Eatin' Good

Have you ever thought about how fortunate we are to have such easy access to food. It's everywhere, at least in good old US-of-A. I have two pantries full of all types of yummy things and I am made fun of on a regular basis by my husband who won't go anywhere near the freezer because it's so jam packed.

When we go out to the mall or even to work, we have our choice of so many delicacies. There's a Starbuck's on most corners, Cinnabon's, and Cold Stone Creameries just inviting us in for a snack. And restaurants are every where. We can go whenever we want to have a nice meal or pick up take-out several times a week. Go in our grocery stores and you could be in there for hours they are so big (at least here in New Jersey!). Stocked with so many varieties of each item, I could drown in a sea of options.

But realize that this isn't the norm all over the world. Many people scrounge all day just looking for their next meal. They are either extremely poor and can't afford food, or in many cases, there just isn't enough food to be had. Meanwhile, as American's, we have the luxury of keeping tons of food in our homes to last us weeks and months to come. We're so fortunate!

And let's not forget about the farmers who have to work so hard to grow and deliver that food to us. I often complain when I have to go to the grocery story about what a hassle it is and how much work I have to do to get that food home. When you think about it though, it's so much easier than picking the apples in the hot sun and then struggling to carry baskets and baskets of them in just to have something to eat. All I have to is pick up the reddest apples, put them in a plastic bag and toss them in my cart. Quite easy compared to the farmer's job.

So the next time you take a bite out of your Twinkie, remember how blessed you are to have an endless supply of food to enjoy.

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If you are not so fortunate and struggle to keep food on the table because of hard economic times, or know someone who does, please consider the following resources:

America's Second Harvest is a nationwide hunger relief agency that helps provides food to those who can not afford to buy groceries. (You must apply and qualify to receive this help).

Local Food Banks - that provide food to those who need it in your area of the United States.

Food Stamp Program - helps families put food on the table by issuing food stamps to be used at grocery stores, retail chains, and more. (You must apply and qualify to receive this help).

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC program) provides grants for women low-income pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. (You must apply and qualify to receive this help).

Food pantries at your local church - if you need help feeding you family for a short time, visit a local church and ask if they have a food pantry. If they do, they'll be glad to supply you with non-persihable foods. Don't hesitate to request it if you do not attend their church - it is seen as a way to minister to and help the community and they are more than willing to provide.

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Since the theme of this post is food, I thought I'd share a recipe that my family loves and has become my speciality.

Denise's Sausage Surprise

Ingredients:
1 pound of pasta
1 pound of Premio sausage (it's the best!)
1 bunch of broccoli rabe
1 pint of grape tomatoes
Real bacon bits in a jar or made from fresh bacon
Lemon juice (added to taste)
Extra virgin olive oil (added to taste)
Parsley

Directions:
Wash broccoli rabe and then fill large pot and boil it until it becomes tender. Boil for at least a half an hour, then drain.
Fry sausage and drain.
Boil water, cook pasta, and drain.
Put pasta back in the pot and add cooked sausage and broccoli rabe.
Wash grape tomatoes and add to pot. Put on low heat to allow tomatoes to warm up for about
2-3 minutes.
Toss with olive oil t0 wet all ingredients. Add as much or as little as you like.
Toss with lemon juice. Add as much or as little as you like.
Put in a large bowl and sprinkle parsley on top with real bacon bits.

Serve with a hearty salad and crusty bread and butter. Enjoy!

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Feel free to share your favorite recipe in the comments section of this post. To subscribe to Blessings from Above, click here to subscribe to a RSS feed, or fill in your email address at the top right this blog.

Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise