Beet it!

I've been enjoying the final summer produce from my CSA, and we've been getting an influx of beets and basil.  I have yet to try combining them, but my favorite way to enjoy each of them is below.

Pesto is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. Whip up this quick recipe and put into an ice cube tray. Freeze completely, then transfer to ziplock bags. Whenever you're in the mood for a mediterranean summer, pull out a cube and toss with pasta, spread on lasagna noodles, or mix with veggies. I promise a ray of sunshine will break through the gray clouds.

Something we should all try

Shamefully, it's been a month since I last checked in, but I came across something online today that I had to share: the 3/50 Project. Something we can all do to help ease the recession a bit.  The idea is that you pick three local stores - mom & pop type places - and spend $50 a month there. The statistics of how much of those funds remain in the local community compared to spending that same amount at a big corporate place is pretty impressive. I'm definitely doing this.  This month my three stores have been Yellow House Yarns, Renaissance Yarns, and Metropolitan Market. To be honest, I have spent way more than the suggested $50, so I'm really boosting my local economy!

I've also signed up to participate in a BzzCampaign to try out Green Mountain Coffee, which is a word-of-mouth marketing program, so I'm sure within the next month I'll have more to talk about.  And I also have to tell you about this excellent stuffed shells recipe I've made. Coming soon!

Think Pink

Sometimes you happen upon something quite delicious by surprise...  We joined a CSA this year since I've been so disappointed by the produce at all the grocery stores lately and have been too busy to make it to the farmer's market.  So far, we've been really happy with it. Lots of fresh veggies, and as I have previously posted, we got to try fava beans, which was the first of the unusual items we've gotten.  This past week, we got a small bunch of beets.  Now, I have always loved canned beats, and I once roasted fresh farmer's market beets with delicious results, but these beets came with the greens attached, and they were gorgeous (I really should have taken a picture!).  So I knew I had to do something special with them.  So I started googling, and look what I found! A spectacular risotto that uses both the beets and the greens at once!