I miss my farmers' market at home. The people, the farmers, the vendors; it was such an incredible way to spend my Saturday mornings. But now that's nearly 500 miles away, and I've had to find some sort of replacement.
I made up my mind before moving that we would sign up for a CSA (community supported agriculture - for those not in the know) box. It would be a good way to get to know a farm or two, and adjust to the different offerings and somewhat different growing seasons. It's also a good way to make you get creative with cooking.
Every other week I get a box full of surprise fruits and veggies and have to sit down and puzzle a menu out. Yesterday I picked up my second trial box and it looked like this:
Actually this was my first box. I didn't take a picture of the second box because after walking there and back - oh, the hills in this city! - with the haul, I was hot and sweaty and it just completely slipped my mind. This time around there was no eggplant, banana peppers or apples. Got tons of tomatoes, caribe potatoes, an heirloom Tigger melon and watermelon. More zucchini, tomatillos, basil, bell peppers and eggs. Also a bunch of chives.
So for the menu here's what I've got:
(thank you previous tenant for leaving behind your new Saveur magazine!)
served over orzo, basil
Spanish Tortilla with Chive Pesto
eggs, potato, onion
italian sausage, spinach, pine nuts and tomato sauce
with feta cheese, lime juice, jalapeno and cilantro
I look forward to you sharing CSA hauls. I've always thought they are a great idea, and really think it would be inspiring to try all sorts of whatever arrives! I want to eventually do that when we are settled on the east coast. Can't wait to see your adventures!
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