Menu Post #10

We got a job offer (!!!!!)! I am going to wait until the contract is signed before I tell you anymore about it, but needless to say, we are thrilled! It is a great opportunity and we think it is going to be a great thing for our family!

Because we knew we would be moving sometime this summer (At least, we hoped we would get a job to move for), we ended our CSA share, because it costs less when you buy a bunch of weeks at a time, and I didn't know how long we would be around to use them. This has meant shaking up my menu planning/grocery routine.

I decided to make one big change and go to our local farmer's market every weekend.  In an effort to make a greater contribution to my community, I buy at least a few of my vegetables and a treat for us to share each week.  I can't get all my vegetables there, because it would blow my budget out of the water, but I figure some contribution is better than none.  Plus it is like a little treat each time we go!

Even if I am only spending $5-$10 a week, I know I am directly helping someone in my area by supporting their business/family.  It makes me feel really good, and is helping me feel more like part of my community.  In the future, I hope to spend a greater portion of our spending budget on local products from small businesses or the farmer's market.

The initial idea of making shopping local a bigger part of my life came from this fabulous book that my mom sent me for Christmas.  The premise is that if you shop local, you invest more in your community, will feel more connected to your community, and your community will do more for you in return.  While my contribution might seem very insignificant (and it is), I feel like doing something that my small budget can afford is much better than nothing.

Do you shop local?  Go to the farmer's market regularly?  Is that something that even appeals to you?  Maybe you have some great ideas that I can start incorporating in my life. If you do, I would love to hear them!

Fabulous: 

Beet Soup:  One of my very favorite soups.  Thick, creamy and a lovely pink-red color!
Veggie Panini's with Cilantro Lime Dressing: WOW.  Just Wow. I used yellow squash and sweet potatoes, and it was terrific.
Asian Cabbage Salad: I keep making this one, and will post my adaptations in a few weeks.

Worth a Try:

Shredded Carrot and Chickpea Salad: This soup was surprisingly delicious, despite the fact that it was basically carrots and chickpeas.
Black Bean Tacos with Coleslaw: Easy and fast (unless you make your own tortillas like I did)
Coconut Lentil Curry: This made SO much, but it was delicious, so I didn't mind eating for lunch for like 5 days in a row.