Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Radishes That Don't Suck!


Ok, you guys.  I love radishes now.  I hated them up until about two hours ago.

Pro tip for those that hate raw radishes and love baked potatoes.  ROAST THEM.

High heat, like 450, for 10-20 minutes.  It varies, so check them.

And you can put anything else in the pan that you like (within reason, folks).  I do not recommend whole eggs or uncooked rice or meth, among other bad ideas.

No-Recipe Recipe
Rinse the radishes and cut off all but a centimeter of the green top bits.


Cut the radishes in half lengthwise.




Chop up a friend for the radishes.  Parsnips, leeks, carrots, onions, apples (??), whatever you have and think might work.
I chopped up some of the CSA walking onions. I had never heard of those either but they were leek-y in taste but small like scallions.


These are the bits I used.


Put the veggies in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and some seasoning.  I used pink salt, fresh ground pepper, and dried thyme.


Roast in a preheated 450 oven for 10-20 minutes.  (Not pictured.  These went about 17 minutes but I like things extra done.)

Voila!


The radishes were really yummy with the onions and seasoning, and very reminiscent of red potatoes.    Maybe some chives, bacon, and cheese next time for a low carb loaded potato?

Monday, May 26, 2014

YAY CSA

We finally got around to joining a CSA this year.  I've loved the idea for a while, but it definitely involves some pre-planning, a trait at which I do not excel. For those of you that don't know, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and it means you buy a share in some farmer's bounty but you have to pay the farmer way before harvest time.  You know, when they need the money to plant things, and fertilize the soil, and buy new boots or something.  Now for twenty-five weeks we'll receive a surprise mix of fresh local crops.  We picked up the first edition last Thursday. Behold.



Our food comes from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative (www.lancasterfarmfresh.com).  They have a drop off at Sean's church which is our sole reason for choosing this particular CSA.  No research required but great recommendations from Sean's peeps.

I'm excited to play this personal version of Iron Chef (is that the cooking show with the secret ingredients?) for the next several months.

Fun fact: I've never cooked or even liked radishes before.  Probably because my only radish experiences are raw radishes in salads or on tiny fancy sandwiches.  My biggest challenge this week will be finding a yummy way to make these into a side dish this week.  A little internet research tells me I can roast or braise them, so I'll let you know how that goes.

The asparagus (SPARGELFEST!) is gone already, grilled and consumed with Monrovia Farm steak last Friday.  It was super delicious, but how could asparagus in May suck?

Anyone want to play CSA-along?  Like Iron Chef but less Bobby Flay and everyone wins?