Sunday, February 24, 2008

Enough Already!

These days, I hate living in Michigan. Although the temperature finally warmed up to 30F today, it has been hovering around 0F for what seems like months. We still have snow on the ground and weather forecasters predict another 2-4 inches tomorrow. Enough already! To make matters worse (yes, I am whining), I am sick and tired of the expensive, poor quality food that I end up buying week after week. It's that time of year when supply is low, prices are high, and quality is...well, crappy. This weekend, I passed up the organic, Michigan apples from Almar Orchards. Last week, I bought two bags and both had apples with large bruises and rotten spots. So on Saturday, I opted for Satsuma oranges and Pink Lady apples, both organic and grown domestically but in states that are a thousand plus miles away. It is a hard time of year to support Michigan farmers. I'll dig deep into my freezer this week and try to incorporate locally grown beans into Caroline's lunch.

Caroline's Lunchbox Menu, February 25: Breakfast - O's, Satsuma orange; Lunch - marinated and baked tofu, Jasmine rice, sweet potatoes (frozen, Stahlbush Island Farms), peas (frozen, Cascadian Farms); Snacks - whole milk plain yogurt, blueberries (frozen, Walton Orchards), whole wheat graham crackers

Childcare Center Menu, February 25: Breakfast - Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Life, orange juice; Lunch - tacos, refried beans, taco lettuce, bananas; Snacks - blueberry yogurt, vanilla wafers

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and I'm thrilled. We started in a CSA last summer, and I identified with your frustration at produce this time of year. I was also excited to see a reference to a local meat farm in another post. We have a three year old, and I'm trying to get him good stuff without also driving myself crazy. Thank you for the blog and your information.

Betty said...

I'd love to learn more about your CSA!

Anonymous said...

Betty--

I'd be happy to talk about it anytime! We go with Titus Farms for many reasons. Initially, they were the only ones without a waiting list, and then I really liked the Titus family. I just referred Rebecca Titus to your blog yesterday. They are not currently certified organic, but they are working toward certification and grow their food naturally.

Last year I had a half share, but that wasn't enough of any one thing to do a full recipe, especially at the beginning and the end. This year we are doing a full share because I found myself at the Meridian Farmers Market on the weekends, buying more vegetables.

I'd like to talk to you more about the Creswick Farms, if possible. I'd be happy to email you more info about the CSA as well. I'm in Lansing and work at MSU Law.

Betty said...

Kate,

I know Rebecca Titus and adore her. I have several posts on her family's CSA and products! I am so happy to hear that you are a member of their CSA. I will post more information about Creswick Farms tonight on my blog. Thanks so much for posting!

Anonymous said...

Ahhh Betty... thanks!

And I agree- it's hard to eat locally this time of year... but don't worry, we're starting plants in the greenhouse next week!

Also, I have some great fresh spinach (from our greenhouse), if you'd like some let me know!

I luv your blog, btw. :)

Unknown said...

Thanks, Rebecca! I can hardly wait to see you at the market. And I would love to buy some spinach! How?

 
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