I think I’ve mentioned before that Matt and I joined a CSA this year recommended by some friends. After an unfortunately soggy start due to the Nashville Flood of 2010, we started picking up our CSA boxes two weeks ago and were delighted to see a delicious assortment of seasonal produce. The first week we wound up with lettuce, broccoli, bok choy, swiss chard (my favorite!), green onions, tons of strawberries, a half dozen fresh eggs, and two huge ham steaks. This week we’ve hauled in lettuce, spinach, broccoli, more strawberries, more green onions, some fresh herbs, a half dozen fresh eggs, and some local ground beef.
I’m having so much fun making dinners out of these ingredients, and we’re starting to get into a pattern for dinners that includes huge salads and many meatless meals. I had been wanting to cut down on our meat consumption, so I’m not really buying much else other than what comes in our CSA box. One night a week we have breakfast for dinner and spend the entire meal discussing just how daggone delicious those fresh eggs really are.
I’m also trying to get into the habit of only keeping around food that we’ll eat up in that week. I used to be a person with a fully-stocked pantry at all times, but after having a conversation with my sister about keeping food costs down by only having on hand that which you would eat in a week, I’m starting to become a convert. It’s forcing us to eat what we have on hand instead of what I’m “in the mood” to cook. I’m also feel like I’m doing less cooking by making bigger batches of our meals allowing us plenty of leftovers – something I never used to do.
I will admit that I’ve started splurging on locally made bread and high-quality deli meats and cheeses for Matt’s lunches because my CSA pick-up location is a local deli. I used to just buy him whatever was on sale at the grocery store, but now he’s getting locally made roast beef at $9.99/lb. because of the sheer convenience. I’m making up for it by crafting him smaller sandwiches (sorry hun!) and filling out the rest of his lunch with things like a huge bunch of CSA strawberries. So far he doesn’t seem to mind. The roast beef is just that good.
One of my big concerns was that the CSA would require so much prep work that I’d be overwhelmed when Penny arrives. But I’m finding that’s not the case. Everything requires a little extra washing, but is so tasty and fresh served cold or quickly cooked that I’m spending less time cooking and more time sitting at the kitchen table reveling in my meal. So far the portion we signed up for hasn’t been unmanageable, and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to continue managing it after our daughter comes along.
Tonight’s dinner is super simple. I’m making a huge CSA salad to go with red beans and rice. Tomorrow night we’re having a veggie stir-fry to go with leftover fried rice made with local eggs. On Saturday night, we’ll grill up our local ground beef in some tasty burgers with homemade sweet potato fries and… you guessed it… a big ole salad.
It’s probably not too late for you to join a local CSA. Some just give you produce, others have meat and dairy items as well. Check out localharvest.org for more information.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
There is something about fresh veggies. Craig brought home some just-picked-that-day potatoes once and they were fantastic.
My parents make me laugh, their house is so chock full of pantry supplies and it’s just the two of them. I wonder sometimes if they’re going with the mormon thing of haivng a year’s worth of groceries on hand for come what may. I like to keep only on hand what I need for the week mostly because there’s nowhere to put anything.
I like that it’s a manageable amount of food. I’d hate to get involved and then have that beautiful food go bad.
May 20th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Our CSA last year definitely became unmanageable (I may never eat another beet again), but this year we’ve pared it down to just fruits and will supplement with what we can find at the farmer’s market for veggies, meat, and dairy. In the meantime I’m so excited that our CSA starts in less than two weeks!!
May 20th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
loved our conversation today. thank you! and my panini were delicious!!!!!!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
D – if only you knew dwight schrute!
P – i was toying with the idea of doing a CSA this summer, and you have me convinced! it’s on my to do list for tomorrow. thanx
May 20th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
CSA has saved our marriage.
May 20th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
and by “saved our marriage” I mean we’ve really enjoyed fresh local produce.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:54 am
That’s awsome!
My wife and I just joined a CSA with some friends. We’re really excited about it. Our first box will come the beginning of June!