Week of November 11
My dear Community,
As we navigate the aftermath of last week’s election, it’s clear that emotions are running high. It feels like the ground has shifted, and many of us are grappling with a sense of stress, fear, or uncertainty. But in times like these, there is also an opportunity—a chance to rise up, alchemize our experiences, and come together in ways that we may have never imagined. At our farm, I want you to know that this vegetable box subscription remains a non-partisan choice, welcoming everyone no matter where they stand. This message comes from the heart, and I hope it resonates with you as we continue to cultivate a community rooted in nourishment and connection.
As temperatures drop in Buellton, we’re feeling the shift into the colder months. Our egg production is always cyclical, picking up in February and slowing down in late October and early November. It’s a rhythm that reminds me of nature’s constant cycles and how we’re all connected to the changing seasons. I currently have a new flock of baby chicks. I prefer to raise them in smaller broods to support each bird's health. Not only do they provide eggs, but they're a vital part of our farm ecosystem and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our land—keeping animal pastures clean and helping us compost any vegetables that didn’t make it to your box. Whether it’s surplus from the farmers market or produce that wasn’t fit to sell, the chickens turn these leftovers into nourishment, completing a beautiful cycle of regeneration.
It’s an honor to continue bringing you a box of health each week. In a world where the USDA feels like it has been bought by big food companies, it’s reassuring to know that our CSA box doesn’t need a nutrition label. The vegetables truly speak for themselves, fresh and full of life.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us, for trusting in the food we grow, and for supporting a community that values transparency, quality, and care. Wishing you warmth and peace as we move into the colder days ahead.
Be good to each other.
Carolyn Givens
CSA Contains:
CARROTS
ROMAINE LETTUCE
BRAEBURN APPLES
BABY SPINACH from JAYLEAF ORGANICS
YELLOW HEIRLOOMS
BRUSSELS SPROUTS from CREEKSIDE ORGANICS
RED CHARD
YELLOW ONIONS
ITALIAN PARSLEY
PURPLE SWEET POTATOES
BIG BOX ADD: CARROTS, GREEN LEAF LETTUCE, RED POMEGRANATES, GREEN ZUCCHINI, GREEN CABBAGE
JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
ROMAINE LETTUCE
HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
BABY SPINACH
PURPLE SWEET POTATOES
YELLOW ONIONS
JUICE FEAST:
ROMAINE LETTUCE
BRAEBURN APPLES
GREEN CABBAGE
CARROTS X2
ITALIAN PARSLEY
FENNEL
CUCUMBERS
BABY SPINACH
LACINATO KALE
FRUIT EXPANSION: BRAEBURN APPLES from GOPHER GLENN ORGANICS + PERSIMMONS
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: from WOLFE FARMS
Sesame Chicken Skillet with Spinach and Onions
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons avocado oil divided
1 extra large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
1 1/4 pounds skin-on chicken thighs bones removed, fat trimmed
kohser salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 pound organic baby spinach roughly chopped
1 inches piece ginger root peeled and finely chopped
3 tablespoons coconut aminos + 1 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Every Day Maven
Sweet Potato Dinner Skillet
Ingredients:
12-inch skillet, cast iron if possible
2 pounds sweet potatoes
3 cloves garlic
1 bunch chard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
4 ounces feta cheese crumbles
4 eggs
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at A Couple of Cooks
The Best Purple Sweet Potato 3 Ingredient Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2-3 medium size purple sweet potatoes
1 cup dark chocolate chips 180 grams
½ cup plant milk
Icing
⅓ cup dark chocolate chips 60 grams
3 tablespoon plant milk
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Simple Green Soul
Roasted Creamy Tomato Carrot Soup
Ingredients
4 large tomatoes
2 cups grape/cherry tomatoes
3 large carrots
½ large onion
3 tablespoons avocado/olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup plant milk
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Healthy Little Vittles
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
For the Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic minced
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
1 lb Brussels sprouts ends trimmed
1 large Honeycrisp apple chopped (or 2 small apples)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Find the recipe and inspiration here at Two Peas and Their Pod