‘Year of Plenty’ tells Goodwin’s story

Locavore, gardener, canner, blogger, farmers market manager and pastor Craig Goodwin is adding one more title – author.

Goodwin’s book started as a yearlong experiment to eat only local or homegrown foods and consume used or homemade goods.

In “Year of Plenty: One Suburban Family, Four Rules and 365 Days of Homegrown Adventure in Pursuit of Christian Living,” he shares the story of how his family made the switch to locavores and the simple life.

According to a news release, the book examines the hardships and joys that came with their new lives in the light of the Christian call to care for the earth and love their neighbors.

Goodwin says it also speaks to those who are spiritual but not religious and searching for ways to “connect with heaven and earth in their daily lives.”

The book is written for a national audience, but includes some of the distinctive character of this area with details about the ADM Flour Mill in Spokane Valley, Inland Northwest Dairy in North Spokane, Millwood and its farmers market, the Spokane County Interstate Fair, and Inland Northwest farmers Fred Fleming of Shepherd’s Grain and Gary Angel of Rocky Ridge Ranch.

“Year of Plenty” is available at bookstores and through online retailers. It was published by Sparkhouse Press, an imprint of Augsburg Fortress Press. List price is $12.95.

Goodwin writes a blog at www.yearofplenty.org.

More Triple D action

The Food Network “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” episode featuring Waddell’s Pub and Grille will debut March 14 at 9 p.m.

Co-owner Michael Noble says the pub will host a premiere party that day that will include ice sculpture carving, along with food and drink specials.

Noble says he’ll start carving a bobblehead caricature of Triple D host Guy Fieiri starting at 11 a.m. and he hopes to get it finished before 4 p.m.

Festivities also include a World’s Largest Reuben Eating Contest, Irish dancers, green beer and Guinness specials. Food specials include the dishes featured on the show: the Rube Waddell burger, the Ryeogie and the dish Fieri dubbed the “Lambstrosity” during the filming at the restaurant.

Waddell’s is at 4318 S. Regal St.

While you’re planning your television watching, be sure to catch the Food Network on March 11 at 9 p.m., March 12 at midnight or March 13 at 3 p.m. for reruns of the episode featuring Jimmy’s Down the Street in Coeur d’Alene. It debuted Monday.

Jim Purtee says the episode, “Favorites With a Twist,” features their scratch-made caramel pecan rolls. Jimmy’s Down the Street is at 1613 E. Sherman Ave.