Farewell, CSA

What's happening?

We picked up our last CSA box today - the season has officially come to a close.  Quarter 1 at school ends on Friday, and we'll be celebrating Brian's 30th birthday the weekend after that.  Lots to look forward to at the moment - we're going to New Orleans for Brian's birthday, then Jersey for Thanksgiving, then California for Christmas.  So, probably a good thing there won't be vegetables waiting for us at home anymore :)

Last night was Todd's Halloween Beer Club.  We went as Todd, of the Juice Hat variety.  Here's a look at how that went...

The Real Todd Juice Hat


What it looks like when a couple of Juice Hats fall in love.

What to make?

*Egg Bake

Ingredients: 
- 4 Eggs
- Bok Choy
- Onion
- Peppers
- Salt and Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
- Served with Lemon Rosemary Bread, toasted

Directions: This was so good!  We sauteed the greens, onion, and pepper.  Then, put in a baking dish.  Cover with 4 eggs.  Bake at 350 until the eggs come out at your desired temperature.  Would make a great dish for a brunch party - easy and delicious.

*Salsa Verde a la Brian

This couldn't be easier to make, and it's awesome! Just cut green tomatoes in half and broil them until they start to char, then blend them with peppers and seasoning. The CSA has been great for spicy peppers, which were put to good use. We based it loosely on the recipe below:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/deliciosa-salsa-verde/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=salsa%20verde&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

 *Mahi Mahi Tacos with Rice and Beans

So, we thought we did everything right for these tacos - but honestly they just didn't come out right.  We seasoned the fish with lime, tequila, and a fancy chile lime seasoning, then baked it.  We served them on corn tortillas, garnished with cilantro, radishes, green onion, and the salsa verde above.  Served with rice and black beans.  And Corona.  Despite the effort, we were both underwhelmed with the results.  We'll have try this again sometime.  The salsa was good though!

Soup, Scallops, School, and Brewing

What's happening?

First and foremost, Hayden Robert Magovern was born on October 4.  My brother and his family are doing great.  My parents are on their way in to town, and we're going to meet the little guy later today.  I can't wait.

School has been going pretty well.  The kids are great.  Cross Country ends this week, and while we haven't won a match yet, we're looking for a win on Tuesday.  Wish us luck!



Homework board.



Yes!  The difference between a "student" and a "scholar"...
"I am a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, athlete, dog owner, and scholar," says a seventh grader.


Brewing

Brian just wrapped up his third attempt at brewing.  This one was a Brown Ale based on the Dogfish Indian Brown Ale.  It came out with the right flavor, but a little low on carbonation.  The good news is we know why and can fix it for the next batch.  It's been pretty cool to take part in this process - there's a lot of Chemistry involved - and it's given us a newfound respect for what it takes to make a great beer.



Moving the brew from the bucket to the carboy - the beer in its secondary fermentation stage.



Todd-o helped, too.  Here they are with the final product.  You guys look good.


What's on the Menu?

*Butternut squash soup with browned butter
Recipe found in: Joy of Cooking

*Potato leek soup

Recipe: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/potato_leek_soup/

 *Pistachio rolled scallops
Recipe found in: Bon Appetit (September 2012)

 *Fettucini Alfredo (homemade sauce!) with Chicken and Broccoli
Recipe for Sauce: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/alfredo-sauce-2/

*Roasted acorn squash with butter and brown sugar
Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/acorn-squash/