I totally had a small cup of coffee today. Worse yet, it came from Starbucks. I know, I know, I know. But seriously, for the past seven days I haven’t slipped once. I’ve ignored the cakes, burgers, popcorn and cupcakes at two baby showers and a Durham Bulls game. I’ve turned a blind eye to the the pastas, pizzas and cupcakes that my boyfriend has eaten in front of me. And today, I just went for it. And let me tell you, that small coffee was the best coffee in recent memory. It was so good. I’m sorry if I let you down by downing the java, but “I just needed a little pick me up.” (geez, I sound like Kit from “Pretty Woman” … bonus points to any readers get that reference).

I ignored all of this food at my boss' baby shower Friday. We had a separate baby shower on Monday and I ignored cupcakes too.

Food wise, I haven’t slipped. Not even once. Every bite of food I’ve consumed in the past seven days has come from the Farmers’ Market, with the exception of some spices and condiments. And, you know what? I’m loving it. Seriously, there’s something empowering about choosing your food, knowing where it comes from, chopping it up yourself and devouring it. For those of you who already do this, you’re probably rolling your eyes. But anyone who is like me … the type of person who will jump at a chance to eat out if it means avoiding messing up the kitchen … will recognize that this is a true food awakening for me.

Tonight I had the most amazing concoction, made entirely of local food. I’m learning that if you only want to cook what’s in season locally without adding any real outside ingredients, then you have to get creative. I’m going to call it Ginny Hash! Sounds risque, doesn’t it? Really it was just this:

Ginny Hash

* 3/4 potato, shredded

* 1/4 small red onion, chopped

* 1/2 Tbsp. Margarine (sorry, not from Farmers’ Market)

Fry on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, flipping half way through. Then dice it up and fry it for another 5 minutes.

* In separate frying pan combine 1/2 zucchini and 1/4 red onion chopped with olive oil. Fry until cooked.

* In separate frying pan combine 1/3 lb. grass fed ground beef with your favorite hot sauce (I used a curry-based hot sauce that I love). Add one slice of farm fresh bacon and fry until crispy. Chop bacon piece up and stir bits into beef.

Mix all of the above ingredients on a plate, grate 1 Tbsp. of local cheese over the top and enjoy!

If you follow my directions you should end up with something looks like this:

"Ginny Hash" is good for all occasions: breakfast, lunch or dinner.

And it’s truly wonderful.