Dinner Plans: Week 11

It's Week 11 of Dinner Plans and we're relishing the warmer weather!

The seeds have been sown and fruit trees pruned. Spring is just about here! The temps have been much warmer and that is my cue to transition our meals from the slow, braised, soup-based comforts to more lighter fare. Soup will still be on, don't worry. But those early spring salads are some of my favorites. I think of this slow roasted beet salad with the first spring peas that just look beautiful on a plate. Or, this snap pea and radish salad that's bright and flavorful. Looking forward to this next season to savor.

Dinner Plans for Week 11

We're entering a different phase in our approach to sourcing locally grown produce. Having moved to the Napa Valley in the summer of 2024, I've spent the near two years here learning more about the agricultural landscape of Wine Country and, in truth, we are so incredibly lucky to be at the near epicenter of the freshest ingredients for our daily meals.

We've rejoined the CSA at Riverdog Farm and I'm testing out a cadence where I'm picking up the CSA box bi-weekly and on the alternating weeks ordering from Good Pantry. I am taking that as an opportunity to support multiple local, small businesses within the context of our local food system. I'll still supplement with the Saturday Farmers Market run and the direct farmstand orders. But, for now, this feels like a good rhythm to keep.

Here’s what caught my attention in our CSA box, Good Pantry Haul, and the fridge, freezer, and pantry this week:

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Mandarins
• Leeks
• Butternut Squash
• Collard Greens
• Purple Daikon Radish
• Red Flame Grapefruit
• Chard
• Spinach
• Little Gems
• Romaine Hearts
• Wild Mushrooms
• Shallots
• Beef Stew Chunks
• Pork Roast
• Turkey Chorizo
• Brown Rice
• Ground Beef

Our Game Plan for Dinner this Week:

Sunday: Pasta with Broccoli, Mushrooms, Breadcrumbs, and Parmesan

Monday: Roast Carrot Tart in Puff Pastry with Early Spring Greens

Tuesday: Corned Beef with Brown Butter Colcannon and Irish Soda Bread

Wednesday: Dinner Toast with Garlicky Greens and Fried Egg

Thursday: Ground Beef Stir Fry with Braised Daikon Radish and Brown Rice

Friday: Mexican Fish Soup (Caldo de Pescado) for Lenten Fish Friday

Saturday: Pizza with Carrot Top Pesto, Crispy Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Calabrian Chiles

From favorite recipes to new meal ideas using a wide variety of ingredients, cooking delicious food with our CSA definitely gets us out of a dinner rut while reducing food waste. I share meal ideas for our busy weeks with our weekly newsletter. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be in the know when they’re live. 😉