the Infomercial: Summer CSA ’12 – Week #16

the Infomercial

Last winter, Pat Mulvey and Laura Gilliam traveled to our home to pitch the idea of Local Thyme to us. Their idea was a simple one: help CSA members use every last item in their box by providing a weekly recipe service tailored specifically to our farm. No veggie waste. No veggie guilt.

We were sold on the idea immediately. We know that one of the biggest reasons people are scared to join a CSA or don’t continue with us is because they don’t use all of the food. Not only does wasting food equal wasting money, but folks often tend to feel more guilty because of the connection to us, the farmers.  At Crossroads our shares tend to be quite a bit larger than many other farms. So in the back of our minds we are always worrying that lots of items can actually be a bad thing, because it may overwhelm you, our members.  A recipe service seemed like a great optional addition to our share offering.

The folks who signed up for the service this season have nothing but glowing things to say about it. Mike and I have been using it all season too, and the recipes are always very tasty and great at using up a lot of items in one meal.

The wonderful thing about Local Thyme is you can use it as intensely or as lax as you’d like. Some members literally download the shopping list on Wednesday afternoon, pick up their CSA box, and have meals already planned for them the whole week.  Other members (and Mike and I are in this category) use it as a great reference for when we just don’t have an exciting idea for the kitchen, or just can’t think of another way to cook say€¦ eggplant.

Here are a couple of the glowing comments Crossroads members have given Local Thyme:

“I am so pleased that our CSA farm is partnering with Local Thyme. Local Thyme is a great service ” so convenient, such a time-saver and the recipes are quick and delicious. It’s a great feeling to be using all my vegetables in recipes that are tailored to the week’s box. For me, Local Thyme works like a logical extension of the farm – plant, tend, harvest, box, cook, eat.”

“Local Thyme has saved my life this summer! I work til 5ish, pick up my veggie box, and by the time I get home my kids are HUNGRY and not pleasant. During the work or busy summer day there is just no time to think of dinner and planning ahead or cooking on the weekends is hard when it is the only day off and beautiful outside. Voila, in the afternoon that I get my box a list of recipes appears in my inbox and all I have to do is print them and dinner is served! If you have a well-stocked kitchen there is no almost need to pre-shop for the ingredients for these recipes. The recipes are easy, trustworthy, and delicious.€

So why the infomercial?

We are pleased to announce that next year Local Thyme’s recipe service will be included with your CSA share. We are one of the few farms in the area offering this. We hope knowing you’ll have a customized recipe service at your fingertips for each box will keep you coming back for years to come.

Thanks and enjoy your veggies! Mike, Cassie, Zea, and Edie

In the Box:

• Anaheim Peppers (GREEN, spicy)
• Carmen Sweet Peppers, Red
• Garlic
• Jalapeno
• Leeks
• Red Bell Pepper
• Spinach
• Tomatoes ” assorted heirlooms & slicers

REGS Only:

• Edamame
• Head Lettuce

EOs Only:

• Bok Choi
• Carrots
• Potato, purple

This Week’s Recipes:

• What to Do with Anaheim Peppers?
• Roasted Red Pepper Risotto
• Stuffed Bell Peppers