How to use your CSA veggies

Ryan and I joined a CSA, short for Community Support Agriculture, this year.  I wasn't sure it would be right for the family because while we eat plenty of fruits and vegetables around here, we tend to like choosing them at the store rather than taking our chances with a grab-bag.

But I found Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance and couldn't stop myself from subscribing.  Not only did I not have to pay a large sum upfront like some CSAs require, I also could feel more secure in my gamble because there are seven farms participating rather than just one.  That means if there's a plague of locusts at one farm, there will most likely be untouched and available produce from another.

The biggest challenge with a CSA subscription is that you might end up with vegetables you've never seen or tasted before.  Or you'll get lots of leafy greens.  I mean, are we expected to eat like rabbits?

Well, yes, and it's good for you.  Eat it and your mother will be proud.

Last night I picked up our first week's worth of farm gold: Radishes, chard, mystery greens, lettuce, spinach, sugar snap peas, and green onions.  The fact I don't know what the mystery greens are is totally my fault.  One of the farmers was right there explaining everything. I overheard what was in the box and immediately forgot.  Next time, I'll write it down. Or at least I'll bring a pen and piece of paper and leave them in the car and think I'll remember what I'm told but then promptly forget.

Today I had to tackle some of this produce, so we had Kansas Quiche for lunch, courtesy of the Rolling Prairie Cookbook.

I took the chard and cooked it with some onions.  I then combined 4 eggs, some salt, 1.5 cups of cheese,  1/2 cup of milk, and some Italian seasoning in a bowl.  I added the cooked veggies (slightly cooled) and then dumped the whole mixture into a greased casserole. Baked for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.  

Delicious with fresh strawberries.

Or if you're a 4 year old, it tastes yummy (or not so bad according to Winslow) but is yucky looking, so maybe next time, mommy could make it for daddy and not Winslow and Katie?  Or perhaps make it without eggs?  Sure, Katie, a quiche without eggs.

So maybe your kids won't like it, but I did.  Simple and very tasty.