Monday, December 3, 2012

December 1 - 7, 2012

In the box:

Apples
Arugula
Beets - F
Cabbage - W
Romanesco cauliflower + - F
Celery - T
Pineapple guavas - Lunches
Lacinato kale - T
Leeks - T
Meyer lemons +
Winter squash + - T
Fruit jam from Happy Girl Kitchen (made with LEF fruit)

In the fridge:

Squash - Su, T
Potatoes - T
carrots - T
yams - T
cabbage - W

Groceries:

dal
yellow dal
garbanzo beans
eggroll wraps

Menu:

Saturday: SUSHI!
Sunday: Butternut Squash Soup, Bread
Monday: Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp
Tuesday: Coconut Curry DAL, make in the afternoon with Logan)
Wednesday: Peanut Noodles and Eggrolls, shred remaining cabbage and make sauerkraut with boys
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Beet and Romanesco Cauliflower Salad

Recipes:

COCONUT CURRY DAL
coconut oil for cooking
1 butternut squash
1 large onion, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 leeks, cleaned well, and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 garnet yam, peeled and cubed
1 fennel bulb, chopped
3 fingerling potatoes, chunked
1 can Thai coconut milk
1-2 tsp. curry powder
1-2 tsp. garam marsala
sea salt and pepper to taste
fresh squeezed lemon juice
 6-8 C chicken or vegetable stock
1 C dal, rinsed well
1 C orange lentils, rinsed well
1 C yellow dal, rinsed well
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can coconut milk
Squeeze of fresh lemon (optional)
1 to 2 bunches leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach, collards), washed, de-stemmed and chopped

1. Cut the butternut squash in half, de-seed, and rub with coconut oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until tender (the cooking time depends on the size of the squash). Remove when tender and set aside to cool. 
2. In a large pot, melt 1 tbsp. coconut oil and start to saute the onion, until  caramelized, about 7- 10 minutes. Add the chopped leeks and continue to saute until very tender, then add the rest the vegetables and saute until all is tender and steamy.
3. Add the spices and saute a bit longer to incorporate and release their oils.
4. Add about 6-8 C stock, then add the lentils and dal. Stir well. 
5. Scoop out the butternut squash and add the flesh to the lentils and dal. Mix well to combine. Simmer, slightly covered, until the mixture is tender to the bite. You will want to stir the dal occasionally while it is cooking. You may also need to add more stock as it cooks. 
6. Add the rinsed, cooked garbanzo beans and the coconut milk. Stir in gently. I like to add a little fresh lemon juice for brightness.
7. Add the chopped kale and other greens if you like and mix incorporating all. Season to your taste with sea salt and pepper and more lemon juice if you so desire.
8. Serve over brown basmati rice and have a side of roasted, whole cashews to sprinkle on top. This fills the house with love! 
9. This makes a large pot of soup so you may want to cut the recipe in half, but don't reduce the quantity of greens.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Post-Thanksgiving Week 2012

In the fridge:

Turkey (duh) - Su, T
Stuffing - W
Mashed Potatoes - W
Candied Yams - M
Green Bean Casserole - T
Rolls - Su
Cranberry Sauce - W
Carrots - Su, T, W
Cabbage - M
Kale - W
Arugula - Su


Menu:

Sunday: Turkey Dumpling Soup (with minced arugula), spare turkey broth for freezing, Rolls
Monday: Flying Mayan Burritos, Make sauerkraut, coleslaw
Tuesday: Turkey Pot Pie
Wednesday: Kale Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Steamed Carrots
Thursday: Turkey Chop Suey
Friday: Turkey Sandwiches

Recipes:


http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/turkey-vegetable-soup-with-stuffing-dumplings-recipe/index.html

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-specials/flying-mayan-burrito-recipe/index.html

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Turkey-Chop-Suey

Sunday, November 18, 2012

November 17 - 25, 2012

In the box:
Apples
Arugula - R
Bok Choi - T
Cabbage, Green
Cauliflower, Romanesco - Sa
Celery - F
Eggplant - M
Kale - Su
Leeks - Su
Lettuce - M
Winter Squash

In the fridge:
winter squash (2 butternut) - Su
tomatillos - W
peppers - W
red cabbage

Groceries:
Pick up Turkey
Carrots
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes

Menu:

Saturday:
  • [Dinner]: Romanesco Cauliflower Pasta
Sunday:
  • [Dinner]: Butternut Squash Lentil Stew, Bread
Monday: 
  • [Dinner]:  Involtino di Melanzane with pasta, salad
Tuesday:
  • [Dinner]: Bok Choy Stir Fry
Wednesday: 
  • [Dinner]: Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa
Thursday:
  • [Dinner]:  Calzones, Pie Making, Bread (for stuffing) and Roll Baking, 
Friday:
  • [Dinner]: Thanksgiving Food - Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Baba Gannouj for Snack
Recipes:



BUTTERNUT SQUASH and LENTIL STEW
Makes 6 servings

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 carrots, diced
2 ribs celery, trimmed and diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
1-2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1-2 cups stock of choice
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups French green lentils, picked through (you can substitute brown or regular green lentils)
3/4 teaspoons sea salt
1/3 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
2 cups tightly packed spinach (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion and cook 5 minutes. Add squash and season with chili powder and ground cumin. Cook 1 minute.
2. Stir in broth, tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, and lentils. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and add sea salt. Simmer, uncovered, an additional 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro and spinach, if using. Adjust stew to your desired consistency. 


Forrest Gingold’s Involtino di Melanzane [it is an eggplant dish!]
from an (old) undated SJ Merc clipping which I saved ‘cause it sounds so good!
Serves 4

1 large eggplant [or equivalent small]
Olive oil
3 tbsp. sultanas (golden raisins)
1/2 C marsala
3 tbsp. pine nuts
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
3/4 C bread crumbs
Pomodoro sauce:
1 clove garlic, chopped
Olive oil
1 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
1 C ground tomatoes in puree [or you can make your own folks!]
Salt, pepper and sugar to taste

Slice the eggplant(s) the long way into 3/4" thick slices. Brush them with olive oil and roast on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. Soak the sultanas in the marsala until they are plump and soft. Add the pine nuts, parsley and bread crumbs; mix lightly. Place a small amount of the mixture at the bottom end of the eggplant slices and roll up.

Make the pomodoro sauce by lightly sautéing the garlic in a small amount of olive oil until golden. Add oregano and tomatoes and heat until just warmed through. Add salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Cover the bottom of a casserole dish with the pomo-doro sauce. Arrange the eggplant rolls on top of the sauce. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.


BABA GANNOUJ
Serves 6-8
This dip is a favorite appetizer in the Middle East. It can be made in advance, covered, and refrigerated. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is available in heath food stores and supermarkets.

2 small eggplants, halved lengthwise
sea salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees F. Sprinkle the eggplant flesh with salt and set aside for 15 minutes. Rub off the salt and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place eggplant, flesh side up, on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until the flesh is soft. Peel off skin and discard. 
3. Place eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil in a food processor. Process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with mint and serve with pita bread or lavash bread wedges.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

November 12-16, 2012

In the box:

Apples - lunches, snacks
Arugula
Beets - W
Bok Choi - M
Broccolini - Sa
Dry-farmed Tomatoes with Sweet Peppers (mixed bag) - T, F
Kale - R
Lettuce - F
Radishes

In the fridge:
Lettuce - T
Chard - T
Turnips - T
Butternut Squash
Carrots - T, F

Groceries:
Sausage
Lunch Fixings
Fruit
Stir Fry Beef
Cheese
Chicken
garlic

Menu:

Monday: 
  • [Dinner]:  Beef & Bok Choy Stir Fry with Rice
Tuesday:
  • [Dinner]:Veggie Lasagna, Salad
Wednesday: 
  • [Dinner]: Beet Risotto
Thursday:
  • [Dinner]:  Kale-Turnip Soup
Friday:
  • [Dinner]: Chicken Salad


Next week: 



Saturday, September 29, 2012

Suggestions for the boys

So, the little one and I are out of town, which means that my culinary prowess is also out of town, leaving the big one and daddy to their own devices. So this is my attempt at not coming home to a bunch of spoiler veggies.
In the box
Beets - I know you don't like beets and they'll last a while in the fridge
Broccoli - Steam in the steamer for 10 minutes. You put water in the bottom part ( for broccoli, its the lower marker) then the flat plastic part, then the basket with the lid. I suggest putting the broccoli over baked potatoes or eating it with baked chicken (throw some veggie seasoning and salt & pepper on the chicken, pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 375 (I use the other food auto convection setting).
Carrots - peel em, steam em (see broccoli, but they take about a half hour or whatever it says on the front of the steamer) or eat em raw.
Celery - wash it, cut it, see if RJ will eat it in his lunch
Dry-farmed Tomatoes - dice and saute to make a quick sauce for pasta.
Heirloom Tomatoes - RJ likes them sliced and salted.
Kale - pull off from stem, rinse, spin, tear in pieces, saute and add to scrambled eggs or tomatoes and pasta
Potatoes - microwave has a baked potatoes button. doesn't get easier than that. see broccoli to pair.
Radishes - find Ashley and offload.
Sweet Peppers - thaw and cook ground turkey. add Chili powder, cumin, coriander, onion powder ( or chopped onions), garlic powder ( or garlic), and salt. cut peppers in half. bake for a few minutes to soften. add turkey, mixing it with corn and chopped peppers. top with cheese ( for you...RJ will flip if there is cheese on his. serve with salsa, sour cream, etc.

Note: If this is formatted weird, blame my kindle.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

September 24 - 28, 2012

In the box:

Beets - W
Broccoli - T
Green beans - M
Kale - R
Lettuce - W, F
Red onions - R
Summer squash - R
Sweet peppers - R
Dry-farmed tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes - F


In the fridge:
tomatoes
heirloom tomato - W
lettuce - W


Groceries:
hummus
pita
carrots
chicken
steak

Menu:

Sunday:

Monday:

  • [Lunch]: PB & J Tortilla Roll, Fruit
  • [Dinner]:  Green Beans, Baked Chicken, corn
Tuesday:

  • [Lunch]: Hummus, Pita, Carrots
  • [Dinner]: Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes with Cheese, Soak Beans for W
Wednesday:

  • [Lunch]: Yogurt, Fruit, Ham Roll
  • [Dinner]: Salad with Beets, Heirloom Tomatoes and beans
Thursday:

  • [Lunch]: PB Banana Tortilla Roll, Fruit
  • [Dinner]: Kale, Squash, Pepper Curry with Steak, Rice
Friday:

  • [Lunch]: Tuna Sushi Roll, Fruit
  • [Dinner]: Pomegranate Chicken Mexican Salad 
Recipes:

Sunday, September 16, 2012

September 15 - 21, 2012

In the box:

Arugula - T
Broccoli - Su
Celery - R
Dry-farmed Tomatoes - T, grind tomatoes for canning
Heirloom Tomatoes - M, F
Kale - M
Lettuce - M
Potatoes, fingerlings - Su, R
Sweet Peppers - W

In the fridge:

Padron Peppers - W
Sweet Peppers - W
summer squash - F
grapes - lunches, jam R

Ready to Harvest: Pomegranates

Groceries:
parmesan
lunch meat
ground turkey
yogurt
cheese
sour cream
lemon
fruit

Menu:

Sunday: Grilled Fish with Steamed Broccoli and Baked Potatoes with Cheese
Monday: 
  • [Lunch]:PB&J English Muffin (could make it a tambourine with banana slices if a banana is left), Fruit
  • [Dinner]:Kale & Goat Cheese Frittatas and Salad
Tuesday:
  • [Lunch]: Yogurt with Fruit, Pretzels, Thawed Edamame 
  • [Dinner]: Pasta with Tomatoes and Arugula, grind tomatoes to can, soak beans for Wednesday
Wednesday: 
  • [Lunch]:  Kale & Goat Cheese Frittata leftover, fruit, 
  • [Dinner]: Southwestern Stuffed Peppers
Thursday:
  • [Canning during Logan's Co-op]: Pomegranates and Grapes for jam (if any are left)
  • [Lunch]: Tortilla Rollup with banana and nutella, fruit
  • [Dinner]: Potato Soup and Salad
Friday:
  • [Lunch]: Maracas made from pomegranate seeds, bell peppers and pretzels, music note cheese & lunch meat
  • [Dinner]: Pasta with Summer Squash
Recipes:

Southwestern Stuffed Peppers - http://www.simplylovefood.com/2012/02/25/southwestern-stuffed-peppers/

Pasta with Summer Squash and Tomatoes with Creamy Lemon-Yogurt Sauce - http://www.ezrapoundcake.com/archives/13338









Sunday, September 9, 2012

September 9 - 14, 2012

In the box:

Cauliflower - F
Chard - W
Kale - R
Lettuce - R
Pac choi - T
Padron peppers - W, Freeze
summer squash - M
Sweet peppers - R, F
Cherry tomatoes - R
heirloom tomatoes - R

In the fridge:

corn on the cob - M
onions
leeks
carrots - T, W
raspberries
grapes
strawberries (for jam)

Groceries:
ginger
meat for grilling
Stir Fry Beef

Menu:
Saturday: Make and Process Spaghetti Sauce, Chinese food for dinner
Sunday: Pasta with Sauce
Monday:
  • [Lunch]: Yogurt, Fruit, Spinach Scone
  • [Dinner]: Corn on the Cob, Meat on the Grill, Orange Summer Squash Bread
Tuesday:
  • [Lunch]: Corn tortilla french horn with lunch meat, fruit
  • [Dinner]: Pac Choi Beef Stir Fry with rice
Wednesday:
  • [Lunch]:Tuna salad sushi hand roll horn (with carrots and leftover rice), fruit
  • [Dinner]: Lentils with Greens
Thursday:
  • [Lunch]: Kale Cocoa Flax Waffles (make Wed night for co-op & RJ's lunch), Fruit
  • [Dinner]: Tomato Sweet Pepper Soup, Salad
Friday:
  • [Lunch]: Applesauce Container Drum with Pretzel Stick Drumsticks, Hummus and Pita Bread
  • [Dinner]: Cauliflower Sweet Pepper Salad

Recipes:

http://cookingwithelise.com/orange-summer-squash-bread-and-the-act-of-giving/

SPICED LENTILS with MIXED GREEN VEGETABLES (LEF Recipe Database)
Serves 6

1 tablespoon peanut oil (or oil of choice)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin seeds
1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger
1 small hot chili, minced
black pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked lentils of choice
2 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, kale, chard...) torn
juice of 1 /2 lemon
2 tablespoons plain yogurt

1. Heat oil in a saute pan and saute onion until soft. Add spices, chili, pepper, and seasonings and saute for 1 more minute.
2. Add the lentils and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the greens and stir for another minute until slightly wilted.

3. Add the lemon juice and drizzle over yogurt before serving slightly warm or at room temperature.


ROASTED TOMATO, GARLIC and SWEET PEPPER SOUP (LEF Recipe Database)
Serves 6

8 garlic cloves, peeled
8 large tomatoes (about 1 pound), halved and (optionally) seeded
1 medium sweet pepper or 2 small, halved, seeded, then quartered
5 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
black pepper to taste
1 3/4 vegetable stock
handful fresh basil leaves

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange garlic, tomatoes, and peppers in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are soft (if the garlic looks like it is overcooking, remove it from baking dish and set it aside).
2. Transfer contents of baking dish to a blender or food processor. Add the stock and puree until smooth. Put into a pan and reheat, adding the basil at the last minute. Adjust the seasoning.



WARM CAULIFLOWER, SWEET PEPPER and SESAME SALAD (LEF Recipe Database)
Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 sweet peppers, seeded and sliced thinly about 2 cups
1 cup cauliflower cut into small florets
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup tofu, sliced (optional)
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1. Heat half the oil in a frying pan and stir-fry the bell peppers and cauliflower for 5 minutes, until the peppers are tinged golden and slightly soft.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the remaining oil and sesame seeds, and stir-fry for a minute.
3. Turn onto serving plates and serve warm with oil drizzled over and sesame seeds sprinkled on top.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

September 1 - 7, 2012

In the box:
Pac Choi - R
Basil - Su, M
Cherry Tomatoes - M
Dry-farmed Tomatoes - W
Green Beans - Su
Kale - W
Leeks - M
Padron or Poblano Peppers - Sa
Spinach - M
Sweet Peppers - Su, M, W, F
Radishes - Su


In the fridge:
Cabbage - T
Green Beans - Su


Groceries:
Ham
Chicken
Pineapple
Ahi Tuna
Flour
Ground Turkey
Shitake Mushrooms
Carrots
grapes
circle crackers
thin pretzel sticks
Fruit

Menu:
Weekend Lunches: Leftover Quiche, Stir-fry, Lentil Stew
Saturday: Leftovers, Sauteed Padron Peppers
Sunday: Make Bean Salad for Kids to take, Pickled Radishes
Monday: 
[Dinner]: Grilled Tuna with Basil Butter, Spinach Salad, mashed potatoes with leeks
Tuesday:
[Lunch]:Hard Boiled Egg Guitars with Pretzel Necks and Nori strings, Yogurt with fruit
[Dinner]: Asian Cabbage Rolls
Wednesday:
[Lunch]: 
Musical Note Bread PB & J, Fruit
[Dinner]: Individual Veggie Pizza with Kale Stuffed Crust, Make extra crusts to freeze for future
Thursday:
[Lunch]: Hummus & Pita Tambourine with crackers, carrots
[Dinner]: Wanton Soup
Friday: 
[Lunch]: 
Sushi Rice & Nori Piano Keyboard, Tortilla & Ham Roll-up "Flute", Fruit
[Dinner]: Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Cherry tomatoes


Recipes:

Bean Salad: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Basil-Bean-Salad

Grilled Tuna with Basil Butter: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-tuna-with-basil-butter-fresh-tomato-sauce-10000000522098/

Asian Cabbage Rolls: http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Asian-Cabbage-Rolls-Food_com-166788

Wanton Soup: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/wonton-soup-recipe/index.html

Chicken Salad Sandwiches: http://www.sweetpotatochronicles.com/wordpress/2011/06/picnic-week-trish-magwoods-picnic-chicken-salad/#

Sunday, August 26, 2012

August 26 - 31, 2012

In the box:

Arugula - M
Cilantro - W
Bok choi - W
Cabbage (red or green) - Su
Green beans - F
Kale -R
Lettuce - T
Padron peppers - R
Radishes
Spinach - T
Sweet peppers - F
Cherry tomatoes - T, F
Dry-farmed tomatoes - T, R

In the fridge:

Tomatoes - T, RSpinach - T
Padron peppers - R
carrots - W


Groceries:
limes
shrimp
cheese
seashell pasta
soba noodles
hot dogs
blueberries

Menu:

Sunday: Coleslaw, something on the grill
Monday: 
[Lunch]: (minimum day): Peanut Butter Cracker sandwiches, fruit
[Dinner]: Arugula Quiche, Mince, Blanche & Freeze leftover arugula in ice cube tray for soup
Tuesday:
[Lunch]: Sweet Ocean Rice with Blueberries, Cheese Fish, Spinach "Seaweed", hot dog octopus
[Dinner]: Packed Salad & Spinach Scones (have dentist appt. in RWC)
Wednesday:
[Lunch]: 
 Octopus Bread Sandwich & Fruit
[Dinner]: Soba Noodles with Shrimp & Cilantro
Thursday:
[Lunch]: Pasta anenome with hard boiled egg fish
[Dinner]: Lentil & Kale Crockpot (make after lunch!), Roast all padrons for later use
Friday: 
[Lunch]: 
Yogurt with Blueberries, lunch meat roll ups 
[Dinner]: Pasta Salad with Sweet Peppers

Recipes:



http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2012/07/lentil-and-kale-super-food-slow-cooker.html (roast padron peppers to use instead of the canned peppers and use fresh tomatoes)

Sunday, August 19, 2012

August 18-24, 2012

In the box:

Arugula - M
Cabbage - M, W
Carrots - T, W
Dry-farmed Tomatoes - W, R
Green Beans - Su
Leeks
Lettuce - W
Padron Peppers - Roast & Freeze
Spinach - F
Summer Squash - T
Strawberries

In the fridge:

Chard - R
Potatoes - Su
tomatoes - W, R
summer squash - T

Groceries:
Chow Mein Noodles
Scallions
avocados
turmeric
peanut butter
Tortillas
Black Beans
Steak
panko

Menu:
Sunday: Grilled Steak, Green Beans, Grilled Potatoes w/onions
Monday: 
[Lunch]: Bumble Bee Bread Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwich, Fruit & Veggie Flowers
[Dinner]: Turkey Tacos with minced Arugula and shredded Cabbage
Tuesday:
[Lunch]: BumbleBee Bento with yellow rice, nori, tuna sandwich, fruit
[Dinner]: Zucchini Cakes, Steamed Carrots
Wednesday:
[Lunch]: Hummus & Pita, Fruit, Homemade Granola Bars
[Dinner]: Pork Dumplings, Chinese Salad
Thursday:
[Lunch]: Tortilla Banana PB&J, Fruit
[Dinner]: Curry Casserole

Sunday, August 12, 2012

August 11 - 17, 2012

In the box:

Beets - M
Green beans - F
Kale - R
Lettuce - W
Padron peppers - F
Radishes - pickle
Spinach - F
Summer squash - M,
Dry-farmed tomatoes - M,
Strawberries

In the fridge:

mild peppers - T
radishes - pickle
potatoes
tomatoes - Su

Groceries:
Nori sheets
coconut milk
fresh mozzarella
blue cheese
pecans
apples

Menu:

Sunday: [Dinner]: Homemade white pizza with Tomatoes, onions, and garlic, Salad
Monday: [Lunch]: Turkey Rolls, Lightning McQueen Beets & Rice; [Dinner]: Stuffed Zucchini with Baked Salmon, oven fries
Tuesday: [Lunch]: Eggsalad Sandwich, Fruit; [Dinner]: Taco Peppers
Wednesday: [Lunch]:  Hummus, Carrots, Pitas [Dinner]: Lettuce Wraps and Salad
Thursday: [Lunch]: PB & J, fruit [Dinner]: Kale Chickpea Curry
Friday: [Lunch]: Lettuce Wraps (leftover from W night); [Dinner]: Green Beans, Toasted Pecans, & Blue Cheese over Spinach (Make ahead and pack for swimming)

Recipes:

http://www.marthastewart.com/852393/stuffed-zucchini-tomatoes-and-mozzarella?czone=food/produce-guide-cnt/summer-produce-recipes&center=276955&gallery=275750&slide=852393

http://simplylovefood.blog.com/2012/02/25/southwestern-stuffed-peppers/ - use mild peppers and season meat with chopped padrons

http://www.familyfeatures.com/feeds/food/FeatureDetail.aspx?ID=4018

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1437643 - use fresh tomatoes

GREEN BEANS, TOASTED PECANS and BLUE CHEESE
Serves 4-6

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup teaspoons finely chopped shallots 
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup pecans
1 1/2 pounds green beans
3 ounces blue cheese

1. in a large bowl whisk together mustard, vinegar, shallot, and 1 tablespoon oil to make the dressing.
2. In a small heavy skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over high heat until hot but not smoking and saute pecans with salt to taste, stirring frequently, until a shade darker, about 1 minute. Transfer nuts to paper towels to drain and cool. Coarsely chop nuts.
3. Have ready a bowl of ice water. In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water blanch the green beans until just tender, about 3 minutes, and drain to a colander. Transfer beans to ice water, stirring until just cool. Drain beans well and add to dressing. Crumble blue cheese over beans and gently toss with half of nuts and  salt and pepper to taste. Serve beans at room temperature topped with the remaining nuts.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

August 3 - 9, 2012

In the box:
Arugula - Su
Broccoli - R
Carrots - Su, M, R
Chard - M, smoothie/veggie puff experiment
Dry-farmed Tomatoes - W
Green Beans - T
Kale - chips
Lettuce - F, R
Padron Peppers - Su, W (garnish)
Radishes - chips
Strawberries

In the fridge:
Chard - M, smoothie/veggie puff experiment
Carrots - Su
Potatoes - T
tomatoes - W
Hungarian Peppers - W
Napa Cabbage (almost spent) - T
Leeks - use for onions
Summer Squash - W

Groceries:
cucumber
greek yogurt
oranges
ginger
Pork
alternative flour

Menu:
Friday: Salad with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, carrots, etc.
Saturday: Take Out
Sunday: Baked Arugula & Cheese Stuffed Chicken, stuffed padron peppers, quinoa, steamed carrots
Monday: [Lunch]: Turkey Cheese roll-ups, Fruit, [Bake Snack]: Savory Cake, [Dinner]: Carrot Ginger Brown Rice with Sauteed Pork
Tuesday: [Make Monday]: Green Bean and Potato Salad
Wednesday: Gazpacho with Fresh Bread
Thursday: [Lunch]: Salad (kids are in co-op) [Dinner]: Broccoli Slaw with Oranges

Recipes:

Padron Pepper Tapas
The Padron peppers you have in your shares this week are really delicious as a snack, appetizer or 'tapas' when prepared this way. Mind you, you must like a fair amount of heat, but if you do, Padrons have an exceptional flavor to them.

Ingredients: padron peppers, good quality olive oil, good sea salt

For this, a cast-iron skillet or comal is necessary... something you can heat really hot without warping.

Wipe padrons clean of any dirt or clinging moisture (if they have been refrigerated, bring them to room temperature first). Leave peppers whole with stems intact; do not remove stems; you use them later as a 'handle' to hold and eat them.

Heat cast-iron skillet or comal -- do NOT put any oil in the skillet; you are going to dry-pan roast the peppers. The oil is for flavoring afterward! Put peppers into hot pan and, using tongs, turn and cook until blistered and blackened in places and they have started to soften. You'll want to turn on any stove ventilation if you have it; this can get a little smoky!

Once peppers are roasted to your liking, remove to a plate or bowl, drizzle and toss with a good, flavorful olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm.


KIM'S STUFFED PADRON PEPPERS
Thanks, Kim, for sharing this great, tasty recipe!

Padron peppers
Cooked quinoa (instructions below)

Seasoning mix
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. tumeric
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp.cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

1. Cook the quinoa: 2-1 ratio liquid to water or stock (always rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove the "bitter" flavor it sometimes has). Bring stock or water to a boil, add the quinoa, stir, and bring back up to a boil. Cover pot and reduce to a low simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You want the quinoa to be light and fluffy. Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 more minutes. Remove lid and "fluff" the quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly. While it is still warm, add the seasoning mix to your desired taste. Nutritional yeast is a great booster, full of vitamin B 12, and it gives the quinoa a nutty, cheesy taste.
2. When the quinoa is seasoned to taste, stuff it into the peppers that have the tops cut off. Place them in a baking dish, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and bake in a pre-heated 400 oven. Keep an eye on them so you can take them out when done to your liking and serve as an appetizer or a delightful snack!

SAVORY CAKE of CARAMELIZED ONION, WALNUT and CHARD (snack)
Serves 8

Onion Marmalade:
(Left-over marmalade can be spread on sliced bread or served with cheese).
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 large sweet Vidalia onions
3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 Tbs. light brown sugar
1 Tbs. fresh thyme (I am substituting basil)
Cake:
1 1/2 c. flour of choice (I am using brown rice flour)
1 Tbs. baking poeder
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. paprika plus a pinch of cayenne
2 large eggs
1/2 c. Greek yogurt
5 Tbs. olive oil
1 c. coarsely chopped chard, stems removed
1/3 c. chopped, toasted walnuts

To make the onion marmalade:
1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, and herbs, and reduce heat to medium low. Cook 40 minutes, or until onions are caramelized. Cool.
To make the cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, letting ends hang over the pan edges. Spray parchment with cooking spray or lightly oil.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, paprika and cayenne in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, and oil. Stir egg mixture into the flour mixture. Fold in chard, 1/2 c. of the Onion Marmalade, and walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 minutes, or until tip of knife inserted into loaf pan comes out clean. Lift loaf from pan with parchment paper and cool on a wire rack. Serve with remaining Onion Marmalade, if desired.

Garden Gazpacho (cold dinner)
makes about 4 servings
I have in front of me five cookbooks (Joy of... Dean & Deluca... Field of Greens... Moosewood... Rolling Prairie...) -- and each one makes Gazpacho differently!  But since I like to compare & contrast and come up with my own version anyway (I'm sure you'd never get that idea based on the recipes I come up with!), that's what I've done here for you, keeping in mind what's in our share boxes this week!  -- debbie
approximately 4 C chopped tomatoes & their juice (feel free to supplement with cherry tomatoes!)
2 medium-sized mild peppers, stem, seeds and membrane removed, coarsely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and coarsely chopped (remove seeds if you like)
1 small summer squash, coarsely chopped (yes, remove the stem first); a yellow one is nice for color but not required
1 small onion, red, yellow or white, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 large garlic clove, crushed
approximately 2 tbsp. red wine or champagne vinegar, possibly more
1 tbsp. flavorful olive oil
1 tsp. or so fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice (optional)
2 tsp. honey (optional)
1 handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)
1 seeded/chopped jalapeno (optional)
Combine all ingredients except vinegar in a food processor and puree. Empty into a bowl and add/stir in vinegar, a bit at a time, tasting as you go, until the right degree of tartness is reached. For some reason, I have found it is the vinegar which really gives gazpacho that special 'zing'. But since everyone's sense of sour is different, it is best to do this as I described. You'll know when it is right. And of course you'll want to add salt & pepper to taste. When you've got what you like, refrigerate the soup and chill thoroughly. Serve cold.
The optional ingredients each have their own effect on the soup. Many recipes have honey, but not all. The lemon or lime juice contributes to that 'zing' I told you about, so if you use it, you'll likely want to reduce the vinegar, but again, as long as you add the vinegar gradually and taste-check it, you'll get what you want. I love adding the fresh basil, as it really makes the soup summery and fragrant. And of course for those of you that like a little 'piquante', a little heat, the addition of the jalapeno turns the trick.

http://naturallyella.com/2012/04/06/carrot-ginger-brown-rice/

Southern Style Green Bean and Potato Salad (cold dinner)
 1 ½ lbs. fresh green beans - trimmed and cut in half crosswise
6 small potatoes, cubed
1 small onion - thinly sliced
1/4 C canola or vegetable oil
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C rice wine vinegar
1 tsp. garlic powder, or 1 tbsp. chopped fresh garlic
1 tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. sugar
 
Prepare and boil the green beans for approx 7 minutes. Cool and drain well. Cook potatoes until tender. Place beans and potatoes in a large bowl - add raw onions. Whisk together oil, vinegars, garlic, pepper and sugar. Pour dressing over vegetables & toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours - toss and stir a few times. Remove salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Adjust seasonings as desired!


BROCCOLI SLAW with ORANGES (cold dinner)
Serves 6

3 c. cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 c. diagonally sliced celery
1 c. finely chopped broccoli florets
1/2 c. grated carrot
1/4 c. thinly sliced onion
1/4 c. unsalted sunflower seed kernels
1/2 can whole water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 c. fresh orange sections
1/4 c. sliced almonds, toasted
Dressing
1/4 c. low sodium soy sauce
3 Tbs. rice vinegar
1 Tbs. lime juice
1 Tbs. honey
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/3 c. oil of choice

1. To prepare the slaw, combine the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl; toss well to combine.
2. To prepare the dressing, combine the soy sauce and next 6 ingredients (through garlic) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add oil to soy sauce mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Drizzle dressing over slaw, tossing gently to coat. Add the dressing slowly, as you may not want to use all of it. Top slaw with oranges and almonds.





Thursday, July 26, 2012

July 27 - August 2, 2012

July 20 - 26, 2012

In the box:

Arugula - M
Basil  - Sa
Broccoli + - Sa
Carrots - Sa
Chard
Green Beans - T
Lettuce + - Sa
Potatoes - T
Radicchio - Sa
Summer Squash  - Sa
Strawberries

Menu:
Saturday: Veggie Lasagna & Salad
Sunday: Take out
Monday: Arugula Turkey Taco Salad
Tuesday - Scalloped Potatoes with Green Beans
Wednesday - Carrots & Leftover Chinese
Thursday - Hot Dogs, Mixed Veggies, Baked Potatoes

Sunday, July 8, 2012

July 6 - 12, 2012

In the box:
Basil - Su
Broccoli - W
Chard - F
Cabbage, Napa - T
Kale - chips for lunch
Lettuce - Su
Potatoes - M
Radishes
Spinach - Su
Pickling Cucumbers + - Su, R
Strawberries - Gone already!

In the fridge:
Potatoes - Su
Plums - Lunches, Jam
Lettuce - Su, R
Carrots - Su, T, R, 

Groceries:
Yogurt
Cherry Tomatoes
Scallions

Menu:

Friday: Warm Chard Curry Salad (see last week for recipe)
Saturday: Dinner out in Livermore
Sunday: Smoked Steak, Baked Potatoes, Salad, Make Pesto, saving 8 leaves
Monday: Veggie Meatloaf, Oven Fries; Make during nap to be ready before gymnastics
Tuesday: Make plum jam, Napa Cabbage Stir Fry
Wednesday: Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta
Thursday: Greek Chicken Pitas, Salad (Crock pot, make after lunch to be ready when we get home from soccer)


Recipes:



Saturday, June 30, 2012

June 30 - July 5, 2012

In the box/fridge:

Basil - pesto
Broccoli - R
Napa cabbage (3-4 bunches) - M, Kimchi, Sauerkraut
Carrots - W
Chard (2 bunches) - T
Kale - Su or Preserve
Lettuce (lots) - Sa, lunches
Potatoes - R
Summer squash or pickling cucumbers - Sa
Strawberries - lunches
plums - M, jam, fruit leather

Groceries:
pine nuts
parmesan cheese
garlic
sumac
yogurt
ground ginger
fresh ginger
apples

Menu:
Saturday: Grilled Meat, Salad, Summer Squash, 
Sunday: Broiled Fennel, Kale, & Goat Cheese with Sausage (or dinner out and preserve kale)
Monday: Ahi Tuna Tacos with Plum Sauce (can plum sauce; start in afternoon during nap, make pesto to save)
Tuesday: Swiss Chard and Chickpea Salad (soak Chickpeas on Monday)
Wednesday: BBQ, apple pie
Thursday: Garlic, Potato, Broccoli Soup (make during nap, so it's ready after soccer)

Recipes:

http://www.anoregoncottage.com/2009/10/plum-sauce-for-canning.html

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Seared-Ahi-Tuna-Taco-with-Asian-Slaw-and-Plum-sauce-Food-Network-259567

WARM SWISS CHARD and CHICKPEA SALAD with SUMAC

Serves 4
Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice with a pleasantly sour and rather astringent flavor, but without the sharpness of either vinegar or lemon juice. It is mixed with yogurt and herbs to make a light refreshing sauce. This spice was used by the Romans before lemons reached Europe for its fruity sourness. If you don't have sumac you can use any spice you like-curry goes well with this dish.

1 c. dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1/2 c. olive oil
1 onion, cut into thin wedges
2 tomatoes
1 tsp. sweetener of choice
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 bunches chard
3 Tbs. fresh chopped mint
2-3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbs. ground sumac

1. Put chickpeas in a large bowl with water and soak overnight. Drain and place in a large sauce pan. Cover with water and bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for about 1 3/4 hours. Drain when tender and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan, add the onion and cook on low heat about 5 minutes or until softened and starting to turn brown.
3. Cut the tomatoes in half and scrape out the seeds with a teaspoon, then dice the flesh. Add the tomato flesh to the onions with the sweetener, cinnamon, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
4. Wash the chard and pat dry. Trim the stems and finely shred the leaves.
5. Add to the tomato mixture with the chickpeas and cook 3-4 minutes until the chard starts to wilt. Add the mint, lemon juice, and sumac. Season and cook for 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Pesto
makes about 1/3 cup (can be easily doubled)

1/2 C firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp. pine nuts
1 small clove garlic, minced/crushed
1 1/2 tbsp. grated (quality) parmesan
3 tbsp. good olive oil
salt to taste

Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking pan and stirring often, until they just begin to brown and become fragrant. Remove from pan and cool a bit. Place all ingredients but oil in a food processor and process quickly to make a coarse, grainy paste. With motor running, pour in olive oil slowly (not painfully slowly, just not all at once). Season to taste with salt. Can be used immediately, or refrigerated (place in a jar and cover with a thin drizzle of olive oil, or a piece of plastic wrap pressed against surface of pesto to minimize surface discoloration). Pesto is great with plain old pasta, or grilled veggies and pasta, or, heck, try it on potatoes and green beans!!

GREEN GARLIC SOUP
Being the garlic lover that I am I had to share this recipe - it certainly helps to cure the garlic blues...
Serves 6
Adapted from Chez Panisse VEGETABLES, by Alice Waters

1 lb. green garlic (8-10 stalks)
1/2 lbs. potatoes (Yukon gold, or some other tasty variety)
2 medium onions
1/4 lb. butter (or ghee)
Sea salt
2 quarts vegetable or chicken stock

1. To clean and prepare the garlic, trim the root end and peel away any tough or dirty outer layers. Trim away the dark green portion of the leaves [the part that branches away from the stalk]; the light-green part of the stalk is fine to use [check for dirt though].
2. Cut the cleaned garlic into thin rounds and optionally into half-circles.
3. Peel the potatoes and cut into half-inch cubes.
4. Peel the onions and chop into small dice.
5. Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pot; add the onion and cook slowly until translucent and tender; season with salt and pepper, then add the garlic and potatoes. Cook these together for 5 minutes, then pour in the stock and bring to a boil.
6. Lower the heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. Check the seasoning.
7. This soup can be served rustic and chunky or pureed - either way it is delicious!

Plum Fruit Leather
courtesy of Jane Krejci (Jane and Don Krejci were the folks who supplied us with plums from their Los Gatos orchard a few weeks ago)

Pureé (in Cuisinart) 5 cups of diced, pitted plums. Add 1/4 C honey. Cover a rimmed cookie sheet with plastic wrap; spread puree thinly. Cover with cheesecloth or screen and dry in the sun (or place on dash in car). When dry, roll up and store. [I expect you can probably use this recipe with other fruit -- apricots, strawberries... give it a try!]

http://pickyourown.org/plumjam.htm

http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/an-intro-into-fermentation-how-to-make-kimchi/

Sunday, June 3, 2012

June 1 - 7, 2012

In the box:

Asian greens (Pak Choi) - W
Asian greens (Tatsoi)
Broccoli - F
Carrots
Chard - T
Fennel
Green garlic - W, R
Kale - T
Lettuce
Radicchio - R
Strawberries

In the fridge:

lettuce - Su
carrots - Su
green garlic - T, W, R
leeks - T, W

Groceries:
potatoes
feta cheese
italian sausage

Menu:
Friday: Broccoli, Leftover Mashed Turnips, Roasted Turkey
Saturday: Dinner Out
Sunday: Salad with Chicken Bucket Meal
Monday: Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Carmelized Fennel and Salad
Tuesday: Leafy Green Strudel, meat of choice
Wednesday: Pak Choi Potato salad, meat of choice
Thursday: Radicchio & Beans

Recipes:


Debbie's Potato Salad with Pak Choi, Cilantro and Scallions
4 medium-sized potatoes (red or yellow, doesn't matter)
4 or more stalks of pak choi, with leaves
2-3 tbsp. finely minced cilantro
2 large or up to 4 small scallions, finely sliced
2 tbsp. cider vinegar or lemon juice or lime juice, or a combination of any
1 clove garlic, crushed and/or finely minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 tbsp. olive oil
diced kalamata olives (optional)
feta cheese (optional)

Put washed whole potatoes, with skins, in a pot; cover with cold water, add some salt, bring to a boil, then turn down heat to medium and cover/boil 10 to 12 minutes or so, until they pierce easily with a sharp knife. (You want them to be just al-dente; don't cook them so long that they split and fall apart.)

While potatoes are boiling, wash any dirt away from choi leaves, and chop into small dice (like you would celery for tuna salad, say). Chop up the darker green leaves too. Mince your cilantro and chop the scallions.

Combine vinegar and/or lemon/lime juice, garlic, salt, sugar, oil and cilantro and whisk together.

Drain potatoes when done (save the water for soup-stock making), and when cool enough to handle (but still warm!), slice as carefully as you can (to keep the skins intact; do the best you can - sometimes it works better than others but don't worry about it, it still tastes good!), and then dice the slices. Toss warm* diced potatoes into a bowl with choi, scallions, optional olives and feta. Re-whisk the dressing and pour over the warm potatoes and veggies. Stir well to mix, then refrigerate until completely cooled.

*the dressing seems to be absorbed better when the potatoes are warm.


Escarole and Beans, plus...
There are LOTS of recipes out there with varying combinations of escarole and beans, some with sausage and pasta, some with garlic and pepper. Here's a kind of overview I compiled. Use this as a guide, and come up with your own variations!

1 – 2 heads escarole, washed carefully and chopped coarsely
1 – 2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 can white, cannelli, kidney, or other beans
salt and pepper
optional pepperoni or Italian sausage, sliced
optional pasta!
optional parmesan cheese

Sauté the garlic (and optional sausage or pepperoni slices) in olive oil. Add escarole, cook until tender (if the greens are dry, add a splash of water). Add beans and heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like it with pasta, boil pasta separately then stir in with rest of ingredients. Top with grated fresh parmesan if you like!