CSA BOX Week 1

Hello All!

Like I was talking about in this post. My family and I are getting CSA boxes weekly from Two Dog Farms and Salad Days Produce.

Going to the farm I was very excited and a little nervous. It was the first box that I was going to get from them and I get a little nervous about everything. So, we pulled up to the farm. I really like going to the farm. It let's me see where they work and how the run things. There on the little porch was Dorothy sitting waiting to fix boxes for the veggie consumers. Her husband, Van, was also there working around the farm. It was very relaxing. Dorothy loaded my box and the other consumer's box and I left.

Here is what I received:

Hydroponic Cucumbers

1/2 Dozen of Yard Eggs sourced from Flora, MS

Radishes

Kohlrabi

Bok Choy

Broccoli

Collard Greens

Green Onions with Scapes

Hydroponic Lettuce

Endive

I am super excited about all of these wonderful things. I think I am the most excited about the Kohlrabi! I am have never had it before and can not wait until I find out how it tastes.

Until next week!

-Erin

CSA - Two Dogs Farms and Salad Days Produce

This summer my family and I are going to participate in a CSA with Two Dog Farms and Salad Days. I want to take my blog on the journey of the vegetables we will receive and how we use those vegetables in our daily diets. I am so excited to share this journey.

What is a CSA?

CSA - Community Supported Agriculture

When joining a CSA you become a shareholder in the farm. You pay for your shares before the planting season. In doing so, you are helping the farmer get started so they can buy the things they need to get started planting the plants you will receive in return. 

There is always a risk with a CSA. The growing season might not go as planned. However, this is a risk that we decided we are willing to take. 

What does this means for my family?

This means that we will be receiving the freshest, most nutritious produce directly from the farm to my kitchen, so I can feed my family. All the vegetables are priced competitively with the organic produce I would find at my local grocery stores. BUT this is not about cheap food. I know who grows my food, how it was grown, and where it came from. I can even go to the farm and look around. Which I intend to because I will be picking my produce up at the farm. This will save me time from going to the farmers market and hoping there is produce there. I normally buy this particular farms produce at the farmers market anyway. 

Inside My Box

I'm not sure what will be inside my box from week to week. I do know that it should be about 1/2  a bushel every week and it will be whatever is in season. Which is exciting to me because I like to add new and different vegetables in whenever I can. 

About the Farm

Two Dog Farms is an organic inspired farm using sustainable and natural growing methods to ensure the healthiest produce available. Two Dog Farms specializes in seasonal field grown crops and heirlooms such as okra, snap beans, melons, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, squash, onions, carrots, beets, radishes, and potatoes. Family owned and operated by Van and Dorothy Killen. 

Salad Days is a hydroponic farm that specializes in pesticide free produce and is able to supply warm season crops almost 365 days a year such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and leafy greens. Family owned and operated by Jamie Redmond and Leigh Bailey. 

Both the farms are located in Flora, MS.   

Check them out on Facebook: 
 Two Dog Farms     Salad Days Produce

Asian Green Beans

When I lived in Oxford and went to school at The University of Mississippi, I would visit a Chinese restaurant there and we always got the green beans. My best friend and I would have an afternoon late lunch date there at least once a week. We would fill a plate with just green beans. They were so good. Unfortunately, I graduated and moved away. That the bad thing about graduating and moving away, you move away from the food that you come to know and love. I have been trying for a few years now to recreate those green beans and I think that I have done it now.

I hope that you enjoy! :D I know I did!


Asian Green Beans 

• 1/2 lb of 'haricot vert' green beans
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp of ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp of butter
• 2 tbsp of water
• 3 tbsp of soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 1 pinch of red pepper flake
• 1 tsp of onion powder

1. Heat your skillet (medium) and melt 2 tbsp of butter with the garlic and ginger then, toss in your green beans and cook for a few minutes. 
2. Add 2 tbsp of water, 3 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sugar, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, 1 pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp onion powder. 
3. Cook of medium low until the beans are tender. 
4. Enjoy! (This make 2 servings. Nutritional facts from caloriecount.com.)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving (90.9 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 149 Calories from Fat 104

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 11.6g 18%

Saturated Fat 7.3g 36%

Cholesterol 31mg 10%

Sodium 983mg 41%

Total Carbohydrates 10.6g 4%

Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2%

Sugars 7.2g

Protein 1.8g

Vitamin A 8% • Vitamin C 2% Calcium 2% • Iron 4%

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Allen and I had a serious craving for Chinese food. So, I decided to cook some for us. I'm trying to eat healthier and this was right up my ally.  I couldn't find a recipe I liked because I don't like mushrooms or water chestnuts. The recipe below is what I came up with. I had most of the ingredients on hand. This dish could be gluten free if gluten free items are bought. It was kinda spicy so go lighter on the chili paste or heavier if that's what you enjoy! 

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

1

lb  ground chicken

1/4

cup  minced onion

2

tablespoons  olive oil

2

tablespoons  teriyaki sauce

1

tablespoon  soy sauce

1

teaspoon  minced ginger

1

teaspoon  thai chili paste

1/4

cup  shredded carrot

2

cloves  minced garlic

1/3

teaspoon  salt

1/3

teaspoon  black pepper

1

teaspoon  sugar

1

head Lettuce, Butterhead

Directions

Heat pan with olive oil and brown chicken with minced onion. Add salt, pepper, and carrot and stir.

In a bowl mix the rest of the ingredients besides the lettuce,

Pour the mixture into the pan with the brown chicken and bring to a simmer.

Once most of the liquid is reduced. turn the chicken off and cool.

Wash and dry lettuce.

Fill lettuce leaf with a spoonful of mixture and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving (177.8 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 304 Calories from Fat 141

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15.7g 24%

Saturated Fat 3.3g 17%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 101mg 34%

Sodium 882mg 37%

Total Carbohydrates 5.5g 2%

Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2%

Sugars 3.4g

Protein 33.9g

Vitamin A 4% • Vitamin C 4% Calcium 3% • Iron 11%

Want It Wednesday

Want It Wednesday

1) Food: Chicken Pot Pie

I have been craving pot pie for the last few weeks. I think this recipe from Southern Living is fabulous and I may have to make it soon. 

2) Product: Ipsy Subsciption

Since Gator got his first Citus Lane Box in this month, it has really got me thinking about a subscription for me. I really want to subscribe to  Ipsy and recieve a Glam Bag each month. Still thinking about it though. 

3) For Gator: Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing

With fall weather peeping in, Gator is really enjoying being outside. He loves to swing inside, so I bet he would love to swing outside too! 

What are your wants this Wednesday? Tell me in my comments. 

- Erin

Spicy Sausage and Spinach Pasta

I was looking on pinterest earlier today and ran into this gem. It's was called Spicy Sausage Pasta from Kevin and Amanda. I thought it looked wonderful and cheesy. Just what my husband enjoys. I read through the ingredents and thought I could wing it from what was in the kitchen if i just changed a few things. I used cajun sausage, added frozen spinach, and used mozzarella. Like I said that that is just what I had on hand and I wanted to add a veggy. I left off the green onions because neither of us like them.

I hope that you try this recipe out and it is a hit in your household. Allen really enjoyed it! :D

Spicy Sausage and Spinach Pasta

• 6 oz  -- Cajun Sausage
• 1/2 medium onion 
• 6 oz -- frozen spinach
• 1 can -- rotel
• 2 cups -- chicken broth
• 1/2 cup -- whole milk
• 8 oz -- pasta
• 1 cup -- mozzarella 
• 1/4 tsp -- garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Slice sausage in half long ways and thin slice into thin half moons. Dice onion into small pieces. Cook sausage in a skillet on medium until golden brown. Add the onions and cook until they are also golden brown. Then, add the frozen spinach and cook until the spinach has melted. 
2. Add the can of rotel, chicken broth, whole milk, garlic powder, and pasta. Bring to a boil, place a lid on your skillet and simmer on low until the pasta is cooked through (about 15 minutes). 
3. Uncover and taste and then add the salt and pepper you think it needs. Top with mozzarella and let it get melty and wonderful. 
4. Enjoy! (This makes 4 servings. Nutitional facts from caloriecount.com.)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving (447.5 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 429 Calories from Fat 150

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 16.7g 26%

Saturated Fat 6.4g 32%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 110mg 37%

Sodium 1128mg 47%

Total Carbohydrates 47.6g 16%

Dietary Fiber 2.4g 10%

Sugars 8.8g

Protein 22.3g

Vitamin A 89% • Vitamin C 33% Calcium 34% • Iron 24%

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet