Summer brings gardening to mind . . . and fresh seasonal foods. Check out Simply in Season, a cookbook with a difference, commissioned by the Mennonite Central Committee “to promote the understanding of how the food choices we make affect our lives and the lives of those who produce the food”. As well as seasonal recipes, this book offers a great Fruit and Vegetable Guide with tips on selection, storage, preparation, serving and nutrient value. Each season also offers “Invitations to Action” such as – try one new food per week – “Vote” with your dollars by spending your food budget on foods that reflect your values - buy fairly traded products – invite a newcomer to lunch . . and many more. This cookbook costs $20.99 plus tax.
To accompany this unique cookbook is a Leader’s Study Guide which will help you to connect food and faith while exploring the value of eating local, seasonal food. This is good for a small group of adults or children. The guide provides 6 core sessions on the themes – Food Stories, Creation, Health, Time, Money, and Celebration, as well as supplemental, optional sessions on – Animals, Farm Workers, Bible and Food, Globalization, Fair Trade, Local Farmers and Advocacy. This study would provide an excellent opportunity to tie together such basics in our lives as our faith and our health/enjoyment/support of local agro-economy. The Guide costs $10.99 plus tax.