csa = christmas in september for allison

a while ago i looked into joining a community supported agriculture. i like the idea of local. i like the idea of fresh. i like the idea of seasonal. at the time, i did not like the idea of the price. it was just a little too much to justify for little ol me. so like other things in my kitchen, i put it on the back burner and have peeked occasionally from time to time. in the meantime, i have researched it a bit more (both formally and informally). and about six months ago, i read a book about a woman who gave up an old corporate life, fell in love with and married a farmer, and lived off the fat of the land. it was not glamorous but i thought it was interesting how the two of them (this woman and her farmer husband) basically started their own csa but it included much more than just produce. again, my interest was piqued. i shared this with my partner and he liked the idea of it. we waited until we got back from a family vacation this summer so that it wouldn't go to waste and yesterday, i got my first box.

i was tired from working a 10-hour day. i sat in traffic on the way to get it and school traffic is not even close to being cute. i was feeling overall bleh and then it was like christmas! in september!
i saw all of this beautiful produce and i was suddenly energized. i sat in traffic on the way home as well, but was not as bothered by it. i hauled in the heavy bag of goods and chris and i opened every bag. lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, green beans, avocado, squash, grapefruit, oranges, apples, and nectarines. a colorful combination of fruits and veggies. all of them looking absolutely delish! i cleaned every piece and found homes for them all in the produce drawers in the fridge and on the counters.
and the verdict??? the jury is deciding piece by piece but so far it's looking (er, tasting) good. i had a apple with my lunch today. crisp and sweet. i made crispy-coated squash with dinner tonight. fresh and tasty. i made a salad with grape tomatoes (sweet and bursting) and cucumbers (firm and juicy).
i have a feeling there will be a series of csa updates as i work my way through this cornucopia of flavor...stay tuned