Some may argue that large-scale farms offer efficient production, but I’m a big fan of local food. That’s because:
- I believe we have to have Canadians farming across Canada in order to have a safe and stable food supply, now and in the future. What if imported food becomes too expensive for most of us, or we begin to doubt its healthfulness? What if we lose the skills to farm?
- I think that many small farms are more stable than large ones, since the little guys can respond more flexibly to changing consumer needs.
- Farming can help support good use of rural land, and it can help keep land rural. (Stop right there, sprawl!)
- Farming goes hand-in-hand with artisanal food production. Who doesn’t love maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies, mustard, preserves, special cheeses?
It may be late November, but there’s still a lot of local food available at markets and grocers alike. Here are a few of my favourite Homemakers receipes featuring fall’s harvest vegetables:
- Maple Glazed Rutabaga and Parsnips
- Gorgonzola Parsnips (this is now a regular dish at the Ross family Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners)
- Carrot Souffle with Parsley Sauce (the only problem with this recipe is it’s hard to get enough of it while sharing with your family!)
- Curried Sweet Potato and Millet Soup (sweet potatoes are so good for us too!)
- Swiss Rosti with Cheese (perfect if you have local potatoes on hand)
