High Summer

Putting together these CSA shares and it is almost impossible to not swoon at the very scent of the cantaloupes this week. The smell is at once sweet and enticing, not cloying or overwhelming but just very much PRESENT, as if to say, “Me first.” And who are we to argue? A chef’s knife cuts clean through with ease; the flesh loosens easily from the rind, all drippy with summer-ness. After you make short work of the melon and are released from that distraction, turn your attention to the rest of this week’s basket.

Our own Harpersville, AL farm has been producing with so much joy. Heirloom tomatoes, wild currant tomatoes, blueberries and rose new potatoes will all vie for your attention.

But we bet it is the okra that gets you planning the menu. Roasted, grilled, broiled, in soups and stews – they’re quite versatile – but fried might be how we like them best. This recipe calls for soaking the sliced pods in buttermilk before dredging and frying – yum! 

Also in this week’s basket is our favorite nutty-tasting popcorn rice from New Orleans. Once you have had this style of rice, we promise, no grocery-store brand will ever do again. We’ll employ this recipe and use the pretty eggplant from our friends at Love Light Farm, for a tasty mid-week vegan dish, full of flavor.

As always, we’d love to hear what YOU are making with this week’s basket – be sure to tag us in your tastiest posts so we can see!