like a kid in a candy store . . .

Since Dan and his brother are still out of town, I had the privilege of picking up his brother's CSA last night! Ryan told me I could have "whatever I wanted . . . " and I don't think he realized how much that would be like letting a little kid loose in a candy store! Tee-hee.

Here's what I had to choose from:

Carrots, "Purple Viking" potatoes, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, summer squash, "Red Tropea" onions, tomatoes (larger varieties, as well as a carton of "Sun Golds,") a purple pepper, a couple of jalapenos, eggplant, basil, parsley, cilantro, and "Sun Jewel" melons. I'm a little sad I have to give most of this back! :(

I tried not to be too piggy. :) Since there were two eggplant, summer squash, and zucchini, and plenty of basil, I decided to make a simple veggie gratin with some leftover marinara and a little remaining cheese:

I threw some quinoa in a saucepan for a quick, healthy side dish.

I then indulged in one of the "Sun Jewel" melons for dessert:

A white-fleshed, crispy, sweet treat! Yum.

And then . . . I made a pie.

Dan comes home today (finally!) and I have a big, tasty dinner planned for the two of us. Dinner will conclude with a slice of four-berry pie! All of the berries are local, half are hand-picked by yours truly, and even though I didn't use enough cornstarch (I can tell it's going to be a little runny,) this should be QUITE the treat. :)