Welcome

This is my first blog which was inspired by joining The Produce Box, a local community supported agriculture group. With a weekly delivery of fresh produce, I have been challenged to create healthy nightly meals using ingredients I may not have purchased on my own.

Below is a compilation of weekly meals using the produce delivered by The Produce Box as well as some other recipes which have inspired me.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

May 30- June 4

It's been a balancing act, to say the least!  Between end of school year events, ending and beginning extracurricular activities, and permanently taking on a part time job life has been hectic.  Unfortunately, that has translated in not so healthy meal and meals on the go.  I am hoping to re-collect myself in June and become stricter at planning out and sticking to weekly menus.  (If for nothing else, my bank account is screaming at me!)

This weeks Produce Box consisted of:
  • Pint of Blueberries
  • Quart of Strawberries
  • Quart of Red Potatoes
  • 1 Zucchini and 3 Yellow Squashes
  • Head of Romaine
  • Head of Broccoli
Most of the berries will be used in smoothies or healthy snacks.

Wednesday, May 30-  Tonight we are grilling steaks, Camper Potatoes, Asaparagus (from last weeks box) and 2 yellow squashes.  The squash were seasoned with garlic salt, and the asparagus with sea salt. 

Camper Red Potatoes
  • sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- Make foil packets and grill until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat
Thursday, May 31-  Golf night for the hubby.  So the girls and I will have tortellini alfredo with broccoli, from my Box.

Friday, June 1-  It's the last day of the school year not sure how we will be celebrating with our children but going out to dinner might be one option!

Saturday, June 2- Taken from skinnytaste.com I think I will make their Grilled  Chicken Bruschetta, along with sliced bread and either mashed potatoes or couscous.
Grilled Chicken Bruschetta
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 4 oz chicken + tomatoes •  Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 6
Calories: 236.8 • Fat: 8.5 g • Protein: 32.4 g • Carb: 6.8 g • Fiber: 1.3 g • Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 182.9 mg (without the salt)

Ingredients:
  • 3 medium vine ripe tomatoes
  • 2 small cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
  • 3 oz part skim mozzarella, diced
  • 1.25 lbs (8 thin sliced) chicken cutlets
Directions:

Combine onion, olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper. Set aside a few minutes.


Chop tomatoes and place in a large bowl. Combine with garlic, basil, onion-balsamic combo and additional salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and let it sit at least 10 minutes or as long as overnight. Toss in the cheese when ready to serve.


Season chicken with salt and fresh pepper. Grill the chicken cutlets on your indoor or outdoor grill, top with bruschetta and serve.

Sunday, June 3-  My older daughter will be competing in a golf tournament caddied by my husband around dinner.  So that leaves me and my other child to figure out dinner.  I think it might be breakfast for dinner.

Monday, June 4-  We have family in town tonight.  I believe we'll grill burgers and hotdogs served with cole slaw, beans and lightened up macaroni salad.
Lightened Up Macaroni Salad
Servings: 7 Size: 3/4 cup Points: 3 pts
  • 6 oz dry elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • dash of garlic powder (I am using Garlic Garlic)
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, combine all ingredients and mix well. When pasta is done (do not overcook) rinse under cold water. Combine pasta with other ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.

Friday, May 11, 2012

May 9- 15

With school coming to and end, various children's activities and delivering for the Produce Box, I have to admit I have fallen a little off my game.  But despite not having an organized weekly menu or blogging regularly about it, I have managed to cook through my Box contents.

This week my Box consists of Bok Choy, Spring Onions, Blueberries, Strawberries, Carrots and Broccoli.  I also requested an add on of Asparagus.

Wednesday, May 9-  I decided on an easy dinner of pasta and turkey meatballs, accompanied by a delicious loaf of Great Harvest Bread Company's Garlic and Cheddar.

Thursday, May 10-  Book Club tonight and down one less family member for dinner dictates a simple meal.  Blueberry Pancake, breakfast it's what's for dinner!

Friday, May 11-  Stir Fry!  I'm using some of the carrots, onions, bok choy and broccili to make a stir fry meal tonight.  I'll serve it over rice.  My husband always seems to get a great stir fry going off the cuff.  I'll be his sous chef tonight.

Saturday, May 12-  Artapalooza- school event tonight.  We might further support the school with the purchase of hotdog dinners.

Sunday, May 13-  Given it's Mother's Day I will request my husband to grill some Meat House marinated steak tips along with grilled asparagus (from our Box) and red potatoes.

Monday, May 14-  Pork Chops, corn on the cob and Sweet Potato Casserole will round out tonight's meal.  I'll be using sweet potatoes from previous Boxes.

Sweet Potato Casserole 7 WW Points  
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and halved
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg white
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in small bowl, stirring to form streusel. Set aside
3. Place potatoes in pot covered with water. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 30 min or until tender. Drain. Mash in large bowl.
4. Stir in 1 cup of streusel topping, sugar, vanilla, egg white and milk.
5. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining streusel.
6. Bake for 45 min.
Serving: 3/4 cup
Calories: 376  Fat: 8.8g  Saturated fat: 1.4g  Monounsaturated fat: 4.1g  Polyunsaturated fat: 2.6g  Protein: 5.4g  Carbohydrate: 70.1g  Fiber: 3.8g  Cholesterol: 1mg  Iron: 1.9mg  Sodium: 115mg  Calcium: 97mg 
Tuesday, May 15-  It's golf lesson night which means only half the family is home for dinner.  Perhaps a fajita for myself and a quesadilla for my daughter.