I owe you all a CSA post, in a big way.
It’s been at least three weeks since I shared my last produce pickup, and I would call myself a bad blogger, but been there, done that. That’s so last week. Pshhh.
I could proclaim I feel bad about being selfish with my veggies, but I don’t and proclaiming is for the birds or at the very least a certain band who would walk five hundred miles, which is just ridiculous unless you’re Forrest Gump; then it’s totally believable.
Truth be told, I feel way worse over side skirting the regulations for Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday link up party. Sorry Hostess with the Mostess; forgive me for I have sinned or broken the rules, which is kind of the same thing in my mind. I promise to make it up to you with mass amounts of veggies and a side of blueberries because I know you have a thing for blueberries. You and Veruca Salt; not that there’s any connection there. Far be it from me to imply such things, certainly not when a certain someone is eight months along.
Since I promised Jenn, and I owe you a mess of veggies, let’s begin, and let’s do it in weird mood lighting because that’s how my pictures came out. I could tell you I was aiming for an ethereal quality, which wouldn’t be so odd since I do tend to put my produce on a pedestal, but it was really just overcast. Does it help to know I had to stand on a chair to get this shot? No…oh well, I tried.
This particular week in CSA land, which is right next door to fields of frolicking bunnies and prancing unicorns (it’s sort of like having Mr. Rogers for a neighbor, but less creepy; can someone get this guy a new sweater?), we took home a bevy of beautiful and bountiful produce. Specifically, a boatload of green leaf lettuce (nothing new there), blueberries, cherry tomatoes, bunching onions, green beans (and so it begins), pickling cucumbers, zucchini, squash and a wonderfully juicy tomato. I remember this tomato like it was yesterday. So fresh and so clean, clean.
Speaking of Clean Eats, in typical fashion, I’m going to break down where all my delights and delectables went because that’s where the real fun is; move over Mr. Rogers, we’re headed to Funky Town.
My blueberries, along with a banana, made their way into bowls of cereal. I’m still digging the Mom’s Best brand for their almost sketch free ingredient list; now if only they would rid them of GMO’s. At least they’re honest about it, which is more than I can say for most companies.
My blueberries also took part in some salad action along with crumbles of blue cheese and balsamic dressing. Swoon. That wasn’t my only salad though. When you get bundles of lettuce bigger than your own head, you eat a lot of greens for lunch. You also stop taking pictures of most of them because you might be getting a tad tired of lettuce. Shhh; it’s a secret.
Moving on, I tossed the pickling cucumbers into empty, and thoroughly cleaned out, peanut butter jars. I waved my magic wand, tossed in a clove or two of garlic, some dill and called it Pickles. Full disclosure: I love pickles. I love the ones you get with a sandwich when you go out to eat, and I will gladly eat your pickle should you willingly neglect it. I also love the ones you buy in great big hulking jars at the grocery store, but I don’t know if I love the ones I made.
Here’s the thing: these particular pickles are sitting in my fridge as I type this, because I’m a little bit scared to try them. I know, I know; I can do a Tough Mudder, but I’m scared to eat my own pickles. I guess I have some kind of deep rooted pickle trust thing. Make what you want with that and remember I never claimed to be sane, which is something else that’s for the birds.
Enough about pickles, let’s talk about some ripe and juicy tomatoes instead. Who knew veggies could be so naughty? Don’t even get me started on the zucchini, but since I mentioned it…..some of my baby tomatoes coupled with one large zucchini and all got together on a boat; that is a zucchini boat. These things have been on my bucket list (i.e. my Pinterest board) since last summer, and I finally got around to making them. They’re pretty good, and even the Hubby, who only likes his zucchini in bread, was a fan.
Some more of my petit tomatoes, along with the Big Hoss got used in this Heirloom Tomato Salad. Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing and taste bud tantalizing tomato salad, well except maybe a dripping wet peach, eaten over the sink or a crisp and sweet ear of corn, bitten right off the cob….I digress; this salad was summer on a plate or really a serving tray if you want to get all technical about it. Party pooper.
As part of that same meal, I went ahead and made Jenn’s Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers because well, they’re awesome. Seriously, I’ve made these particular gems three times now, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. I have at least a dozen in my freezer, and I’m worried they won’t make it more than a couple of weeks. They’re that good. Do yourself a favor and make them.
Just in case you aren’t totally convinced, although you obviously should be since I told you about them, here’s some more photographic evidence of their complete and utter amazingness.
“Why yes, those are my CSA green beans in the foreground as well. How very astute of you to notice.” Back to the burger….
I’d love to end today on a sweet note, with a stellar dessert to be exact, but I don’t have one. Not this week anyway, but there is one coming up and it involves blueberries. Stay tuned.
This post is also linked up with Heather at In Her Chucks and Kristy at Gastronomical Sovereignty because they are all about my pickles…er, I mean my CSA veggies, which to be fair does include pickles this week.
Have you ever made pickles? If you did, did you eat them? What vegetable scares you? C’mon, I know you have one. You can confess here; this is a safe zone.
I ain’t afraid of no vegetables!
And I do make pickles–have 4 quarts in the fridge right now, and will put up more as the season goes on.
You’re a Vegetable Buster. Totally hard-core.
Yum! That all looks fantastic! I think I need a CSA.
I think everybody needs a CSA! You should look into getting one.
It’s nice to see you back. I hope this means you are doing better….?
Oh the things food bloggers do for good pictures. Especially in bad/overcast lighting. I totally understand.
I think THE best thing about eating so many veggies is how gorgeous they are. All of these pictures are just amazing, colorful, and so fun to look at.
I have yet to make those burgers, but they are on my list. I think once I get closer to student teaching, I’ll start making big batches of things so I can just grab them on my way out the door. These seem like they’d be a pretty good thing to pack for lunch…?
Definitely not a fan of pickles. The only time I’ll come near them is when they’re paired with tuna. Mayyybe a ham sandwich. Everyone I know loves them; I guess I’m just weird.
So you’re saying you won’t be the guinea pig for my pickles then….
The burgers would be great for any meal. I’ve reheated them on the grill and in the oven with success every time. I’ve also brought them to family dinners and everybody has commented on how great the flavor is.
You are crazy if you think your photos are poor quality. These are amazing as always, especially the chair standing picture. I love your meals..please invite me over..I clean my mess.
Thanks sunshine. I think the lighting on the one picture is weird, but they are still leaps and bounds better than anything I was publishing a year ago. You are welcome to come over anytime. We can run together and then stuff our faces with vegan desserts.
Thank you for making me want to lick my screen. Tomatoessssssssss
It makes me happy you want to lick your screen over some tomatoes. My work here is done.
Those sweet potato chickpea burgers look SO good!! I must try those!
Yes absolutely! They are fantastic and they freeze really well too. If you’re into that sort of thing.
HAH. Ethereal lighting. Nailed it. I kind of like the pictures this way…The last picture of the sandwich seems to jump off the screen. Too bad sandwiches on computer monitors can’t do that. I would if I could just break off a chunk of the sweet potato burger and stuff it in my mouth.
I don’t like pickles so that would be a no. But… I vote that you should eat one right now. I’m sure it will be amazing.
I can’t really think of a vegetable that scares me. Maybe potatoes. Not because they’re not delicious, but the thought of eating one raw… Ick.
I think potatoes are some of the cutest little things. Word on the street is we might get purple potatoes in this week’s CSA share and I’m really hoping we do. I can barely contain myself.
Can you imagine if we could eat the images on the screen?! That’s be some George Jetson sh*t, and I’d never cook again. Alright, that’s not true, but I would cook less.
Love that zucchini boat idea! I keep wanting to try my hand at them but our darn zuccs aren’t coming in well this year. 🙁 Guess I’ll hafta buy em
I’m not sure about where you live, but here in Cleveland everything is running a bit behind so there’s hope yet. Either way, you should try the boats; they’re very clever.
I can totally relate to your homemade pickle fear. I’ve been wanting to try and brew my own kombucha for a while now, but I’m afraid that I’ll do something wrong and end up giving myself food poisoning… and that’s no good for someone who has a serious fear of throwing up. My mom laughs at me about it… She’s been making her own kefir for years now with no problem, but knowing my luck, my first batch would make me sick…
I’m so glad to know I’m not alone on this. I’d be scared to try my own kombucha too.
Can I please just come over and eat all your foods?! I want the bugers. And the boats. And the veggies.
And maybe – for dessert – a #publicbanana
I think that sounds like a great idea. Although we should have the #publicbanana and mimosas for breakfast and then chocolate, chocolate no edge brownies for dessert. Veggies galore in between. Maybe an egg.
what a lovely haul this week! looks like you devoured it all very well 🙂 And I WILL try those burgers…ASAP.
thanks for sharing and linking up!
Thanks for hosting. You definitely need to make the veggie burgers; they are so damn good.
Everything looks amazing!
When Chris and I first made kimchi (pickled cabbage), we were a little nervous to try it, too, because we were afraid that it had secretly rotted or something and would poison us. Also, because we aren’t great at sterilizing jars. So far, we’re still alive, so maybe that gives you some extra confidence? 🙂
Although, I do have to say, I grew up in Pittsburgh and ain’t NOBODY sayin’ nuthin bad about Mr. Rogers!!! 😉
It does help to know that. I have a cabbage in my fridge too so maybe…..yeah, nope. If I can’t do pickles, kimchi is a long way off.
I knew someone was going to call me out on Mr. Rogers, and I’m glad it was you. His clothes might be boring but role model wise, he’s leaps and bounds better than Brat dolls.
To make awesome pickles i cheat. Serious.
1) buy pickling cucumbers. Slice longways into 4
2) buy a huge jar of pickles from the store.
3) drain “juice” from storebought pickles into saucepan, heat to simmer- not a boil!
4) pour over your fresh cucumbers in a jar, cool to room temp and let alone a few days.
Keep storebought pickles in tupperware or jar with half vinegar half salty water mix.
Thanks for the idea. I actually used the very same one last year, and it worked like a charm. This year I made my own brine, so I’m nervous.
Tomato salad! So glorious!! The zucchini boats are on my replay list, I’ve made various versions, always good. And I am running over to Jenn’s to check out the chickpea patty recipe. I love a good bean and veggie patty. To answer your questions (partially because I feel it is my responsibility, like a toll to pay for enjoying your blog, but one I am happy to pay :)… You know my only homemade pickle recipe and it works, but your pickles look so pretty. I can’t wait to hear the result once your put your brave face on and try them. And no vegetables really scare me but the stickiness of tomatillos always turns me off when it comes time to prepare them.
Your homemade pickle recipe does work; it was fantastic when I did it last year. I decided to branch out this year (actually I didn’t want to spend the money on a jar of pickles just to make pickles) and now they sit in my fridge, waiting for me to grow a pair and try them. I don’t even understand why I’m freaked out about trying them either. Sometimes I can’t even understand my own logic. Sigh.
Please tell me you tried the pickles! Even if you just licked one (yep, I know…that IS what she said), you’ve got to at least give them a little taste! I thought about it for a minute and was going to say I ain’t skeered of any darn vegetables…but then I remembered the Buddha’s hand I saw at Whole Foods last fall… *shudder* 😯
Love all the foodporn (especially with the sweet potato centerfold there! Cloooooooose UP!…you dirty girl!) and I swear, you and Amanda (Spoons) just have a way with making a bowl of cereal look downright drool-worthy. Must be the bloobs! 😉
Oh my gosh, I don’t remember the Buddha’s hand but I’m going to go back and look. I haven’t tried the pickles yet, but I might lick them just for you. TWSS.
It is the blueberries. Fresh berries always perk up a bowl of cereal crack.