Though I enjoyed a recent Anne Mahle column, The Maine Ingredient, she should forget the pear chutney idea and instead make a lovely lobster, pear and walnut salad ("Every now and again, you just have to go to Plan B," Oct. 7).

Lobster prices are cheaper than some brands of hot dogs, yet they are organic and sustainably harvested by your neighbors.

And most of the money that is made by these hard-working men and women stays in the state of Maine, so local people and venders benefit. By buying from a fishermen's co-op, you can be assured that the money goes directly to them and not a middleman.

Lobster is some of the highest quality proteins available with no hormones or added chemicals. It's rich in vital minerals and actually low in fat if not dipped in butter.

So be sure to include at least one lobster feed in your holiday festivities. For after all, without us, the Native American peoples would have had all the lobster. Oh, and corn, cotton, tobacco, tomatoes, peppers, coffee, beans, potatoes and squash.

The Natives also gave us their knowledge of plants, which helped create many modern medicines, and shared mining, farming and fishing techniques that shaped this nation.

Our Founding Fathers even created our government with inspiration from traditional Native political systems.

Whatever and whenever you celebrate, just don't forget the lobster! And please pass the butter.

Elizabeth Kellett

Walpole