When In Doubt, Throw It On The Grill

Saw this article which features wonderful ideas for grilling seasonal produce, and I just had to share. Victor seems to be our CSA grillmaster, but I thought these ideas might encourage more of us to fire up the grill as we enjoy our summer produce over the holiday weekend.

As the CSA Season Winds Down

As the summer heats up, we're anticipating the close of our CSA season.

Bags will definitely be available next Thursday, July 1. And it looks like we'll probably have an option to pick-up produce the following Thursday, July 8, but we're just not sure yet. We have to wait and see how the garden does this week...Sandhill Farm will keep us posted and I'll send everyone a message when we know the definitive closing date. Thanks for your flexibility!

As a reminder, the Fall season will begin in late October. Is it just me, or are you also anticipating CSA withdrawl symptoms? Well, it gives us a great opportunity to shop the farmers markets and local groceries in search of fresh, local food.

What to do with CSA Marmalades and Syrups

Several CSA members have been exchanging ideas about what to do with the marmalades and syrups we've been receiving in the CSA bags. The flavors can be intense and perhaps a bit more spicy or bitter than you're used to, so many of us are looking for ways to pair them with other flavors.

Alicia Rudin suggested using the Meyer Lemon Syrup as a glaze over a cake or even working it right into a simple cake batter.

Jodi Oren suggests serving the orange marmalade over steamed or roasted carrots.

Other ideas? Please post them or send them to me to distribute to the group!

PS If you haven't tasted the pear butter from this week's bag yet, you are in for a real treat!

Volunteer with Lev Tov

Thank you to Rebeca Shalom for this reminder and for continuing to coordinate the Lev Tov project.

As we approach the summer months, we'd like to remind you that hunger and homelessness is a year round problem. We at B'nai Israel continue our efforts by collecting non-perishable food throughout the year and by preparing and serving the evening meals twice a month for the residents of St. Francis House. B'nai Israel volunteers serve on the first and third Wednesday of each month, and we invite you to join us.

Thanks to all of you who donate and help with both efforts.

To volunteer to prepare either a main dish, side dish, salad, dessert, or bread, spread, milk and juice, please visit our Lev Tov web page, or contact Rebeca at rebeca.shalom@gmail.com or 352-335-9505.

Let's think about doing a CSA Lev Tov night! Several of our CSA members volunteer regularly with Lev Tov. Perhaps we can choose a night or two during the summer when we as CSA members prepare and serve the meal together. Our CSA growing season is winding down, but perhaps we could make a commitment to preparing dishes with fresh, wholesome, locally-grown ingredients from the farmer's markets/Wards. Let Rebeca know if you're interested and/or sign-up online.

Check Out the Hazon Food Guide

I received an email this morning from Hazon that included a link to a comprehensive food guide for Jewish institutions looking to change their food practices. There are tons of great ideas here. If you're interested in getting more involved in all things related to food at B'nai Israel and in our local community, check out the food guide. Let me know if you're interested in leading any of these efforts!

Fennel Apple Quiche!

Thanks to the Cohen family for sharing this great quiche idea:
We made a fennel apple quiche yesterday, and it was superb! It was actually a little sweet. Saute grated apple, minced onion, and minced fennel bulb, add a little salt, and substitute them for the vegetables in your favorite quiche recipe.