This may make up for the fact that we are thirty-five minutes away from Costco.

Part of living in the most agriculturally productive county in the entire U.S. has its perks. I know, I know, I've talked about this way too much, and as a result have made all my fellow food-lovers jealous. If me bragging about this bugs you, let me tell you this: Delicious produce is the most glamorous aspect of my life. Don't hate me because of my access to raw milk and organic apples. As a realtor told us back in May, "If you're into opera, then move to L.A. or San Francisco. If you're into animal husbandry, this is the place for you!"

Inspiring, I know.

So, back to the perks. CSA programs. Community Supported Agriculture. I get a big basket of fresh, organic produce** delivered to my doorstep every Wednesday afternoon. Nothing in the basket is grown outside a fifty-mile radius. It's cheaper than the grocery store (trust me, I've compared it with my last three-months worth of food receipts). And it tastes so much better.


As a result we have been trying a lot of new things. Fuyu persimmons always intimidated me (on those rare ocassions I actually saw them at the grocery store). Black grapes were always more expensive than red or green. Napa cabbage is something usually restricted to Asian cooking, a genre I never felt brave enough to try. Until now.

I told my mom that this is a dream come true for me. Is it possible to be jealous of oneself? Because I think I am.

**My philosophy on organics: When I was pregnant with Jack, I was able to taste the pesticides on apples. Since then, I can taste them on carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and plums/peaches/apricots. If the price is reasonable, I try and buy all of those organic. That happens maybe 50% of the time. I also loooove organic milk. It really does taste better. Now that Jack drinks maybe a glass a day, I rarely indulge, because it's usually costs at least a third more. For me, my choices regarding organic vs. conventional usually come down to taste. If you want more information on organic produce, specifically what has the highest pesticide residue, visit this page.