Dreams of Garlic Scapes

Winter is here. The earth is locked up tight. Snow is everywhere. The ground is frozen. The wind bites. Ice is dripping from everything and forming in the most unexpected places.

Our furnace stopped working for a few hours in the thick of it on Friday. Luckily it was a small and quick fix. I was able to make my savory bread pudding for the potluck using an extra New Mt. Pleasant challah I had taking up space in the freezer. Valentines Day was lobster and Roederer Estate sparkling wine at home, as is our tradition (when we can take the time).

Yesterday there was more shoveling, and last night was split pea soup. I’m trying to clear out room in my freezer for another giant batch of Cuban black beans.

Like everyone else, winter is dragging on us. But even in these depths of winter, I just had a vision of spring. And I invite you to join me.

Technically the first day of spring is March 20. Hah! You and I both know that here in upstate New York, March 20 only brings crushed hopes and crumbled dreams.

I’ve got a better date, even though it’s a good bit further out. June 9. That is the very first pickup for the 2015 season of Roxbury Farm.

Yep. Once again I’ve signed up to take far too much produce from one of my favorite local farms, every week from June through most of November. And right now you can sign up too. You can become a member of Roxbury like me, or you could find some other farm that fits your needs.

Being part of a community supported agriculture program was one of those things that finally made me start feeling good about living in the region. It’s a different feeling from going to a farmers market. A farmers market is like dating. Being part of a CSA is more like marriage. And marriage appeals to me. But I’m a guy who likes commitment. I’ve had the same best friend since I was six years old, and I bet that a few of my beloved and tattered shirts are older than some of you.

The upfront cost is high, but week to week, it’s remarkably reasonable. And in good years, the quantity and quality of food is better than you can get at any farmers market for double, or maybe even triple the price.

Of course, the issue is keeping up with it all. Mostly the salad greens.

Still, I have to tell you. As sick as I got of salad greens towards the end of last season, I would love to be awash in such glorious greenery again. There are still two last pouches of walnut arugula pesto in the chest freezer. And we still have those watermelon radishes too. I’ve been busy and haven’t picked up that slicer I wanted.

We get busy. Time slips away. Don’t let this short window pass you by. Now is the time to sign up for a CSA. Do it. It’s a challenge, sure. But it’s wonderful. I fully endorse Roxbury Farm, but I know plenty of other people who have great experiences elsewhere. I don’t care which farm you join. But it is important to show these farms our financial support.

Isn’t it wonderful that in doing so, we are treated to an amazing bounty of local and seasonal produce? And once you are committed, you too can start dreaming of that first delivery.

I can wait. But it helps to have my eyes on the finish line.