Meatless Meat

As a devout Foodie, I watch cooking shows often. Not the Food Network, per se, although some of their shows are fine. No, I'm hardcore. I own DVDs of the original French Chef shows, of The Complete Pepin, and of Mexico: One Plate at a Time (lest you think I only like French cooking). My latest acquisition is the complete box set of the Two Fat Ladies. I've been waiting for 10 years for the series to be put on DVD, and had just about given up hope when I saw the collection - and had a few extra fun tickets to spare - on the same day. "Quelle treat!", as Jennifer Paterson often said.

The children and I were watching one of our new shows last night at bedtime. Fortunately, the 3 year old had fallen asleep, because Clarissa Dickson Wright suddenly presented a suckling pig. Oh dear. Now, the children will specifically ask for chicken, or ask if a certain meal will be pork or beef, but apparently the whole "I'm eating an animal" thing had escaped them. My 6 year old gallantly hid his own shock and disgust behind, "It's a good thing the baby's asleep - you know she loves her piggies!" I offered to change the show or skip the segment, but the damage was done, and he declined. The pig segment was mercifully brief and soon the show was on to more amusing scenes, such as the Two Fat Ladies going for a swim, and a polo match.

But the suckling pig had left its mark. A few moments later, my son asked me if we could have meat that doesn't come from animals. I told him that people can live without eating meat at all, and that they're called vegetarians. No, that wasn't what he wanted. He wants meat that doesn't come from animals.

It was far too late to dive into an explanation of meat vs. protein, alternative sources, alternative eating choices, humane treatment of food animals, and all that. All my husband and I agreed on was that we need to have a serious talk with the boy. That something must die for him to eat is a hard lesson, and not one to take lightly. My husband said he can't remember when or how he learned that meat is dead animals. I grew up in rural Maine, so I knew, and I was fine with it since roosters and geese are mean bastards. Of course the cows weren't mean, but they were tasty. In any case, we've got to have an intelligent, open conversation with our son, as all omnivores must do at some point. I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, have you had a similar discussion? Or have you had a moment when you personally realized that food is much more than a package at the supermarket? I'm sure Jennifer and Clarissa would have some simple and sage advice for me!