Obama’s Seed Money

What’s in it for America’s farms?

“Politics of the Plate”

How farm and food programs will—and won’t—benefit from the President’s $825 billion plan.

“As members of Congress struggle to get their arms around the $825 billion economic stimulus plan passed through the House last week and currently being debated in the Senate, a report from the Congressional Research Service sheds light on how farmers and rural communities might be “stimulated” by the first round of spending.” Written by Sam Hurst.

Plus: Chocolate recipes for Valentine’s Day

from Gourmet

DB notes: The manner in which American farms have been propped up by government spending, welfare, and subsidy is byzantine and capricious. That the first in the nation presidential caucus takes place in Iowa has been no help for the American farmer.

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Next on Take 2:  Kimsooja, Korean artist.

Beyond the Sushi Joint

A quick fix.

“Miso Roasted Sea Bass”

6 eight-ounce sea bass filets; salt and pepper to taste; flour as needed
6 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons scallions, sliced; 3 tablespoons garlic, sliced
3 ounces white wine; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 ounces fish stock

Season bass with s & p. Dredge bass lightly in flour and brown in olive oil in a hot skillet on both sides. Place fish in a roasting pan just large enough to hold them. Add remaining ingredients around the fish in roasting pan. Place fish in a 400-degree oven and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and place fish on a serving platter. Spoon sauce around fish and serve. Serves 6. Recipe by John Carver.

from Texas Monthly

Ideas for Tough Times

Cue the cuke.

“Cooking Cucumbers”

“Are cucumbers more like oysters or mussels. CoPowdered foie gras? Old hat. Cooked cucumber? That’s truly avant-garde.” Written by Matthew Amster-Burton.

from Gourmet