WOW, WHAT A YEAR!

- Shannan Swanson, Tastybaby Co-Founder.

Wow, what a year! As I look back on 2007 I am in awe of all that has transpired in my life. I had a baby boy, started a new business and successfully transitioned my daughter into preschool. The only thing that was really missing this year was time for me.  I am constantly running from school to work to ballet class to check-ups at the doctor’s office. Dinner has become an afterthought on the commute home. I haven’t been to the gym since before Sonny was born and my husband had to remind me to get a haircut.

Oh well…I am putting the past behind me with ALL of my shortcomings and starting fresh!

In this month’s issue we are focusing on the New Year. I know you are probably thinking I am going to give you a list of diet-conscience recipes…boohoo that is no fun and definitely not tasty!

As I have been trolling the internet in search of inspiration, I came across a common theme…slow down! I am sure I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from all of the holiday festivities. You may feel like who has the time to slow down?!  Instead of going to the grocery store to buy all of your produce, take the extra time to go to the farmer’s market. The beauty of “slow food” is that once you do the work to start the cooking process, the slow cooker or the oven does the rest. While your meal is slowly cooking, you can take time for yourself and your family. Trust me it is going to take some practice but once you roll up your sleeves and get in the kitchen you will begin to feel more relaxed. These recipes are perfect for babies who are moving on into foods that are chunkier.  Since the ingredients have been cooked at a low temperature for an extended period of time they are easy to chew. Your toddlers and small children will love them too as they will warm them up from a day playing in the snow, or splashing in puddles if you are from Malibu!

Click here for Shannan's Slow Cookin' Recipes for the New Year

"Our defense should begin at the table with Slow Food. Let us rediscover the flavors and savors of regional cooking and banish the degrading effects of Fast Food."

"In the name of productivity, Fast Life has changed our way of being and threatens our environment and our landscapes. So Slow Food is now the only truly progressive answer."

"That is what real culture is all about: developing taste rather than demeaning it."

--Taken from the Slow Food Manifesto

For more on the “Slow Food” movement, including the environmental benefits check out:
www.slowfoodusa.org

To purchase a slow-cooker, check out:

Williams Sonoma