Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

240 animal, vegetable, miracle

portional to the fraction of the

of acidity in the

E. coli

y

8 eggs

(^1) ⁄ 2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
steer’s life it spent at home on the range eat-
ing grass instead of grain- gruel. Free- range beef also has less danger of
bacterial contamination because feeding on grass maintains normal levels
animal’s stomach. At the risk of making you not want to sit
at my table, I should tell you that the high- acid stomachs of grain- fed cattle
commonly harbor acid- resistant strains of that are very dangerous to
humans. Because CAFOs are so widespread in our country, this particular
strain of deadly bacteria is starting to turn up more and more commonly in
soil, water, and even other animals, causing contamination incidents like
the nationwide outbreak of spinach- related illnesses and deaths in 2006.
Free- range grazing is not just kinder to the animals and the surrounding
environment; it produces an entirely different product. With that said, I
leave the decision to you.
Pasture- finished meat is increasingly available, and free- range eggs are
now sold almost everywhere. Here is the recipe for one of my family’s stan-
dard, easy egg- based meals. If you feel more adventurous, you can get some
free- range turkey meat and freak out your kids’ friends with my parents’
sausage recipe.

VEGGIE FRITTATA

Olive oil for pan

Beat eggs and milk together, then pour into oiled, oven- proof skillet

over medium heat.

Chopped kale, broccoli, asparagus, or spinach, depending on the season

Feta or other cheese (optional)

Promptly add vegetables and stir evenly into egg mixture. At this point

you can also add feta or other cheeses. Cook on low without stirring until

eggs are mostly set, then transfer to oven and broil 2–4 minutes, until lightly

golden on top. Cool to set before serving.