What’s in the Box? #69

This coming weekend is very big deal for my family…my little brother is getting married.  I mean, he’s not actually little anymore.  In fact, he is a big, brave, soldier, brother, but no matter how tall or strong he gets, he will always be younger (age is really all I have on him anymore…).

And what is even more exciting about this weekend, is that I get to welcome to my family, another sister, Koko.  I couldn’t be more proud of Quincy’s choice of bride.  Beautiful, intelligent and just plain fun.  I have known Koko since we were younger and I have always been a fan (which to be honest, isn’t an easy feat with me.  I tend to be VERY overprotective of my bro, but Koko won me over immediately).  So having them make their union “official” is really just the icing on the cake.

Speaking of cake, did you check out the links from last week?  How I Ate My Box linked up a beautiful Flourless Beet Cake…sounds heavenly doesn’t it?!  Oh, and Farm Fresh Feasts made a killer CSA Grilled Cheese complete with pickled turnips, radishes and carrots.  And finally, if you are looking for some salad inspiration, Clean Eats, Fast Feets hooked us up with a roundup of some of her most beautiful lettuce creations.  Thanks to everyone who linked up.  I always appreciate you sharing your delicious veggie goodness with the rest of the party.

And really, what is a party without a box full of fresh fruits and veggies…

You know you have been brainwashed by a member of your CSA for too long when you start getting excited about beets.  At the beginning of my CSA journey, I used to loathe beets.  But the truth is, I just didn’t know what to do with them.  Now, with a pretty extensive beet recipe repertoire, I can’t get enough of them.  The last few times I have gotten a bunch of fresh beets in my box, I have made this amazing Roasted Beets with Gorgonzola and Walnuts salad.  I was watching the Barefoot Contessa on TV the other day (the silver lining to having a sick baby…lots of down time), and she was whipping up a Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad that had me drooling.  But on the other hand, that Flourless Beet Cake has me intrigued as well.  Since when is there not enough beets to curb my cravings?  Official produce nerd :)

And then of course you have the asparagus, which is already gone.  We devoured it alongside homemade turkey meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner Tuesday night.  Comfort food at it’s finest.  And for dessert?  Fresh fruit.  Strawberries, kiwi and tangerines.  Sliced.  That’s it.  There really is nothing sweeter.

For the gorgeous head of lettuce I am going to draw from some of Meghan’s delicious ideas.  And to add to the fun, I am sure some of those carrots will end up in my salad somehow too.

It has been a while since I have roasted cauliflower.  It really is my favorite way to prepare it.  So simple but totally irresistible.

And finally, spring onions.  Nothing fancy I’m sure.  But Freddie will love me if I sneak them into his eggs.  Such a good wife am I :)

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!