CSA: Week 1

[drama_kween]

So, I know I'd told people I would post about my CSA food and inspired eating.  So, here we go!
I split this share with another family.

Week 1 Share, 6/5-
4 heads of lettuce (various)
1 bunch kale
3 lbs of braising greens
1/2 lb arugula
3/4 lb pac choi
1 bunch oregano
1 bunch turnips
1 bunch radishes

Yes, lots of greens.  Holy crap.
Anyway, here are some

Comments

[xinie]

As noted in my LJ yesterday, my CSA sucks! They are claiming poor weather has affected their crops, but I seem to be the only one without a box! Where is yours located?

[drama_kween]

Westborough.

http://www.heirloomharvestcsa.com/

[xinie]

I'm definitely doing more research for local options next year. I just got bitch-slapped by the ringleader of the drop-off location for daring to ask if lots of CSAs were having the delay problem... How dare I ask questions!

(cross-posted to the_lword's LJ, where there is a similar thread.)

[gogogrrl]

mmmmmmm arugula pesto mmmmmmm the plus.

here are my pesto tips (cause you know, you asked for my advice. . . :) )
- freezes really well in little one-serving size nugs of tastiness
- if you have it in a jar or something, you can leave it at room temp with a layer of olive oil floating on the top. this seals it up so that air can't get in. the very top may get a little brown, but them you just scrape that part off with the olive oil and use what's underneath.
- use some other nuts instead of pine nuts. i usually mix like hazelnuts and pine nuts. cheaper. and still yum.
- whole wheat pizza dough. pesto. tomatoes. cheese. yum. often helps to cook the pizza dough partially first, then huck on the pesto. otherwise it gets kind of soggy.

[katatonic_state]

Walnuts are also excellent in pesto. I've done that with various greens.

[drama_kween]

mmm...yummy.

kale

[xinie]

Kale is one of the few vegetables that timothy_tim likes, so it's one of my stand-bys: mac n cheese n kale, green (kale) eggs, korma with kale and the other veg he eats, kale stir fries, kale fried rice, kale pizza, etc.

[amymarr]

Wow, that is a lot. I could never ever use that much. And I really don't like a lot of things on that list (turnips and radishes to name two). Do you get a choice in what you get?

I can see it now...

[xinie]

Dear CSA,

There's a lot of stuff I don't like in my box, like vegetables. Would you please send hot dogs and tater tots instead?

xoxo,
timothy_tim

[drama_kween]

heh...no we don't get a choice, and I agree, I don't care about turnips or radishes either....but some people say they are good in salads? I never eat them.

It is a lot...but I'm splitting...and really...it's still a lot!

[katatonic_state]

Radishes are quite good sliced thin in salads. Or cut up for dippin in ranch dressing or hummus (or the veggie dip of your choice). Radishes are spicy - almost peppery hot - so for some, a little dab will do 'em. I'm happy eating them by the handful, though.

You could peel the turnips and cut them up and freeze them if you don't want to use them now -- they are really yummy in a veggie (or meat) stew. They go well with carrots, potatoes, lentils, parsnips, etc. If you ever make beef stew, they work well in it as well. Or, you can boil them up and mash them with salt, pepper, and butter -- kind of like you would with butternut squash. Ruth loves mashed turnip (at least she did the last time I fed it to her). Turnips are slightly sweet and have a similar to a firm potato once cooked - just not as starchy. Plus they're an excellent source of vitamins and minerals! :)