Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2010 3:00:55 GMT -1
I consider this off-topic because I'm doing this as local community building "charity event" (they couldn't afford to pay me, and I wouldn't ask) and not, I fear, towards instilling proper theological ideology into local fluffies who have no clue who Anne Ross is, let alone Sioned Davies or even the Rees. For those that have read my previous long winded introductions, I have a strong connection to culinary realms and fostering understanding within Pagan communities. Oh, and I'm a bloody Yank... not that anyone cares 
I've decided that the best way for my own person to re-enter the public realm of American paganism is through my professional skill, as a chef. I have rather strong opinions about food, and - damn it - paganism, but I can't stand being alone in the wilderness, so to speak. I live in a down right beautiful place, despite it's ecological history, and the land is as holy as any I have ever known. Forgive my libations to my liver, I am a bit tipsy, 'tis a day away from the fire and knife - I am prone to wax nostalgic at being in a place where I can know the mountains, my neighbors (as much as I wish), and my own food in my gullet.
I am the first pagan "caterer" to ever cook for a festival in my area, I believe. I'm almost certainly the first reconstructionist to ever make such an introduction, and I stand by my decision of it's validity. True that it is for a Wiccan (Kirk White), but AT LEAST HE IS READING THE DAMNED BOOKS WE RECOMMEND! (and he has way too many degrees and certifications, it creeps me out - and I'm pretty creepy). Oops, I yelled. Truth be told, we've talked of restarting his "Celtic Studies" Group once Alexei's "Lorekeeper" path is reintroduced (his suggestion, not mine), or rather released by Imbas' rather irresponsible leadership, shame on them for disregarding what could be a major stepping stone on our shores. Oops, I did it again... Bad D., no critique of CR groups... Bad, bad, ex-Wiccan Hippie. I make light of this, but I truly believe that if we don't "infiltrate" the masses, we're doomed in the light of "serious" theology, prone as we are to eating colcannon by the light of our analog stereos, by night. I would personally be somewhat happier if we were used as a "fact check" sort of faith in modern neo-paganism... Hmm, Maybe a plug-in for your (least) favorite author's latest mass media presentation? My fact check goes off at your ridiculous name... please change. Oh, you have a 145 pages of error in your 105 page book. Yeah, I'm a bitch sometimes. Please press "enter".
So, 'nuff said, and forgive my generic neo-pagan babble (I'm talking to the masses, as like, 60 of us - so I tend to generalize, and level the field), here is my official announcement of my catering within Laurelin Communities' (is that a commune, well, umm, I think so) Lughnasadh festivities:
I look forward to preparing a hopefully memorable series of meals. This is my
personal way of reaching back out to the community that I disappeared from a
long time ago (eh, books got the better of me for awhile, so to speak). Before
the registration period is up, I think it fair that I chime in a wee bit to talk
about food, it's nature, and, well, what the Hades I'm thinking of making -
considering that I'm expounding on a menu I didn't actually make, but has been
proven functional from past experience
First and foremost, I'd like to provide a forum for the local climate's produce,
which is of no small quality (or quantity). We live in an area where agriculture
is still prized, if somewhat forgotten in these hastening days. Did you know
Vermont was growing wheat again? I'm sure most of the crowd here is aware of our
dairy and cheese (apparently not many anywhere don't know - check the awards).
Our poultry is outstanding, our beef natural, and pork well treated as the rest.
Without sounding too proud of our farmers, I'd put our local flavor of terroir
up there with anyone's. Oh, did I mention the beer? Shame on me...
The menu is a rough outline that existed when I entered this arena, and I will
take some liberties - tending towards the more traditional fare of our ancestors
and to the modern fare of my culinary brethren. At this point, I am planning to
hand-crank pasta and use localvore veggies on the pasta night and work with
local farm's produce, complete with bonfire roasting, for Saturday night's
chili. Burgers are not burgers without some care. I will not buy premade patties
for the vegetarian/vegan crowd either, I spent 13 years in that trap - you
deserve to know your burger too!
As Pagans, especially at Lughnasadh, we honor the harvest of this great world's
early crops - those that never taste the sting of frost or the darkening sun
that follows. In this, we are aware. I wish to make us part of our landscape,
and feel the warmth bestowed into the fruit of this verdant home.
I think to many this sounds expensive, and I suppose in some ways it is - but
the cost of the meal plan should allow me to provide to you, with some sweat, a
true representation of what our native soil is. If I can obtain it locally,
within reason, I will do so. Praise the holiday of Lugh, praise the land that we
walk.
Yeah, I'll be working a little bit - and I have volunteers already (yay and
thank you!) - but I will find time for a Guinness and some friendship. This is
my way of saying, "Merry meet, haven't we met before."
Blessings all around
Oh my Gods... I'm feeding the bunnies... Would you like a carrot (all my rabbits have hated carrots)... Forgive me if I have "sinned" (snicker)
Your Newest Resident Wise-Ass and Public Nuisance,
D. Randolph Caulkins
I've decided that the best way for my own person to re-enter the public realm of American paganism is through my professional skill, as a chef. I have rather strong opinions about food, and - damn it - paganism, but I can't stand being alone in the wilderness, so to speak. I live in a down right beautiful place, despite it's ecological history, and the land is as holy as any I have ever known. Forgive my libations to my liver, I am a bit tipsy, 'tis a day away from the fire and knife - I am prone to wax nostalgic at being in a place where I can know the mountains, my neighbors (as much as I wish), and my own food in my gullet.
I am the first pagan "caterer" to ever cook for a festival in my area, I believe. I'm almost certainly the first reconstructionist to ever make such an introduction, and I stand by my decision of it's validity. True that it is for a Wiccan (Kirk White), but AT LEAST HE IS READING THE DAMNED BOOKS WE RECOMMEND! (and he has way too many degrees and certifications, it creeps me out - and I'm pretty creepy). Oops, I yelled. Truth be told, we've talked of restarting his "Celtic Studies" Group once Alexei's "Lorekeeper" path is reintroduced (his suggestion, not mine), or rather released by Imbas' rather irresponsible leadership, shame on them for disregarding what could be a major stepping stone on our shores. Oops, I did it again... Bad D., no critique of CR groups... Bad, bad, ex-Wiccan Hippie. I make light of this, but I truly believe that if we don't "infiltrate" the masses, we're doomed in the light of "serious" theology, prone as we are to eating colcannon by the light of our analog stereos, by night. I would personally be somewhat happier if we were used as a "fact check" sort of faith in modern neo-paganism... Hmm, Maybe a plug-in for your (least) favorite author's latest mass media presentation? My fact check goes off at your ridiculous name... please change. Oh, you have a 145 pages of error in your 105 page book. Yeah, I'm a bitch sometimes. Please press "enter".
So, 'nuff said, and forgive my generic neo-pagan babble (I'm talking to the masses, as like, 60 of us - so I tend to generalize, and level the field), here is my official announcement of my catering within Laurelin Communities' (is that a commune, well, umm, I think so) Lughnasadh festivities:
I look forward to preparing a hopefully memorable series of meals. This is my
personal way of reaching back out to the community that I disappeared from a
long time ago (eh, books got the better of me for awhile, so to speak). Before
the registration period is up, I think it fair that I chime in a wee bit to talk
about food, it's nature, and, well, what the Hades I'm thinking of making -
considering that I'm expounding on a menu I didn't actually make, but has been
proven functional from past experience
First and foremost, I'd like to provide a forum for the local climate's produce,
which is of no small quality (or quantity). We live in an area where agriculture
is still prized, if somewhat forgotten in these hastening days. Did you know
Vermont was growing wheat again? I'm sure most of the crowd here is aware of our
dairy and cheese (apparently not many anywhere don't know - check the awards).
Our poultry is outstanding, our beef natural, and pork well treated as the rest.
Without sounding too proud of our farmers, I'd put our local flavor of terroir
up there with anyone's. Oh, did I mention the beer? Shame on me...
The menu is a rough outline that existed when I entered this arena, and I will
take some liberties - tending towards the more traditional fare of our ancestors
and to the modern fare of my culinary brethren. At this point, I am planning to
hand-crank pasta and use localvore veggies on the pasta night and work with
local farm's produce, complete with bonfire roasting, for Saturday night's
chili. Burgers are not burgers without some care. I will not buy premade patties
for the vegetarian/vegan crowd either, I spent 13 years in that trap - you
deserve to know your burger too!
As Pagans, especially at Lughnasadh, we honor the harvest of this great world's
early crops - those that never taste the sting of frost or the darkening sun
that follows. In this, we are aware. I wish to make us part of our landscape,
and feel the warmth bestowed into the fruit of this verdant home.
I think to many this sounds expensive, and I suppose in some ways it is - but
the cost of the meal plan should allow me to provide to you, with some sweat, a
true representation of what our native soil is. If I can obtain it locally,
within reason, I will do so. Praise the holiday of Lugh, praise the land that we
walk.
Yeah, I'll be working a little bit - and I have volunteers already (yay and
thank you!) - but I will find time for a Guinness and some friendship. This is
my way of saying, "Merry meet, haven't we met before."
Blessings all around
Oh my Gods... I'm feeding the bunnies... Would you like a carrot (all my rabbits have hated carrots)... Forgive me if I have "sinned" (snicker)
Your Newest Resident Wise-Ass and Public Nuisance,
D. Randolph Caulkins
