Portland Foodie

Food, Inc and What's on My Food.org

Terry Connor, (aka The Write Gardener) garden writer and cool website finder, sent me a link to What's On My Food.org. This site shows you what pesticides are found in your food and the toxicity levels of said pesticides. I have to admit, it is a really stressful site. I had no idea...probably because I didn't want to know.

And while What's on My Food is an eye-opener, I was more impressed by its link out to a movie that is out it theaters now called Food, Inc. I have heard snippets of information about this movie, even seen posters up for it here in Portland, but hadn't really gotten the full picture. Here's what their website says about it:

Food, Inc. exposes America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights. Learn about these issues and take action through the Hungry For Change cafeteria and check out the 10 Simple Tips for making positive changes in your eating habits. Learn more about these issues and how you can take action on Takepart.com.

What I really like about this food activist studded trailer is that it brings a message of hope. Yes, it shows all that is wrong with our food supply, but it also shows us how "we the people" can make a difference. , Hop on over to the website and take a peek at the trailer.

Food, Inc is playing in theaters around the country right now. In Portland, it is playing at Cinema 21 until June 25. I highly recommend that you check it out, then come back and leave me a comment, let me know what you thought about it.

It is imperative that we take our conversations about the safety and overall nutrition of our food to the next level. By coming together, we can create positive change. We have certainly been successful before...remember big tobacco companies? Let's stand together again and make sure that big agriculture is thinking more about the impact their decisions are making on our health rather than the impact their decisions are making on their wallets.

Asparagus and Spinach Pasta

I have to admit that I make a lot of pasta dishes. I use all kinds of pasta shapes and sizes, as well as those made from different flours. In the summer, it is a great way to use multiple vegetables and trick your kids into eating food that is actually good for them. And I am all for food subterfuge...

This dish is something I whipped up when I realized the spinach was about to bolt. Combining that with a handful of asparagus and a big can of chopped tomatoes makes it absolutely full of nutrition.

Here's the scoop:

1 lb ground hamburger 

1 12 oz can of diced tomatoes

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1/2 cup grated Parm

Splash of half and half (optional)

1 tbs fennel seeds

1 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp basil

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp thyme

2 bay leaves

pinch of red pepper flakes

generous amounts of flaky salt and freshly ground pepper

1 package of conchiglie pasta

Brown hamburger and onions in skillet. Drain some of the excess fat, leave enough to prevent burning, omit draining if meat is lean. Add spices and herbs, salt and pepper, saute for a few minutes. Add tomatoes and garlic. Let simmer to combine flavors and reduce liquid from tomatoes.

Start a pot of water to boil. Add conchiglie pasta and cook according to directions on package. Conchiglie is also known as shell pasta and is great for this recipe. Since this isn't a really sauce-y pasta dish, the cupped shape of the pasta will grab up the bits of veggies and meat really well.

In the last couple of minutes of cooking, add half and half and cheese. I used fat free half and half. The parm and half and half create a pink sauce...but you can omit it if you like.

Drain pasta and add to sauce. Toss to combine and let stand for a minute or two to allow the pasta to soak up the fantastic flavors. Serve.