One more week of the CSA after this week’s box. Wow! The growing season flew by.

We have been busy harvesting many items. The ornamental corn, popcorn, tomatoes, peppers and watermelon seem to be hanging on and continuing to grow. If we receive the rain that is in the forecast, there is a possibility for the carrots and a few other crops to get a boost. Yet, these dry conditions continue to suppress growth and development in everything except the weeds.

It is interesting how God gives us direction when we reflect on what’s in front of us.

Drought and weeds symbolize challenges or negative aspects. As people, these challenges draw us down. When we are stressed, the negative, weeds, are allowed to flourish.

During the growing season, I look to rain and sunshine in the right amounts as Joy showered down upon us. Isn’t it interesting to think of how Joy (rain and sunshine) in the right amount provides wonderful outcomes for our crops. Joy has the same outcomes in people. When we shower others with Joy, they too blossom into more than they thought was possible to reach potential they to may not have known was possible.

This week, I challenge you to shower others with Joy.

“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.” – John Wooden

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Dark Red Beets – I love beets and have been trying to incorporate them regularly in my diet because of their nutritional value. Most of the time I have found that eating them raw, peeled and dipping them in peanut butter works best for me. Learn more about their nutrition here.

Cantaloupe – These ripen so quickly. Have you ever wondered what was the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, all varieties and types of muskmelon belong to the same genus and species; however, cantaloupe belongs to a different botanical variety (subgroup) than winter type muskmelons.

Carrots – The summer heat and dry weather have put enormous pressure on the carrot crop. Enjoy this week’s purple carrots!

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. The University of Illinois Extension has information on the odd formation and shapes of the cucumbers. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Lettuce mix – The drought has made the lettuce crop challenging this year. Enjoy some BLTs!

Onions – This crop was also struggling with this year’s dry weather.

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart or if you want to know more about freezing peppers, this is a helpful link.

Potatoes – Red Norlands are in your box this week. Watch potato harvest here on America’s Heartland.

Radishes – Did you know you can eat the radish greens? Learn more at the University of Illinois Extension. Learn more about the health benefits of eating radishes.

Summer Squash – I bet your trying to figure out how to use this squash. Here are some ideas from Pioneer Woman. Also check out the hotdish recipe below.

Tomatoes –In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes, 4^th of July tomatoes, Better Boy and more. Let us know if you need any for canning and freezing. We have plenty.

Watermelon – We are super excited about this watermelon crop. I wasn’t fast enough to get a picture of the watermelon harvested this weekend. It was 45# and over 2 feet in length! Yes, we have eaten the entire watermelon!

Zucchini – So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Fresh cut arrangement – Hydrangeas and Sedum and pumpkins and gourds

 

Recipe of the Week

Pumpkin Bread

1 2/3 cup flour

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup cold water

2 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin (I use 1 cup cooked squash)

Combine flour, sugar, butter, soda, spices and salt in bowl. Add 1/3 cup cold water, eggs, and pumpkin (squash) mix well. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool on wire rack.

 

Source: Pat Kuznik – West Polk County: Blue Ribbon Favorites Minnesota 4-H Foundation