Preparing for the Locavore Challenge

The last few weeks Dann and I have been passing around the Locavore Challenge registration form.  What to do, what to do.  I know I will be traveling for work some and while I've gotten used to transporting hard boiled eggs and gifts from my garden in my carry on luggage, I'm not sure I will be successful with the contents needed for 3 meals + snacks a day for the times away from home in unfamiliar cities.

I did reach out to a local organic farm in the area I am headed to next week for recommendations on where to eat but have yet to hear back.  If anyone reading this has recommendations for local/sustainable eateries in the Mettawa, IL area, please let me know.

So back to the Locavore Challenge.  I decided to look at the food side of the challenge by making a list of our favorite meals that I know will highlight local products of the season, I was happy to list 20 dinners without much thought at all!  and considering we usually have leftovers that also provides 20 lunches too.  I know I have another 10 dinners to go, but still I thought this was supposed to be a challenge? 

It is a wonder to think back to how we have changed our eating habits and have embraced the produce of the seasons when they are at the peak of their flavor.  When I see strawberries advertised in a salad in August I'm aghast, don't they know strawberries are a June fruit?  We should be using blueberries and peaches in our fresh salads in August!  Which I do, I LOVE grilled peaches on my salad, no dressing required, the juice of the peach provides the perfect dressing.  Don't get me wrong, we will be enjoying strawberries later this year - strawberries we froze after we picked our own in June.

Like food?  Try eating with the seasons in your area, the flavors will amaze you!