macrobiotics doesn't have to be so word-centric

Ok, so slowly working my way through the book, I am a slacker...whenever I have assigned reading it is inevitable that I will put it on the back burner, regardless if I like it or not.

The biggest thing that I am focusing on, and relates directly to a macrobiotic lifesytle, is the fact that all this pre-packaged crap has to go. Eradication nation.

Today I made an even more focused effort to make this happen. I already cook all. the. time., but want to focus even more on being true to my food. Today, I made hummus, salad dressing and cheesecake. The dressing was from all fresh ingredients and it was amazing. The hummus was from all fresh ingredients minus the chickpeas, those were canned. The cheesecake, admittedly was from ALL prepackaged food but at least I used free-range eggs and natural butter. Hummus? The next installment will require non-canned chickpeas.
I went to the westside market today to get a ton of supplies for all my foodstuffs . Queso and fresh mozzarella from The Cheese Shop. Fresh Bison from the bison stand (I can't remember the name) and homemade fajita seasoning and dried black beans from Urban Herbs. Talking to the woman at Urban Herbs, she reiterated what I already inherently knew, once I cooked and ate these beans, I "would never go back." A quick tip about cooking and some words of encouragement and I was on my way. I rinsed my beans, and soaked them...for a bit. Since I did not soak them overnight, I meant having to bring them to a boil and then simmer for about two hours. Three bay leaves, some crushed black pepper and my go to, Adobo, and after a looong simmer (a.k.a forgetting about them for roughly two hours total) my beans were done and SO good. Ms. Urban Herbs representative was right, I will never go back to a canned bean.
Granted, I am already what my friends would call a urban, modern hippie but damn, as I move more and more to my local, sustainable and non-packed, non-preservative laden food, I am a believer. Not only is it easy but it tastes so. much. better. Yes, it takes a little more time (emphasis on the little) but it is worth it. I challenge everyone to change one food product that you would normally just buy (beans, dressing, salad, pita chips) and try making it on your own. You'll be amazed and a believer.