One of the most disheartening things about returning from a lengthy vacation (other than that whole “back to the daily grind” thing…) is the inevitably empty fridge that awaits you. And if it’s not empty, it most likely houses the rapidly decomposing remains of leftovers you forgot to finish before leaving. Upon our return, S and I were met with a couple of shrunken ears of corn, a bowl of leftover carrot slaw growing small bubbles (bubbles!) of mold, and a sad, shriveled cucumber half – not exactly the makings of gourmet fare. Our fridge does house a healthy amount of condiments, seeds, and nuts, but again, they’re nothing really meal-worthy on their own. So, tossing my guilt at wasting food down the garbage disposal along with the moldy remains of meals past, I hastened to the co-op not long after our return. I did not, however, purchase very much – I knew that we’d be getting our sixth CSA box this week, so I didn’t want to crowd the fridge before the veggies arrived.

And what veggies they are! My basket was filled with a rainbow of produce:

What variety!

Thankfully, the glut of zucchini and cucumber has finally slowed down, and now we’re getting fewer long green things and more varied veggies. So… what’s in the box?

• Anaheim peppers
• Carmen sweet peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Edamame
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Kale
• Onions
• Sweet corn
• Tomatoes (assorted heirlooms, slicers, salad)
• Yellow bell pepper
• Zucchini

This might be my favorite box yet! Kale, three types of peppers, eggplant, sweet corn… and edamame! Just look how fuzzy it is:

Fuzzy beans.

I’ve never seen edamame this fresh! Should I eat it plain or do something fancy with it? I’ll also have to come up with lots of uses for  two whole bags of tomatoes:

Bagged!

Not a bad haul, eh? I always feel like I should do something exciting and creative with my veggies, but I often resort to simple meals. After bringing home this haul, for example, I cooked up a pot of lentils, sauteed a chopped tomato, a bit of diced onion, a diced small carrot, and the kernels from one ear of corn, and threw it all together with some salt, pepper, and a couple squeezes of lime juice. It was simple, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying… not to mention easy! Then I whipped up a raw salad of lots of diced veggies to bring to work tomorrow. Yet I barely made a dent in this stash – my fridge is now brimming with produce… and none of it rotten or moldy. ;)

What’re your suggestions for how to use my haul? Are you more successful than I am at finishing leftovers before going on vacation?

Curious about what other folks are getting in their CSA boxes this time of year? Check out the What’s in the Box? link party for this week!