Summer Food

As the afternoon munchies approach, I took a break and surfed the website of my new produce distributor, The Food Project. I had wanted to participate last year, but since my funding for extreneous items was fairly limited, it didn't happen. But luckily, this year I was able to buy a share of a local suburban farm. Basically, instead of going to a farmer's market and buying what you want from a variety of farmers, you are committing to purchase a set amount of produce a year (season). You pick up a box of goodies every week and you are benefiting from the super fresh produce, as well as supporting local, urban farming (i.e. the environment). I just found out the farm is part of the Audubon Society land and is only a few miles away, near Walden pond. I get the warm fuzzies just thinking of the idea that I'm buying something substantial local. I always try to, but it's so piecemiel and really so minimal - really, if you think about it, everything you buy is from the other side of the country or even the world, and not down the road.

I was reading the produce list and realized I should start thumbing through some cookbooks. I really don't think I get enough produce - not part of my regular shopping habits like in past cities. Plus I'm not always inspired to buy as broad a range as I should. Check out what I'll be getting - I'll be up to my ears in produce too as the box feeds 2-3 people

June:Lettuce, Salad Mix, Spinach, Radish, Strawberries, Garlic Scapes, TurnipsJuly:Lettuce, Salad Mix, Radish, Beets, Bell Peppers, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Scallions, Summer Squash, TomatoesAugust:Lettuce, Salad Mix, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Basil, Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Dill, Hot Peppers, Parsley, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Swiss Chard, Fennel, DaikonSeptember:Lettuce, Salad Mix, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumber, Eggplant, Basil, Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Dill, Hot Peppers, Parsley, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Swiss Chard, Potatoes, Turnips, Onions, Daikon.October:Lettuce, Salad Mix, Spinach, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celeriac, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Onions, Potatoes, Rutabagas, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Winter Squash

Some of the stuff I don't even know what it is, like Daikon and Garlic Scrapes, but I'm sure they are wonderful. And what do you do with rutabagas and cabbage, not things I normally cook with. I can't wait! My mouth is watering too. I did something similar while in California and that was some of the best produce I've ever eaten in my life (granted it was California, different growing conditions) - local makes such a difference and you don't always get that at grocery stores and even farmers markets. Dude, the food is from down the street, how awesome is that?!

Second note for food - I know I mentioned loving Odwalla, specifically the Tango Mango. While at Wild Oats the other day, I picked up a selection of Naked's that were on sale. These drinks are really good, just like Odwalla, but have a great packaging detail - telling you exactly how many mangos and bananas and apples, etc went into this particular drink. And did you know, Costco sells Naked's Mighty Mango. Historically, I don't drink soda, and stopped drinking fruit spritzers when I realized the carbonation depleated calcium, and now am moving on from juices which are mainly corn syrup flavored water, to the real thing - 100% fruit juices. Unfortunately, as I write this, I just found out Naked is now owned by Pepsi so in essence I'm still supporting the soda company. At least its not Coca-Cola.

And finally, I don't think I ever posted pictures of my wonderful soufle. Unfortunately, there are no beautious before pictures - it was above the rim, but quickly deflated after I chopped into it. Not so gorogeous anymore, but somewhat delicious.

And I think that's all in the food world. In duck world, the count is up to 71 (still a few more to find), and a bunch (all?) are being used as part of a kid's event at Barbro's work, so they have a happy second life!