My first CSA Farm Share Pick-up!!

Wednesday June 17, 2009

Wednesday was my first pick-up of fresh, local organic produce that I get from Heaven's Harvest Farms. I was sooo ridiculously excited. It really was like Christmas for me! I rushed home from work. Did my walk, then flew out of the house to find the pick-up spot.

I used my handy GPS (a smart birthday gift from Dan)

I was feeling awfully green- with my car on battery mode, going to pick up my produce! I'm a serious dork, I admit that. But I was seriously almost high! LOL!!

See how happy?! Sun roof open (one of the FEW sunny days we've had this month)

Of course I still managed to get myself a little turned around... not that it was really Garmin's fault- I was too excited to pay attention I think! Oops!

This is my bundle. Its called a half-share. Supposed to feed 2 people. A full share is for a family of 4. But I figure since I eat enough veggies for two, and Dan will rarely eat any of them, this would be perfect.





I knew it would take some creative planning to find recipes for these veggies. Many of which I had never tried-- but then that's part of my reason for wanting to do this. I really am ENJOYING being a vegetarian (still fairly new- started Sept '08), but I think I needed this push to try vegetables I wouldn't normally buy.

Wednesday night I made stir fry with the summer squash and bok choy from the CSA. And used up peppers, carrots, mushrooms and ginger that I had.

I also made a cold Cucumber Couscous Salad which came out great! Recipe can be found here.

Then Thursday I invited Kris and the kids over for dinner at my house, instead of going to hers. She was glad to come, and as it turned out Matt came too- and Dan didn't have cards that night, so we had a big family dinner.

Results: I thought it was a little oily but the flavor was good. Kris liked it.

Results: I thought they were undercooked, even though I cooked them longer than the recipe called for. The flavor was just ok. Kris said, and Matt & I subsequently agreed, that they "taste good for you." It wasn't a bad flavor and the ginger/butter helped... but it wasn't something any of us will be craving in the near future.

collard greens- washed and ready to go

Results: The salad ended up being room-temp instead of warm because we were running a little behind. Dan thought he'd have liked it better warm and with a little less mustard. I thought it needed less Vinegar. Matt doesn't like sweet potatoes but he liked 'em. Kris and Matt loved the salad.

I ended up buying chicken legs and breasts, marinated them in olive oil and lemon balm and Dan cooked them on the grill.

Results: They all said the flavor was good. That's all I have to go on ;)

We also grilled some portabella mushrooms and summer squash on the grill. mmmm

I still need to experiment with the turnips, and I've got another sweet potato to enjoy this week. I'm thinking I'll indulge on a sweet potato with sour cream and the rest of the fresh chives! mmm.

Hope you've enjoyed hearing about my cooking adventures. I'll try to post some new ones each week as the produce comes in!