Two weeks ago, in the post Distractions and Thinking, I noted that one distracting thing that was making me think was Beth Moncel’s SNAP Challenge which she is writing about on her blog Budget Bytes . I have continued to be distracted and also thinking, mostly learning – about food insecurity. In my 59 years, I have never had a moment’s insecurity over lack of food. Even when newly on my own with a tight food budget, there was family and employment and food in my house for every meal.

Between Beth’s shared experience and the shared experiences of commenters, I learned that it is not just about the amount of money that people have, but also the knowledge to plan and prepare meals. You get a lot more for your food dollar both in meals and healthy meals … cooking from scratch. And it is not just knowledge, but also time, a kitchen, utensils, transportation to get the food… it is a complex issue and the “problem” varies widely from person to person, household to household. It is not a “one size fits all” kind of problem. I’d like to think that through things like SNAP and WIC (Women, Infants, Children supplemental food program) and community food banks, family and friends – that no one goes hungry, but I’ve learned that is not the case. It has made me think every time I shop or prepare a meal, how fortunate I have been. And I’m still thinking.

Last week, in a thread where a woman on disability asked for ideas for making healthy meals on a very low budget, a commenter referenced a U.K. site: A Girl Named Jack. Jack Monroe tells her story of close to a year, almost 3 years ago, when she eventually sold nearly everything she owned to buy food for herself and her 10 month old son. She developed healthy recipes from inexpensive ingredients and managed on 10 pounds a week (roughly $16 U.S. dollars). Her story AND her recipes got attention and she has since had a cookbook published, a second book is in the works, she writes for a local paper and is politically active on issues of hunger and poverty. From all I’ve read, she is upbeat, positive and has a unique voice … there is no “poor me” in her writing, even though it was a very difficult situation. And her recipes!! – I have a number of them bookmarked to try, but they are also great fun to read. Be careful, though…her White Chocolate Tea Bread, had me up after being in bed for an hour. I kept thinking about it and decided I HAD to have something like it so actually got out of bed and mixed up a batch of Brioche Dough…

All to the good, though as Saturday morning I had…

Chocolate Chip Brioche…

Next time, more chocolate chips!!

On a roll of sorts, I made granola also. Granola is easy to make. There are a multitude of variations and making it from scratch costs much, much less than buying it prepared. Box cereals are VERY expensive.

Bear doesn’t have food insecurity either and I’m pretty sure he never had to worry about a meal…or a treat!

…or a beautiful spot to enjoy.

Happy, boy!

Auggie might have had some low food days when on his own – I’m not sure how long he and his brother were out and about before finding their way to a place that took them in. But, since then and with me…good and plentiful food.

And much love!

I am so grateful for all of the good things in my life: Bear, Auggie, a nice home in a pretty spot, wonderful neighbors, a loving family and work that not only supports us financially but that I truly enjoy. I’m not sure the problems of the world are any different now than they have always been, but I do think they can seem more with the detail we get about everything.

So, while sometimes distracted and almost overwhelmed by world stuff … I try to focus on the good things and being more compassionate. The beautiful Fall light and weather help a lot :) !!

This is a bit of a teaser. Based on a gratin recipe on A Girl Named Jack and two different galette recipes on Smitten Kitchen, I used some of the brioche dough to make a tomato, zucchini and goat cheese galette. I thought I took photos of the finished galette – which was BEAUTIFUL! … but no. However, I do have enough leftover to make another today so final photo is to come. Two things make this recipe particularly good: burst tomatoes and the brioche dough. For the burst tomatoes, a bit of olive oil, some oregano, red pepper flakes and the tomatoes in a lidded pan over high heat until you hear the tomatoes start to pop. So much fun and they take on a bit of caramelized sweetness. The brioche dough with the vegetables and tangy goat cheese – actually goat cheese with a bit of parmesan – I thought it was perfect. And as hopefully I can show you next post – pretty as well!