We have been talking about joining a CSA for about a year, and we finally took the leap! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It means that we now get our vegetables directly from a farm. We signed up for a half-share, which means that we get a delivery every 2 weeks. We pick up our order at the 12 South Farmer's Market in Sevier Park, which is a stone's throw from our front door! It could not be any more convenient.
Every other Tuesday, we pick up our half-bushel box of fresh produce. It is overflowing with whatever is perfectly ripe at Delvin Farms that week, much of it picked earlier that same day! Our second box, pictured above, was filled with two kinds of kale, lettuce, swiss chard, yellow squash, zucchini, cabbage, spring onions, basil and garlic.
Not only is it helping us to eat more locally and seasonally, but it is challenging us to be better cooks. We do most of our meal planning while we're walking around the Farmer's Market. We take a peek at what's in our box, and then make the rounds picking up what we will need to supplement it from the other producers. Our pantry is well stocked with quinoa, arborio rice and chicken stock for risottos, cous cous, and pasta.
My favorite quick meal that can be made with any summery green (arugula, spinach, kale, chard, etc.) is pasta with chevre and greens. Just cook the pasta and the greens, and then as soon as the pasta is drained, stir in a log (4-6 oz for 3 people) of fresh chevre and a squeeze of lemon. Toss in the greens and serve!
Chard, Bacon, and Gouda Quiche
Kale Salad with Toasted Coconut
I wonder what will be in tomorrow's box...
