As an entry in our Pest or Dinner Contest, Kathryn submits the supposedly nutrient-dense cockroach. Oh, make that a palmetto bug.
Kathryn writes:
For your dining pleasure I submit the "palmetto bug" also known as super-large, not afraid of the light and able to fly cockroaches. I believe the term "palmetto bug" was developed by a marketing team in the southern US, where palmetto bugs can commonly be found.As a depression buster food, you could get a lot from these beasts as they can grow up to three inches in size. To prepare, refrigerate your live bugs to slow them down. I think washing them off before cooking would be a nice touch. Perhaps removing legs and antennae would also be beneficial. I would suggest dry roasting them in your oven at 200 degrees F for 1-2 hours. Season how you please.
You could then crush them and use them in any recipe that calls for nuts. (Perhaps your son would prefer them in his sandwiches?) They are quite crunchy, due to their armored shells, and might make a great snack mix as well.
I will eat almost anything that is covered in a good chocolate -- perhaps that's another avenue for introducing this valuable depression busting food (I mean pest) into your diet.
No doubt about it, these guys are a great source of crude protein, vitamins and minerals, all good for helping to bust depression. Maybe not as good as liver.
Additionally, as you know, laughter is great for busting depression. And, laugh you will, when you see me (or anyone else) jump from the floor onto the coffee table to avoid said pest (but they, can fly and that's the really funny part.)
I do not currently have a photo to submit, but will attempt to obtain one while I am perched on my coffee table. If you have a hard time locating a source of palmetto bugs, you are welcome to visit my garage.
Best wishes,
Kathryn
And Kathryn added a relevant postscript:
I do want to assure you that the palmetto bugs in my garage are free-range and are eating their traditional diet, which adds to their nutritional value as a depression busting food. I'm sure they could be considered organic as we practice "catch and release" bug control around here, although we are not a certified organic palmetto bug farm!
OK, I can't stop laughing. I try to sneak nutrients into my son's lunches all the time. I haven't tried Kathryn's idea yet.
