Slow Food

Slow down you move too fast, you gotta make the morning last... whenever I find myself referring to lyrics from the sixties, I realize that I'm letting my age show. Then I say so what, I am as I am and that's just fine. Aging is a natural process and we should all slow down and enjoy it. Life is a celebration and not a race, so why hurry through it. There are no winners or losers we all share the same fate when our stay is over. Before we launch into any spiritual or religious discussions, I am talking about death not what comes after.

Now, how does all this relate to food. Well as I was cruising around the Suite today, I came across the Slow Food Movement. I had read an article about them several months back and was looking for some references for this week's article. We live in a fast paced society and our eating habits are prime examples of just how fast we are going. Fast food franchises clutter the urban landscape. The golden arches are everywhere. I'd rather look at a tree, even in winter than another fast food sign.

So this week, I'm asking what's the hurry? Where are you going that you need to move so fast just to get there? Think about taking it easy. To help you reduce the rush, why not develop the habit of , at least once a week, slowing down and actually seeing what is around you. What better way to do this than by preparing or helping to prepare a meal for family and friends. Give some thought to the menu and let the season help you decide what to serve. Make the effort to eat foods that have been grown locally.

Here, in Thunder Bay, where Winter is clinging on, root vegetables are the food of choice. A root vegetable stew is slowly cooking in my slow cooker as I key in these words. I have written about my fondness for the bread machine before but the slow cooker sits right along beside it. It is possible to make great meals in a calm and relaxed way. No need to run around the house when you get in, trying to toss the makings of a palatable meal together. No need to grab something in a box or bag,toss it into the microwave and pretend it's dinner. No need to drop by the take-out place, and bring home the family meal. A little slicing and dicing the night before and the bulk of your work is done. Next week we will look at the value of slowing down, even if it is for only one meal a week.

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