In Her Chucks

Oh, how I miss my blog.  For the first time since I have started this venture, I have gone a week without posting.  The intention is there, but life has other plans at the moment.  Between my teaching schedule, spending quality time with my family and enjoying the long summer days, my blog has taken a backseat.  But that doesn’t mean it isn’t on my mind…all the time.  The other night when we prepared these amazing tacos for dinner, all I wanted to do was snag a plate and take some pictures.  But I thought it might be rude to interrupt our family dinner (which we were enjoying with our friends and neighbors).  Or a few nights before that, when I whipped up a version of these delicious treats.  I was doing my best to snap a pic in the midst of chasing Harper around the kitchen…but the ice cream melted before I was able to get the perfect shot.  Which meant I had to enjoy the rest of it right on the spot…boy was it good!

So, it is times like these that make me even more grateful for this wonderful link party.  With 66 link ups from last week, there is more than enough CSA inspiration to go around.  Especially for those of you who seem to be stumped by your beets.  The choices are endless!  Beet Ice Cream, Beet Salad, Beet Ravioli…and the list goes on and on :)  Thank you to everyone who continues to participate week after week.  I can’t get enough of your yummy treats.

This week’s box is overflowing with goodies…

Summer sweet corn.  Is there anything better?  Not that I am the expert on corn, but this corn might just be the best I have ever tasted.  Our last batch was gone in seconds.  A quick 3 minute boil and they were good to go.  They are delicious when eaten plain, but lately we have been into preparing them Mexican Style.  If you haven’t tried, you need too.  Super sinful :)

As much as I love my broccoli steamed with a little bit of butter, salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon, I am starting to feel a bit vanilla.  I am so predictable when it comes to broccoli, but I can’t help it.  It tastes great and is a perfect side to any meal.  Plus, Harper is now a huge fan of it also.  Except instead of calling it broccoli, she says “gocki”.  It’s pretty darn cute.

I am super stoked about those pluots.  They are different from the ones I got before.  That is what is cool about hybrids.  There is so many variations of them.  These happen to be my favorite kind.  Which means no crumble this week.  Just a delicious, juicy snack.  And I am sure those gigantic peaches will have the same fate.  There is nothing yummier than fresh summer fruit!

And what is funny about my love affair with fruit, is that blackberries are not included.  I have fond memories of picking and eating them fresh off the bush when I was at camp, but nowadays, I can’t get past all the seeds.  They disrupt my flow of enjoyment.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t find a dish to make that would incorporate them.  The question is, sweet or savory?

I have recently become obsessed with shepherd’s pie.  Wrong time of year for this comfort food, but it sure is hitting the spot.  So these potatoes and rosemary will come in handy to satisfy my craving.  And then I can throw some of my garden potatoes into the mix as well (since the few we have harvested aren’t quite enough for a whole meal).

This is my first time getting patty pan squash but I have seen some great recipes posted to the link party lately.  Here is one from last week that looks absolutely scrumptious!  I can’t wait to give it a try :)  And a green salad would will be a nice addition to round out the meal.  Throw in some chopped celery and grated carrots (from last week) and we are set!

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.  Thanks!