What's for dinner?

I think that is a constant question that everyone faces. How many cookbooks, cooking shows, etc. exist just to answer that question. I find it hard. I work full-time and I have two small kids. That doesn't give me much time. I am exhausted and starting, they are exhausted and starving and no one is going to wait more than 5-10 minutes for dinner once we walk in the door. I actually really like cooking though at times it is yet another thing that is exhausting and hanging over your head. But when you do it, it is so good and I find it makes people happy. But you have an awesome week of food shopping, food prep, and then a week of good nutritious meals and not buying quick bad food for lunch at work and it is then followed my a horrible one. Why? Because you didn't make it to the store, you made it to the store but then you are too exhausted to make it, or sometimes honestly cereal is just good stuff!

In September I finally joined a CSA. A CSA is Community Supported Agriculture. I am definitely not early to this bandwagon but my husband still calls me super 'green' because of things like this. I decided I would start with a fall share because I generally like these vegetables so I thought there would less waste, there would be fruit, and I also signed up for eggs. I pick up each Tuesday evening for 9 weeks. I am three weeks in. I couldn't do one week because we were out of town so I gave it to a friend. So far so good. There are some leafy greens that I can't get through but luckily I found a guy at work that loves them so I just give it to him. You have no control over what you get and honestly I don't know what some of it is. But I have gotten my groove back as far as cooking is concerned. The summer was all about grilling - loved it! Barely any prep, I don't do the actual cooking, and there isn't as much clean-up because the grill is your skillet. So we are past that and now it is time for slow cookers, casseroles, and soup.

So Tuesday comes and pick everything up. Then Wednesday is figure out what the hell you are going to do with this before it goes bad - and BTW - it is organic and from a local farm so you have 2-3 days and you have already lost a day. I try to do what I can but I have found that it is better to at least cook it and then freeze it - so now my freezer is full. Or you can also double the recipe to get through the produce and put the second casserole dish in the freezer to have a little later. Result - a very full freezer! But it is nice. We are trying new things, supporting the local farmers, and I have to say eating pretty well. They have a winter share as well and I think I might sign up.

Here are a few things that I have cooked and the family was happy:

Apple and Pear Crisp

Sausage and Eggplant Stuffed Shells

Dumpling Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

Maybe I am turning a little green but cooking with local, in-season produce actually saves you money. And it is healthy for your family. Hopefully this helps you with your meals this week. Enjoy!