Look for this Hungry Hoosier Seal of Approval at Indiana restaurants and other food-related businesses
This year we're having a local ham for Easter. The hog was raised, butchered, and the ham smoked within 40 miles from our home. In years past I have prepared grocery-store hams and heritage hams shipped from the West Coast. This will be our first local ham. If you are interested, Moody Meats with shops in Avon and Ladoga is taking orders for Easter Hams. They specialize in sustainably-farmed, all natural pork, beef, and poultry. You can learn more at their website.
A few weeks ago I wrote an article called Six Degrees of Kevin's Bacon in which I discussed how far removed we are from much of our food - bacon for instance. Last week I had a chance to reduce to one the degrees of seperation between my bacon and me. I had the opportunity to buy bacon directly from the farm family who raised the hog. Phelps Family Farms of Ladoga, Indiana specialize in pasture-raised pork and beef as well as free-range eggs. I also purchased some pork burgers and both were exceptional. Sure, I paid more but I can feel good that I am helping to support a real family, this family treats their animals well, the eco-impact of my purchase was minimal (they are just 25 miles from my house), and the taste was exceptional.
Members of the Phelps family and their products are available at the Trader's Point Organic Farmer's Market. The Phelps can be reached by phone at 765-942-2047.
