Mary's Kitchen: February 2015

Thursday, February 26, 2015

REAL FOOD Friday #77

Hello and Welcome to REAL Food Friday!

I'd like to thank all of the conscious bloggers who followed the guidelines and

shared REAL FOOD recipes and organic gardening and posts. Thank you for sharing!

Please take a moment and follow your co-hosts on FB, Twitter, Bloglovin and/or Pinterest. We appreciate it!

Wondering where I've been lately?
Check out my post about Our New Homestead
I also shared an UPDATE

Did you see my #realfoodchallenge article?

JOIN ME!

Would you like to join one of our link-ups? We have openings for
Tuesdays with a Twist and REAL Food Friday!
Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

On to the PARTY! We're your hosts
Marla @ Organic4 Greenlivings
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo
Joyce @ It's Your Life
me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen

<a href="http://maryshealthymeals.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/REALFood1_zpsb7242283.jpg"/></a>
If you're interested in co-hosting let us know!

You can email Mary at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

In case you missed "What is Real Food" here's a recap...

I know "Real" food may not seem like as much fun as the sugary, chemically, DIY recipes out there on the internet. This is why REAL Food Friday is so unique. This is the place to share your unprocessed, gmo-free, locally grown and/or fair trade posts. Here's a great reference from Food Myths.
We are trying to make a difference 1 recipe at a time!

If your post includes items like *margarine, *granulated sugar, *food dye, packaged baking mixed with ingredients that you cannot pronounce (betty crocker, duncan hines, pillsbury, bisquik, general mills) then it WILL be deleted.

Time to link up your Real Food posts!
The party runs from Thursday at 7pm EST through Monday at Noon.

Please follow your hosts and consider adding the Real Food Friday button.

Get the FACTS about GMOs

In case you missed my post from Back to the Basics, I am re-posting here.

I Will NOT Be Censored!!!

Do I have your attention? Good!
Last night we had a semi-heated discussed on my PERSONAL facebook page. I highlight personal because I also have a blog/business facebook page, which is a bit less controversial. But hey, my personal fb acct is my business and my right to share controversial stuff if I so choose!

The topic was GMOs. I shared a nurse/farm wife fb status of her tour of the Monsanto facility in Hawaii. If you have followed me here for any length of time, you know that I am VERY anti-GMO and very outspoken about the harmful effects of pesticides on humans, animals and the plant.

Apparently, this person didn't like comments made by my friends or myself and took it upon herself to tell us all we needed "less organic cherrios and more Jesus." She then proceeded to tell us all about the wonders of GMOs.

First, NO ONE is going to tell me what I can and cannot say. I am very opinionated and have a whole lotta facts to back me up!
Second, if all it would take were a few bitch-slaps to GMO farmers to get them to stop poisoning us then I would be the FIRST person in line to start the slapping.

Monsanto and other giant chemical companies spend Millions of dollars every year to promote the benefits of GMOs and their toxic pesticide counter-parts. They have hired full time bloggers, scientists and PR machines to convince people that it's okay to continue poisoning the earth while raking in the profits.

Let me also say this, it is not my job to judge. I make an effort every day to eat healthy and GMO free and sometimes I still consume not-so-healthy foods. Sometimes we go out for dinner or over to eat with family. No way am I going to be rude and turn away food just because it isn't completely free of GMOs.
No one is perfect, especially not me. All I can do it give it 110%.

That being said, it is my mission to EDUCATE every day and to everyone who will listen. Below are just a few educational articles to help you understand about the potential dangers of GMOs and their toxic pesticide counterparts.

In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food.

High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):

Alfalfa (first planting 2011)

Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)

Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)

Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)

Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)

Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)

Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)

Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products. SOURCE

Food & Water Watch: Greenwashing Genetically Engineered Crops

90 Day Study on GMOs
Several convergent data appear to indicate liver and kidney problems as end points of GMO diet effects in the above-mentioned experiments. This was confirmed by our meta-analysis of all the in vivo studies published, which revealed that the kidneys were particularly affected, concentrating 43.5% of all disrupted parameters in males, whereas the liver was more specifically disrupted in females (30.8% of all disrupted parameters).

GMOs are Killing Bees, Butterflies, Birds and...?

65 Health Risks of GM Foods

Monsanto's RoundUp Found in 75 of Air & Rain Samples

Toxic Pesticides from GM Food Crops found in Unborn Babies

From the Institute for Responsible Technology

New information in the updated report includes:

A review that is claimed by pro-GMO lobbyists to show that 1,700 studies show GM foods are as safe in fact shows nothing of the sort. Instead many of the 1,700 studies cited show evidence of risk. The review also excludes or glosses over important scientific controversies over GMO safety issues. (p. 102)
A review purportedly showing that GM foods are safe on the basis of long-term animal studies in fact shows evidence of risk and uses unscientific double standards to reach a conclusion that is not justified by the data. (p. 161)
A laboratory study in human cells shows that very low levels of glyphosate (the main chemical ingredient of Roundup herbicide, which most GM crops are engineered to tolerate) mimicked the hormone estrogen and stimulated the growth of breast cancer cells. The level of glyphosate that had this effect was below the level allowed in drinking water in Europe and far below the level allowed in the USA. It was also below the level found in GM glyphosate-tolerant soy, which is imported into Europe for animal feed and human food. If confirmed in animal studies, this finding would overturn regulatory assumptions of safe levels of glyphosate. (p. 221)
A rat feeding study led by Professor Gilles-Eric Séralini, which found toxic effects from a GM maize and tiny amounts of the Roundup herbicide it is grown with, was retracted by a journal editor for unscientific reasons. Yet the study is far stronger and more detailed than many industry studies that are accepted as proof of safety for GMOs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had to reject the study in order to protect its own previous opinions on this and other GMOs, for reasons explained in the report. The findings of this study, if confirmed, would overturn regulatory assumptions of safe levels of glyphosate and Roundup. (pp. 94, 147)
Claims that an EU-funded research project shows GMOs are safe are not evidence-based, since the project did not even test the safety of any commercialized GMOs. Some animal testing data gathered by the project actually reveal health risks from the GMOs tested. (p. 166)
Claims that Europe is becoming a “museum” of farming because of its reluctance to embrace GM crops are shown to be nonsensical by research showing that Europe’s mostly non-GM agriculture out-yields the USA’s mostly GM agriculture with less pesticide use. Instead, it is the GM-adopting USA that is falling behind Europe in terms of productivity and sustainability. (pp. 232–233)
Risks from an important new type of GMO that is designed to silence genes are not being properly assessed by regulators. (p. 78)
Contrary to claims by GMO proponents, the real reason GM golden rice isn’t available has nothing to do with anti-GMO activists and everything to do with basic research and development problems. (p. 197)
Conventional breeding continues to outstrip GM in delivering crops that yield well, resist disease, are nutritious, and tolerate drought and other types of extreme weather. (pp. 284, 318–321)
Crop genetics are only part of the solution to our food and agriculture challenges. The other part is agroecological farming methods that build soil and focus on growing a diversity of naturally healthy and resilient crops. (p. 303)

Risks and Side Effects of Genetically Modified Foods

There is no Scientific Consensus about the Safety of GMOs

GMO Science - Studies & Research

My own articles:
The EPA just Approved AGENT ORANGE Pesticide

Does Monsanto Control Our Food in the US?

What are GMOs...Just the Facts

When I first learned about GMOs I was super freaked out but then I got busy. I started growing a few things on my patio. When we moved, I made sure we had a yard to grow more food. I started Mary's Heirloom Seeds over 4 years ago. What started as a tiny non-gmo seed company has GROWN into an education center and go-to small business for organic growing.

I am thrilled and proud of the direction we are headed. My husband and I work very hard to help our community and our world grow organic.

If you have additional questions about getting started or would like more info please feel free to ask. As always, I am happy to help.

If you'd like to check out some of our gardening tips, check out our fb page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

Or Sign up for our E-Newsletter

Thursday, February 19, 2015

REAL FOOD Friday #76

Hello and Welcome to REAL Food Friday!

I'd like to thank all of the conscious bloggers who followed the guidelines and

shared REAL FOOD recipes and organic gardening and posts. Thank you for sharing!

Please take a moment and follow your co-hosts on FB, Twitter, Bloglovin and/or Pinterest. We appreciate it!

Wondering where I've been lately?
Check out my post about Our New Homestead

Did you see my #realfoodchallenge article?

JOIN ME!

Would you like to join one of our link-ups? We have openings for
Tuesdays with a Twist and REAL Food Friday!
Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

On to the PARTY! We're your hosts
Marla @ Organic4 Greenlivings
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo
Joyce @ It's Your Life
me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen

You can email Mary at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

In case you missed "What is Real Food" here's a recap...

Time to link up your Real Food posts!
The party runs from Thursday at 7pm EST through Monday at Noon.

Please follow your hosts and consider adding the Real Food Friday button.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Our New Homestead Update

So far, as expected, It's been loads of fun and hard work around here!
In 14 days, we've managed to build 4 raised beds...fill them with dirt using a single wheelbarrow, plant several hundred heirloom seeds, AND managed to blog, ship seeds for Mary's Heirloom Seeds, SHARE our tutorial with friends & customers and have a great time.
Oh ya, we also Unpacked boxes!!!

Last night was my sister's birthday. It was nice to get cleaned up and drive over to my Mom's for dinner and family time. It's been 8 years since I've been able to do this so I am over-the-moon excited!

So here's a pictorial update

Indoor Seed Starting

We planted a bunch of seeds indoors and a bunch of seeds directly in beds.

Build Your Own Raised Bed Garden (tutorial)

Once the beds were filled I planted seeds!

Our first Salad Bed

Our Salad Bed includes edible flowers: Coreopsis and Nasturtium. Greens: 5 Color Silverbeet Chard, Nero Cabbage (aka Lacinato Kale), Dwarf Pak Choy and Little Gem Lettuce.

It was rough the first few days without a refrigerator.
Once our new appliance arrived, we were thrilled to eat healthier lunches.

It was a bit cold the first few mornings.
Once I got warmed up, the sweatshirt came off!

The last few days I've been sharing the NEW seed varieties we've added at Mary's Heirloom Seeds for 2015. We're STILL adding more but I thought I'd share our progress

So Many NEW Heirloom Seed Varieties...Where do I Start?

So Many NEW Organic Wildflower Varieties...Plant for the Pollinators!

There you have it!

Thanks for stopping by and if you have additional questions please feel free to ask.

HAPPY PLANTING!

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

REAL FOOD Friday #75 is LIVE!

Hello and Welcome to REAL Food Friday!

I'd like to thank all of the conscious bloggers who followed the guidelines and

shared REAL FOOD recipes and organic gardening and posts. Thank you for sharing!

Please take a moment and follow your co-hosts on FB, Twitter, Bloglovin and/or Pinterest. We appreciate it!

Wondering where I've been lately?
Check out my post about Our New Homestead

Did you see my #realfoodchallenge article?

JOIN ME!

Would you like to join one of our link-ups? We have openings for
Tuesdays with a Twist and REAL Food Friday!
Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

On to the PARTY! We're your hosts
Marla @ Organic4 Greenlivings
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo
Joyce @ It's Your Life
me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen

You can email Mary at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

In case you missed "What is Real Food" here's a recap...

Time to link up your Real Food posts!
The party runs from Thursday at 7pm EST through Monday at Noon.

Please follow your hosts and consider adding the Real Food Friday button.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

REAL FOOD FRIDAY #74 is LIVE!

Hello and Welcome to REAL Food Friday!

I'd like to thank all of the conscious bloggers who followed the guidelines and

shared REAL FOOD recipes and organic gardening and posts. Thank you for sharing!

Please take a moment and follow your co-hosts on FB, Twitter, Bloglovin and/or Pinterest. We appreciate it!

Wondering where I've been lately?
Check out my post about Our New Homestead

Did you see my #realfoodchallenge article?

JOIN ME!

Would you like to join one of our link-ups? We have openings for
Tuesdays with a Twist and REAL Food Friday!
Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

On to the PARTY! We're your hosts
Marla @ Organic4 Greenlivings
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo
Joyce @ It's Your Life
me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen

You can email Mary at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

In case you missed "What is Real Food" here's a recap...

Time to link up your Real Food posts!
The party runs from Thursday at 7pm EST through Monday at Noon.

Please follow your hosts and consider adding the Real Food Friday button.

I'm Back and Ready to Rock!

I had this amazing idea for 365 days of DIY in 2015. And then we had the opportunity to MOVE and we JUMPED at the chance. So here's a sneak peak at our new homestead!

If you follow me on facebook, then you know that we spent 5 days on the road to get to our new place.

My sister and her family gave us this amazing welcome basket

As healthy as we eat at home, it was a complete SHOCK to our systems eating "road food" for 5 days. No biggie...We're detoxing in 1 more day. Why 1 more day? Our refrigerator arrives tomorrow and I plan on fixing the most amazing KALE SALAD ever!!!

On the road we drove past HUGE fields of SALAD!

Red and Green rows!