29 redweather
10:29
Kim ODonnel: 
Freezing eggs. Hmm. I don't like this idea. But I'll let others weigh in.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:29 Kim ODonnel
10:29
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Tomatos in hanging bags - yes, it's true!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:29 Erin
10:29
Kim ODonnel: 
Yes, but how to do?? Dying to figure this one out.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:29 Kim ODonnel
10:30
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
it 's good to know those things work. There is a supplier in Oregon that has the ceramic up side down containers. Much nicer looking then the green plastic...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:30 Jean
10:30
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
There is some product out there that allows tomato plants to grow out of the bottom of a hanging basket, though I'm sure you could just do it out of a regular one and let them hang. You allow the vines to grow down and produce. I'd go with small-ish tomatoes, not necessarily cherries, but not more than 4-6 oz fruits. Any variety should work if you can hang where they'll get 10-12 hours of sunlight.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:30 Linear Girl
10:32
Kim ODonnel: 
So here's what I want to know: Since it's Earth Day, what have you noticed in your own life that's different about the way you cook & shop for food compared to say, 10 or even 5 years ago? Are you more or less cognizant of the way your cooking & eating impacts the environment? Dish.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:32 Kim ODonnel
10:34
Kim ODonnel: 
I know many of you have seen Food Inc., but there's another food doc out there making the rounds --"Fresh." Great storytelling, with constructive how-to action plan.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel
10:34
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
So simple but I've only started doing it in the last few years - bringing cloth bags with me to the grocery store.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:34 Jennifer
10:34
Kim ODonnel: 
Aha! Yes, that is a simple but such an effective, powerful change of habits.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel
10:34
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I definitely know a lot more than I did five years ago, but still feel like I'm just getting started in all of this. There's so much information out there, and of course everyone has there own arguments too, but I feel like I'm starting to find what I can believe and follow consciously.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:34 JonClark
10:35
Kim ODonnel: 
And every little bit counts, JonClark. I recommend that we proverbially bite off what we can chew, and then add, bit by bit...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel
10:35
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
Twenty five years ago, I was into gardening and granola... Busy family and lifestyle moved me into the mainstream.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:35 Jean
10:35
Kim ODonnel: 
Jean, do you envision somehow bridging those two ways of living at some point?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel
10:36
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Absolutely, I am so much more cognizant of ways eating impacts the environment. This one of the MAJOR reasons I'm jonesing for my farmers market - I'm sick of buying produce at the grocery store where it's trucked in from who knows where.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:36 Lizka
10:37
Kim ODonnel: 
Lizka, I've thought a lot about the trucking in of produce a lot lately. Because of the travel disruptions caused by the Iceland volcano, so much food in Kenya did not get shipped & supermarket shelves in Europe were emptying. Worst of all, so much of that food went to rot!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel
10:37
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Cooking and shopping: 1) reusable bags. 2) purchasing as close to in-season as possible. 3) farmers, and markets, and LOCAL. 4) organic. 5) quality over quantity. There are things that I do buy that don't fit any of these ideals - such as bananas and coffee - but overall, our family has made a big shift (because I'm the one in charge of the food and preparation).
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:37 Erin
10:38
Kim ODonnel: 
And Erin, your shifts are manageable within the context of your busy life as a mom.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel
10:38
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Agree with Jon SO much. Taking it bit by bit, makes it so much easier; not a huges change all at once.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:38 Lizka
10:39
Kim ODonnel: 
Plus, one doesn't feel overwhelmed. Incremental change is quite powerful; it's change that actually sticks.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:39 Kim ODonnel
10:39
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
great food film - Homegrown - saw it at the DC environmental film fest
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:39 redweather
10:39
Kim ODonnel: 
Ooh, thanks redweather. First time I'm hearing about this one.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:39 Kim ODonnel
10:39
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
This last year our Quaker meeting has been going back to our roots. We are gardening, buying local, eating sustainably raised meat.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:39 Jean
10:39
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I've been on this road for about 15 years, since I worked at a local food co-op when I moved to San Luis Obispo. It opened my eyes to where food comes from and it was pretty timely in terms of organic/sustainable coming into vogue, Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver writing, had a friend with a ranch so got local meat. I think I lucked into it, but I discovered better flavors and results - think the local eggs you mentioned! I didn't set out to make better food choices, though I have, I set out to find better food. Maybe this is a way to convince people to change who don't much care where their food comes from so long as it's good.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:39 Linear Girl
10:40
Kim ODonnel: 
And the more you know, the more you share with your friends and neighbors, and the more they know, the more the word spreads...I'm telling you, bit by bit, crumb by crumb...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel
10:40
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
I just ordered ducklings that are of a endangered type. Will be raising them for meat, eggs and to further the breed
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:40 Jean
10:40
Kim ODonnel: 
Nice, Jean! Way to go.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel
10:40
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Jean - that's terrific! Friends are good people.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:40 Linear Girl
10:41
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Agreed, Kim. I saw articles on that too. A friend mentioned how awful that all that produce was just rotting when you so often hear about starving people in Africa.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:41 Lizka
10:41
Kim ODonnel: 
Well, and it goes back to the argument that there truly is enough food to feed the world, but that the system is getting in the way of that.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel
10:41
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
We have been following Polyface Farm and others like them. After watching Food Inc. we decided we can do so much better ourselves. Learning to butcher an occasional duck or chicken, being respectful of the earth , is certainly better then the mass slaughter
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:41 Jean
10:41
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
Taking a note from the Jamie Oliver page today I taught one of my English language students how to make ravioli for our lesson.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:41 JonClark
10:42
Kim ODonnel: 
Right on! The many lessons that can be learned from learning how to cook a dish -- math, chemistry, botany, history, culture, politics...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:42 Kim ODonnel
10:42
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Kim, the changes were made gradually, over time, and as I continue to learn. I have three very important, motivating individuals that keep me going (though they're picky as all get-out; that's another topic for another time). I'm all in with Linear Girl and LizKa, too.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:42 Erin
10:43
Kim ODonnel: 
And I think if we continue to tell ourselves that there is so much to learn, but it's a process, a work in progress, that we truly will make more of a dent, keep pushing the green envelope.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:43 Kim ODonnel
10:44
Kim ODonnel: 
By the way, next week, I'm attending a conference in Phoenix hosted by the Kellogg Foundation. Topic: child obesity & nutrition. What that means is there's no chat next Thursday. I'd be happy to change chat day to Friday, but how do folks feel about that?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:44 Kim ODonnel
10:45
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
I love to cook and experiment. My goal is to have a live food diet most of the time and to keep up my gourmet cooking. My daughter wants to signup for a CSA, just to have 'new' things that we might not grow ourselves. (and the deer won't eat)
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:45 Jean
10:45
Kim ODonnel: 
I know we've changed chat days previously, and it tends to get lost on everyone's calendars...
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:45 Kim ODonnel
10:46
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
It's funny but I was watching the A&E Biography of Julia Child and one thing that really made her a lifelong leader was that she was always learning and sharing. There was always someone that knew something that she didn't and others who were ready to learn something from her. If we work on this "Teach, Share, Learn" idea I think we'll make it as a species.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:46 JonClark
10:46
Kim ODonnel: 
I agree, JonClark. We must continue to inspire ourselves, which will be a source of inspiration to others.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:46 Kim ODonnel
10:47
Kim ODonnel: 
Does anyone compost? Thoughts?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:47 Kim ODonnel
10:47
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
JonClark - I love what you say about living consciously, it really suits my own style of thoughtful choices, but I think there's a lot to be said for the "anything worth doing is worth doing *badly*" philosophy, too. As a recovering perfectionist and control freak, I can't believe how often I've delayed changing my actions until I could think something through thoroughly before acting. I love that the babysteps that are available to the mainstream are still positive, good steps. (Industrial organics comes to mind - a baby step better than conventional, industrial produce).
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:47 Linear Girl
10:48
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
I don't really have an opinion about the chat next week - I'd try to make it, but I have a hard enough time remembering on THursday and could see myself forgetting. I think it would be fine to just skip a week.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:48 Lizka
10:49
Kim ODonnel: 
Well, then...there's the issue of May 6, when I'll be in NY...trying to come up with a Plan B for that week (or not do a chat)
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:49 Kim ODonnel
10:49
Kim ODonnel: 
Crazy schedule, right now, sorry!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:49 Kim ODonnel
10:49
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I wish I could compost again! I hate throwing away perfectly good scraps!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:49 JonClark
10:50
Kim ODonnel: 
We don't have our own compost pile (no room) but the city of Seattle offers containers just for food scraps & hauls it away to a compost mountain, which I think is the coolest thing since sliced bread.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel
10:50
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Yes, I compost! My husband and I argue about it all of the time, actually (what is/isn't a compost pile). We are a family of 5, and only set out one trash can a week thanks to composting kitchen waste/scraps and recycling as much as possible.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:50 Erin
10:50
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
LG - a girl after my own heart regarding the recovering perfectionist. That's me too!!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:50 Lizka
10:50
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
I compost. Learned it from my nonagenarian neighbor. I kept bugging her about how to do it and she finally told me she just throws everything in a pile, doesn't do it scientifically, just like she'd done her whole life. Now I do that too and get good compost. It just took a while for the pile to start.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:50 Linear Girl
10:51
[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ] 
I don't compost but would be interested in hearing others experience. We live on a typical suburban lot and I'm wondering if it would be worth it for a herb garden and couple of tomato plants.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:51 Jennifer
10:51
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I hear you Linear! I've been the same way for most of my life. Living in Hungary has really helped me to work on that and to accept what is while beginning the work of change alongside the constant work of everyday living. It's not perfect-sometimes it's downright horrible-but it's still the good work that leads in the right direction.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:51 JonClark
10:51
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Kim - Public composting - that is so AWESOME!!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:51 Lizka
10:51
Kim ODonnel: 
I know, Lizka. It rocks the kasbah.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:51 Kim ODonnel
10:51
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
I would love to compost, but end up with smelly piles. Think i am going to try worm bins instead.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:51 Jean
10:51
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
also, worm bins work great in small spaces! i have one in my 800 square foot apartment - no smell, great quiet pets!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:51 redweather
10:52
Kim ODonnel: 
Really, redweather? That's intriguing.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:52 Kim ODonnel
10:53
Kim ODonnel: 
Lower-impact meals on anyone's menus? I'm thinking less meat, of course.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel
10:53
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
Kim - can you then access the public compost heap?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:53 Guest
10:53
Kim ODonnel: 
Actually, right now for 2 weeks, you have access to the heap. Isn't that cool?
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel
10:54
[Comment From redweather redweather : ] 
i love my wormies! they have really reduced my garbage stream, and they are very low maintenence, plus they provide AMAZING compost
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:54 redweather
10:54
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Jennifer - we throw in weeds, lawn waste, all the scraps from the kitchen and I can't believe how much ends up going in. Even if you only get a little bit, think of it as one more bag you didn't have to buy at the garden center. We haven't had a problem with smell, either - we don't put in any pet waste or meat scraps and nothing else seems to stink.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:54 Linear Girl
10:55
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
JonClark - I think it must be pretty eye-opening to live in Hungary, or anywhere that's been through more difficult times recently than we have in the US. I
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:55 Linear Girl
10:55
[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ] 
Yes, I've definitely become more thoughtful about meat eating.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:55 Lizka
10:55
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Finishing to JonClark - I think you'd learn a TON about making do, not wasting things, etc.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:55 Linear Girl
10:56
Kim ODonnel: 
Oh shucks -- I just remembered! I have a signed copy of "Diet for a Hot Planet" by Anna Lappe to give away. Submit a comment at the bottom of the chat page & I'll randomly select a winner tomorrow (Friday Apr 23).
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:56 Kim ODonnel
10:57
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Yes, less meat, more local, and the big one for me: LESS WASTE.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:57 Linear Girl
10:57
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Less meat in our meals was a natural outcome when we switched over to locally raised products, mostly because they're more expensive. Think: quality over quantity. For us, a meal with meat is a special thing. I'd definitely say that we eat it less than once a week. Just gradually gravitated that way.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:57 Erin
10:58
Kim ODonnel: 
the idea of less meat is really becoming part of the vernacular, the consciousness.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:58 Kim ODonnel
10:58
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
Erin - I hear you! The first time I paid $25 for a chicken I thought I was nuts. Then I remembered I pay that much for a delivered pizza and the chicken would feed us for several nights. Just needed a good perspective.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:58 Linear Girl
10:58
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Compost - just don't add a lot of woody yard waste (like branches, limbs, shrub trimmings) unless you can cut them up or run 'em through a chipper. It takes a long time for it to break down (this is what me and the Mr. argue about, btw!).
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:58 Erin
10:59
Kim ODonnel: 
You all are like ambassadors for your own neighborhoods, I hope you know. You're great sources of info & inspiration!
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:59 Kim ODonnel
10:59
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
I've been pondering lower-impact meals. It would mean giving up a lot including grains like quinoa and amaranth, but there are local grains such as buckwheat that I should be trying to learn how to use. Fruits and Vegies are plentiful but eating meatless is a nightmare in Hungary. Surviving without tofu would be really hard. I just heard a story about some poor Hungarian vegetarians who had a conference in a restaurant and one omnivore (who told me the story) realized that there was goose liver in everyone's food but no one noticed. When the cook was asked she replied that she felt bad for the vegetarians not getting any meat. Meat is proper nutrition in these parts and it's hard to convince anyone of otherwise.
Thursday April 22, 2010 10:59 JonClark
11:00
Kim ODonnel: 
Sobering story, JonClark. And yes, so important to include context when we talk about these issues.
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:00 Kim ODonnel
11:00
[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ] 
FWIW - I put in the woody stuff, too, and it breaks down eventually. If they're really big, I put them in a different pile and use them for kindling for the BBQ. Which, of course, is polluting. Oh well.
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:00 Linear Girl
11:00
[Comment From Erin Erin : ] 
Speaking of local meats... uh, I have a duck in my 'fridge. I steamed it last night for an hour to release a bunch of fat, so... now what? :D
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:00 Erin
11:01
Kim ODonnel: 
I think drying it is a good idea, then marinating....then roasting or grilling...
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:01 Kim ODonnel
11:02
[Comment From Jean Jean : ] 
Erin, how about a gentle stir fry?
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:02 Jean
11:02
[Comment From JonClark JonClark : ] 
oooh, now you apply a marinade and you roast it on high heat starting with the legs for 10 minutes then adding the breasts for another 7. You also boil out the water and save that fat for smearing on bread, and also frying things like potatoes and cabbage to go with the duck!
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:02 JonClark
11:03
Kim ODonnel: 
I've got to run, gang. I'm going to check in with Kim at Culinate about the next few weeks of chats & figure out what to do for chat time/day. Thank you all for stopping by. Thought-provoking chat, as always. Be well, take care. All best.
Thursday April 22, 2010 11:03 Kim ODonnel
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1. by Jon Clark on Apr 22, 2010 at 11:05 AM PDT

Thanks for hosting Kim! I’m really happy that I could attend this week. Thanks to everyone else for the wonderful ideas and support!

2. by Linear Girl on Apr 22, 2010 at 11:09 AM PDT

Diet is a dirty word
for which we’ve got no other.
A healthy plan? or
Hot new trend - on this
Planet we still must feed our brother.

It may be bad poetry but I look forward to the book, whether from you or the library.

3. by Lizka on Apr 22, 2010 at 1:09 PM PDT

Wonderful exchange of ideas today. Thanks everyone!

4. by kfg3973 on Apr 23, 2010 at 1:32 PM PDT

I’ve been following this blog for about a year, just listening to all the good and inspirational advise. Over that year, I have given up meat (as has one daughter, husband, son and other daughter have reduced their consumption tremedously) Started using cloth grocery bags - even convinced my husband’s company to give them away as advertising. We started seriously, rather than randomly recycling. We joined a CSA last year and this year will have our first vegetable garden. We have also vowed not to add anything to our landscape but edible things. Its amazing how one small change leads you to the next one. Thanks for the encouragement to live a greener lifestyle!

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Kim O’Donnel is a trained chef, nationally recognized online food personality, and a longtime journalist. She is the author of a new cookbook, The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook.

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