Homegrown Revolution

This film is a short introduction to a homegrown project that has been called a new revolution in urban sustainability. In the midst of a densely urban setting in downtown Pasadena, California, the Dervaes family have transformed their home into an urban homestead and model for sustainable agriculture and city living. The Dervaes family shows that change is possible, one step at a time.

For more information or to buy the film:
www.homegrownrevolution.com
More information on the Dervaes family project:
www.littlehomesteadinthecity.org

Chert Hollow Farm-Dinner Photo Roundup

Eric and Joanna Reuter of Chert Hollow Farm hosted 16 Slow Food Katy Trail members for a farm tour and dinner on Sept. 16.

They talked about their diversified organic-farming methods as we explored the fields of beautiful amaranth, heirloom beans, tomatoes, corn and greens. After meeting the goats and chickens, we were treated to a delicious Southern meal prepared from ingredients grown and produced on-farm.

The menu featured a tasting platter of black cherry tomatoes, sheepnose pimento, Costata Romanesco squash, Fin de Bagnol green beans,Burmese okra, Poona Kheera cucumber, Lina Sisco's Bird Egg and Hutterite soup beans and farm-fresh cheeses.

Next came the Hoppin' John, which was prepared with heirloom cowpeas, onions, garlic, hot peppers, tomatoes, mixed greens and fresh cheese.

From there we moved on to a mess of greens
(collard, mustard, kale and beet greens sauteed with garlic and vinegar). Then came three batches of cornbread, each made with a different variety of corn (White Hickory King, Mandan Bride and Arikara White). All were delicious--especially when drizzled with local honey and sorghum.

The fried green-heirloom tomatoes and okra--breaded with freshly ground cornmeal and delicately pan fried--made all of us swoon.

A beautiful apple-pecan cake made with farm eggs and yogurt and Missouri-produced apples, pecans, honey and wheat flour competed for our taste buds next to a luciously smooth custard made from farm eggs and milk and topped with Missouri cherries, farm-grown rhubarb and gooseberries.

Eric and Joanna strive to live by the principles they market: a dedication to local foods through self-sufficiency and avoidance of processed foods. They are working to integrate vegetables, fruit, grains, livestock, poultry, dairy, and more into a self-sufficient farm that respects the traditions of their ancestors while making use of appropriate innovations. Maintenance of diversity is one of their basic principles of farming, as evidenced by their focus on heirloom vegetables and heritage breeds, including a number of Slow Food Ark of Taste varieties. They intend to earn a decent living while feeding themselves and visitors with the freshest and best food possible, sourced on-farm as most farms once did.

Drop by their stand at the Columbia Farmers Market and say hello. If you get there early enough, you may be able to get some of their cornmeal which they've been grinding on site.

Time-for-Lunch Labor Day Event Photo Roundup

Our Time-for-Lunch Labor Day event at Ragtag Cinema/Uprise Cafe drew 100 parents, teachers, students and others who are concerned about the nation's school-lunch program. After viewing the movie, Fresh, panelists discussed with the audience their thoughts about how to get better food in local schools. We then gathered on the patio where we enjoyed fresh crepes, brats, heirloom-tomato bruschette and watermelon.
We gathered signatures for petitions and encouraged everyone to write their local congressmen and women about the need for fresh, local food in our schools.

Quarry Party and Picnic Photo Round-up

Greystone Farm Annual Quarry Party and Picnic August 2

We swam in Tim and Julie Walker's beautiful quarry, ate the best potluck picnic food in mid-Missouri (including Greystone's delicious brats and ribs), churned fresh Missouri- peach gelato, played volleyball and hitched up the wagon to tour the farm.

Help Grow the Movement; Join During September Special

Slow Food Katy Trail is part of a growing movement that needs you. On Labor Day, more than 20,000 people came together across the country to show their support for getting real food in school. You are helping us send a powerful message to decision makers that this is a movement of people who think it's time to change what kids eat at the lunch table. Thank you to so many of you who already support us through your participation and membership.

To keep building momentum and change our food system, we are counting on you to be part of our local chapter. If you're not yet a member, you can join the organization with a donation of any amount through September 30. Give more if you can and less if you can’t. The point is—we want you with us. Membership normally starts at $60, so please visit http://www.slowfoodusa.org/growthemovement so you can take advantage of this offer and join today.

Your support will help legislators take notice of our cause, and your involvement in our chapter will make a difference. Please join us.

Slow Food Katy Trail
slowfoodkatytrail@yahoo.com





http://www.slowfoodusa.org/growthemovement