post Food Inc., the first recipe

As I promised on facebook I have typed up the first recipe I made in response to watching Food Inc. I've been talking about this movie and accompanying book a lot. There are two important and pertinent issues to this recipe and the movie. One: The way the four major corporations have shaped  animal farming and animal processing places tremendous risks to consumers. Two: The issue of immigration and undocumented workers is VERY complex, the U.S. agriculture CORPORATIONS depends upon unlimited cheap EXPLOITABLE labor (aka Illegal Workers); and the prices of food are distorted in part by this exploited labor force. Food is nourishment for the body and soul, information is noourishment for the mind and soul. Enjoy this recipe and read Food Inc.
Cheers!

Three Bean Vegetarian Chili

2 red bells peppers
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cups organic vegetable broth
1-1/2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
1 can no salt added tomatoes, undrained and chopped
1 (15oz) can pinto beans (I substitute black beans) drained and rinsed
1 (15oz) can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

Doug’s recommendations:
I’m a ginger freak so I added 1/2 cup diced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon Garam Masla
1 MORE teaspoon of crushed red pepper
1 package of soy tempeh or 3 grain tempeh
Preheat Broiler
Cut bell peppers in half length wise. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin side up, on foil lined cookie sheet. Broil until blackened. Place pepper halves in a zip lock bag, let stand 15 minutes. Peel and chop pepper halves.
Heat Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add onion, cooking 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cumin and next 4 ingredients (including garlic) (and ginger if added) cook 2 minutes or until spices bloom. Add bell peppers (and tempeh if added), let tempeh rest in spices for a minute or two. Then add broth, squash, and tomatoes; bring to a simmer/ Cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans; simmers 25 minutes longer or until thick. Sprinkle with green onions

Independence Day - Thoughts

A post from a friend: Annie Marie,
"Yes, we did produce a near-perfect republic. But will they keep it? Or will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom? Material abundance without character is the path of destruction." ~Thomas Jefferson

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.
Thomas Jefferson 

Perspective

This shot was taken by my friend Brian. It was taken underneath a bridge in St. Paul where people sleep. Yes the people who sleep in this space are most likely homeless. I'm going to be adding to this post very soon. I want to introduce the photo first. Stay tuned.

Artists' Space

Flying in Colorado!

Heart is found following the Path

I thought I needed to hike up to my spot above the house. I have always felt a special presence of spirit here. Today was phenomenal. A very short, concise hike up and some photography and now I return with wonderful gems.

Reading list

Home - Blood on Their Hands

I think I might like to read this book.
Blood on Their Hands.