Energy Smackdown is a reality show type program in the Boston area. The yearlong challenge pits the communities of Medford, Arlington and Cambridge against each other to see who can reduce their carbon foot-print the most.
The locavore banquet is this month’s challenge. Each team creates a four course meal for 20 people and is judged according to carbon emissions, taste and presentation. I’m the “culinary coach” of the Cambridge team. Together, we came up with a middle-eastern menu. Ninety percent of the ingredients are grown or raised locally. Many came from my garden.
Acorn Squash Soup with Crispy Sage
Tomato – Cucumber Salad with Dill and Lemon
Homemade Falafel with Beet Raita and Pita Chips
Baba Ganoush with Roasted Eggplant and Scallions
Poached Pears with Meringue and Mint
My neighbor Rosie often comes over to pick raspberries. The other day she commented that coming into my garden is like going to the grocery store. My goal has always been to grow enough food for my home and my neighbors’. I can’t tell you the joy I felt that a five-year old could appreciate the abundance of my garden, and that I had enough to contribute to the locavore banquet.
The banquet is tonight… stay tuned for details.