next season

OK kids, if you're upset about the cold, crappy November weather we had this weekend, it's a great time for you to start thinking about next summer. That's right, now is a good time to sign up for a farm share! In Massachusetts, I suggest checking out NOFA for farm listings.

I made a change for next year, and it has good and bad points to it. I am going to stick with The Food Project, because I've been really happy with the food, the staff, and their communication. I like the fact that part of their mission is to help out people who don't get enough fresh veggies.

But normally I get the on-farm share, which feeds 2-3 vegetarians. As my sister and I are not vegetarians, it's just too many vegetables. Plus, I have a busy life, and sometimes that means I miss a cooking day and have to pick up a burrito somewhere. The Food Project doesn't have half shares, but they do have box shares.

Box shares are a little smaller, designed for 1-2 vegetarians. You don't pick up on the farm. I am going to do the Cambridge box share, which is at someone's house. You go and get a box of 4-18 pounds of veggies each week. This is a little more reasonable than the 8-24 pounds you get otherwise. Also, the on-farm share is $700 this year, but the box share is $500. Less waste and less money are better all the way around.

I'll be sad not to go to the actual farm each week. It was a peaceful weekly ritual, picking parsley, tomatoes, strawberries. However, they have on-farm volunteer activities. As my #1 New Year's Resolution is going to be to do more volunteer work, the farm will be a great place to start. I wasn't able to go this year, but I'll be changing my schedule next year.

I'm steaming Brussels sprouts in my rice cooker just now. Made steamed egg rolls with farm veggies and ground beef, and cooked up a pot of lentils seasoned with onions and spices from the farm. I'm good til Thanksgiving. Tuesday, I make pumpkin pie!