June 8- June 14

This week's Produce Box consists of:

• 1 quart sweet Red Cherries
• 1 pint Blueberries
• 6 ears Sweet Corn
• Fingerling or Red Potatoes
• Green Squash Variety (2 lbs)
• Greenhouse cucumber

I will using the zucchini along with the blueberries from my Box to make up some more Blueberry Zucchini Bread  I made this with only 2 cups of sugar.  I also made it in 2 loaf pans baked for 1 hour and 10 minutes.I will be making some more zucchini blueberry bread.  And blueberry smoothies!

Wednesday, June 8-  I delivered for the Produce Box today, filling in for one of the area coordinators.  It was a big delivery and HOT!  Tonight I have a school function to attend as well.  I think it will be either be sandwiches accompanied by the fruit in my Box.  Or take out.

Thursday, June 9- BBQ Pork Sandwiches and corn on the cob is tonight's meal.  I will use my Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker to microwave some boneless pork strips sprinkled with some BBQ seasoning.

• Brush with oil and rub seasoning onto pork. Place into baker, cover and microwave on HIGH for 6-10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 150. Remove from microwave, keep it covered for 10 minutes allowing the temperature to rise to 160. Top with Barbecue Sauce and server as main dish, or shred meat and use in sandwiches.

Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup

2 Tbsp Barbecue Rub

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tsp cider or white vinegar

• Combine ingredients and bring to boil, stir occasionally.

Friday, June 10-  One of my daughter's will be attending a pizza sleepover, I think this may be an excuse for the rest of us to go out for dinner!

Saturday, June 11- Grilled Chicken and Peaches tonight.  I hope to stop by DJ's Berry Patch today and pick up some peaches. 

Grilled Chicken and Peaches

1 cup  Italian Dressing 

4 small  boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup  molasses

4 ripe peaches, halved, pitted

 
POUR dressing over chicken; cover. Refrigerate 1 hour to marinate. Drain chicken; discard marinade. Mix vinegar and molasses until well blended; brush onto cut sides of peach halves. Set aside.
PREHEAT greased grill to medium heat. Grill chicken 8 min. on each side or until chicken is cooked through (180°F), adding peaches to the grill for the last 6 min. of the chicken grilling time and turning and brushing peaches occasionally with any remaining vinegar mixture.
PLACE chicken on serving platter. Cut peaches into slices; spoon over chicken. Drizzle with any remaining vinegar mixture.

Variation  Prepare as directed, using 4 boneless pork chops, 1/2 inch thick (about 1 lb.). Grill 6 to 7 min. on each side or until chops are cooked through.

Sunday, June 12-  I never made the Italian Style Fish.  I think tonight that will be dinner.  Italian Style Fish (olive oil, Italian seasonings, minced garlic, diced tomatoes and a splash of fresh lemon juice).  I'll serve it with my Camper Red Potato Packets (sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- grilled until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat). 

Monday, June 13-  I have had a yearning for some homemade Baked Ziti.  So tonight we'll have baked ziti, bread and a green salad.

Tuesday, June 14-  Mexican tonight!  This is the night when we can't eat as a full family due to golf lessons.  So the girls will have cheese quesidillas and we'll eat steak fajitas later.  I am hoping to use the great fajita steak marinade we found from Alton Brown.

May 4- May 10

This week's Produce Box includes:

• Kale
• Orange Sweet Potatoes
• 3 Tomatoes
• 2 Cucumbers
• Bok Choy
• Strawberries
• Fresh Mint (one bunch)

 As with any well designed plan, things don't always go as anticipated.  And last week's menu was no exception.  Some meals were reconfigured while others were completely skipped for another week.  Therefore, this week's menu contains some repeats from last week since I never had the opportunity to make them.  I did however, have the chance to make the Orzo Shrimp and Asparagus Salad.  First, it was a very tasty salad and a refreshing meal for a warm Spring day.  However, I think I would enjoy it more as a side dish rather than a main course meal.  I will keep it on the recipes to make again!

Of course my husband will be using the mint for Mint Juleps and/or Mojitas!

Wednesday, May 4- Since my husband isn't crazy for this sauce and he won't be home for dinner tonight, it's the perfect evening to make pasta with Cucumber Tomato Sauce and a loaf of bread.

Cucumber Tomato Sauce 2 WW Pts.

* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 teaspoons dried basil
* 1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

* 2 cups diced cucumber
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant, then stir in the dried basil, and cook for a few seconds more. Add the tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the red pepper and cucumber. Continue simmering and stirring occasionally until the mixture has reduced to a sauce like consistency, 10 to 15 minutes.
Nutritional Information:    Calories: 114 | Total Fat: 9.3g | Cholesterol: 0mg  * Sodium: 102mg  * Total Carbs: 8g  * Dietary Fiber: 1.3g  * Protein: 1g

**NOTE: I added some red wine and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.  Also I used 2 small tomatoes from my box and 1 can of petite diced tomatoes to the recipe.**

Thursday, May 5-  In light of the fact it's Cinco de Mayo, it will be fajitas and quesidillas tonight!  I think I will use the delicious Alton Brown steak fajita marinade for this evening's dinner.  I'll chop up some of my tomato from my Box to garnish the fajitas.  I will also grill up some of the asparagus I got as an add on in my box.

Friday, May 6-  I found the recipe below on allrecipes.com but the added and changed it up a bit for my liking.  To make it more of a main caourse I added the Italian Sausage.  (If I have asparagus leftover, I will incorporate this into this evening's meal.)

Vegetable Hash

• 2 tablespoons olive oil-2
• Italian Sausage
• 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon butter
• 1lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 1-2 small sweet potatoes, diced
• 1-2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1/2 each green and red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves minced garlic
• pinch salt
• pinch ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 teaspoon ground sage

Directions

1. Fry up sausage in pan.  Once cooked through remove from pan and cut up.  Keep warm.
2. Place butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and mix in potatoes, and shallot. Season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.  Half-way through cooking, add peppers.
3. Add broth to pan and Mix kale and sage into skillet. Continue cooking  15 minutes, until kale is wilted. 
4. Add sausage to pan and mix.  Serve and enjoy!

Saturday, May 7- Stir Fry using the bok choy is on the agenda will update with recipe later.

Sunday, May 8- Since it is Mother's Day, I am taking the day off from cooking and throwing it into my husband's lap!

Monday, May 9- This was one of those meals that got reworked last week.  So I will try again to make this tasty sounding meal I found on allrecipes.com.  I'll serve the meal along with a fresh green salad made from my Box contents.
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops  12 WW Pts.

• 4 (1 inch thick) pork chops
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 (20 ounce) can apple pie filling
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, and then brown them in the hot skillet. Remove from heat.
2. Spray the inside surface of a slow cooker with cooking spray. Arrange sliced onions in the bottom, and place pork chops on top of onions. Pour chicken stock over chops, and top with apple pie filling. Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours, adding sweet potatoes during the last 3 hours of cooking.

Nutritional Information     Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 567 | Total Fat: 11.9g | Cholesterol: 59mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Calories: 567  Total Fat: 11.9g  Cholesterol: 59mg  Sodium: 1299mg  Total Carbs: 88.1g  Dietary Fiber: 9g  Protein: 28.3g

Tuesday, May 10- I haven't finalized my decision for tonight's meal.  It could be leftovers if I need to make room in the fridge.  Otherwise I will come up with something soon!

November 17-November 23

This is the last Box of the season! Wow, I can't believe Thanksgiving is around the corner and the year is quickly sprinting to a close. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in The Produce Box and plan on doing it again next year.

This last Box contains Raspberries, 1/2 lb. Bag of Roasted Peanuts, 1 lb. bag of Baby Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Field Tomatoes and 2 Bell Peppers. I also added on a half bushel box of canning tomatoes.

With a half bushel of tomatoes, I of course will be making an abundance of tomato sauce to freeze. I have adapted the Tomato Sauce to my family's preferences: shredded carrot, omit celery, replace spices with 2 tsp each Oregano, Basil & Rosemary, and after 2 hours of simmering I add 2 tsp pepper & 1 tsp of salt. Also I have pureed most of the sauce since my family perfers a less chunky sauce. This time around I will also be adding one can of tomato paste.

Again I cut the White Chicken Chili from my menu. Oh well I'm sure I will eventually make it, and more than once, during the course of the winter.

Wednesday, November 17- Soup and sandwiches due to extra activities this evening.

Thursday, November 18- The Steak Fajitas from last week got bumped to tonight. Which works out well considering I will need to pick my daughter and her friends up form a Brownie meeting this evening.

Friday, November 19- I will make Warm Bean and Sausage Salad. I believe I have made this in the past and enjoyed it. I will be omitting the olives and substituting the turkey sausage with pork sausage. I will using the spinach provided in my box.

Saturday, November 20- I am in the mood for homemade Fish and Chips. So with my husbands assistance I will be preparing a favorite Alton Brown recipe for the fish. With all the grease I am thinking of perhaps serving a side salad along with the fish in place of french fries. We'll see if my husband approves of that suggestion.

Sunday, November 21- If whole chicken is on sale I think I will pick one up and bake it tonight. I'll serve it with Candied Sweet Potatoes with Apples. I am thinking easy and of course slow cooker comes to mind. Therefore, I will prepare Slow-Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Chicken.

Monday, November 22- Tonight I will prepare Spicy Beef Noodle Bowl.


Tuesday, November 23- This may be leftover evening or take out. With Thanksgiving cooking right around the corner as well as out of town guests arriving, I am going with simple and easy tonight.

**pictures from BHG and Cooking Light for illustration purposes only**

November 10- November 16

As the Produce Box approaches its close of the season I am astonished not only to find ourselves nearing Thanksgiving but also surprised at the abundance of fresh produce which has entered my family's daily life. Although I have always made it a point to serve at least one vegetable with dinner nightly and stock a variety of fruits in the house for snacking, I have discovered a weekly supply of farm fresh produce as provided my family with a much healthier and richer diet.

This weeks Box contains local Apple Cider, 2 Red Bell Peppers, a large Eggplant, 2 heads of Romaine Lettuce, Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes.

I never made the White Chili so I may decide to throw it on this week's menu. Unfortunately, my homemade cole slaw was rather bitter. I discovered after the fact, that soaking the cabbage for about 20 minutes helps mellow the bitterness. Good tip to know for next time!

Wednesday, November 10- Tonight I will try making a main course salad for dinner. I am altering a recipe I found on Allrecipes.com with some of my own additions.
Southwest Chicken Salad
1 small can corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey cheese blend
3 tomatoes, chopped
Chopped romaine lettuce
Catalina salad dressing
Southwest Style Chicken
Corn chips

In a large bowl, combine the corn, black beans, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Add dressing and mix well. Cut up chicken and placed over salad. Add corn chips before serving.

I may buy prepared Southwest Style Chicken or if I have the time prepare my own.

Thursday, November 11- Garlic and Thyme Pork Chops and Sweet Potato Casserole will be served this evening.

Sweet Potato Casserole
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.

Friday, November 12- Swedish Meatballs served over egg noodles will be tonight's dinner, thanks to a weekend excursion to Ikea!

Saturday, November 13- Date Night!! My husband and I are going out on the town so simple microwaved meals for the kids.

Sunday, November 14- Eggplant Rollatini will be attempted tonight.

I will follow my standard Eggplant Parmesan recipe to fry up the the eggplant however, I will cut them length wise. Once fried, I will loosely follow a recipe I found on Allrecipes.com with my additions.
1-2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tsp. basil
1 clove minced garlic
8-10 slices prosciutto
Tomato Sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

In a bowl, beat the egg until lightly scrambled. Mix the ricotta in with the egg. Add 1/4 cup mozzarella, 1-2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and garlic and gently combine. Fold in basil just to combine. Do not overmix.

Place a slice of prosciutto on eggplant then place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture on 1 end of the eggplant and roll up tightly. Place the eggplant rollatini into a greased (with olive oil) 13 by 9-inch baking dish, seam side down. Continue with remaining eggplant. Evenly distribute the tomato sauce on top of the eggplant rollatini. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese and bake for 15 minutes.

Monday, November 15- Steak Fajitas with peppers and onions will be served for dinner tonight.

Tuesday, November 16- White Chicken Chili I'll update the blog with my recipe.

Menu July 28-August 3

It's Wednesday and that means Produce Box delivery day!

This weeks box includes 4 Ears of Corn, 6 Peaches, a head of Cabbage, Jalapeno Peppers, 2 Bell peppers, 10 Roma Tomoatoes and as our Surprise Farm Item- a personal Watermelon.

Wednesday- Tonight we are grilling. It's Hotdogs, Grilled Corn on the Cob and Grilled Peaches. For the peaches- slice the peaches and place on heavy duty tin foil sprayed with PAM, mix brown sugar & cinnamon together, sprinkle over peach slices, using approx. 1-2 tsp of vanilla extract pour over peach slices, dot with butter. Seal foil and place on grill for about 7-10 minutes or warmed through. For a richer dessert serve with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Thursday-Since my husband will not be home for dinner, I think it will be a simple meal like breakfast for dinner or maybe grilled cheese sandwiches.

Friday- I will make Homemade Coleslaw to accompany the Steak Fajitas (we just can't get enough-LOVE these!) and Grilled Pepper & Onions. I am sure my husband will want to add some of the jalapeno to our dinner tonight.
I will be planning my weekly stop at either DJ's Berry Patch or Western Wake Farmer's Market to pick up some additional produce items that I'll need for tonight and the next couple of meals. I encourage you to explore your local farm stands and markets. Fresh tasting produce and supporting local farmers are 2 very good reasons to venture out this weekend!

Coleslaw
1 head of Cabbage shredded
1/4 pound shredded or julienne Carrots
1 Onion finely chopped
1/2 cup Mayonaise
1 tablespoon Vinegar
2 teaspoons Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt

Mix Mayo, Vinegar, Sugar & Salt in non-reactivate bowl. Add shredded Cabbage, Carrots and diced Onion. Mix well. Chill before serving.

Saturday-The kids will have Macaroni and Cheese with watermelon while my husband & I celebrate my birthday.

Sunday- I will use the Roma Tomatoes from my Produce Box to make Tomato Sauce. I used this recipe a few weeks back with some minor alterations with rave reviews from my husband.
I altered the sauce recipe by using all the tomatoes in the puree (since my family does not like chunky sauces), 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp dried rosemary, and 2 tsp of basil. I omitted the celery. After 2 hours of simmering, I added 2 tsp of ground pepper and 1 tsp salt. I will use the sauce in my Lasagna, cooked in my Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker in the microwave.

Monday- I will be making Grilled Teriyaki Tuna Wraps, we have made these many times before and love the refreshing meal this makes. Perfect for Summer grilling! I have substituted the arugula leaves with baby spinach.

Tuesday- I am searching for an interesting main course recipe to use up some of these jalapenos. I'll let you know what I find.

Finding a Good Black Bean Salad Recipe

As blogged earlier, Monday's menu consisted of Marinated Chicken Fajitas using the marinade from the steak fajitas we had last week. Along with grilled peppers (from my Produce Box) and onions (from DJ's Berry Patch). After slicing the peppers and onions, we drizzled with some olive oil, dash of balsamic vinegar and then grilled them.

I found a Black Bean Salad recipe which also used fresh corn that I had picked up at the farm stand as well. This salad appealed to our palate much better than the corn and black bean salad we made last week.

If you follow the link, note the information above the recipe which outlines the basics to any black bean salad. So you can adjust to your family's liking. For this salad, I omitted the avocado and replaced the jalapenos with ground cumin.