Fresh peas are one of our first harbingers of Summer. We’ve already started planting even though there is still intermittent snow falling here in the mountain West. The early shoots coming up are like a promise that spring really will arrive at some point here. I love that you posted this piece.

I am not quite sure why, but this article really rustled my feathers, and I cannot quit thinking about it. The reason for this is not the recipe, it looks and sounds good, and the writing is fine.I think one of the best parts of the article is that the author is obviously putting quite a bit of consideration and love into the meals she makes, being careful to be inclusive of all family members. The part that gets to me is the labeling of beans/legumes (especially the dried varieties) as “un-real food.” These foods are perhaps some the most “real” if such labels must be used, and have been a staple food of cultures around the world for thousands of years. Making a bean-less chili is great, especially for those who may have legume allergies (as seen in an above comment), however adding the “real food diet” label to the article is problematic. This diet is just the latest “as seen on Oprah” tag line diet that seems to be lacking a singular unified set of guidelines (quite a few real food diet sources do not cite omitting legumes from your menu, and some may find issues with the consumption of avocado if they have transported to you food purveyor via a lengthy truck or plane ride). Sorry, I just had to get his out, it has been bothering me all day.

Harriet,
I appreciate you article. Yesterday I was directed by a friend to an article called “Eat no Evil” by Alan Richman. It was an involved article about eating ethically and how “hard” it is. With all respect to Mr. Richman, whose article is well written and interesting, I disagree with his take home points and your article here illustrates why. It isn’t really that hard. Additionally, cooking at home really is that good. Thanks for the article.

-Johanna

“Cocina de la Familia” by Marilyn Tausend is a cookbook that I received several years ago as a holiday gift. The book is a collection of recipes from Mexican-American home kitchens. I’m yet to cook anything out of this book that isn’t delicious.