Hi & welcome to the steady cook!
In this blog, you will find healthy (and sometimes hearty) and delicious recipes that steady the soul. You will also find stories and biographies from small food producers and farmers that provide me with many of the nutritious ingredients that I use in my everyday cooking. As you will see, I am passionate about environmental and social health, particularly as it relates to sustainable food production and farming. I am a realist and don’t always have the time, money, or opportunity to buy local, organic or sustainable foods, or cook for that matter. But, I do my best to use ingredients produced through sustainable practices, not only for the health of the environment but for the health of my community and other small communities across the nation.
When I talk about sustainable farming, I am referring to farming practices that help to preserve and improve the health of the environment through activities such as crop rotation, use of cover crops, low till or no-till practices, managed grazing, etc. These practices help to build healthy, nutrient-rich soils that are abundant in organic material; soils that require less water and chemical fertilization and that are less likely to erode into our lakes, rivers, and oceans and cause water contamination and unhealthy aquatic ecosystems.
In addition to supporting sustainability, I also strive to purchase foods grown locally. The benefits of supporting local farmers and food producers are multi-faceted. Buying locally means that you are keeping your money in your community. You are supporting the local economy and helping to grow jobs in your community through fair wages and the equitable treatment of employees. Buying locally has environmental benefits as well, through reduced shipping and transportation impacts (reduced greenhouse gas emissions!) and reduced packaging. By supporting your local farmers and food producers, you are supporting their way of life. This results in mental well-being not only for those small business owners but for their employees too.
My goal is to support small farmers and food producers. Think of me as their cheerleader. If this blog can help promote and support these businesses, then I have succeeded. So, please help me to support local and sustainable foods and food production by subscribing to my blog. These farmers will get the recognition and support that they deserve and you will get a few delicious recipes too!
You can read stories about the farmers and producers that make my recipes so delicious HERE. When possible, I will also provide links so that you may purchase items directly from each producer, or, details on how to visit their farm or business.
Thank you for reading and as always, stay steady!
Kathryn