June 21, 2013
Around the House
While it may seem that Cole and I are always out and about, we do actually spend time at home. And this week, we've spent more time at home than usual due to a little bug with lots of symptoms I don't want to bore you with.
Back in December, as we invested a pretty penny into our backyard, I could never have guessed the use we'd get out of it. I knew the dogs would like the new yard and I figured Peter and I would enjoy the patio from time to time but I had no idea that Cole and I would spend hours on the patio every single day. The girl just likes to be outside. And that is fine with me!
June 19, 2013
CSA
As I've mentioned before, we decided to sign up for a CSA this year. CSA stands for Community-Supported Agriculture. Essentially the way a CSA works is that in the beginning of the season you pay a lump sum to the farm which gets you a weekly stipend of fresh produce for a set number of weeks. We're very fortunate to have a farmers market in our neighborhood, which is where we pick up our weekly share from Delta Sol Farm. We opted to go with a half share, though with the way we go through produce I'm fairly certain we could put away a full share without too much effort.
One of my favorite things about being part of a CSA, aside from the fact that we are supporting the farm directly and know exactly where our food is coming from, is that it forces us to try new dishes. While I couldn't get into chard or kale chips, everything else has been a hit! We've added chard (sometimes kale) & tomato pizza, spinach quiche with green garlic, and potato salad with dill to our standard rotation. Our CSA has brought us out of a produce rut by providing us with fruits, vegetables and herbs we may not typically buy.
If you're in the Memphis area and at all interested in joining a CSA, you should seriously consider Delta Sol Farm. Brandon, the farmer and owner, and Ben, the farmer manager, are really kind and down to earth. You can find them every Saturday at the Cooper-Young Farmers market. Stop by and say hello! (For you East Memphis folks there is also a Delta Sol CSA pick up at Hog & Hominy on Wednesdays.)
Recently we attended a Potluck at the farm! Members of our CSA are encouraged check out the farm so when we were invited to a CSA Potluck we knew we had to go. We met a ton of people in the CSA, most of whom live in Midtown Memphis too. Brandon set up a shade for everyone and a whole bunch of chairs. We packed a blanket and some yeast rolls to share. There were two tables full of food and homegrown flowers.
We took a tour of the farm which was fun for all of us. Clemson has a huge agricultural community but being that I spent my days in the College of Business and Behavioral Science, I'm a rookie to all things farm related. It was so interesting to learn about the relationship between the sheep, pigs and land. Just as we expected, Cole had a blast! She got to be outside, drink from mason jars, play with a dog, climb all over things, and just generally act like a big kid.
One of my favorite things about being part of a CSA, aside from the fact that we are supporting the farm directly and know exactly where our food is coming from, is that it forces us to try new dishes. While I couldn't get into chard or kale chips, everything else has been a hit! We've added chard (sometimes kale) & tomato pizza, spinach quiche with green garlic, and potato salad with dill to our standard rotation. Our CSA has brought us out of a produce rut by providing us with fruits, vegetables and herbs we may not typically buy.
If you're in the Memphis area and at all interested in joining a CSA, you should seriously consider Delta Sol Farm. Brandon, the farmer and owner, and Ben, the farmer manager, are really kind and down to earth. You can find them every Saturday at the Cooper-Young Farmers market. Stop by and say hello! (For you East Memphis folks there is also a Delta Sol CSA pick up at Hog & Hominy on Wednesdays.)
Recently we attended a Potluck at the farm! Members of our CSA are encouraged check out the farm so when we were invited to a CSA Potluck we knew we had to go. We met a ton of people in the CSA, most of whom live in Midtown Memphis too. Brandon set up a shade for everyone and a whole bunch of chairs. We packed a blanket and some yeast rolls to share. There were two tables full of food and homegrown flowers.
We took a tour of the farm which was fun for all of us. Clemson has a huge agricultural community but being that I spent my days in the College of Business and Behavioral Science, I'm a rookie to all things farm related. It was so interesting to learn about the relationship between the sheep, pigs and land. Just as we expected, Cole had a blast! She got to be outside, drink from mason jars, play with a dog, climb all over things, and just generally act like a big kid.
Most folks were more creative than I was when it came to their shared dish. I just stuck with tried and true favorite. Who doesn't like salt, butter, and bread? Here's hoping the recipes for the dishes that people brought get around.
June 17, 2013
Earth, Wind & Fire
On Saturday night we saw Earth, Wind & Fire Live at the Garden. Peter put his name in to get tickets through work and won! The seats were unbelievable. The typical Live at the Garden experience involves packing a picnic and throwing down a blanket in the lawn then watching the show on one of the two screens. It's really very pleasant. However, the tickets Peter got were in the table section and included access to a food and drink tent. It was unreal! We were just four tables from the stage. As for the show, Earth, Wind & Fire was a blast. There are three original members still performing but their energy level is on par with, if not greater than, the young guns who have joined along the way (and I'm not the only one who says so!).
After the show, we went to Alchemy for a bite to eat and some drinks. It's worth noting, not just because everything there is delicious, but because it's a bar friendly and accommodating to the nondrinker. When I asked the waiter if the bartenders would make a mocktail for me, he replied, "Certainly. What would you like?" Apparently Alchemy has over 30 purees and can make dozens of delicious combinations with them. Additionally, the bartenders will gladly adapt the drinks on the cocktail menu. Having been to a handful of bars without creative drink menus and even less creative bartenders, it was a refreshing change of pace for this expectant momma.
After the show, we went to Alchemy for a bite to eat and some drinks. It's worth noting, not just because everything there is delicious, but because it's a bar friendly and accommodating to the nondrinker. When I asked the waiter if the bartenders would make a mocktail for me, he replied, "Certainly. What would you like?" Apparently Alchemy has over 30 purees and can make dozens of delicious combinations with them. Additionally, the bartenders will gladly adapt the drinks on the cocktail menu. Having been to a handful of bars without creative drink menus and even less creative bartenders, it was a refreshing change of pace for this expectant momma.
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