Radish Spread

Husband and I are part of a CSA farm! The Good Earth is in its first year and I am thrilled to see what the future brings. What is this CSA stuff? Here is an explanation from http://www.localharvest.org/

Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer. In brief...

Advantages for farmers:

·         Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin

·         Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow

·         Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers:

·         Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits

·         Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking

·         Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season

·         Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat

·         Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

Husband and I, along with my parents, purchased half a share earlier in the year. A little back story first. Nancy and I used to work together. Nancy and her hubby Jeff decided to live out a dream and spent months on a boat, sailing, exploring and enjoying life. Now they own a farm! These two are so much fun to be around and put so much of themselves into their work. When I discovered they were offering shares in their farm I was over the moon excited. Our first delivery was made yesterday and WOW! We received some lovely salad greens, Swiss chard, radishes and strawberries. Talk about a yummy bounty. I nabbed a few strawberries for myself but little one will be eating all the rest as strawberries are his new favorite food.

Radishes have never been on my list of delicious veggies. The ones we received yesterday came in so many beautiful colors but I couldn’t get past their spicy bite. Thankfully, Nancy sends out recipes to go with the veggies before they are delivered. This one caught my eye and I plan on trying it this weekend.

Radish Spread/Dip

1 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened (I use Neufchatel)

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp celery salt

1/8 tsp paprika

1-2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)

dash of hot sauce (optional)

1 cup finely chopped radishes

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

Mix the first 7 ingredients (everything but the radishes and green onions) until well combined.  Stir in the radishes and green onions.  Chill several hours to allow flavors to blend.  Serve with crackers and assorted crudités.  (I also love it as a spread on sandwiches!).

Recipe from Nancy Kirstein who received it from Jenny Feige