This weekend, I realized that I have a love/hate relationship with Target. I love it because they always have everything I need but I also hate it because they always have everything I need.
Let me explain further.
On Sunday we took a trip to visit my Dad in LA. We stayed the night and woke up bright and early to head to Disneyland for the day. While I was in the midst of getting Harper dressed, I realized I had forgotten her socks (darn!). Luckily, there was a Target on the way to the freeway, so we decided to make a quick stop to pick up a pair. I decided to run in by myself while everyone else waited in the car.
Ten minutes later, I approached the car holding a large paper Target bag. Freddie asked me, “You need a big bag to carry one pair of socks?”. I looked down in shame. ”Well, actually, I realized I needed a few more things”. Then I proceeded to tell him this story.
Upon entering Target I had a goal in mind. Go to the children’s clothing section and pick out a pair of socks. I made it there without any distraction and successfully found a 6 pack of socks (you can never have too many socks). While I was on my way to the register, I passed by the Women’s Active Wear section. A gray hoodie caught my eye. I realized that I had forgotten my jacket at home and therefore could totally justify purchasing a $15 sweatshirt to ensure I didn’t get cold later in the evening. Once I made it up to the checkout stand, and was waiting in line, I got caught browsing the various products they had on the register display. I saw a three pack of my favorite chap stick (which I had also left at home) as well as a 3 pack of kleenex (thought it would come in handy to have in the baby bag just in case). So I threw those on the conveyor belt as well.
$30!!! And to think I just went in for ONE pair of socks.
So what does this have to do with the produce party? Nothing really…just needed to get that off my chest :)
I feel better now, thanks. Time to talk about some fruit and veggies.
Last week we had a total of 10 link ups! And these ladies are really catering to my sweet tooth. We had a sinful Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Pot de Creme and a batch of Purple Carrot Cake Cupcakes. Yummy!!! And after a seasonal break, I am beyond excited to welcome some of my most loyal participants back to the party. Shout out to AnnieRe Unplugged and My Yummy Local Life. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for all that delicious CSA produce :) Thanks to everyone who linked up to share their goodies. Your generosity is appreciated.
Now it’s my turn to share what is in my box…
Hooray for Brussels sprouts! It has been a while since I have enjoyed some of these and I can’t think of a better complement to a hearty home cooked meal than a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. I always follow this recipe because it never fails to deliver.
Next, I am going to figure out what to do with those English peas. I have never received them in my box before so this is a new one to me. Upon research of the veggie, I am sad to find out that their shells are not edible. I hate to waste them :( Although it is suggested to save them to use for veggie stock (something I have yet to try). Harper LOVES peas so I am looking forward to creating a special recipe just for her.
I already used the lemons and the garlic on dinner tonight. I finally got around to making the Apricot Pork Chops I told you about last week. So the garlic came in handy for that recipe. On the side I served sugar snap peas dressed with some fresh lemon zest and juice. It was a big hit :)
I know that soup season is winding down, but I have never had the pleasure of making a cauliflower soup before. I have been looking around at recipes and I have a strong urge to make one. I will let you know how it goes ;) And I am sure I will accompany the soup with a side salad. Because that’s how I roll…
On to the chard. After finding this recipe from Farm Fresh Feasts, I am in need of some Panade with Swiss Chard, Onion and Cheddar Sausage in my life. I have a feeling the family is going to go nuts over this. Bread, chard and sausage? Sounds like the perfect meal :)
Finally, for the fruit, I will be using it for my snacks and possibly some smoothies. I recently found a smoothie recipe for kiwis, vanilla yogurt, milk, protein powder, a banana and some chia seeds. Sounds delightful. Might need to make that for breakfast tomorrow.
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!
I love the holidays. For me it’s all about traditions, good food, and time spent with family. This year we started a new tradition that we are excited to continue for many Christmases to come. Last weekend, we took a train ride to a tree farm and cut down our own tree. It was an awesome experience. We had a blast! And Harper really has a special eye for selecting the perfect Christmas tree.
