CSA

It is so nice to be back home after being away so much lately! Honestly, having a CSA share was stressing me out more often than not until recently. Sometimes the portions are very generous, and it can be hard to keep up with everything. I try very hard not to waste food, so I become incredibly disappointed with myself when it happens. I recently started getting in a groove, planning meals, and giving away any vegetables I know I won't use or that I know will perish before I am able to tackle them. I have been winning so hard lately.

I do have a dirty secret, though: Beets. I love beets and I seriously have about 5 bunches of beets, greens removed, waiting to be used. I am so thankful when I receive a vegetable that is less perishable than others. I put it to the back of the fridge, and then this happens. I have way too many of them!

As summer wears on, my meals seem to get more and more simple. I don't think that's a bad thing. In fact, I think my body might appreciate it. I used to have a raw friend who is really into eating mono-meals and I think of her every time I eat a bunch of tomatoes or mango or kale.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about veganism as a lifestyle and as a diet. I'm so thankful that veganism is so easy and healthy for me because a pure plant-based diet is something I feel very strongly about. My CSA share has been a fun new challenge that has made me even more excited about all the vegan food possibilites. With so many fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds and grains to mix and match, I never, ever see myself tiring of vegan foods. Thirteen years and counting, bitches! (that's for you, Jobes)

Some more CSA meals...

Baked Peaches. Sliced up some beautifully ripe peaches and tossed them with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, earth balance, and flour. Baked for a half hour. So perfect.

Sungold tomatoes. I've been eating them plain.

Tomato sandwiches. OK, maybe this is a weird Beka-sandwich. Sliced tomatoes with onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baguette. The key to this sandwich is pressing it until the juices have soaked through the baguette.

Cucumber-tomato salad. Super-simple mix of cucumbers, tomato, onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.

Watermelon slices. Best snack ever.

Salsa. Tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime! I might even throw some corn in there too.