One Meal at a Time

Our food industry has changed more drastically in the last 60 years than ever before in the history of human kind. That change has been brought on by industrialization and the effect of population growth on supply and demand. Food companies have become empires, farms have become factories, and farmers have been replaced with machines.

Animals are no longer seen as animals, they are referred to as "livestock," "cattle," "poultry," or "pork," and they are "grown" not raised. Huge factory farms are now the breeding ground for mutated disease-causing organisms which multiply rapidly among animals crammed so tight and knee deep in their own filth, feces, pus, and urine that the run off from these factory farms contaminates neighboring farms growing spinach, leafy greens, and other nutritious vegetables.

When we go to our grocery stores, we no longer look for in-season tomatoes. The tomatoes are always bright red, perfectly shaped, and shiny. When we need a quick meal, we no longer shop for wholesome ingredients to cook--we drive through the closest fast food establisment where we can feed a whole family for $10.00!

Salmonella outbreaks, E. Coli deaths, an increase in obesity, heart disease, digestive problems, allergies, immunities to antibiotics, diabetes and a myriad other health issues can be directly linked to our current Food Industry.

But where does your food come from? The transportation of food from thousands of miles away not only congests our highways, but also contributes to the amount of smog and pollution in the environment.

There are ways you can help change this epidemic. You can start by making informed decisions at every meal! You can start getting healthy and making a change ONE MEAL AT A TIME. Don't feed your children food that will cause them to have health issues in the future. Cheap food is not really inexpensive on a social, health, and environmental level.

Buy in-season produce

Shop at Farmer's Markets

Choose Organic produce

Buy free-range

Buy from socially responsible companies that treat their workers, animals, and the earth with respect.

Buy Local

Plant a garden in your own backyard, you will be proud to serve your guests and family food that you grew yourself!

And try a Vegan meal a few times a week!!!

Be well and always QUESTION, READ LABELS, AND ASK "WHERE DID MY FOOD COME FROM?"

What's So Special About Specialty Foods?

Everyday we make choices which will impact our health by choosing to consume highly processed, preserved foods or authentic, high-quality specialty foods. Only products which are innovative, minimally processed and packaged, and use the highest quality ingredients fall into the category of specialty foods.

Since 1955, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade has been showcasing these products at their Fancy Food Shows twice a year. This month, I will be attending the NASFT 56th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. There will be thousands of food companies representing their various specialty foods and beverages. I can't wait to see all the new Vegan foods!

I'll post video and photos during the trip on my social media accounts: Facebook ; Twitter ; Flickr

Visit SpecialtyFood for more information on the 2010 NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show!

Visit Verdelicious.com for all the latest news in the Vegan world!! Looking forward to featuring my vegan amiga Hayley Marie Norman showing us new Vegan spots!

Visit my website and social media sites! http://www.KarinnasDish.com http://www.facebook.com/Karinnaz http:h/www.twitter.com/Karinnaz, http://Karinnaz.yelp.com

Thank You, Alec Baldwin

In a recent contribution to the Huffington Post, Alec Baldwin describes the type of Governor that New York needs. He addresses many issues including budget deficits, environmental concerns, and the need for divorce and child custody reform. In his final statement he addresses one of the most horrific discoveries of the year on the Conklin Dairy Farm in Ohio. He states:

"On another, certainly more important note, did you see the video posted here regarding the Conklin Farm animal abuse story in Ohio? Let me assure you, someone risked their health and maybe their life to record that video. When you see this, you will never again doubt the necessity for and courage of the animal rights movement."

Animal rights and environmental supporters thank Alec Baldwin and other high profile celebrities for speaking out against animal abuse and for their courageous quest for a cruelty-free society.

Speak out, Question the Norm, and Live with Kindness!
Peace.

¡Viva México! Felíz Cinco de Mayo!

It's that time of year again! Time to celebrate and throw a fiesta! Everyone knows Cinco de Mayo is a big party day full of family, friends, Carne Asada, Salsa, Guacamole, Margaritas and Cerveza!

It's also a very significant day in Mexican history commemorating the day the small Mexican Militia under President Benito Juarez defeated Napoleon III's French army double its size in the town of Puebla in 1862. They fought an intelligent battle by using techniques that managed to outsmart the invading army. México's Independence Day falls in September, but Cinco de Mayo is a special day we celebrate here in the United States to honor our neighbors to the South. Although we were in the middle of our own Civil War here in the U.S. in 1862, General Phil Sheridan sent Union forces straight to the Texas/Mexico border to boost the Mexican Army and ensure the French were defeated! Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate the unity between my two countries.

México has shown gratitude on many occasions, sending troops to help fight along with the U.S. at Pearl Harbor and even offering support during the Gulf War and during Terrorist attacks.

Celebrate on this fun and special day! Celebrate Freedom, Liberty, and Unity!

Make your own Karinna's Margarita!

4 oz. Tequila

3 oz. Juice of Lime

3 oz. Grand Marnier

1/2 oz. Blue Agave Nectar

Rimming Salt, Lime wedge for garnish

Pour all ingredients into a shaker cup, add ice, cover and shake.

Rim the glass with salt, serve cold in a large margarita glass and garnish with lime wedge.

Variation: If you're really bar-savvy, try muddling some strawberries or cucumber into the bottom of the glass and shake up with the rest of the ingredients!

¡Disfruta!