Good Cooking, Good Deeds

Every time I go to the farmer’s market, the butcher or the market to collect ingredients for a meal, I’m reminded how fortunate I am. Not only do I have access to some of the freshest locally grown produce year-round, and high-quality, humanely raised meats (see yesterday’s blog post) but I have the luxury of being choosey about what I buy. Unfortunately, millions and millions of Americans do not have this luxury. America’s Second Harvest is an incredible organization that works day in and day out to provide meals to families in need in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This month Italian pasta maker, Barilla, is promising to donate $1 for every volume of their Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook that’s downloaded during the month of February. The free cookbook is the work of culinary impresario Mario Batali and a handful of Hollywood celebs, including Stanley Tucci and Natalie Portman, and has some really interesting recipes. I can’t wait to try the Sicilian Chickpea Fritters and the Farfalle with Pancetta, Rucola and Truffle Paste. There are only nine days left in the month, so pass this on, and help put food in the bellies of those who need it most.