Start with TVP Crumbles

That's it - no more beef for me, until someone in the government can enforce the law. Last week, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary refused to exclude 'downer cows' from the food supply, even though laws specifically prohibit them from entering the food chain. So I'm using meatless protein crumbles, meatless meatballs, and meatless burgers anytime I want a beef meal. However, I can buy locally produced beef from my co-op, because I trust them and know the supplier. If you can find a local, organic source for beef (ask lots of questions!), then you can feel good about feeding it to your family.

The beef recall last month, prompted by the Humane Society's video, was appalling enough. But when government officials actually said that there were no reports of anyone becoming sick from the recalled beef, I got angry. BSE, or Mad Cow Disease, can take years to develop; no one will know for quite some time if anyone who ate that beef will become sick.