Are you ready?
I said, “Are!” “You!” “Ready!”
For round two of my CSA. That’s right. If you thought week one was exciting, well you better just strap on your seat belt and get ready for a ride because you ain’t see nothing yet!
Author’s Note: I am still in the honeymoon phase with my CSA, and when that ends (and it will end, usually around mid-September) I will come crawling back to you, begging you for ideas on how to freeze bell peppers and green beans…honestly, I still wince a little over the thought of green beans, and that was almost a year ago.
The past two weeks (yes, what you are about to see represents two weeks in the life of my eats) I have literally been cooking and freezing food like a mad woman. Now, it’s possible I was a touch mad before my CSA started. Let me tell you, it’s really elevated now. Like cuckoo for cocoa puffs, without all the artificial bullshit.
I picked up my second CSA share two weeks ago.
Week two netted us (going clockwise) two more big heads of lettuce, a dozen eggs, more green onions, strawberries (I can’t get enough), bok choy, garlic scapes, and a beefsteak tomato.
Three years ago, bok choy and garlic scapes would have scared the pants off of me. Or maybe I’m just comfortable being nude. Either way, I was thrilled to see both of them this week.
Before I share with all of you the delightful and delectable things I did with my produce, I have to say I’m a rock star. Now I normally hate to toot my own horn (snort), but I really outdid myself this time. Hopefully I can keep this pace up. I have to if I plan to be the victor in my summer long battle royale with my CSA (please say this the way Samuel Jackson does in Pulp Fiction; it’s important to me; you could even add the “with cheese”).
Let’s start with my current nemesis: the lettuce. For the past two weeks, we’ve gotten a pair of ginormous heads of lettuce and I’ll be honest, that’s a whole lot of rabbit food for just the Hubby and I, especially when you factor in the size of this stuff. It’s lettuce on roids, except it’s organic.
Now you know I love my salads, but when I photographed this week’s goodies, I had three and a half heads of lettuce in my fridge. That’s a little intimidating for some; not me though.
I laugh in the face my lettuce. Insert maniacal laughter here.
The salad, topped with my CSA strawberries of course, was great; the lettuce infused smoothie…not so much. I doubt I’ll be trying that one again, although never say never.
I decided to get a bit more creative.
I made lettuce wraps, which while pretty and conceptually an interesting idea, used a whopping three leaves of lettuce. That’s not cutting it when I’m going for bulk, so I opted to grill my greens instead. I tossed an entire head of lettuce on the grill and watched it shrivel down to a fraction of the original size.
I won’t lie to you; you know I never do. The grilled lettuce looked icky to me. The leaves seemed wet and almost slimy. I would have pitched him (and lost the point and this entire week to my CSA), but my mother-in-law suggested we try him. After all, we had come this far. So we did, and it was really good, especially when topped with blue cheese, green onions, and dark cherry balsamic vinegar. I will be doing this again.
My beefsteak tomato went into this black bean, corn and cilantro salad, which ultimately got stuffed into my face, by way of my lettuce wraps.
I got jiggy with the green onions. Typically (read just last week) I toss them into anything and everything: salads, soups, eggs, the above black bean and corn salad. I wanted to do something different this time, so I did.
I made these Cheddar Puffs with Green Onions, and they were fantastic. They were light and airy on the inside, which means you could eat five without even knowing it. Yeah, that happened. I’m not ashamed. ♫ “I’m big like a pickle and I’m still getting…”♫ Sorry green onions bring out The Humpty Dance in me.
I got even crazier (than the humpty dance; as if) and made this Blue Cheese and Green Onion Tart. Not only did I use my CSA eggs, but this thing was killer. The flavor combination of the blue cheese and green onions was spot on awesome, and I can’t wait to make this again. You serve this with a salad and a potato or three, and you’ve got yourself two dinners.
I could probably stop here and declare myself the winner, but remember that rock start comment from above. Yeah, that’s me because I made Garlic Scape pesto with my scapes, and then I used it to top my tortellini, in my scrambled CSA eggs, and to make Jenn’s Pesto Veggie Dip, whereby I proceed to dunk all my veggies and make my taste buds sing, apparently The Humpty Dance.
The bok choy went on a glorified and veggiefied pizza, and it was delicious. I didn’t have any of the green beans (shudder) the pizza called for, so I used broccoli instead. Worked like a charm.
I don’t think it’d be right if I didn’t end this post with a little dessert, so let’s talk about the strawberries (which I could do endlessly). Some of them made their way into last week’s Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down cake, while some of them jumped into a bowl of vanilla ice cream, only after they had spent the better part of a day getting all wet and juicy. That’s a whole lot of foreplay, but the payoff is worth it.
It almost seems silly to say it, which wouldn’t actually stop me from saying it, but I don’t have any week two produce left (excluding what’s in the freezer), so therefore I WIN…this week. To see what happens in the next round (Does my produce deliver a fatal blow? Or do I continue to Humpty Dance all over its ass?), you’ll just have to come back and see for yourself.
Today’s post is linked up with Gastronomical Sovereignty, In Her Chucks and Jessie Bear’s Together Tuesday. Head on over to their sites to see other people’s veggies, without the old school hip hop. I’m also linking up with Laura’s Strange But Good because I grilled lettuce and then ate it. That’s pretty fucking strange in my book. Sorry, my CSA brings out the sailor in me.
What have you been doing with all your produce (tell me, I love this shit!)? What’s your favorite way to use up lettuce and green onions? Have you ever worked with garlic scapes before?
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
If I was sure I’d get goodies as awesome as yours, I’d sign up for a CSA ASAP! Good stuff!
Meghan says
It’s not the size of the CSA that counts, it’s how you use it. 😉
Liz says
Oh, the tart, cheesy puffs, and pizza are all making me sooo hungry! Hello, cheese!! I’ve always been wary of the grilled lettuce thing, but might have to try it on your reco. And I really don’t mind lettuce in my smoothie, but to each her own 🙂
Meghan says
I was wary too, although desperate enough to try it. Give it a whirl; you might be pleasantly surprised. I’ll try the smoothie again, based on your recommendation and also based on desperation. Who knows, maybe I got a bad leaf, or maybe I just need to add champagne. That always helps.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Becuase says
What if I really like the old school hip hop? 😉
Seriously, though, this is AWESOME!!!!! You’re totally kicking your CSA’s ass and I know it can be kind of tough at times. Especially when you get huge amounts of things.
I’m impressed with your lettuce usage! I pretty much stall out after a few salads.
Meghan says
I am channeling the Rocky Theme song, in addition to the Humpty Dance. Now that would make an interesting combo!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Argh I’m drooling over all the fresh food you made! Good job being creative. I get into cooking slumps sometimes and am really bad about trying out new dishes.
I’ve never worked with garlic scales before, but I LOVE garlic. Like, I’ll put an entire head into one serving of pasta if it was sociably acceptable and I didn’t breath huge winds of the stuff after 😉
Meghan says
I think the CSA forces me to be creative which is one of the many reasons I love it.
I’m with you; garlic is amazing and you’d be a huge fan of these scapes.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
Brava Meghan!
I’m quite impressed with your abilities to beat down your CSA. The green onion and blue cheese egg thing sounds really really delicious, and your photos are terrific.
I’m stuck staring at a bag of young tender mustard greens . . . and cannot for the life of me figure out how I’m going to make them into something kid-edible.
Meantime I think I’ll sauté some chard and go from there, since chard I can handle, and the Trio of Garlic Scape Pestos post has now morphed into the Quartet of Garlic Scape Pestos.
Please, please, garlic plants of SW Ohio, stop making scapes. I’ve got plenty of garlic scape pesto variations in the freezer now. Thanks!
Meghan says
I’m at a loss (shocking I know) because I don’t know what to do with mustard greens either. Allie at http://forgottenbeast.wordpress.com/ was going through them awhile back.
The farmer at the market today said he had more scapes than he could handle; they just keep growing so you are not alone, if that’s any consolation.
Fran@BCDC says
Too many good things! The tart looks delicious! No, not you Meghan the one in the dish!! I would love to have all of this goodness to work with. The black bean salad is especially yummy! What fun…of course I know you’ll be pulling out what’s left of your hair in the Fall. But till then…YUM~~
Meghan says
Gasp; I’m a married woman, Fran. No tarts here, well unless the Hubby is involved. 😉
Casey @ Salted Plates says
Everything looks so good! Enjoy!
Meghan says
Thanks.
Alex@Veggin' Out says
I got some garlic scapes from the garden I used to work at and tossed them on the grill. They were pretty good that way! Someone told me they found a pickling recipe for them which I thought sounded amazing.
My dad was telling me about grilling lettuce so now I really have to try it! Love your idea of topping it with blue cheese + green onions + balsamic. If I ate meat, I would also toss some bacon on there 😛
And those cheese puffs… I think I need those. Anything with cheese HAS to be good.
Meghan says
Oooh, grilled garlic scapes could be very cool.
Try the lettuce, it’s scary, it looks weird, but tastes great. If I ate meat, bacon would be the last ingredient in that salad as well.
You do need the cheese puffs; they’re incredible.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I don’t even know where to begin with all this deliciousness. Grilled lettuce rocks. And scapes!!! I love them. I saw those and the eggs and immediately wanted to make an omlette… with goat cheese. Then I saw the cheddar puffs… I need those. With scapes. Maybe blue cheese puffs with scapes?
I feel so inspired now! Thanks for linking up and happy Friday!!!
Meghan says
Blue cheese puffs with scapes…you are definitely onto something there, although with blue cheese involved, we’d need to add hot sauce as well. Now we’re talking!
Have a great weekend.
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
It’s so cool that you created all of that from your CSA box! And I think cheddar and green onions is one of the best flavor combinations ever. Good call. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Meghan says
I know, and I probably wouldn’t have made half of those things if I didn’t have the CSA, which is one of the reasons I adore it.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
You’re right, grilled lettuce is . . . weird. I grilled romaine lettuce leaves once last summer and was quite skeptical. Turned out pretty good. But to be honest, I prefer to grill cabbage instead of other greens. But topped with a dark cherry balsamic vinegar? Sounds delicious. I like making “veggie packets”, where I toss whatever veggies I have to use in aluminum foil, season, and roast on the grill. Can’t go wrong.
Meghan says
Thank you. It is weird, and yet actually pretty good. I may have to try grilled cabbage the next time I get some. That’s a great idea; the veggie packets too. Thanks for sharing.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
That black bean salad sounds awesome, especially served in lettuce wraps! And that pizza? I would definitely LOVE some of that (or all of it! ;)).
Meghan says
The black bean corn salad is great for bringing to parties as a side dish. It packs a ton of flavor and textures.
Sara says
Gosh the COLOR on everything. It makes the stuff at the supermarket not seem like real food at all!
Meghan says
I know, it’s so much more vibrant. Although to be fair, I try to photograph all my food outside and the natural lightning makes a tremendous difference.
Sarah Pie says
I think you deserve another crown or maybe some kind of medal for all this awesome veggie usage! That tart looks amazing, as do the black bean lettuce wraps. And getting those poor strawberries all worked up…. who knew cooking could be so naughty 😉
I say give the lettuce in a smoothie another try, in a more green based smoothie it can be pretty tasty (I like romaine with green apple and ginger).
Meghan says
I will take the crown. Thank you for you lovely suggestion. 😉
That’s a great idea on the lettuce smoothies; I’ll try that. Good tip (in a not so naughty way).
Melissa says
I love the idea of grilling lettuce! And those cheddar puffs look amazing. I’ve been looking for ways to use all the green onions I have. Thanks, Meghan!
Meghan says
Try the tart if you’re going for bulk. It uses a lot of green onions and is delicious.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
Quite literally salivating everywhere…. yuuuuuuuuuuum. Thanks so much for linking up btw!! I need to get on week in review more, I’ve been slackin! 😀
Meghan says
You big slacker. No worries; you’ve been busy. I understand.
Brittany @ Freckled Nettles says
Those Cheddar Puffs remind me of the flaky Red Lobster biscuits! Mmm, they were always my favorite. I’m sure yours are much better… and a much healthier alternative, of course. Have a lovely day!
Meghan says
I vaguely remember those too, but I hardly ever went to Red Lobster so I’m not sure how they stack up. I do know they were light and airy as opposed to heavy and dense. They were also delicious.
Khushboo says
Sometimes the simplest foods are the best, and strawberries with vanilla ice cream only proves my point…perfect dessert in my books! Although I am yet to try myself, apparently lettuce can be added to stir fries- it’s worth trying as I’m sure you can get rid of a huge quantity in one go that way without feeling like you’re eating grass ;)!
Meghan says
When your ingredients are good, simple is the best way to go. That way the food speaks for itself.
Adding the lettuce to stir fries is a great idea. Thanks Khushboo.
Eating 4 Balance says
When you asked “Are you ready?” at the beginning you should know that I was picturing your voice as the captain on Sponge Bob Squarepants… “Are you ready kids?” “Ay yay Captain!” “I can’t hear you!”… Blah. Blah. Blah. Curse that sponge for squeezing into every corner of my life. That was not my favorite show as a kid as you can tell. Although I always did want to try a crabby patty…
I think most people think of salads and steamed veggies when they picture getting CSAs. I love that you break that mold and make all kinds of delicious, yet healthy food fare with your produce! That pizza looks incredible, and those cheddar puffs bring to mind the biscuits that we used to get at Red Lobster when I was younger. But I’m sure yours are way better.
Meghan says
Aw thanks Madison. I want people to love CSA’s and healthy eats as much as me, so I really try to show them both off, although I think the food speaks for itself. I guess you could stick with greens and steamed veggies, but that would get old awful fast. I like to mix it up a little.
You’re the second person to compare the biscuits to Red Lobster. I’m going to have to go try these now (it’s been years…maybe more than a decade).
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Ok, I’m gonna go ahead and request that you NOT do two weeks of CSA smack down in ONE post…I just can’t handle it all…sensory OVERLOAD!! :O
First of all, that lettuce is absolutely gorgeous. Secondly, I’m going to have to Google garlic scapes because I’m pretty sure I don’t know what they are…wait, are those the things that taste like green onions and garlic in one? I may have seen those at my market before…but I’ve slept since then so don’t quote me on that. I threw mixed greens in a smoothie once and couldn’t really tell a difference from the normal addition of spinach…but I’ve never gone full out leaf lettuce before.
This is the second time today I’ve seen grilled romaine! I’ve been meaning to try it for like FOREVER…good call on the blue cheese and balsamic…this is totally happening this weekend…I just need to restock the cheese drawer! <-It's running shockingly low at this point because a few weeks ago, it was downright ridiculous how much friggin' cheese I had. I mean for God's sake, I live ALONE….and my sharp cheddar was starting to get fuzzy…yes, the same cheddar I used for the loaded baked potato salad that I shared with everyone at the man-friend's BBQ…hey, everyone could use a little extra penicillin here and there, right? 😉 But anyway, back to the cheese…because that is the most pressing matter at the moment! I REALLY need those muffins…and that tart…and since I have like a SHIT TON of green onions right now, I can really see either one or possibly both occurring in my future. Damn you woman, I told you…OVERLOAD!! Here I am making promises to my produce and I don't even know what I'm doing this weekend!! Ahhhhh! Just come over and cook for me…I'll go buy the friggin' cheese!
PS, I'll take that pizza too! 😉
Meghan says
I’ll come cook for you; no problem, but it’ll take me two weeks to make it all. This was actually only one week in my CSA share, but I needed two weeks to get through it all. If I didn’t take two weeks, my post would be all, “Here’s my lettuce. I didn’t do anything with it yet.” Boring! Also, I think this week was a phenomenon or something. It must have been a full moon or something. It just all worked.
You are low on cheese….ok, you need to rectify that fast.
I literally just bought 7 pounds of cheese at Costco and yet I’m out of feta and low on blue, which are staples for my salads. How does that happen?!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Haha! Well, I want you to know that I have MORE THAN rectified my cheeseless situation…I now have two tubs of goat, four logs of cheddar, one brick of blue, AND a wedge of jack! NOW all I need wine…and you to share it all with me! 😉 xoxo
Meghan says
I saw those veggies and that cheese. I’m on my way. I’ll bring a bottle or two.
Heather @ In Her Chucks says
I’m ready!!!
Lots of CSA goodness rolled into one delicious post.
Thanks for sharing and linking up! Now that I am back form Ireland I will be planning a trip to your house soon for some grub 🙂
Meghan says
Sounds like a great plan.
Sam says
Using up the lettuce is what gets me every year. I was actually considering tossing some in a smoothie to see what happened. Good to know that someone has tried it and I can now learn from their experience. 🙂
With my first CSA I definitely had the same experience with corn that you had last year with green beans. My friend Dave even started referring to my CSA as my “corn-of-the-moth club”
Meghan says
The green beans have started! So far, so good, but it’s a matter of time. Maybe I can send you some green beans in exchange for your corn. I’m pretty sure I can freeze corn.