Saturday, April 25, 2009

Blackstrap memories

Two very good childhood memories involve blackstrap molasses. Oddly, neither of them has a direct connection to eating food. My childhood imaginary friend, a beagle, was named Blackstrap. Blackstrap had a wife (unnamed) who was an egetarian (rhymes with vegetarian). I'm still not sure whether egetarianism is a lifestyle choice or a religion. Blackstrap, the food not the imaginary beagle, featured prominently in my parents’ prizewinning slogan for a parents’ fitness program at my elementary school: Blackstrap molasses and wheat germ bread, you’ll live so long you’ll wish you were dead. Honestly, I don’t remember if it was actually the winning slogan but it certainly should have been.

What is Blackstrap Molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of the production of crystalline sugar. It has a robust but sweet flavor and is just full of nutrients. It's taste and nutritional qualities are a metaphor for the kinds of subjects I hope to discuss on this blog: crave-worthy, nourishing, and vigorous.