The Importance of Being Earnest

As the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, we're excited to welcome a whole new season of produce to our kitchen. From crisp apples and juicy Asian pears to tender sweet potatoes and savory Vidalia onions, the fall harvest is full of delicious and nutritious ingredients that are perfect for cooking up hearty and satisfying meals. In this post, we'll take a closer look at each of the items in this week's CSA box, and share some tips and ideas for how to use them in your own cooking.

Let's start with the Asian pears from North Georgia. These sweet and crunchy fruits are a favorite in many Asian cuisines, and are also a delicious and healthy snack on their own. If you're looking for a way to incorporate them into your meals, try slicing them thinly and layering them on top of a salad or sandwich, or adding them to a stir-fry for some extra sweetness and texture.

Next up are the apples from Athens, Georgia. Apples are a staple of the fall season, and for good reason – they're packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and are delicious in a wide range of dishes. One classic way to enjoy them is in a homemade apple pie or crisp, but they also make a great addition to oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt. For a savory twist, try slicing them and sautéing them with some onions and pork chops, or adding them to a grilled cheese sandwich.

If you're a fan of pickles, you'll be happy to know that this week's CSA box also includes pickling cucumbers from Athens, Georgia. These small, crunchy cucumbers are perfect for making your own pickles at home – simply slice them into spears, add some spices and vinegar, and let them sit in the fridge for a few days. They're also great in salads or sandwiches, or sliced and eaten as a snack.

Speaking of onions, we've also included some sweet and savory Vidalia onions from Athens, Georgia in this week's box. Vidalias are known for their mild and sweet flavor, and are perfect for caramelizing and adding to soups, stews, or quiches. They're also great sliced thinly and used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches, or diced and added to a stir-fry.

In addition to these fresh vegetables, we've also included some cabbage from Athens, Georgia. Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that is packed with vitamins and fiber, and can be used in a variety of dishes. One classic way to enjoy it is in coleslaw, but it can also be used to make sauerkraut, added to soups and stews, or sautéed and added to tacos or burritos.

Moving on to the Yellow Squash from Blount County, this versatile vegetable is a favorite in Southern cuisine. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles to stir-fries. One simple way to enjoy it is to slice it thinly, sauté it with some onions and garlic, and serve it as a side dish or over rice.

Next up are the Sweet Potatoes from the Mississippi Delta. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They're also delicious and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet potato fries to sweet potato pie. One great way to enjoy them is to roast them in the oven with some olive oil and herbs, and serve them alongside roasted chicken or pork.

In addition to the sweet potatoes, we've also included some Red Potatoes from Georgia in this week's CSA box. Red potatoes are a great source of potassium and vitamin C, and are delicious in a variety