This week's CSA Box: Let's Have A Picnic!

August Happiness

 I'm ready for traditional backyard picnic fare.  This week we'll focus on tried-and-true favorites that your Grandmother and Aunts brought to family summer cookouts.  Prepare to invite some friends over to your house!  You can feed a crowd with ingredients from this week's CSA box! 

Let's plan an entire picnic from this week's CSA box!

• STARTER:  

 Black bean sweet potato soup

• MAIN DISH: 

Chicken Banh Mi (meat and vegan options)

• SIDES:  

Grilled sweet corn
Fried green tomatoes
Marinated cucumber, tomato, onion salad
Zucchini Carpaccio
 Picnic Caviar

• DESSERT

 Blueberry picnic bars

What we got: 

2 yellow squash

2 zucchini

1 pint blueberries

8 ears of corn

3 sweet potatoes

6 medium tomatoes

1 pint sugar tomatoes

3 hot peppers

1 large yellow onion

4 bell peppers

1 bunch carrots

several cucumbers

3 large green tomatoes

Here's how to do it!

STARTER:

Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup:  It's hard to believe that the evenings will soon be cooling off, but, they will!  Our Pastor's wife brings her famous chili to the annual cookout.  This isn't her recipe, but it is my very favorite chili-like soup.  It uses sweet potatoes and green peppers from this week's box.  Wherever I take it, I am asked for the recipe.   https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/black-bean-soup-with-sweet-potatoes/#gs.qpnmFEk

 MAIN DISH:

  Chicken Banh Mi:  I often offer both meat and vegan entrees at my parties.  This popular Vietnamese sandwich, features slices of chicken with a spicy mayo sauce topped with lots of fresh crisp veggies on whole wheat rolls.  Slather vegan mayo, add some tofu strips, and then layer on the veggies and you'll keep your vegan friends happy, too!  Here is a link to remind you how I marinate and sear my tofu in a non-stick skilltet.  Here is the recipe for the chicken banh mi sandwiches: http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/chicken-banh-mi/

SIDES:

Grilled sweet corn:  While the men are gathered around the sacred grill downing cold drinks and discussing the football score, have them throw that corn on the grill.  Yum!  Here's the link for this sure to succeed recipe from Allrecipes. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20724/grilled-corn-on-the-cob/

Fried green tomatoes:  Bring a plate of these to the get together and you'll be famous!  Crispy on the outside and warm and smooth on the inside, you can't go wrong with this recipe:  https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16760/best-fried-green-tomatoes/ 

Marinated Cucumber, tomato, onion salad:  Although I've posted a similar recipe already this summer, I'm going to do it again.  I never tire of this salad!  Here's the link:  https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/237984/marinated-cucumber-onion-and-tomato-salad/

Zucchini Carpaccio:  I've never made this, but the whole idea of a no-cook zucchini side dish of thinly slice squash, anointed by lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil makes my mouth water!  You'll for sure want to try it!   Here it is!  https://communitytable.parade.com/409045/shannahcoe/the-perfect-no-cook-picnic-dish-zucchini-carpaccio/

My version of picnic caviar

Picnic Caviar:  Served with chips for dipping or as a stand alone side dish, this stuff is addictive!  It uses several of the vegetables from this week's box!  A colorful splash of summer colors and flavors, cut into little chunks and marinated with a simple oil and vinegar dressing, you just can't go wrong with this summertime salad!  https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/picnic-caviar 

 DESSERT:

Blueberry picnic bars:  How about a little something sweet to top off your next gathering!  Pairing an oat crust with a blueberry filling, these bars would be easy to eat without a fork or spoon.  http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/blueberry-picnic-bars-1600

Enjoy your summer!

Don't Miss Any of My Posts!

Follow me on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/underthemedian/ 
Sign up to receive my posts via e-mail by filling in the "follow by e-mail" link on the main page.  

Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope