April 22 Produce Boxes

What’s in the April 22 boxes? Asparagus! plus strawberries, hydroponic baby Bibb lettuce, Romaine lettuce, NC peanuts, spring onions, red or white (Beta) sweet potatoes, red radishes, cabbage and pots of herbs- thyme, dill, oregano, basil and cilantro, (for a kitchen herb garden)

Here are some tips and quick, easy recipes for these delicious, fresh, whole foods:

So what’s for dinner? Create a fresh salad with the lettuces, one spring onion, chopped and some strawberries, quartered. Toss in some Feta cheese and a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds and toss with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Wash, dry and cut a few sweet potatoes into steak fries. Toss lightly with canola or olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper or Cajun Seasoning*. Place on foil-covered baking sheet and bake at 400 degree F for 20 mins or so.

I love this recipe. It’s quick and easy and roasting brings out the mellow and nutty flavors of this wonderful veggie. When preparing asparagus, no need to cut or trim the ends. Asparagus snaps at the place on the stalk where woody meets tender. Roasted Asparagus can served as a side, added to salads or sandwiches or tossed into pastas, like my No Boil Lasagna- tomorrow’s easy recipe. :)

Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

Lemon wedges

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (yes- that’s 500!)

Wash and dry asparagus (lay an entire bunch out flat on a dish towel and roll the towel up). Snap off woody ends.

Lay asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over stalks. Gently roll then in your hands to cover with oil.

Spread out flat, trying to have each one make contact with the baking sheet.

Roast for 4-5 mins. Toss gently. If very thin, taste for doneness. If asparagus needs more time, toss gently, lay out flat and return to oven for 1-3 more mins.

When done, sprinkle to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired. Delicious hot, cold or room-temp. So good!

*Cajun Seasoning

1 ½ cups salt

3 Tbsp black pepper

2 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tbsp dried parsley

4 Tbsp ground cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp chili powder

Blend all ingredients well. Store in a tightly sealed container. Or divide into small glass jars and share with friends. A little goes a long way. J