Who knew?
I’ve been desperately trying to use up my vegetables before the next CSA inundation. I can’t look that farmer in the eye knowing that some portion of my share melted into swampy putrescence in my fridge’s bottommost crisper drawer (also known as the Crypt). So, it’s been a bit of a totalitarian regime in my kitchen. Any sign of weakness and execution is swift. Hiyaaaaaaahhhh.
I’m not joking when I say I think we got 40 lbs. worth of vegetables last time. I know what 40 lbs. feels like (screaming, on each hip). Who eats that many vegetables in two weeks, anyway? It’s really cramping my meat-eating style. I mean, just tonight, I could barely finish my huge, delicious, thick-cut pork chop (also from Drumlin) because I could not stop eating the cabbage. Cabbage, people. What’s to love? A LOT, apparently, when it’s braised in apple cider and vinegar with a sprinkling of caraway seeds. I also made those daikon radish latkes, again. Mmmmmm.
Then, there was yesterday’s turnip gratin (I used half turnips, half rutabagas, omitted the savory but kept the thyme, and added fresh grated nutmeg). I would have passed up dessert for this. I didn't, but I would have if forced.
And don’t even get me started on the creamy Brussels sprouts. There are very few women I would like to kiss full on the mouth, but I think Molly Stevens might be one of them (maybe Molly Wizenberg, too).
Based on the amount of vegetables we’ve been eating lately, I think we now qualify as vegetarians. You know, except for all the meat. Did I mention the borscht? God, that was good, too.
Anyway, my pictures are crap – sorry about that. I didn’t think any of it was going to be that great so I really didn’t apply myself. It’s called poor planning. Then again, to quote Woody Allen, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”
I wish I had access to the kind of veggies that you do! All of those dished sound great...I am going to have to try the turnip gratin.
Posted by: Sarah | November 29, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Mmmm, red cabbage with caraway seeds and cider vinegar. On a braunschweiger sandwich – my favorite. Your pictures aren’t crappy. They make me hungry! I have ½ a pig headed my way in a few days . I think I’ll try the cabbage with a nice thick pork chop.
Thanks.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda | November 29, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Great article Tammy! I can totally relate to the eating so many veggies, you qualify as a vegetarian...except that I am a vegetarian. What I mean is that even as a vegetarian, you can get a way with a very unhealthy diet of starch and fat. But lately, we've been eating more and more chock-full-o'-veggies meals with nary a spaghetti to be found. Feels good huh? I don't have a CSA, but it sounds like it really makes you face any fears you have about "scary" vegetables (brussels sprouts, turnips, rutabagas, etc.) Looks you guys are really eating well, and finishing up all those veggies...just in time for 40 more pounds.
Posted by: Bri | November 29, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Funny, I cooked red cabbage last week too! Had a sudden craving for an old French recipe.
Posted by: bea at La tartine gourmande | November 29, 2007 at 08:22 PM
You know, I come over here specifically to lose my mind over food and you have never disappointed. What unbearably beautiful and awe inspiring vegies you post! I want I want I want! (and off I go to the market)
Posted by: Alecto | November 29, 2007 at 08:40 PM
I'm never going to let my husband see your blog and the meals with multiple items on the plate. He'd never eat at home again. Seriously, I can't wait to make the brussel sprouts. Thanks!
Posted by: Katrina | November 30, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Katrina: Don't think I go to such lengths everyday.
Alecto: I'll disappoint you, yet. Happy shopping!
Bea: 'Tis the season.
Bri: Seriously, though, do you want some squash?
Brenda: The cabbage really does go well with pork. I'm jealous of your half pig.
Sarah: I hope you do end up making the turnip. That poor vegetable gets no respect.
Posted by: Tammy | November 30, 2007 at 10:18 PM
You bet! I'm buying it every week for some new creation or other. Yum!
Posted by: Bri | December 02, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Note to self - do not read Food on the Food whilst hungry and/or a little tipsy! Your photos are great and apparently my stomach agrees 100%
Posted by: Lily VS | December 07, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Latkes?? Is that what I was supposed to do with daikon radishes from my farmer? The ones in the bottom of my fridge met a much unhappier fate. I guess there is always next year.
Posted by: izzy's mama | December 10, 2007 at 09:22 PM