Great Basin Basket CSA, Autumn Week 3 (10/17/13)

 

What’s in the box this week?

(all organic from Lattin Farms unless noted otherwise)

• Cha-Cha Kabocha Squash
• MIzuna and Mustard Greens
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Islander Peppers
• Garlic
• Popcorn
• Spinach
• Garlic Chives from Mewaldt Organics
• Potatoes from Holley Farms
• Yellow Onions from Peri & Sons
• Cauliflower from Peri & Sons

What the Cha-Cha?   Now, I’m not a rookie to the squash scene at this point but I don’t remember ever seeing a Cha-Cha Kabocha Squash on the menu before now.   Have you ever had one?

To me, it looks like a big speckled green pumpkin or, maybe, a flatter watermelon   But, I was surprised when I picked it up because it was significantly lighter than expected.   According to the instructions/newsletter, it is the best-eating of the mid-size kabocha squashes.   “It has a bright yellow flesh that cooks up dry, flaky, sweet and delicious.”   I’m thinking it will be a lot like a butternut squash … I guess we will find out soon enough, won’t we?

In case you didn’t already know, the pick-up spot for my CSA is at the local Whole Foods store.   Most of the time, I don’t even go inside unless I need some random other item because, after all, I am going home with a huge box of veggies every week.   This week, though, was different.   I was stopped dead in my tracks because I found my holy grail item of fall.   The Honey Crisp Apple.   Oooooh, yaaaaa.    It’s on like Donkey Kong, my friends.

 

I bought a whole bag of these beauties and, after I eat myself sick on just plain old apples, I’m going to make a recipe suggested by Rachel’s Table, Seasonal Sangria.   Check her out, she knows how to get it done …