The First Day of Spring

Wow -- it's been a long winter! Everyone keeps reminding me that this was one of the worst winters we've had in a long time. I guess since it's my first winter back in Northern Minnesota after living in California for so many years, they're thinking I might be ready to pack up and head West! But I wouldn't miss spring for anything. There's so much hope that the long cold days will be soon over and green things will start appearing. I've had a few seedlings growing in the window for a few weeks now. Just smelling the warm soil makes me think of summer days and digging in the garden.

If we get a good growing season this year, I'm hoping to have a big garden. The Gurney seed order arrived the other day and I'm chomping at the bit to get things started. I ordered some raspberry plants too, but they won't arrive for a few more weeks, but the squash seeds I started are doing well. It's amazing how fast they popped up. I'm working on a greenhouse in the backyard too. I'll post some pictures of it soon.

Norwegian word of the day: hage (garden)

Velcommen to the Scandinavian Table!

Growing up in a Scandinavian community in northern Minnesota, the immersion into a rich history of homemade food started early. In fact, that's probably why—for better or worse—most of my life seems to revolve around food. But, sadly, we have moved away from our traditions and become a nation of drive-thrus and high-power marketing tie-ins, devoid of the history, tradition and more intangeble qualities food provides. There is hope, though. A growing number of independent spirits are banding together to support ideas that are literaly as old as time: Eat what nourishes your body and soul—organic, sustainable products from local sources. If more of us followed that seemingly simple idea, we would reduce our dependence on foreign energy, clean up the air and give our bodies what they need, instead of what makes the highest profits for large corporations.

I hope to share a bit of my journey with food in this blog and I hope to start a conversation with you too. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, inspirations and ideas about your food journey.

-Quinn