Farm (Still) Fresh

beets, celeriac, chicory, kohlrabi, onions, parsnips, radicchio, winter squash

What’s for Dinner?

If you’re anything like me, it’s time to press the reset button, food-wise. The holidays will do a number on our eating routine, for sure! I’m allowing myself a clean-out-the-fridge week before my first CSA delivery of the new year. Believe it or not, I’ve got several still farm fresh veggies on hand…from my Thanksgiving delivery (and before!). Amazing how some of these heartier, cold-weather items last and last. And last. I’ll devote this first week 2016 to emptying the root cellar and refrigerator, making room for what’s sure to be a luscious load come Friday!

There’s really no reason for these winter months (the “dark months”…) to bring emptiness, disappointment, or bewilderment to your meal planning efforts. Against popular thought, the Northwest does grow amazing and abundant produce in the winter and early spring months! AND, there’s a CSA that accumulates this wealth, and delivers it right to my doorstep! I am a happy Hood River Organic (HRO) CSA member…check them out Hood River Organic. And speaking of winter abundance, check out what the Portland Farmers Market has going on this season. The perfect chilly-weather Saturday – indulge in some steaming coffee and scrumptious farm fare, peruse the vendors to pick up your week’s dinner delights, then hit a movie at Fox Tower, a PAM exhibit, or some Nordstrom shopping!

Friday – bacon for health, chicory for wealth

hoppin’ john (Emeril Lagasse)
braised chicory (Culinate)

Saturday – mochi inspired

mochi in shoyu dipping sauce (Koda Farms)
winter squash ramen (Katherine Martinelli)
tempura shrimp

mochi ice cream

Sunday – a little lebanese

fall-toush salad (Deb Perleman, The Smitten Kitchen)
beet, orange, & black olive salad (Yotam Ottolenghi, Plenty)
world market sambousak, hummus, & babaganoush

Monday – krazy for kohlrabi

beef and barley stew with kohlrabi & carrots (Nourish Evolution)
hearty country bread

Tuesday – plenty

celeriac and lentils (Yotam Ottolenghi, Plenty)
radicchio salad (Tasty & Sons)

Wednesday – detox at its finest

roasted delicata squash with quinoa salad (Food and Wine)

Thursday – sammie night

delicata squash and goat cheese panini
parsnip fries (Martha Stewart)

More Menu Musings…