I'm so excited that fall has FINALLY found its way to North Carolina. I was over the hot weather back in May, lol. (So NOT a hot weather gal.) It's time to break out the sweaters, scarves, hot drinks, and Sensational Fall Soups! Planning meals for the week has become a regular occurrence for us since my husband has been unemployed. It not only saves money, but it makes afternoons much ... VIEW POST
Eat the uglies! Help reduce food waste
Earlier this summer I took a tour of an Eastern North Carolina cucumber farm. It was really interesting to learn how the farm works, from preparing the soil, planting, picking, boxing, and shipping out the cucumbers to processors who distribute them to grocers. Size and shape matter I was shocked to learn that 25% of cucumbers grown in the US do not reach the consumer because they have an ... VIEW POST
Tips to Pick and Store the Freshest Summer Fruit
Here in North Carolina the state’s 50,000+ farmers produce over 80 different kinds of commodities. This includes over 50 different types of produce, making NC one of the most diverse agricultural states in the country! (You can't beat our fresh fruit and vegetables, IMHO!) To see what fruits and veggies are in season, and find the freshest produce in your area, check out your state's department ... VIEW POST
Easy, quick, and delicious Mexican Chicken & Avocado Corn Salsa from The Produce Box
I love using my Produce Box ingredients to create fresh and delicious meals. It's inspiring to use locally-sourced ingredients to create new recipes. But there are days when I just don't have the time to shop at the grocery store and get dinner on the table. Like most people I know who work from home, I find it difficult to walk away from a project, even when a personal task like making dinner ... VIEW POST
Copycat Chick-fil-A Market Salad Featuring The Produce Box
The Produce Box is a wonderful service here in North Carolina that provides you with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items directly from North Carolina farmers and other small business owners. Each week there is a different selection, depending on what’s available and in season, and unlike a CSA (Community-supported agriculture), you choose exactly what, and how much you want to purchase. ... VIEW POST
Five easy tips to cook the Best. Steak. Ever.
When I want to treat myself, I don't reach for chocolate or cake. I'm a savory girl. I go for steak. Or ribeyes to be specific. "The rib eye or "ribeye" was originally, as the name implies, the center best portion of the rib steak, without the bone. It is both flavorful and tender, coming from the lightly worked upper rib cage area. Its marbling of fat makes it very good for fast and hot ... VIEW POST
Don’t throw that out! Stem-to-root cooking Featuring The Produce Box
The Produce Box is a wonderful service here in North Carolina that provides you with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items directly from North Carolina farmers and other small business owners. Each week there is a different selection, depending on what’s available and in season, and unlike a CSA, you choose exactly what, and how much you want to purchase. It’s like a farmer’s market ... VIEW POST
Meatless Monday Featuring The Produce Box: Vegetarian Lasagna
The past few months have been extremely busy with after school activities and work, so we have eaten A LOT of convenience foods. Boxed or frozen dinners that tend to be high in sodium and preservatives and low in nutrients. So, like most everyone in January, I decided it's time to get healthy and eat better. This time I decided I'm not doing it by myself, but will also include the whole family. ... VIEW POST
Southern Comfort Food for the Holidays Featuring The Produce Box
My family and I have lived in the South now for nearly six years. We started off moving to Virginia, then Alabama, and finally North Carolina, where we have lived for the past four years. The South is a truly unique place. People have their own way of doing things (if someone is using a turn signal, they are most-likely NOT born in the South), their own way of talking, and their own way of ... VIEW POST
