"The Rite of Spring"

Hidden Villa

May 19th, 2009

In this weeks box we have:

Strawberries

Oregano

Red Butterhead lettuce

Spring Onions

French Breakfast radishes

Collard Greens

Green Garlic

Broccoli

I knew that participating in a CSA would be challenging, especially in the Spring. For me personally, this is definitely the case this week. While I have a few things in mind for work, I'm not quite sure what I will do with a whole bunch of oregano. I'm wondering if it would be too overpowering in Michelle's [Herb of your Choice]-Walnut Pesto. I may also look into drying it for use later on in tomato sauces etc.

The radishes also give me pause. I'm still searching. Though Mark Bittman's braised radishes sound interesting. This past weekend Michelle brought over radishes on bread with butter and the Patricia Wells salt, white pepper and allspice mixture. That may be a good option also.

On first glace a few ideas pop into my head for work.

Caramelized onions and goat cheese tart

Strawberry shortcake

Green garlic risotto

And after a little research...

Double Garlic Greens from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything using some of the green garlic

Arugula Salad with Cucumbers, Radishes, Cracker Bread, Feta and Mint from The Zuni Cafe Cookbook or some variation of this recipe

This basket of strawberries never had a chance. The girls and I polished them off at dinner...ok it was mostly me!