Calliope’s Table CSA Distribution #10-August 5, 2009

Hello Subscribers,

The hot weather we’ve had all week is shifting back to days in the 70’s, but it’s been enough to start ripening tomatoes all over the SE…including these in one of your gardens. This pic was taken on Monday so I expect to have the first tomatoes of the season for you this week.

For me, there is nothing that speaks so loudly of the difference in store-bought produce and local, organically grown produce, than the tomato. You all know what I’m talking about. I don’t believe there has ever been a store-bought tomato that tastes like one grown outdoors, on a small scale, and nurtured by hand. As your farmer, I performed the all important taste test last week on the first ripened tomato and it sent me immediately back to last summer when I last ate them. It’s why I haven’t bought a tomato in years, or notice one in food from a restaurant.

The tomatoes this week will be early season slicing tomatoes, which are so good on sandwiches, salads, and my favorite, Caprese Insalata. This simple salad from Capri, Italy is so refreshing and easy, and really fits the season when everyone is so busy with work and play.

Simply place slices of Mozzarella cheese on a plate, top with slices of tomato, then basil on top, and drizzle with a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Provide salt and pepper for everyone to season to taste. One of my fave dishes, this can also be the basis of a pasta salad I used to make at one of the kitchens I worked in.

Also this week, I’ll have basil you’ll need for the recipe above, broccoli, chard, zucchini and greens.

Have a great week, see you soon!

Peace,

Calliope

Calliope’s Table CSA Distribution #8-July 22, 2009

Hello Subscribers,

The warm weather the plants have been needing is here, and then some. Keeping all the gardens watered becomes a good deal of the activity every day in weather like this. I’ve seen signs of a tomato or two starting to ripen, and the squash are really starting to come on, so I’m very happy to bike to the gardens and spend time with the plants while watering.

This week I’ll have broccoli, chard, summer squash & zucchini, a few more peas, basil, and more greens.

The weather this week dictates cold foods like salads. You might try a salad with broccoli, a few peas, basil, and even some thinly sliced summer squash. Use a combination of salad greens and/or some of the summer greens I had last week like orach and chicory. Toss with your favorite salad dressing, and serve very cold with some crusty bread. Perfect for our dinner time weather this week.

For desert you might try something I haven’t even tried yet, sliced summer squash with honey. Sounds great to me. Thanks to Ethan for that one. Is anyone else coming up with interesting things to do with your CSA bounty? I’d love to hear what you’re cooking up, and if you’d like I would love to post your recipes here too.

I’ve also been reminded to remind you that our produce distribution is on Wednesdays at the Ginger-Olive garden on SE Woodward. The time is set for 4-7pm, however if you come right at 4 you might still find me doing some harvesting. If you can’t make it by 7 or at all, give me a call and we’ll arrange something that works for you.

Have a fabulous week, and stay cool!

Peace and blessings,

Calliope