Well, the leaves are fully out, the sun has kissed my skin and the smell of charcoal is in the air.  I think it is finally summer in Wisconsin.  Though, this is a little warmer than normal, I will take it!  All this really does for me is make me excited for all the fresh food we will be consuming in the upcoming months.  Between my own little patio garden, the largest producer-only farmers market down the street and my weekly CSA, its kind of hard for us not to eat healthier and fresher.  I think for me the most exciting part is the challenge this brings for me.  Each week I try to find new recipes to make for the assortment of vegetables that we get delivered.  Honestly, this blog is more for me than anyone else.  I wanted an easy place for me to track what we get each week in the CSA and what I end up doing with it.  I think this will also force me to not throw away things I did last year, like Swiss Chard and Diakon.  Of course, I am open to suggestions if anyone has some.  I will probably also be posing about my patio garden as it comes along.  Last year was pretty successful, so I am hoping this year will be the same. 

Speaking of the garden, I actually planted everything in its pots this weekend.  All my plants are from the Dane County Farmers Market.  Here are some pictures...

Plants and Coffee after the farmer's market

Sungold Tomatoes - So excited for these this year since I didn't really like the type of grape tomato I grew last year. 

Orange Bell Pepper, Jalapeno and German Stripe Heirloom Tomato -- The bell pepper is new for me this year.  We decided to give it a chance since the plant cost less than 1 pepper from the grocery store these days.  My husband insisted on growing jalapenos again this year since he loves anything hot.  I also grew this heirloom tomato last year.  Delicious but I only got 3 tomatoes off of it.  Hopefully it will be a little more prosperous.

Basil, Dill and Green Onions -  I have grown basil for the past 7 years but the dill and green onions are new.  I decided on dill this year since we will be getting quite a few cucumbers in the CSA.  Now I wont have to buy dill to make refrigerator pickles!  Again, my husband insisted on the green onions.  He loves them! --- and I heard they are pretty easy.

My token Dahlia

Thyme and Cilantro - Next weekend I will be adding parsley to this.  I seemed to have forgotten it at the farmers market this weekend.

Well I guess that is all for tonight.

If there is anyone out there actually reading this, besides my mom, hope you enjoy!



Oh! One thing I forgot. I wanted to explain my blog name... Basically, last year was my first expereince with a CSA. Though I consider myself pretty good with vegetables, my CSA introduced me to all sorts of veggies that I have never tried before -- (translate to: my mom never put in front of me as a child). One of my biggest discoveries was that I really like turnips! Kind of a weird discovery, but to me, they are like potatoes with more of a point. They aren't just a vehicle for cheese, butter and sour cream. The Turnip Gratin I made last night was delicious! -- I am sure I will post the recipe later in the summer.