Cooking with organics.

I debated doing another Vegas post but I am too excited about our organic produce.

Signing up for a weekly delivery of organic produce was such a lifesaver. Now, our house always have fresh, delicious produce. Plus, we don't get to choose what comes in the box so it's always a surprise!



For example, I got some purple basil. I could have made pesto with it but I decided to try hummus instead. First, get a can of chickpeas (garbanzos) and some olive oil. I suggest using fresh beans if you have the time. I do not.



Add in a cup of sun-dried tomatoes. I bought mine at a farmer's market. They aren't packed in oil but you can use the oil-packed kind. Just cut back on the amount of olive oil.



Chop 1/4 cups worth of basil. I used the purple basil from the CSA. It's dreamy but really any basil will work. Add more if you feel necessary.



Add the entire can of garbanzos to the food processor. Water and all. Process until smooth and add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped basil and process again. It should come together fairly quickly. Add more olive oil if you find necessary.

Eat it with fresh crudites or pita chips!



The organic grapes from the CSA were delicious. I wish I knew what to do with them besides eat them straight up.



Next up was the elusive spaghetti squash. I always read about other food bloggers using the innards as a pasta substitute but I hadn't tried it myself. I had no idea what this was when it came in the box.

I roasted it cut sides up for 30 minutes at 350.



While it roasted, I took this baby eggplant and sliced it.



And sauteed.



I used pancetta and olive oil from my misto to take out any bitterness.



Buy a misto. It's so much better than regular cooking spray.



Chicken meatballs were added to the mix.



And the spaghetti squash innards. They were so easy to scoop out. It was kind of freaky.



I topped my pasta with some buffalo mozzarella and chowed down. I loved it! I definitely wouldn't substitute spaghetti squash for pasta all the time (I love carbs) but it's a nice change of pace.

Andy's bandage is off. Do you want to see pictures? It's semi-disgusting.

PS! I am getting custom orthotics! Maybe I'll run again?