What’s in the Box? #47

With all of the excitement that has been going on lately, I keep forgetting to mention an important milestone for In Her Chucks and the What’s in the Box link party.  So rather than share childhood memories or funny stories, I am going to cut right to the chase.  A few months back, a loyal reader and awesome blogger, Christa of Christa to the Max, created a What’s in the Box? button for me.  I had been trying to create one on my own for quite a while but was frustrated by my lack of knowledge of html coding.  So, thank you Christa for coming to my rescue and helping to make What’s in the Box? more official :)  For those of you who are interested in grabbing the What’s in the Box? button, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and pick it up.  And thanks in advance for promoting this fun and exciting party!

Now on to the fruits and veggies.  Last week we had 33 link ups!  And with Halloween right around the corner, it’s clearly all about the pumpkin.  Starting with how to cook a pumpkin, then how to turn your pumpkin into pancakes or doughnuts, and finally, what to do with those seeds.  Makes me want to go on the pumpkin diet.  Yum!  Thanks to everyone else who linked up.  Looks like everyone is eating well these days :)

Let’s take a look at what I will be eating this week…

Hello, chard!  It’s been a while since you have graced by box, and strangely enough, a veggie I once despised, is welcomed back with open arms.  And I got two huge bunches too!  I want to try something new with these this week.  During one of our first link parties, someone shared a recipe for a swiss chard smoothie and I have been intrigued ever since.  I am finally going to take the plunge and give it a try.  Can’t wait :)

I got pretty giddy to see those gorgeous cherry tomatoes because I owe you a killer recipe and this time I am not making excuses.  It’s going up on the blog tomorrow.  I promise!

I enjoyed one of those apples with a few slices of cheddar cheese for an after dinner snack which is keeping me satisfied as I sit here and tap away at my computer.  Not quite sure what kind they are but they are sweet and crisp and oh so delicious.  The grapes are going to make for a great snack as well.  Only wished I had gotten them sooner because my mom was asking for some the other night for a salad she had in mind.  Maybe I can get the recipe and pass it on.  It would be nice to jazz up that lovely head of lettuce and turn it into something special.

Speaking of special, whenever I get fresh avocados in my box I feel special.  And if I want to make my husband feel special, I whip him up a fresh batch of my famous guacamole.  Quite honestly it has been a while since we have enjoyed a mini-fiesta around here.  Which means some fajitas with that GIGANTIC onion and a few of the leftover peppers from last week might even be in order.  And of course, no fiesta would be complete without margaritas…in cupcake form :)

After reading this post, I will most definitely be roasting my carrots and beets this week.  I love how roasting brings out the sweetness in the veggies and the texture is just perfect.  Makes a great side dish to any meal.

And finally, the oranges.  I am thinking about making some fresh squeezed orange juice.  Which might even take place in the morning.  I am planning on enjoying some sweet potato pancakes with a side of bacon.  And fresh squeezed orange juice sounds like the perfect beverage to compliment that meal.

Your turn:  What are some of your favorite ways to use the fruits and veggies shown?  Any special recipe, tips or tricks you’d like to share?  Looking forward to reading your responses :)

Linking up for the first time?  Click here for more info…and Welcome!  PS:  Don’t forget to tell your readers about the party by linking back to this post.  Thanks!

PS:  Don’t forget to double your dose of fresh fruits and veggies by visiting this week’s Fresh Foods Link Up from Gastronomical Sovereignty