Sassy Water

As I've mentioned before, I am a super happy member of the Community Helpings Co Op picking up at the Troy, IL, location.  We get so many fresh fruits and veggies, that we are all finding new ways to use and love them!

One such way that has been a big hit with everyone in the group is "Sassy Water."  There are a million different ways to make it and then to make it your own.  It's so simplistic, you cut up some fruit, veggies or herbs and allow them to infuse with a pitcher of water for a few hours or overnight, then enjoy!

My favorite combo is Citrus.  Pictured above I have an Orange, a few Mandarins, and a Lemon.  Other interesting combos are Strawberries and Mint, Cucumber and Lime, and Peach with I think Grapes and Kiwi.  So many endless combinations of what you like best, just get creative with it!

I waited so long to try it, but I've fallen a victim to "Sassy Water's" wonders.  I've even been caught taking it to go in my acrylic tumbler.

Tropical Fruit Trees

What are the chances that I see this online and actually have all the stuff in the fridge to make it!!!

Thanks to my local Harvest Co Op, I always have a great selection of fruit and veggies in the fridge to help me and my family make the right choices.  If you live in the St. Louis area, you really need to check it out.  There are many many many locations on both sides of the river.

Community Helpings Co Op

Here is a pic of what came in one of our previous baskets.  Can you believe all this for $23.

Harvest Co Op Ordering Time

The picture above is what came in last weeks delivery.  What a deal for $23

Community Helpings Co Op ordering window is open for the Monday, Feb 6 delivery at the Troy location.  There are many delivery locations, so check to see which is closest to you.  For fresh produce, I can't tell you what a great deal this is and gets you and your family trying new things.

This week's tentative produce basket list has been put up:

APPLES HONEYCRISP
ORANGES
KIWI 6CT CLAMS
MINNELOLAS
... BANANAS
STRAWBERRIES
PINEAPPLE
ASPARAGUS
TOMATOES VINERIPES
LETTUCE ROMAINE
BROCCOLI
SPINACH
GREEN PEPPERS
CUCUMBERS
ZUCCHINI

They don't make any promises, but unless something crazy happens, that will be in the basket.  Makes me happy!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

I'm sure I've mentioned before, I like to keep my veggies simple.  Roasting is my favorite way!  I use my Pampered Chef Stoneware Bar Pan, coat with your favorite oil using my Pampered Chef Mister, and season.  I used canola oil with garlic salt and fresh cracked pepper on these Sprouts.  Roasted them in a 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes to get the brown caramelly crust, which is the most important part!!!  I ate the whole pound of fresh sprouts all by myself.  Love my harvest co op.

Baked Kale Chips

As I've mentioned before, I am a member of a local harvest co op called Community Helpings Co Op.  We got some fabulous Kale this time around and I love to keep my vegetables simple and delicious.

I made Kale Chips!  Clean and de stem the kale, tearing into bite size pieces.  Place on a cookie sheet with plenty of space to "breathe."  Lightly coat with oil of your choice, I used my pampered chef oil mister with canola oil.  Season to your taste, I used garlic salt.  Roast in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.  Allow kale to become nice and crispy without burning, edges will brown, but watch them closely.

The "chips" have this great crisp, flakiness like super think potato chips, but with a veggie twist.  Lots of fun, you should try them!

Community Helpings Co-Op

Winter isn't really the time to think about joining a harvest co op group, but it should be.  Community Helpings Co Op is the group I belong to and it's great!  I am a part of the Troy, IL group, but there are many pick up locations throughout the St. Louis area including the Metro East.  Just look at the list of what will be in this weeks box:

APPLES- JONAGOLD
BANANAS
GRAPES RED
... ORANGES
KIWI
TANGELOS MINNEOLA
BRUSSEL SPROUTS
CAULIFLOWER
RED POTATOES 5LB BAG
LIL GEMS ROMAINE HEARTS
KALE
TOMATOES EXTRA LARGE VINE RIPE
YELLOW ONIONS JUMBO
CARROTS BABY 1LB
GARLIC

All of that for $23.  The ordering window for the Troy group is open til tonight at 8pm. 

Deliveries are every other Monday, and our pickup location is Pavilion 1 at the Troy Park.

If you and your family eat a lot of fresh produce or just want to get into the habit, you really can't afford not to check it out!