Those who don't remember the pasta are doomed to reheat it!

It was a veritable pasta-fest these last two days. Wednesday night we cooked a simple whole wheat pasta (1 lb for .99 cents @ Trader Joe's), some olive oil, half a can of kidney beans (about .30 cents worth) and some locally harvested summer veggies and herbs ( free from our garden and the public gardens). The only other cost, and the most important ingredient, GARLIC, was the last of our inexpensive supply. The kids keep claiming they don't like garlic... or tomatoes for that matter, but every single time we make pasta with garlic chopped rustically, more like a veggie than a spice, they absolutely devour it! Last night was no exception. We enjoyed free fresh fruits from the gardens and a small glass of organic grape juice lightly diluted to stretch (Newman's Own from Costco around .50cents worth).

Kids lend a helping hand. Youngins can be involved on almost all levels of food prep.

Here is the only evidence of James afternoon garden splurge. A juicy deep crimson colored heirloom tomato with cracked pepper, sea salt, an edible flower (high in vitamin C) and a sprig of fresh sweet basil, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic. This "Black Krim" variety we grow is super succulent and a rare delight... wish they were more prolific!

That, however, is yesterdays news. Today was another poignant reminder that we are in fact having an ADVENTURE with food. We know that food truly can be medicine. It has healing properties if you prescribe the right thing for what ails ya ......... but it can also take a more poisonous and sinister place in your system as we once again experienced this evening. For any individuals with food allergies I'm sure you understand the severity of this next bite. A couple months ago baby Juju had a serious allergic reaction to split pea soup. After a trip to the E.R. and a prescription for the wonderful, stupid and miraculous "Epipen Jr." (it's a love/ hate thing we have going on), we were left shaken but confident in our ability to keep split peas off the grocery list (it's not like every American kid has them in their lunchbox every day at school..... easy enough). We discovered today however, during our delicious, nutritious free lunch of lentil soup and baguette that it's time to 86 another legume! Stat! Farewell my yummy bean of the past. We loved you well little lentil. (weep, sob, sniff)

Baby with his first line of defense..... pre-measured children's liquid Benadryl.

Hives, scratching, puffy neck, rubbing pink swollen watery eyes are all signs that cropped up within seconds of his first few spoonfuls of the dreaded legume. The above photo is post Benadryl and he started showing signs of recovery. No Epipen Jr or E.R. trip today. Whew!

With baby back on his feet and parents by his side we searched the garden beds for basil for tonight's homemade pesto. While breaking bread we gave thanks for our health, baby's safety and the healing power of a shared meal.