What’s in the Box? #49

With Halloween around the corner, I have to say, there is nothing cuter than a baby dressed up as a piece of produce.  Who doesn’t love a baby strawberry, baby banana, baby watermelon, baby peas, and of course a baby pumpkin.  When I was little, my mom dressed my brother and I up as a bunch of grapes.  I wish I had pictures to prove it but unfortunately it was back in the days before digital imaging was available.  But they kind of sort of looked like this.  Except for we were bundled up in purple sweat suits with an overlay that had big fabric grapes attached to it.  Pretty darn cute.  I have no idea where she got the idea from, but it might be to blame for my slight addition to all things fruit and veggies.  Start ’em young I guess :)

From babies dressed as produce to adults who love produce…

Last week we had a total of 33 link ups!  And apparently it’s all about “them apples”.  Which is perfect because we went apple picking this weekend and I am in need of some major inspiration.  And lucky for me I think I have enough apples to indulge in each and every one of these mouth-watering recipes.  Starting with applesauce, apple pie and apple galette.  Yummy in my tummy!  Thank you to everyone who participated!  Love drooling over all your delicious CSA goodies.

Now time to drool over my goodies…

Hip, hip, hooray for pink ladies!  They are so crisp, sweet and delightful.  Harper and I tore into one right away.  It was the perfect afternoon treat.  I’m looking forward to getting the juicer going this weekend and might have to experiment with a little pink lady juice.  Yum!

I am also super excited to see the blackberries.  I have a few savory recipes I have wanted to try.  Most of which include pork, which will make the husband very happy :)

I had planned on making another batch of my seedy orange zest muffins this weekend for a bake sale fundraiser, so these oranges are just on time!  I will also be throwing some of my favorite Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs in the oven for company on Saturday, thanks to that lovely bunch of spinach.  And of course, what dinner party would be complete without a lovely side salad.  I’m thinking about adding some carrots, apples and nuts for a nice taste of autumn.

And nothing says autumn to me more than squash.  I have been eagerly awaiting some delicata and now have a nice collection of recipes that I have been saving from the link party.  But for my first time around, I think I might just have to do a simple roast.  I am a sucker for roasted veggies and I find that roasted squash always does my body good!  And if I follow this recipe, I can make use of my sage too.

Anytime I get an onion in my box, I always share it with Freddie.  Because the man LOVES onions, especially in his eggs.  But this time I wanted to be a bit more adventurous.  So I googled “green onions” and came up with this recipe for Green Onion Pancakes.  Now if this isn’t going to make my husband jump for joy, I don’t know what will.  Pure heaven for him…a gas mask for me :)  Thank God for gum!

And finally the tomatoes.  I have been quite proud of myself lately.  For someone who grew up not liking tomatoes, I am finding new recipes that are changing my mind on a regular basis.  From Chicken with Tomato Herb Pan Sauce to my new cherry tomato pesto (recipe coming soon) I am slowly falling in love with these delicate gems.  But after a lot of experimentation, I might just have to lean on an old standby: Homemade Tomato Sauce.  It’s simple, it’s easy and it’s a real crowd pleaser.  Plus, Harper love her “sketti” and mama will do anything to please my little angel.

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 and grabbing the official “What’s in the Box?” button at the bottom of my blog.  Thanks!