About a month ago, we signed up for something called a CSA. The acronym CSA

stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically what that means is that a bunch of local farmers contribute their produce, and I pick it up every Wednesday in a handy dandy

little box. Our specific company is Abundant Harvest Organics. Everything is organic, all chicken products are free-range and all meat products are grass

fed.

This week, I think we got a little less than we had the previous weeks. In the picture below are: oranges, tangelos, mandarins, butternut squash, carrots, spinach, turnips, shallots, baby artichokes, Chinese cabbage and potatoes.

All of that comes in the small basic box. On top of that, this week we also added on boneless skinless chicken breasts and a pound of sharp cheddar. I haven't tried the cheese yet but last week we got monterey jack that was wonderful.

In the box, there is always a newsletter that tells what's going on with the farmers and whatnot. It also includes a list of the produce, which farm each item came from and two recipes. Tonight, I plan on making butternut squash soup. That's all I have planned for this week's box, but I know it will all get used some way or another. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Last week Caleb wanted me to take a picture of his plate. I roasted a chicken with some oranges and red onions, and he made the potatoes, broccoli and carrots. It was a great meal, all provided by the lovely farmers of Southern California.

This is a terrible picture, but the apple looks delicious. I had a really hard time not eating it.

As someone who lived in Washington for 18/21 years of her life, Fall to me means apples. Actually, all year means apples, but you know what I mean.

Applesauce may be the easiest thing I've ever made, including cereal. It's also one of the most delicious things I’ve had, fresh and warm. I used this recipe as a base, but made some changes.

Ingredients

• 4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup white sugar-I omitted this
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon-I added this to taste
• 
  
• Directions
• In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

I used two Jonagolds, one Fuji and one Granny Smith. It was the perfect combination of sweet and just a bit tart, with no added sugar!

The finished product.

The second best part of making this, after having delicious applesauce, was the way it made my house smell. It's a wonderful fall scent.

We're saving all of the peels and cores for a super special surprise.

I also made roasted pumpkin seeds. I tossed them with olive oil, melted butter, garlic salt and sea salt before putting them in the oven. They're the perfect snack. I've already eaten way to many!

Edit: I apologize for the awful photo quality. I don't know if my camera is being wonky or if it's operator error, but every picture turns out terribly.

Tonight, I had my first experience cooking corn on the cob. I shucked it, spread butter on it and sprinkled it with salt and pepper.

Then, I wrapped it in tin foil.

I threw it in the oven at 425 and after twenty minutes, I ended up with this:

It was all pretty delicious. It brought back childhood memories of grilling in our backyard on warm(ish) summer nights.

Oh, PS: I started baking early. I just pulled a loaf of banana bread out of the oven. It smells awesome.

Every Sunday, I try to make a dinner menu for the week. Sometimes we follow it, and sometimes it gets thrown out the window. I'm very happy with this week's menu, so I have a feeling it will be followed.

Sunday- Ham and cheese sliders, strawberries

Monday- Garlic lime chicken, chips and salsa

Tuesday- Barbecue beef sandwiches, corn on the cob

Wednesday- Quesadillas with chicken, red pepper, roasted corn and black beans

Thursday- Mini meatball sandwiches, salad

Friday- leftovers

Saturday- Kabobs with chicken, red pepper and pineapple

This coming week is my last full week of school, so I will soon have a lot more time to cook. I might celebrate my graduation with a baking day. Any suggestions for what to bake?