CSA Weeks 22 and 23

Finally, here are the pictures of Weeks 22 and 23 from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze.

Week 22 above, had Radish, Garlic, Spinach, Brussel Sprouts, Swiss Chard and Red Fingerling Potatoes.  The Spinach was eaten raw in a salad while the shard was wilted down with beef stock and butter for my lunch.  I shared the Sprouts with two coworkers. I might be upping my order next year to a full share portion to share with a coworker.

The final box for the year, Week 23 contained Lettuce, Leeks, Parsnips, Beets and Sweet Potatoes.  The Big Man was in charge of picture taking that day since I was out visiting one of my friends working on hanging pictures through her home.

Steve and Lisa 

I know that my whole family has enjoyed the CSA experience and obviously will be signing up for next year.  I want to thank Lisa and Steve, the farmers who run Cooper's for such a great summer harvest.  My favourite item was their popcorn!

We are down to our final week in our house.  We've made a good start to packing and I plan to make a big effort over the next 3 days.  We have a POD on delivery for tomorrow and movers hired for the furniture for next Friday.  Wish us luck, my next update will be from our NEW HOME!!!!

CSA weeks 20 and 21

You know your loved when you get a question like this from more than one person.

"Hi BAbe,  Too busy to update your blog?   Or not enough time in your day now that we are not there to help with the domestic tasks. -- Mom "

I will admit I did miss last weeks post but, on the upside, I'm early for this weeks!

Week 20 from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze, (shown above) contained as per Lisa and Steve's weekly email:  "This weeks share will include, radish, Brussel sprouts, leeks, parsnip, Spanish onion, and potatoes. Our parsnip are as usual, a little goofy looking. We just dig them and wash them. We don't trim them. If you don’t like the tentacles, just run the peeler over them quick to remove."

Now that my parents are back in Florida, there were way too many Brussel Sprouts for just myself.  My Husband hates them so I brought in two zippy sandwich bags into work; AGAIN excessive excitement amongst co-workers!  You would think people had never seen veggies before!

Week 21 was a really bad photo week....this is the best that I have, darn you rainy fall morning!!  Provided was cabbage, carrots, beets, squash, last of the red sweet pepper, and a small bunch of spinach.

I made "Spinach Brownies" and the peppers were used in Fajitas.  Squashes roasted and Beets will be on Saturday with Roast Lamb from the freezer.

I was so craving crappy food tonight.  I knew there was a box in my pantry, and all day at work I thought about eating was "Kraft Dinner".  Let's be honest, it's so easy to eat a whole box by yourself in a sitting but Holy F I had no clue that would equal 840 calories!!!!!  WHAT!

Instead I chopped up a red pepper, a squash from week 21, radishes from week 20 (hating myself for forgetting the parsnips) and put them in the oven to roast giving me exactly just enough time to put up this post.  See, a massive amount of bad calories saved and a delicious, nutritious meal waiting to fill my belly while I watch the last 3 innings of the World Series...see you next week.

Week 19 and a Quilt Show Visit

Week 19 from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze included; brussel sprouts, sweet corn an all white variety called Avalon-last of the season, radishes, purple carrots, spaghetti squash, and garlic.

The purple carrots were really interesting, when peeled they were a dark beet purple but still orange in the middle.  I ate them raw with some dip, tasted like carrots but somehow not just as sweet.  Co-workers were really interested in them and I got a lot of "what are you eating" questions.

Sunday my Mom and I visited the Rouge Valley Quilters Guild 2011 Quilt Show and Sale which was held at the Ajax Community Centre.

This was personally my favourite quilt of the show.  I loved that it was made entirely from stash scraps and I thought the circle top-stitching was a perfect choice to compliment the pattern.  See photo below for further information.

Now that our house has sold and I don't have to keep it 100% perfect at all times I've had some free time to work on this quilt below that my Husband has claimed as "His".

The pattern is called "A Sparkling Sampler" from McCall's Patchwork and Quilting.  I started it Christmas Day last year and am hoping to have it done by this Christmas this year.

CSA Week 18 and Thanksgiving Farm Visit

Since it was such a beautiful weekend we took advantage of the beautiful weather and visited Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze on Thanksgiving Day!

But first, the good stuff from CSA week 18 which included: freshly dug sweet potatoes, red potatoes, acorn squash both green and white, white spanish onion, carrots, and swiss chard.

I've moved the picture taking to my front porch. With the changing of the seasons the good sunlight is dwindling in the back yard. Look how brilliant that Swiss Chard looks only goes to prove that veggies make your insides/outside look amazing!

It was such a beautiful drive up to the farm. The warm weather and the fall colours were on full display. One of the great perks of having the CSA share is that admittance to the farm and maze are included. The girls were so warm and welcoming as soon as we proudly told them we were members.

There is tons of fun for everyone both young and old. They have lots of things to see and do around the farm, such as mini mazes for both kids and adults, hay rides around the farm, u-pick patches, corn boxes (like sand boxes), an echo tube, as well as lots of animals.

A visit through the country store provided more of their own home grown fruits and vegetables, home made jam, hormone and antibiotic free Angus grade beef, goat, pork, chicken, wild game.

We purchased frozen Mild Italian Sausages, another one of the amazing squashes from last week, a basket of edamame and POPCORN kernels which I can't wait to try out this "Thursday-Jersday" with popcorn and margaritas!

I'm so glad we made the trip out to the farm; it did nothing but add to the great experience our CSA share has brought to our family this year.

CSA Week 17

I'm loving all the veggies that have been arriving in my share from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze.  Week 17 contained white corn, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, beets, garlic, and an ambercup or buttercup squash and sweet peppers.

Now I don't know if this was a buttercup or an ambercup squash; but what I do know is that it was FANTASTIC!  Dry flesh and so sweet, mashed and enjoyed with butter, salt, pepper, smidge of brown sugar and a tiny pinch of cinnamon.

At the disgust of my mother I'm including this picture!!  The fingerling potatoes were of such varied shapes....I'll let you guess what I thought this one looked like.  Each week I roll my eyes with pleasure, these however were so good, now I understand why they are so expensive to buy at the store.

Week 17 was also fantastic in that I finally received a comment from someone other than my Mom or friend Steph.  "Mick" is a runner, like a "real marathon runner"!! and asked about the reason for the move and some pictures.

The move is something that I would have never anticipated.  I love the Village of Brooklin and will miss it dearly.  The condo that we purchased for my parents has been delayed again.  After having my parents live with us for the last two summers it's just not fair to them, or us, to continue to live with no firm date of completion in sight.

As a family, we decided to move closer to the city.  The biggest benefits are way shorter commute times to work for my husband and myself, and two distinctly separated living areas for all of us.

I don't have a lot of photo's but this will be my new kitchen!  I love to cook and generally hang out in the kitchen with my lap top that I plan to set up in that little nook.

I've finally been back at quilting and sadly had to run on the treadmill--boo hiss--due to the crappy weather this morning.  Off to watch Amazing Race........

CSA Week 16 and SOLD!

Week 16’s delivery from Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze came with carrots, leeks, corn, edamame beans, cayenne pepper, pablano peppers, green peppers and sweet banana peppers. I have to admit the edamame pods looked a little sad but the beans were so bright and tasty!

Saturday the peppers were put to good use as Mom and I made our annual batch of Canadian Living -- Chipotle Salsa. Sadly all my CSA garlic was gone but thankfully more will be in next weeks share.

Mom made a great soup with the leeks. I used the corn and carrots in a Southern Style Pulled Pork Pie with Buttermilk Biscuits from the newest LCBO Food and Drink Magazine along with a side of Asian coleslaw from the cabbage received the week before.

BUT the best thing of all from last week was finally seeing this sign!

It took 43 LONG days on market. Of course we don't do anything easy in our house so we were all super stressed since we had secretly already firmly purchased another house in Pickering.

I want to thank my parents for all their hard work in making the house look awesome at all times and for the numerous times they took Girly to Tim Horton’s while the house was being shown. Our agent was fantastic and did an amazing job in firming up the sale.

Now I can finally relax and stop being a grumpy, horrible boob-head to everyone! Deep calming breath….now on to packing.

CSA Week 13

So hard to believe that Labour Day is here already.....When I was a kid it was the excitement of school starting, now it's just the dread that summer is coming to an end.

Week 13 from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze brought lots of great stuff.  Avalon White Corn on the Cob, Green Beans, Field Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, a Passport Melon and Yukon Gold Potatoes.

The Potatoes were amazing! I boiled some down and made a Chick Pea and Potato salad with a Sweet Smoked Paprika and Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing for our lunches.

As per the advice from Lisa at Cooper's I diced up all the Roma Tomatoes and cooked them down in a saucepan with Red Peppers, Garlic, Chili Flakes, Smoked Paprika and a splash of Balsamic Vinegar. I paired it with Pork Schnitzel from the Little Polish Market and some Linguine.

This if anything is just funny.  Our dog Girly always likes to be around us.  She is not a moocher and doesn't eat "people food" but she contorts herself under foot when we eat at the kitchen table.  I don't know how she finds this comfortable but she will nap like this the whole time?? Weirdo....

It's been a great week for Running, except for Saturday....that was like breathing and swimming through pea soup.....so HOT! Have a great week!

CSA Week 12

Week 12 of my half share delivery from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze brought MELONS!

There was a small seedless Watermelon and two Passport Melons.  The Passport Melons smelled amazing from the outside and had a bright yellow rind.  I was really surprised that they were light green like a Honeydew on the inside!  They were all fantastic.

Also included were Tomatillos, Yellow Beans, a Tomato and Garlic. The Tomato looked a little rough but was just perfect and so tasty, so unlike the flavourless ones from the grocery store.  We all got to enjoy it sliced on top of BBQ'ed Hamburgers.

I can't believe that the share season is already half over!  This summer has gone by so quickly; how come winter seems to last forever?

This past week has been so busy with getting the house ready for sale. My Parents have been fantastic help!  They have cleaned and organized the whole house making it look spectacular inside and out.

My Dad held a Garage Sale last Saturday and made $235.50!!  Huh, I guess "One man's garbage is another man's gold" really is true?

CSA Week 11

Week 11 from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze contained Russet Potatoes, Carrots, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Red Bunching Onions, Cucumber, Swiss Chard and a surprise Cantaloupe!

Look at how pretty all those veggies look!  We've had potato salad, toasted tomato sandwiches, cut up cantaloupe and cucumbers in my lunch at work.  Just like last weeks Okra, now I'm stumped on what to make with the Eggplant.

I've had Green Thai Curries before, but usually just push the eggplant to the side since I didn't really like the texture.  However I do love Baba Ghanoush; think I might give this recipe a try.

This last week has been super stressful with some major life decisions.  In the past few years both our work locations have moved farther into the city resulting in 1 and 1.5 hour daily drives back and forth to work.  My husband and I have made the difficult decision to  put our beloved house on the market and start the search for something closer to work.  

If you're looking for a well cared for, super awesome home in the Brooklin area, let us know.  Here's looking forward to the beginning of another new chapter........

CSA Week 10

This weeks half share from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze was interesting.  It had two huge Cantaloupes, Strawberries, Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers and Okra.

The Cantaloupe was very good, sweet and juicy without being mushy.  The cucumber I have been taking sliced in my lunch sprinkled with Splenda, Vinegar, salt and pepper.  The strawberries were simply sliced and eaten with lunch.

I will admit the Okra is still sitting in my fridge.  I really have no idea what to do with it.  I'm kind of afraid cause I've heard that it's "slimy".  It looks very interesting; any suggestions.......

Saturday our friend TJ had us over for dinner.  As always everything was fantastic; BBQ'ed Ribs, Quinoa salad with feta, herbs, tomatoes and cucumber with corn on the cob with cilantro lime butter.

As you can see desert above was so pretty, homemade Raspberry Ice cream with chocolate Pim's cookies.....just perfect.

After dinner we sat around the backyard campfire.  It looks so totally real but it is propane!  It's called "Patioflame" by Napoleon Gourmet Grills.  We have a pagoda, but  since we live in the city I'm always afraid that someone might complain.  The Patioflame was awesome, no annoying smoke and plenty of perfectly warm heat.

CSA Week 9

Sunday I was busy having dinner and a good chat up with some girlfriends so this weeks post is a few days late....

Week 9 of my half share delivery from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze brought a Romaine Lettuce, Carrots, Green Beans, Corn, Potatoes, Cucumber and Garlic.

Best thing created this week was a potato salad with oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh parsley and oregano, celery, crumbled feta, black olives, dash of lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.  Since there is no mayo it can easily last all day in a lunch bag.

Even with the lack of rain my herb garden is exploding.  My Basil plants have done exceptionally well this year.  Sunday, to go with Spaghetti and Meatballs, I made a Tomato, Bocchini and Basil Salad.  Very easy to do -- slice, pick, layer then sprinkle with Balsamic vinegar, drizzle with Olive Oil and season with salt and pepper.  Probably my Husbands favourite salad.

Blech, nite time pictures--trust me, in real life, these cookies look and taste fantastic!!  I was a bit rushed this week so my Mom was very kind and baked me Shortbread Cookies for a bake sale at work.

A co-worker recently passed from Ovarian Cancer.  In her honour "Ovarian Cancer Canada" presented and information session to employees who wished to attend to go along with a bake sale on Wednesday where all proceeds will be donated in her name.  As my part I would like to provide the following link.  I encourage you to take a moment and briefly read the symptoms.

If caught early Ovarian Cancer has a 90% survival rate.  Ovarian Cancer is a very silent disease and most times it is not caught until it is in it's further stages, which sadly do not have a very good survival rate.

CSA Week 8

This weeks box from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze was HEAVY!!  A dozen corn!!

I really encourage you to read the following link from Lisa and Steve.  Just when I thought I was having a hard week living with the heat -- The Cooper family was dealing with no power and very little water available for their crops and animals!

This weeks share had a dozen Norther Super Sweet Corn, Red and Golden Beets, Napa Cabbage, Green and Yellow Zucchini.

My Dad has collected stamps forever and now that he is living in the Durham Region he is back to attending philatelic meetings.  One of the meetings is held by a berry farm so he picked up a bunch of fresh raspberries for me.  Saturday we turned them into 12 jars of Raspberry Jam.  This recipe was so easy resulting in a firm set and yummy, fresh taste!!!

Sunday, I made "Chinese Napa Cabbage Salad" that I found on All Recipes.  We all really enjoyed it--toasty, crunchy, oniony!!

I also made home made Jamaican Patties from a Martha Stewart recipe called "Beef Patties" that I have been using for years.  I will admit there are a lot of steps to the recipe but they turn out great every time.  They taste good served either warm or cold--excellent for lunch boxes or pot-lucks.

My Mom finished sewing the binding and washed our "Make a Wish - Eastern Ontario" charity quilt.  My Aunt is visiting this week from Kingston and will deliver it to my cousin "Nerrad" to be used in a fundraising raffle this fall.

I am so proud of the work that went into this quilt by my Mom.  We both put many hours into this quilt.  I can only hope that the funds raised will help in granting a wish to a most deserving child.

I think this week is a great example of learning how to not take everything you have for granted, and remembering to treasure all the good you have.

CSA Week 7

This weeks photo was artfully arranged by my Mom and Dad since we were away on Holidays!  
As per my weekly email from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze this weeks basket included; red bunching onions, napa cabbage, zucchini, red potatoes-a new variety we are growing this year called-Norland, cucumber, sweet yellow banana pepper, and something a little different, purslane.

I grill wrapped the 'taters' with olive oil and chopped herbs from my garden.  We had them with homemade souvlaki kabobs and a Greek salad.  Always a favourite meal.

On Monday and Tuesday we vacationed in the Niagara on the Lake area staying at Maria's B & B in the Laura Lynn Suite.  Maria's B & B is perfectly located close to all attractions, dining and wineries.  Marielle and Jai were awesome and funny hosts providing delicious breakfasts and a well maintained, clean home.  We visit the Niagara area often and this will most definitely be on our return list.

While in Niagara on the Lake we enjoyed "High Tea" at the Prince of Wales Vintage Hotel. I begged my husband to go to this and I'm so happy he enjoyed it as much as I did.  The hotel is FANCY!  I would love to stay there sometime, it was just a bit expensive for our trip budget this time.  I really enjoyed this experience--the hotel lobby was filled with fresh roses and smelled so pretty.

On Wednesday we went to Stratford to see the Grapes of Wrath.  I chose this play because I wanted to see Janet Wright.  You may know her as "Emma" from Corner Gas.  I'm going to be honest, all of the actors in the play were FANTASTIC, the play however ---- ummm --- perhaps I should have read something about it before going??  It was not really our thing; we found it very depressing and a bit awkward and squeemish at the end.  

In Stratford we stayed at the The Caversham House Bed & Breakfast staying in the Sheridan Room.   Mary Lou and John have created a elegant B & B experience.  The house is decorated beautifully and located within easy walking distance to all the theatres and shops. Breakfast was outstanding and I loved that they make the effort to source their produce locally and that everything was home-made.   

I sadly said goodbye and gave my trusty Singer Sewing machine to my niece for her 10th birthday.  My Singer was a wedding present from my parents and has served me very well for the last decade.  I discovered my love of quilting with this machine.

 

On the upside!  I did go and pick up this baby on Tuesday via a little cross border shopping trip to Bailey's Embroidery Supply in Leicester, New York.   It's a Bailey's Home Quilter Pro 15. 

I am so excited to have this machine!!!  I know with time and practice my long arm quilting skills are going to be amazing with the help of this machine.  It's the stretch-limo of sewing machines!!

Thanks Big Man for such an awesome week off together.  You work so hard for our family.  I hope you know how grateful I am to have you and all that you provide.  XOXOX  --- except for this cold you gave me, that kinda sucks!