Back in February, I decided to sign up for the only CSA being offered in my city, and after what's felt like ages, it's finally started! Each week I'll be picking up my share of the CSA from Terra Bella Farm. Please visit Terra Bella's page at Local Harvest for information on the program I'm participating in (what? I'm tired!).
1.5 pounds plouts
1.5 pounds peaches
2 lemons
1 head red butter leaf lettuce
2 pounds fava beans
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch kale chard or collards (I chose kale)
1 red onion
1 baguette (which had Asiago cheese and caramelized onions)
I know the above pic isn't that great, and I'll try to improve my pictures, but we were just so damned excited to eat the fruit!
Most of the items are standard for me, but the three that I'm not sure what I'll do with are the parsley, fava beans, and kale... Parsley is a garnish in my mind, so I'm clueless there about actually using it. I don't think I've ever eaten fava's or kale before... My sister-in-law is taking part in a CSA on the east coast and made kale "chips" today, so I think I'll give that a try this week. If there's kale again next week, I really want to give this Kale, Sausage and Mushroom Stew recipe a try. It's getting a little warm for stew (finally), but this combo sounds delicious!
So far, I'm quite happy with the first week's offerings. Now the challenge (a good one, and partly why I'm doing this) is to use it all up before next Wednesday!
What an excellent way to expand your diet! So glad the kids were as excited about it as you. Maybe you'll learn some new things to plant in your own garden.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you dry your parsley in the microwave, store in a spice jar and add it to meatloaf, dumplings, buttered potatoes, stews and soups....I think parsley is probably my herb of choice for everyday cooking.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great selection, those plums look divine. I love it when CSA's include that something extra too, whether it's a few fresh eggs, or fresh bread. I'm amazed you had the willpower to save half the loaf...I know how difficult that can be!
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice assortment of goodies. And it looks like the younguns WERE excited about the fruit!!! I'm with Granny, parsley is great in the kitchen, and classic with potatoes and soups. It keeps for quite a bit when fresh.
ReplyDeleteI have some GREAT delicious kale recipes. My fav one is a vegetarian dish - black bean and sweet potato enchiladas with kale. Everyone that's tried them falls in love with them and I often make them for company.
ReplyDeleteGREAT CSA haul! I joined a veggie co-op, but the veggies weren't from a local farm and some weren't even from our state, so I got a bit turned off :(