First CSA Basket of the Season

After a 1 week delay, we were able to pick up our first basket of produce today from Spiral Path Farm. This year, we're picking up directly at the farm as it is only about 15 minutes away! I was greeted by a huge black lab who apparently wanted to play fetch as he kept bringing me sticks- and when do I ever say no to puppies who want to play! Next week, to find out his name!

After grabbing my bag of produce, I headed home to show Katie what we'd gotten to kick off the season. She was thrilled as I showed her the carrots ("I want those for dessert!"), broccoli (grabbing a chunk off to munch on and telling me "you can cook that for dinner."), spinach ("Can I eat this leaf?" and pulling off a piece), baby red skin potatoes, and baby lettuce salad. ("Mommy, can I have salad and crunchy noodles (chow mein) for lunch?")

So with my basket in mind, I have been busy planning meals for the week to show off the best of this bounty-- Here are the current plans and I will post the other recipes as I cook through the week.

Barbecue Chicken Breast with Baked Potato Salad (using scallions and redskin potatoes)
Thai Shrimp and Spinach in Coconut Soup (Spinach)
Mongolian Beef with Broccoli over Rice (An adaptation of a PF Changs copycat recipe, and Katie's favorite way to eat broccoli)
Hawaiian Carrot Cake (I like carrots, but unlike the kiddo, they do not automatically equal dessert for me-- but carrot cake, YUM!)
Baby Lettuce Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast (leftover from barbecue night)

Also on the menu this week and not featuring CSA produce
Chicken Marsala- with parsley from my very own garden!