The Good, Good Pig

Some of you have shared that you are having trouble going meatless. Yes, you know the information...both the horrors of factory farming and slaughterhouse "processing", as well as the good things, the benefits for your health and for the future of a healthy environment. You've watched the movies and read some of the books...although I know one of you out there..shhh...mum's the word, only reads 1/3 of the way through your books.

You know but you just cannot do.

On this Meatless Monday, I thought I would offer you another approach. The Good, Good Pig is a book I picked up at our library...a staff pick. It is a memoir and so know straight up, there will be tears. However, even for a deep mourner like me who cries at the thought of losing my beloved pals and still, at times, at the memory of those lost, I only went through two Kleenexes.

I had not heard of this book before and it is one of the most tenderly written "love stories" ever.

It is a book about what is possible.

Maybe it is possible for you, too, to read it. Maybe it is possible for you to start with pork and just say "no". 

Maybe it is both possible and doable. That would be a good, good start.

Here is a lovely breakfast from Dr. Neal Barnard to start your day. Have a good, good one.

Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup canned pumpkin (or leftover baked sweet potato)
2 tablespoons agave nectar (honey if you prefer)
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of cloves
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients with 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until liquid is absorbed and oatmeal is creamy. You may also want to toss in some toasted nuts. Your kitchen will smell divine. Life will be good.  Serves 4.