the Fare

Entertain the Green Way - Locally

It can be a little intimidating to "go green" all at once - it requires not only a financial investment (though there are often big long-term savings), but a personal one. We all know change is hard, but usually leads to bigger and better things. With that said, why not take small steps, and you'll be guaranteed not to be too overwhelmed.

For your next party, try buying locally produced vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat - it's a great way to support your community and ensure quality and freshness at the same time. Because the food isn't transported across country - or overseas - it arrives at your table at the peak of taste. In addition, buying locally eliminates a large carbon footprint. Allow what is in season to inspire your menu - for late summer, a soup with butternut squash and apples (with a little blue cheese crumbled on top, yum) is a perfect starter (the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a great source for apples).

Craving a little beef? Thousand Hills Cattle Company south of Cannon Falls, MN is a favorite with local chefs and foodies. Their grass fed beef is naturally free of hormonesa and antibiotics, and high in Omega-3's. Try slow cooking for a roast that literally falls apart on your fork. Now you can have your steak, eat it, and feel good about it too.