May 23 2013
4 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #73

What's in the Box?

 

It’s 1am and I can’t sleep.  I pretty much feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.  ”Why?” you might ask?  Well, tomorrow morning Harper and I are heading out to our CSA farm for a tour.  A dream come true really.  I can’t wait to see and smell all the glorious food, meet the wonderful people who work there and take a sneak peek at whats to come for the summer growing season.  Looking forward to sharing all the details with you later.

But enough about my insomnia.  Let’s get down to business…

Last week we had 13 link ups.  And two of them included ramps!  Even though week after week I have a variety of delicious and coveted fruits and veggies, I have yet to receive ramps.  But if I ever do, I will be sure to make Lettuce Never Squash Our Love’s Chicken Stir Fry with Ramps and Asparagus or Salted Plates Asparagus and Ramps Pizza.  Another dish I am lusting over is Agrigirl’s Roasted Beet Tart.  Looks absolutely divine!  Thanks to everyone who linked up and shared their goodies this week.  Keep the yummy recipes and pretty produce pics coming :)

Speaking or pretty produce pics…ain’t she a beauty?

What's in the Box? #73- In Her Chucks

I’m seeing green :)  And I love every bit of it.  I have to start with that giant Nappa cabbage.  It literally is the biggest piece of produce I have ever received.  Which means I am going to need a few ideas on how to prepare it.  Looking around on the internet I am thinking about a stir fry, maybe a soup and possibly a salad.  So many delicious options, I can’t go wrong.  And many of those recipes include fresh cilantro so I can go ahead and utilize two veggies with one recipe :)

I am loving these strawberries.  I went away for the weekend so I haven’t been able to finish off my last batch.  So in order to catch up I am going to have to make a few strawberry desserts.  I have that Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake on my mind, or possibly some Strawberry Scones.  Or I might go out on a limb and try something new.  Stay tuned to find out.

I am so excited to get another batch of carrots because while I was away this weekend Harper and I had the privilege of having dinner with a wonderful couple that prepared a killer meal.  I was able to find the recipe and have big plans to recreate it this weekend.  I can’t wait to share it with you guys.

Artichokes are nothing new to me, but I have never received such big ones in my box before.  I am usually stuck with the baby ones which are cute but don’t have much to enjoy.  These bad boys will keep our tummies happy for a while.  With Memorial Day around the corner, these will go great on the grill with an array of dipping sauces.  Yum!

I have recently gotten into breakfast sandwiches.  My friend Jenny introduced me to gluten-free bagels and they are simply amazing.  They are light and fluffy and make the perfect foundation for a veggie egg scramble complete with green onions, spinach and topped with cheese and fresh avocado.  Talk about a breakfast of champions.

And finally sugar snap peas.  A family favorite.  Tomorrow I plan on whipping up Pork Chops and Sugar Snap Peas with Mint Julep Glaze with a side of Mashed Red Potatoes.  I can taste it already :)

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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May 16 2013
9 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #72

What's in the Box?

It’s been 2 weeks since we moved into our new home and we are finally feeling settled.  We spent the weekend hanging pictures, arranging furniture and exploring our new town.  The weather was beautiful so we decided to take a trip down to the local beach.  To put it simply…it was magical.

Beach

And watching my little beach bum playing in the sand, was the icing on the cake…

Harper plays

The weekend was also filled with lots of celebrating.  For mother’s day of course ;)  And not only did I get to sleep in until 10, I woke up to this lovely view…

Breakfast in bed

Gotta love homemade pancakes with a side of crispy bacon :)

And the celebrating continues as I received my first box from my new CSA this week.  Can’t wait to share the goodies with you.

But first, let’s take a look at last week’s party.  There were a total of 6 link ups, each one filled with loads of fresh, organic and local produce.  I am thrilled to welcome Sharlea of Fresh Veggies in the Dessert back to the party.  And was even more excited about her Grilled Artichokes.  Shalama from Views from Here shared a mouthwatering Cauliflower Crust Pizza (something I have been dying to try for a while now).  And Kirsten from Farm Fresh Feasts gave us the low down on how she makes her food look sooooo good!  A big thanks to everyone who participated.  I love reading through all of your posts.

After being without a box last week, I was starting to have some serious withdrawals.  Luckily, I was able to find a new CSA pretty quickly thanks to localharvest.org.  Not only is my new CSA cheaper than my previous one (by more than $10!) but the boxes are overflowing with even more goodies!  I couldn’t be happier.  Check out what I picked up this week…

What's in the Box? #72 - In Her Chucks

Holy nutritious goodness…right?  There was so much produce packed in that box, I had a hard time arranging it for the picture.  I am currently in fruit and veggie heaven :)  And not only did my new CSA provide me with great recipes, they also gave tips on how to properly store the items in this week’s box to maximize their shelf life.  Could it get any better?

So here’s what I plan to do with this abundant haul…

Harper dug into the peas right away.  My girl loves the green.  As soon as she saw them she grabbed a handful and started shelling them (before I could even snap a picture of the box…thank God there were more than enough to be photographed).  I have only gotten English peas once before and I can’t for the life of me remember what I made with them.  But I remember it was good.  So I will have to do some googling to figure it out :)

Once the pictures were taken, I grabbed a lemon and started zesting for this recipe.  And even though the lemon zest is a small component, it makes all the difference in the overall taste.  Delicious.  And on the side I steamed up some of the broccoli.  A household staple.

For breakfast this morning I sliced up some of the strawberries and ate them along with my oatmeal.  Best strawberries ever. No exaggeration.  They were juicy, flavorful and downright scrumptious.

I was excited to see a fresh bunch of spinach this week.  I plan on making this Chicken with Creamy Spinach and Shallots again because it is so simple but so good.

I have all the ingredients I need to make my killer kale salad (kale, lemons, avocados), but now I just need mouths to eat it.  It makes a huge portion and unfortunately Harper and Freddie aren’t kale fans.  I wish I could eat it all by myself but even my belly can’t hold it all.  I have plans to visit friends this weekend and might have to bring a kale salad along with me :)

For the beets, I think I am going to go straight for the roasting.  They are so sweet and earthy, it’s hard to resist.

Of course, the lettuce will make a great salad, topped with some sliced radishes, grated carrots, crumbled cheese and a handful of chopped nuts.  Might even throw in some grilled chicken breast if I am feeling really wild.

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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May 11 2013
8 Comments
Cooking

Grapefruit Ricotta Cookies

Grapefruit Ricotta Cookies - In Her Chucks

 

When it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day, there are a million things you can do for your domestic goddess to make her feel special.  Whether it’s a handwritten card, a bouquet of flowers, or a sentimental piece of jewelry, this Sunday is all about appreciating the wonderful mamas for everything they are to us.

Growing up, it was our tradition to bring my mom breakfast in bed.  In our younger years, my dad would help my brother and I prepare a fancy morning feast, but as we got older, my brother and I were determined to do it all on our own.  Unfortunately for my mom this meant watered down coffee and frozen waffles (which were still frozen).  But it’s the thought that counts ;)

So to redeem myself, I have prepared a fresh batch of Grapefruit Ricotta Cookies for the woman who has helped to shape the person that I am today.  She is my very best friend and forever hero…my mom :)

Ingredients

Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons grapefruit juice
Zest from 1/2 grapefruit

Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons grapefruit juice
Zest from 1/2 grapefruit

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cookies:

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.

In the large bowl combine the butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit zest. Beat to combine. Stir in the dry ingredients.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  Spoon the dough (about 2 tablespoons for each cookie) onto the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.

Glaze:

Combine the powdered sugar, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth.  Spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours.

 

Recipe slightly adapted from Giada De Laurentiis via foodnetwork.com

What I love most about these cookies is how light and fluffy they are.  Pretty much makes you feel like you are biting into a cloud.  A grapefruit cloud that boasts just enough citrus essence to give it an awesomely tangy kick.  Sounds like a metaphor for motherhood.  A mother who is soft and sweet but zesty enough that her kids know better than to mess with her.  It’s the perfect balance.

So in honor of the upcoming holiday, why not whip up a batch of these cookies for your mommy dearest, put on the kettle for a nice cup of tea and enjoy your Mother’s Day Weekend :)

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May 09 2013
10 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? Recipe Roundup #6

What's in the Box?

Well hello there!  Did you miss me?  Did you think I fell off the face of the earth?  My apologies for leaving you all hanging last week but this moving thing has been kicking my butt!  So grateful to be settling in to our new home but it hasn’t been easy.  The biggest challenge we had to face was looking for a refrigerator.  Who knew it could be so difficult?  And living without one for a week…now, that was rough!  We had to eat out for every meal, which is something we are not used too.  My poor husband has never been happier to eat a home cooked meal.  I guess the saying is true, you don’t know what you got till it’s gone…

I have yet to find a CSA (although I haven’t been looking too hard since we were without a refrigerator).  But now that the kitchen is up and running it is only a matter of time before a produce box will be delivered to my doorstep.  In the meantime, I thought I would reflect on some of my past boxes and share some of the recipes that never made the blog.

But before we get to that, let’s check out some of the link ups from the last party.  I was most excited to drool over see Views From Here’s Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberry Almond Pesto.  How awesome does that sound?  I am also loving all of The 100 Mile Kitchen’s homemade soups right now.  And finally, what’s a WITB link party without a Farm Fresh Feasts pizza?  It’s only been a week and you ladies already have me jonesing for my fruits and veggies again.  Thanks for linking up and sharing your CSA goodies with the rest of the party.

Now it’s time to take a quick jaunt down memory lane and admire some produce stars from the past.

April 24, 2013: What’s in the Box? #71 

What's in the Box? #71

Kale Salad:  Ok, so I have been telling you guys about this salad for a while now and I have yet to post the recipe.  But a few weekends ago I made it again and it was so super duper stellar it is back on my radar.  So consider this an IOU.  I can’t wait to share the recipe with you.  And please, continue to bug me if I forget to post it soon.  It is the perfect summer BBQ dish :)

April 17, 2013: What’s in the Box? #70

What's in the Box? #70

Grapefruit Ricotta Cookies:  Is this post still considered a recipe roundup if 2 out of the 5 recipes aren’t actually recipes at all?  My apologies again for being such a slacker but at least in this case I have a picture.  I just can’t share it with you yet because I need to write the post.  But it is top of the order on my list of things to do (blog related at least) and I am hoping to get it done this weekend.  Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

April 11, 2013: What’s in the Box? #69

img_5403

Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Chardonnay Sauce:  So what do you do when you have strawberries coming out of your ears?  Well, you can make a Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake or you can whip up a delicious and nutritious dinner for your whole family (or in my case, you can do both!).  This amazing recipe came from the new Yummy Mummy Kitchen cookbook that my dear friend Sasha picked up for me.  It is loaded with creative and healthy ways to use your favorite farm fresh produce.  It’s the first thing I turn to for inspiration nowadays.

April 4, 2013:  What’s in the Box? #68

What's in the Box? #68

Chicken with Creamy Spinach and Shallots:  As much as I love to cook, I LOVE when my mom cooks for me.  And lucky for me when she was in town for my brother’s wedding she totally spoiled me with a ton of fresh and delicious home cooked meals.  But this one was by far my favorite.  Served with a side of rice pilaf this dish is affordable, easy to make and oh so scrumptious.  Can’t wait to recreate it again soon.

March 27, 2013: What’s in the Box? #67

What's in the Box? #67

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese:  So I recently broke my own rules and indulged myself in a batch of homemade Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.  And I have absolutely no regrets.  The sage made me do it.  And between the aroma of fresh pumpkin and the intense food coma I was in afterwards, I could have sworn it was Thanksgiving all over again.  Note to self:  Make this for Thanksgiving from this year forward.  It is an amazing addition to a traditional feast.

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite CSA recipes?  Feel free to link up some of the CSA inspired meals that you are the most proud of.  Looking forward to drooling over your dishes :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

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Apr 26 2013
2 Comments
Product Reviews

Hungry Globetrotter

Hungry GlobetrotterWith all the moving I have done in my lifetime, one would think I like to travel.  But the truth is, I am a homebody.  I wish I had the adventurous spirit to get up and go but it’s hard for me to even pack a suitcase, let alone live out of one.  However, as a lover of food from all over the globe, I realize how much I am missing out by staying close to home (on more than just the cuisine, I am sure…).  Which is exactly why my current subscription box obsession is Hungry Globetrotter.  Whether you are an avid jet setter or prefer to enjoy thrilling escapades from the comfort of your own home, Hungry Globetrotter is your passport to worldly edibles.

Imagine getting the chance to visit an exotic country once a month through a gourmet food box sent straight to your home.  And not only is it packed with unique ingredients, it is also accompanied by recipes that will transport you to a land far away.  Take a quick peek at what Hungry Globetrotter is all about…

For the month of March Hungry Globetrotter sent their subscribers on a trip to Tuscany.  With boxes full of traditional Italian flavors I was in heaven with Mushroom and Herb Farro, Italian Seasoning Salt, Tuscan Peasant Soup and Rosemary Focaccia.

Hungry GlobetrotterBut the adventure didn’t stop there.  Hungry Globetrotter also equipped me with all the recipes I needed for a full Tuscan Sun Dinner, complete with wine pairing suggestions.  And finally, to help me really feel like I was in the heart of Italy, they provided detailed information on the food culture of Tuscany.

Now can you see why I am so wild about Hungry Globetrotter?  It really is everything I ever wanted in a food subscription box.  Not only does it deliver delicious and nutritious items to your door monthly, but it expands your palate by introducing you to new places and cultures you may not have the chance to visit on your own.

I have always said that subscription boxes make great gifts.  And with Mother’s Day around the corner, why not surprise the domestic goddess in your life with an opportunity to both explore and enjoy foods from all over the world.  Plus, with half off a first month’s membership with offer code INHERCHUCKS50HG, how can you resist?

As the primary cook for the family, I love that Hungry Globetrotter has changed the daily question of “What’s for dinner?” into “Where is dinner going to take us today?”

*Full Disclosure: Hungry Globetrotter did provide me with a box free of charge. I was not paid to write this post. With exception of some of the factual information given about the various products, all opinions regarding the products are my own and 100% honest.

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Apr 24 2013
11 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #71

What's in the Box?

If there was an award for moving, we would win hands down.  Since Freddie and I have been together (8 years now), we have moved at least once a year (sometimes more).  So I thought I would break down our travels and various moving adventures to show you how much we apparently love to be on the go.

  • When we first met, I had just moved into my own apartment, while he had just moved back in with his dad.  Although soon the tables turned and I decided to move home with my mom (1) and he moved into his own apartment (2).
  • After living with my mom for a while, I decided to go back to school in Arizona (3).
  • Once I graduated, I moved out of student housing and into a house with a roommate (4) and 5 dogs (2 of which were mine).
  • After a year of roughing it in the desert and surviving a long distance relationship, I moved back to LA to live with my brother and be closer to Freddie (5).
  • Six months later Freddie and I got married and moved into our first apartment together in Playa Del Rey (6).
  • A year later, Freddie was offered a great new job up north so we made our way to the central coast (7).
  • We didn’t have time to find a place right away so we moved in with my dad for a few months until we could get an apartment of our own.  Luckily it didn’t take long for us to land our own place (8).  But after having Harper we realized we needed more space.  So we moved into a brand new complex that had loads of young families with kids (9).
  • As Harper grew and became more mobile she loved to play outside.  So we started looking for a house with a yard.  It took a few months to find the right one, but when we did it was perfect! (10).

Last week, Freddie was offered another new position an hour and a half north from where we currently live.  Which means, another move (11).  This might be a record as we have only been in our current house for a few months.  As much as we hate to leave our lovely friends, it is a wonderful opportunity for his career, and as his wife, I am 1000% behind him.

Just in case you needed a recap, that is 11 moves in 8 years.  One would think we were in the military but actually, my brother is the one in the army (who is also in the midst of a move).

So I said all of that to say, I will be looking for a new CSA.  The movers come next Tuesday so I probably won’t have a box lined up by next week, but I will be sharing another recipe roundup with you instead.  The town that we are moving to is famous for their farmers market.  So I might be sharing my farmers market finds with you until I get my new CSA squared away.  But no need to worry, WITB will continue regardless.  The show must go on :)

Before I share my last CSA box with you, I wanted to highlight some of the 10 delicious links from last week.  Starting with My Yummy Local Life’s delivery of Napolitos, otherwise known as prickly pear pads.  Being a member of my CSA for 3 years now, I thought I have seen it all.  But I have never seen or heard of prickly pear pads.  I am officially intrigued and on the hunt for my own bunch of napolitos.  Until I find some though, I will be stuffing my face with Fresh Farm Feasts Double Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies…yum!  And finally, thanks to Salted Plates, I now know what Paneer is (it’s apparently the week of learning!).  Thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s party.  I love lusting over your tasty treats.

And let’s be honest, who isn’t lusting over these tasty treats…

What's in the Box? #71 - In Her Chucks

Not a bad way to say goodbye to 3 glorious years of fresh farm produce.  And for the most part, I was seeing double.  Two bunches of kale, 2 leeks, 2 heads of broccoli, 2 pints of strawberries and 2 heads of lettuce.  So spoiled.

So what am I going to do with all of this delicious goodness?  Well, being that we are headed out in less than a week and will no doubt be overwhelmed with packing, cleaning and saying goodbye to our friends, most of this might make its way to the juicer.  The carrots, spinach, oranges, kale and lettuce will make for a nutrient packed meal or snack.  Plus, it’s been a while since we got the juicer going and we might as well give it one last run before we box it up for the move.

The strawberries will be perfect for the oatmeal I have been enjoying for breakfast.  And the rest will be thrown into this “water recipe” with some sprigs of the fresh thyme and a few slices of the kiwi.  Doesn’t that sounds refreshing?

We all know who will be enjoying those two heads of broccoli on her own (*cough* Harper *cough*).  In fact, as soon as I opened up the box she walked over, pointed to the green trees and said, “What’s that?”.  Now, of course she knows exactly what it is, but that is her little code word for “I want that”.  Let me give you an example.  Not only does she love broccoli, she LOVES butter.  When we go out to dinner and she spies the butter on the table, she will usually ask to sit on whoever’s lap is closest to the butter.  Once she is in perfect position, she will point to the butter and ask, “What’s that?”, as if she didn’t just weasel her way over to the butter to pretend to not know what it is.  My response is usually, “I don’t know, what is that Harper?” to which she responds, “That’s butter mama.  Harper loves butter!”.  And I love Harper :)

For the leeks I am thinking soup.  Asparagus soup to be exact.  I recently overbought asparagus and thought the leftover spears would be perfect for a creamy soup.

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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Apr 17 2013
20 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #70

What's in the Box? Love is definitely in the air.  As I mentioned last week, my brother got married this weekend and it was nothing short of incredible.

#kandqgetmarriedWhat a special day for our family.  I couldn’t be happier for Quincy and Koko and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

And apparently Harper decided to get started on her husband search ASAP because look who we found snuggled up in the bed during our play date Monday afternoon?

Harper and Robin

Too adorable.  Nothing makes me happier than seeing my little girl smile.  Although I have to admit, fresh fruits and veggies are definitely a close second :)  So let’s jump in to the party, shall we?

Last week we had 14 link ups.  And thanks to My Yummy Local Life and Views From Here, I am inspired to add my CSA goodies to my breakfast.  I mean, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to enjoy a plate full of Carrot Cake Waffles and Egg White Puffs to start your day off on the right foot.  Makes me want to hurry to bed so I can enjoy a breakfast of champions in the morning :)  Thanks to everyone who linked up and shared their fruits and veggies with the rest of the group.

Now on to my fruits and veggies for the week…

What's in the Box? #70 - In Her Chucks

Mustard greens…hmmm.  I am sure I got these before, but I can’t for the life of me remember what I did with them.  Knowing me, I am sure I sautéed them and will probably do the same this time around.  Might even have to throw in some green onions and chives.

But I will have to make sure to save some green onions and chives for those potatoes.  Because there is nothing more delicious than a loaded baked potato.  I love to smother mine in butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon.  Sinful, but good.  And because a loaded baked potato doesn’t quite qualify for a meal on its own, I will add in a side salad topped with grapefruit and avocado, and maybe some shredded chicken for an extra dose of protein.  Uh…I’m totally hungry right about now.

So while I type this I will curb my hunger with a few of those tangerines.  Because they are oh so juicy and oh so sweet.  And while I am at it, why not grab a few of those strawberries too.  Heavenly.

And finally, the artichokes.  Those adorable little artichokes.  I remember making Lauren’s Grilled Artichokes last year and boy are they delicious!  In fact, they are so good, I will probably eat these all myself.  Because like I mentioned earlier, I am hungry and apparently stingy too (my husband can confirm that).

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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Apr 11 2013
24 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #69

What's in the Box?

This coming weekend is very big deal for my family…my little brother is getting married.  I mean, he’s not actually little anymore.  In fact, he is a big, brave, soldier, brother, but no matter how tall or strong he gets, he will always be younger (age is really all I have on him anymore…).

And what is even more exciting about this weekend, is that I get to welcome to my family, another sister, Koko.  I couldn’t be more proud of Quincy’s choice of bride.  Beautiful, intelligent and just plain fun.  I have known Koko since we were younger and I have always been a fan (which to be honest, isn’t an easy feat with me.  I tend to be VERY overprotective of my bro, but Koko won me over immediately).  So having them make their union “official” is really just the icing on the cake.

Speaking of cake, did you check out the links from last week?  How I Ate My Box linked up a beautiful Flourless Beet Cake…sounds heavenly doesn’t it?!  Oh, and Farm Fresh Feasts made a killer CSA Grilled Cheese complete with pickled turnips, radishes and carrots.  And finally, if you are looking for some salad inspiration, Clean Eats, Fast Feets hooked us up with a roundup of some of her most beautiful lettuce creations.  Thanks to everyone who linked up.  I always appreciate you sharing your delicious veggie goodness with the rest of the party.

And really, what is a party without a box full of fresh fruits and veggies…

What's in the Box? #69 - In Her Chucks

You know you have been brainwashed by a member of your CSA for too long when you start getting excited about beets.  At the beginning of my CSA journey, I used to loathe beets.  But the truth is, I just didn’t know what to do with them.  Now, with a pretty extensive beet recipe repertoire, I can’t get enough of them.  The last few times I have gotten a bunch of fresh beets in my box, I have made this amazing Roasted Beets with Gorgonzola and Walnuts salad.  I was watching the Barefoot Contessa on TV the other day (the silver lining to having a sick baby…lots of down time), and she was whipping up a Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad that had me drooling.  But on the other hand, that Flourless Beet Cake has me intrigued as well.  Since when is there not enough beets to curb my cravings?  Official produce nerd :)

And then of course you have the asparagus, which is already gone.  We devoured it alongside homemade turkey meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner Tuesday night.  Comfort food at it’s finest.  And for dessert?  Fresh fruit.  Strawberries, kiwi and tangerines.  Sliced.  That’s it.  There really is nothing sweeter.

For the gorgeous head of lettuce I am going to draw from some of Meghan’s delicious ideas.  And to add to the fun, I am sure some of those carrots will end up in my salad somehow too.

It has been a while since I have roasted cauliflower.  It really is my favorite way to prepare it.  So simple but totally irresistible.

And finally, spring onions.  Nothing fancy I’m sure.  But Freddie will love me if I sneak them into his eggs.  Such a good wife am I :)

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!

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Apr 04 2013
21 Comments
CSA Box

What’s in the Box? #68

What's in the Box?

 

So, let’s jump straight to the chase…how was your Easter?  Was the weather nice?  Was the food good?  Was there an adorable little toddler dressed up on the patio, posing for pictures in her fancy dancy Easter dress?

 

Harper Easter 2013

Well, if you couldn’t tell by the pic, our Easter was lovely!  It started out with huge breakfast complete with a fluffy Hootenanny and homemade sausage, then a lovely trip to church, and finished off the day with a delicious Easter feast with great company.  It was potluck style and I was in charge of dessert (and veggies of course!).  So I brought a Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake and 2 batches of Lime Squares with Pistachio and Graham-Cracker Crust (with a side of roasted asparagus and steamed broccoli…eaten with the meal, not the dessert).  Needless to say, we all left with our stomach’s happy and full :)

And from the looks of it, I wasn’t the only one eating well this past weekend.  Last week we had 15 link ups and after reading all their delicious recipes, I think Easter deserves another round.  There was Caramelized Onion Duck Fat Baked Poutine, Pasta with Shrimp and Mint Pesto and Butternut Mole Sauce.  And if that’s not enough for you, Kirsty from Farm Fresh Feasts hooked us up with an Easter 2013 Recipe Round Up.  Next year can’t come soon enough :)  Thanks ladies for all of your delicious dishes.  I appreciate you sharing your farm fresh goodies with the rest of us.

Now let’s check out my first haul of April… 

 

What's in the Box? #68

Holy greens!  They come in all shapes and sizes.  Balls, stalks, leaves and bouquets!  I love greens :)  And I am digging into the Brussels first.  I always do.  They are just too good.  And I am excited to serve them alongside a new recipe that I found for those strawberries.  Even after 2 Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cakes, daily snacking and some naughty late night indulgences, I still have strawberries coming out of my ears!  And I hate to see them go to waste so I am doing my very best to scarf down all these berries on my own (the hubs isn’t a fan and little miss Harper can only eat so many with her tiny little frame).  Hoping to share the recipe with you soon.

Speaking of Harper and her tiny frame, she has practically barreled through the broccoli on her own.  I steamed it up last night and she barely left any for the grown ups.  I LOVE how much she LOVES broccoli :)  I just wish she would share a little…

I know it’s hard to see from the pic, but that celery, is HUGE!  It barely fit in the box.  And it is perfectly crisp and fragrant.  Not quite sure what I have in store for it except for using it for the usual base of a yummy homemade sauce or soup and an easy snacking option (along with those tangerines…which are almost gone!).

These Turkey Ricotta Meatballs always seem to be my go-to recipe for spinach, but it’s such a hit I can’t resist.  And it has been a while since we made it.  Of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a side salad and that beautiful head of romaine lettuce will be perfect!  Might even throw in a stalk of that celery for some extra crunch.

I am determined to make some grapefruit cookies this week.  In fact, Harper promised to help me.  So we plan to get busy (and messy) in the kitchen tomorrow and make it happen.  Recipe coming soon.

Finally, I recently shared this Swiss Chard Smoothie recipe with My Yummy Local Life and it made me want to make one for myself.  Sounds like a great way to jump-start the morning :)

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!

PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!


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Apr 01 2013
3 Comments
Blogging

March Photo A Day Challenge

March Photo A Day Challenge

March Photo A Day Challenge- In Her Chucks

March was another jam-packed month full of road trips, days spent at the park and more Disney.  With the change in weather our goal is to stay outside as much as we can.  And the sites are just so beautiful.  Beach views, fresh flowers and rolling hills.  Yes, we are indeed blessed.

So here’s a peak at what we were up to this last month using some awesome prompts from Big Green Parenting Experiment’s Photo Challenge.

1. Day 2: Brrr-  Although for most, March is still considered winter, here in California, March is when the weather warms up enough to take a trip (or two) to the beach.  On this lovely evening we had the pleasure of joining our friends for dinner at their beach front home.  The sunset was gorgeous and although there was nothing “brrr” about it, this is just what March looks like in our neck of the woods.

2. Day 3: Coat-  Even though it is rare that one would need a coat around here during this time of year, it’s always nice to have a favorite one on hand.  Splendid is one of my favorite companies and when I found this coat hiding on a clearance rack a few weeks back I couldn’t help but swoop it up.  Now I sit and wait for the cold weather so I have a chance to bundle up in it.

3. Day 5: Entrance-  One of my favorite things to do with Harper is to take her out for a “girls lunch”.  With my busy teaching schedule it is not often that we get time for a leisurely afternoon out anymore, but when we do get a moment, we like to enjoy a meal at Harper’s restaurant of choice, California Pizza Kitchen.

4. Day 6: Frozen-  I’ve admitted before that I have a serious weakness for 31 Flavors.  I do my best to stay away from there because I know how dangerous it can be.  But on this particular day I happened to be getting my nails done (which is next door) and was reading the photo challenge prompts for the day.  ”Frozen”.  Well, that seems like the perfect excuse to pick up an ice cream :)  And so I did.

5. Day 7: Gray-  It doesn’t rain much where we live, so when it does, you got to snap a picture of it.  Plus, even though the sky is gray, I happen to think it still looks pretty.  The clouds are so fluffy and full they make me want to frolic in them.

6. Day 8: Hang-  My little girl is a serious monkey.  Our Monday music class meets at an awesome complex that has a play structure.  So every week after music we head over to the structure and the kids have a ball.  Harper loves to hang from the bar and kick her legs about.  Gymnast in the making?

7. Day 10: Jumping-  Whenever my sister, niece and nephews come to town, we always take a trip to Disneyland.  This time we changed it up and headed to California Adventure.  This was Harper’s first time and she had a blast!  We went on a ton of rides and she loved each and every one of them.  Unfortunately, this was one of the rides that she wasn’t tall enough for.  But she still enjoyed watching the jellyfish jump up and down.

8. Day 11: 12: Lion/Lamb-  Harper has a ton of stuffed animals, but no matter how many fun toys she gets, she still always asks for her “baby”.  This little lamb is special to her and she will always be grateful to her Auntie Koko for giving it to her.

9. Day 18- Remembering-  It’s hard to believe my big girl was once this tiny.  I am so appreciative to my good friend Rachel for capturing these precious moments for us.  Kind of makes me want to finally start planning for #2…

10. Day 20: Toes/Tows-  This past Friday, Harper decided that she didn’t want to nap.  I was in need of some major relaxation so since I couldn’t get some shut-eye, Harper and I went to get pedicures.  Loving the painted piggy toes.  And I have to say, she is right on the money with the pastel trend :)

11. Day 21: Upward-  Harper’s sleep has been all over the place lately.  Some days she doesn’t want to nap, and some days she falls asleep in the car unexpectedly.  When she naps in the car I try not to move her.  She usually wakes up and then won’t go back to sleep.  So this particular time I went to a nearby park and hung out under the shade of a lovely tree.  It was nice to catch a quiet moment and enjoy the pleasant weather.

12. Day 22: View-  Even though we live so close to the beach, I don’t go as much as I should.  A few weeks ago some of our close friends invited us out to a dinner on the water and it was a lovely break from our usual routine.  With the days becoming longer and the weather warming up, it was a great way to unwind after a long week.

13. Day 24: Excitement-  Like father, like daughter.  Harper definitely takes after her dad in her love for the water.  She started swimming at 5 weeks old and has been loving it ever since.  This particular class she got to wear a cool hippo swim cap which was too adorable for me to pass up a photo-op.

14. Day 25: Yard-  One of the things we love most about our new house is the yard.  It is so nice to walk outside and be greeted with fragrant and colorful blooms.  This yellow one just popped up the other day and I can’t get enough of its beauty.  It is the perfect reminder that spring has sprung.

15. Day 27: Out of Place-  Last weekend, Freddie woke up and decided he wanted to take an impromptu road trip.  Not wanting to be a party pooper and excited for the unexpected adventure I quickly got dressed and we headed up the coast.  We ended up in San Luis Obispo, a small down midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.  We had a great time checking out their sites and enjoyed some good eats.  But we couldn’t leave without visiting a local tourist landmark downtown called Bubblegum Alley.  It was neat (and slightly yucky) to see the collection of chewed gum in a variety of colors, but it was definitely “out of place” as my mother always taught me to throw my bubblegum in the trash :)

16. Day 28: Reflection-  Palm trees.  They get me every time.  I guess it’s hard to deny that I am a California girl through and through.  But if you browse through my pics, most of them include a palm tree or two.  I love this picture and the reflection of the palm trees on the pond.  And if you look close enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the family of turtles working on their tan on top of the rock.    

17. Day 30: Peace-  It may have cost us a trip through some windy roads, but the view at the top was nothing short of beautiful.  And with no one around for miles, the silence was peaceful.  We found this gem during our road trip last weekend and it will be a sight I never forget.

18.  Day 31: Sweet-  Trader Joe’s gets me every time.  Being that berries are in season, so are shortcakes.  And Hostess has nothing on these babies.  Filled with homemade whipped cream and sliced strawberries and mango, I was in pure heaven.

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of March life with you.  Wanna get in on the action? Check out this post for more details…and feel free to follow me on Instagram (@inherchucks) to keep up with the daily challenge.

Happy April!

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