Mystery Box

Almost every other Thursday, K and I pick up a "Mystery Box" from Mariquita Farms. In their words, the box program is:
"What: Guerrilla vegetable deliveries: Not a CSA, we have one of those. More like a taco truck-meets-the farmers market. No prepayment, no credit cards. You give me your cell phone number as collateral that you'll show up, I give you mine so you can find me/contact me that night. We don't abuse each others cell numbers.
Why: Mariquita Customers at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market missed us when we chose to stop attending spring of 2007. Some of our customers begged for a way to still receive our erbette chard, boxes of San Marzanos, sweet peppers, basil, red carrots etc. We still grow it all and we're delighted to find a way bring it to SF, even if you *don't* own a restaurant!"

I love the mystery box for a few reasons. Foremost, living with just K, who hates almost all vegetables, a weekly CSA is simply too much for me. Second, I like, even these weeks when I groan at the site of more celery, being forced to experiment with produce I would not select at the market. Thankfully, they provide a link to recipes. Third, it is simply an incredible deal for some of the best produce available. That said, here is a look at this week's box.

How it comes, or, a bag, not a box.

Cheddar Cauliflower: Halloween vegetable number one.

Broccoli Romanesco: Halloween vegetable number two.

Perhaps we have found a use for all of that celery?

Red Friarelli Peppers: No plan, yet.

Sweet Potatoes: Roast or perhaps a pie?

End of the season heirloom tomatoes: salad, eaten out of hand and blts.

French breakfast radishes: Braised? Or simply with salt and butter?

Turnip Greens and Red Oak Leaf Lettuce  One to saute, one to make a salad.

Braeburn Apples: Pie? Apple Sauce? Sauteed and served with pork?

Galeux D’Eysines Pumpkin and Willow, the cat who likes to pose. Note Secret Garden Cookbook in the background.