Our First CSA Basket

In the spring, Brian and I decided to buy a share in Titus Farms, a local fruit and vegetable farm, in order to receive weekly vegetable allotments throughout the summer and fall (June 30 - November 3). This is called community supported agriculture or CSA.

Yesterday I picked up our first CSA distribution. Because it's still early in the growing season, we didn't receive a huge basket, but it was still plenty for us. I could choose five of any item: swiss chard, beets, collard greens, mixed lettuces, cucumber, garlic scapes, basil, mixed herbs, or strawberries. I chose swiss chard, lettuce, basil, cucumber and strawberries (much to Jack's delight).

Last night, I made a white bean chicken chili, using the swiss chard. I figured for our first try, it'd be better to disguise it from Jack and Brian both. The chili turned out quite yummy and both of my men gobbled it up. Here's the link to the chili: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/white-bean-and-chicken-chili-recipe/index.html

For dessert, I made my grandma's vanilla pudding recipe to serve with the strawberries. This is a rare occasion in our house because the recipe involves stirring the pudding non-stop for about half an hour. Needless to say, my hand felt like it was going to fall off before the pudding was done. But the results were worth the effort -- it is far tastier and far healthier than the Jello variety, and it was a perfect compliment to the tiny, fresh strawberries from the CSA. Jack was begging for more when he finished his bowl.

Here is Grandma's recipe:

1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/8 tsp. salt
2 3/4 c. milk
2 T. butter
1 tsp. vanilla

In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Then slowly stir in the milk (I used a combo of our skim milk and Jack's whole milk). Heat over medium heat, CONSTANTLY STIRRING. Let the pudding come to a boil for one minute (still stirring) and then remove it from the heat -- it takes almost 30 minutes to come to a boil. Don't rush it. Once you've moved it off the stove, stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour it into individual bowls and chill in the refrigerator at least an hour or two. Top with berries or cinnamon to serve.

Next week, we'll be using the basil to make Spaghetti with Smoked Almonds and Basil. Yum!