Are you near Greenville? How about some free veggies?!?!?

Have you seen these recent photos of the great veggies we're getting from Limestone Farm's CSA? Ever thought about trying a CSA but wasn't sure it was for you? Enjoy eating fresh, in season veggies??

Well then, I've got a deal for you! For the next two weeks - June 5th and June 12th - I'm going to be unable to pick up my CSA share, so the great folks at Limestone Farms have agreed to help me give them away. Free. Yup, seriously free. Not a catch at all! All you have to do is ask!

All you need to do to claim the free veggies is be the first person to stop by the Limestone Farms booth at the weekly Greenville Farmer's Market and ask for them! The Carolina First Saturday Market is held each week, rain or shine, from 8am til noon in downtown Greenville. Check out their site to see some of the other vendors - we're loving the hydroponically grown veggies, breads and the fresh pastas!

If you're a twitter fan, be sure to check out the Saturday Market at: @GvilleSatMarket and use hashtag #satmkt on your tweets! Limestone Farms can be found at: @LimestoneFarms.

Facebook more your thing? No problem you can find them both at Carolina Saturday Market and Limestone Farms.

Hope you all enjoy! Go get those veggies - FREE!

Disney's California Grill & a CSA delivery combine! Pea Risotto

Don't you just love it when a "Good Plan" (or fate, coincidence, the gods - whatever you'd like to call it) comes together? 

As luck would have it, I recently stumbled across a recipe for Pea Risotto from Disney's California Grill restaurant. Now, I LOVE a good risotto. If I had to choose a last meal, risotto would be right up there - along with a really good pizza, tiramisu and really good chocolate (and maybe even Mascarpone Waffles from Kouzzina!). 

AND - then to top it off - last week's CSA delivery from Limestone Farms had peas! Perfect, my two favorite things combined: Fresh veggies and Disney food! What more could I ask for?? Well, other than someone to make it FOR me !! 

So, off I went - Dinner Time! We would have a couple of substitutions along the way, since I was feeling somewhat lazy.. we'd swap freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the Manchego, 1% for the heavy cream (I KNOW! Boo! But, healthy reasons mandate this!) and a healthier butter substitute. 


First step was shelling all the peas. Ok, that took WAY longer than I want to admit. There must be a trick to it. NOTE TO SELF: Google "how to shell peas" before working on the remaining ones!


They were super quick to cook, and into the blender they went!

Once that was set, it was time to make the rice. Risotto really isn't that difficult to make, its just a bit time consuming. But, honestly, it went much quicker than I thought it would - minus the pea shelling!

And, then it was time to throw in the pea puree, some parmesan, milk and pepper! Top it all with a fresh pea pod and sprinkle of cheese... and Voila! DINNER!

And the ultimate test: When called for dinner, Hubby said, "Wow! That actually smells good for something with peas"! I loved it! Son liked it. And the picky girl even ate it - with a comment that it looked mighty funny!


Final Verdict: 3.5 thumbs up (the girl is the only downer here!). I'll be making this again soon!

PS. I skipped the ice bath and straining of the peas. No need to get THAT fancy in this house!

Here's the original Disney recipe for those who'd like to try it at home!

English Pea Risotto

2 cups fresh English peas

1/4 cup sugar

6 1/4 cups vegetable stock, divided

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/4 cups carnaroli or Arborio rice (also called risotto rice)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated manchego cheese

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Coarse salt, to taste

For English pea risotto:

1.    Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add peas and sugar to water. Cook 2 minutes, then plunge peas into an ice water bath to stop the cooking.

2.    Place cooked peas and 1/4 cup of vegetable stock in food processor and puree. Once the mixture is smooth, pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, pressing puree through the sieve with the back of a spoon. Discard solids. Set pea puree aside.

3.    Place remaining 6 cups vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a slight boil, then adjust heat to medium to keep at a simmer.

4.    Heat oil in a wide-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Add rice; sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.

5.    Slowly ladle 1/2 cup simmering broth into rice, stirring constantly until most of broth is adsorbed. Continue adding broth, 1 ladleful at a time, stirring frequently between additions and waiting until rice looks slightly dry before adding the next ladleful. When most, but not all, of the broth is absorbed, taste the risotto. When risotto is done, it should not be crunchy at all, but still slightly firm. Add remaining broth, if needed, until risotto is al dente.

6.    Remove from heat, and add the pea puree, heavy cream, manchego cheese, butter, and pepper. Taste, then add salt to taste (some broths are salty, so the amount of salt you add will vary). Stir to combine.

CSA Delivery #3 PLUS bonus veggies!

Would you believe it? Week #3 is here already. We're heading into summer pretty quickly - Memorial Day is here and the kids have just a few days left of school. AND the heat has arrived in SC as well!

Since summer means fresh veggies, lets see what's in this week's box! Broccoli, Lettuce - Romaine & Red Leaf, Onions, Banana Peppers and a few squash. One of those squash is quite the rogue too - it may just be half zucchini and half yellow squash!

But we'll be eating much more than that this week! You see, I've been babysitting a garden recently. And, well, that garden is overflowing!

Its pretty much a "green" week here! Peas, beans, green peppers, banana pepper, a jalepeno pepper, (more) red leaf, basil, dill, green onions, and JUMBO zucchini! There are even a few tiny orange tomatoes in there if you look closely!

Since I can't resist tomatoes fresh from the garden - those are gone already. There is just nothing like a garden grown tomato! I can't wait for some larger ones to ripen- tomato sandwiches on fresh bread are in my very near future!

In the meantime, this week's menu is going to include: Spanish Rice Stuffed Peppers, Honey-Cashew Green Beans, Salads, Pasta with fresh Basil and Parmesan, Squash Au gratin and maybe even an Asian Stirfry with all those peas! Oh yes, and zucchini bread - I'll be baking that ASAP!

Ocracoke: A Sunrise to Sunset Photo Tour

Today, we'll take a photo tour of Ocracoke all the way from Sunrise to Sunset! A sort of "Day in the Life of a vacationer!"

A Silver Lake sunrise through the window...

Up early enjoying a quiet morning on the harbor...

And getting ready to capture the morning light on the retired Coast Guard Station...

And on to THE BEACH for a fun day of relaxing...

Or even a few water activities on the sound...

 Maybe you'll come across some lucky finds while shelling...

An afternoon walk to the village is filled with incredible sights..

If the timing is right, maybe you'll even be able to see inside the lighthouse on your walking tour..

Some lucky folks arriving on Ocracoke with perfect timing for a sunset...

 A perfect spot to watch the sunset...

Where you might catch a glimpse of a creature or two...

Or a boat...

At dusk, there is a Lighthouse to guide our way...

And finally, night descends...

Wordless Wednesday: Sailing Ocracoke's Waters

A view of the Schooner Windfall sailing Ocracoke's harbor...

And views from her decks...

A beautiful sunset, made even more beautiful with a glimpse of her rigging...

Sadly, I've read that the Windfall is no more... I'll miss watching her sail into the sunset each night. And I miss that our children never had the chance to sail on her...

P.S. To read more about the Windfall & the Windfall II, visit Captain Rob's blog.

Kayaking Ocracoke and the Outer Banks

In the past few weeks we've touched on more than a few things to do on Ocracoke and the Outer Banks, from Hang Gliding to dining, to ferry rides and climbing lighthouses, to touring deserted islands and hunting hidden treasures from the past... But one we haven't touched on yet is kayaking!

There is something so peaceful and serene about floating on the water in a small boat without an engine - when near-silent paddling is the only noise intruding on your thoughts. Its a time to enjoy the water and the nature you can simply glide to...

Along the Hatteras shores you can find a marsh...

or a small jetty with a lone visitor...

or perhaps some friends enjoying a sand bar surrounded by water...

You'll never know what type of character you might meet out on the water!

And, of course, along the way you'll also be treated to some unique perspectives - ones that you won't get from land, or even zooming by on a motorized boat.

Maybe you'll even be able to see where the BIG boats go!

And were some others may dock...

Although others may have the idea of enjoying the scenery too!

BUT - one of my favorite things about these small sea-going kayaks has to be pulling up to shore and relaxing. Sometimes the best vacation moments are made by taking a few minutes to just enjoy the scenery and to watch what may happen to float by...

CSA Delivery #2: Collards, Collards and More Collards!

Week #2 is here - and we've pretty much devoured all of Week #1's goodies: Romaine salads with Radishes (and hydroponically grown tomatoes from the Greenville Farmer's Market!), Tortilla de Patata with the eggs (and potatoes from the farmer's market too!). Definitely some good meals there!

We've got just one left-over that's stumped me so far: Collards. Yup, combine that with this week's delivery of them...and I'll come up with something! And soon!

So on to this week's box! We've got Spring Mix, Turnips, Radishes, Green Onions and Peas! All favorites. Oh yea, and that green bunch - you know, Collards.

We've already used some of the Spring Mix to top our burgers - veggie or otherwise - this past weekend. The peas, we'll I've been eyeing a recipe for Pea Risotto that might just be in our near future. And turnips - well, I'm thinking mashed? And, of course, the Collards...

Got any great Collard ideas that DON'T involve a Ham Hock? Send em my way, maybe I'll try one out!

PS. Be sure to check out our CSA folks on twitter: twitter.com/limestonefarms!

Another island that time has left behind... Portsmouth Island

If you've been reading along, you know how much I love the rustic-ness of Ocracoke and the fact that time feels almost suspended when I'm there.

But, just off the shores of Ocracoke lies another small island. And this one, time has truly left behind.

Reachable by boat ferry, Portsmouth Island is virtually uninhabited (um, that is by humans - mosquitos have found a haven here!). While at its hay-day, Portsmouth Island was a bustling community with a general store, homes, church and life-saving station, by the early 1970's it had been completely abandoned as its last residents left for other destinations.

Today, the village is on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and can be toured.

We had the adventure of touring Portsmouth Island a number of years ago, and may consider traveling back to show the kids this year...

Before I can get back there though... I'd like to share a photo tour with you - from our first trip.

Off in the distance, the village of Portsmouth stands. The easy walk down the dirt road is obstructed only by mosquitos...

At one time - as with all small villages, the General Store was a hub of activity and a community gathering places. Anything you could need or want was found here. Or, you'd have to head for a very long trip to the mainland!

Another hub of community activity- the Village Church.

And a home...

Throughout the islands of the Outer Banks stand century old trees. Trees molded by the sea winds into beautiful forms...

A view that is also hundreds of years old: From atop the Lifesaving Station of Portsmouth Island. Today, you can stand where men before you watch the treacherous waters for signs of trouble - men who risked their lives and lived in isolation in order to help those in need.

After a fun (read that how you will ;) ), hike through the marshlands.. you'll emerge on Portsmouth's virtually untouched beaches. Not even a footprint in the sand...

Just beautiful wind-swept sand, driftwood, and marsh grass.. And shells - if you love shelling, you must visit THIS beach!

And, at the end of our day, just our marks were left on the sand. The same footprints that that many before had left... that the sea would erase...

Ocracoke... A vacation filled with history, legends AND fun

Yes, I know.. this isn't the first time I've said it... it won't be the last. But, I really am amazed at how much HASN'T changed on the Outer Banks, and Ocracoke in particular!

As former New Englanders, my husband and I have often made the pilgrimage from the mountains of Vermont to the beaches of Ocracoke. We've driven through New York City, New Jersey, through Delaware and finally over/through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Each step of the way, slowly relaxing, until we finally reach the Outer Banks.

The drive down the narrow barrier islands - taking in the sights of Kitty Hawk, Jockey's Ridge, and Hatteras leads to a place that's filled with history, charm and fun. Off the beaten path, even in the 21st century, not a whole lot has changed since this article was written (and the photos taken), 38 years ago...

Plain Dealer, 6/4/1972

Click article to enlarge

In just a few short weeks, I'll be able to dip my toes in the Ocracoke sand and surf - and hopefully think of all the things that just haven't changed a bit!

Lighthouses of the Outer Banks - a historical look back

While there are many, many reasons to plan your visit to the Outer Banks - beach, sun, surf, fishing, kayaking, hanggliding... the list goes on and on. But, one thing is always tops on my list - and from the looks of it, many other's lists throughout history: Lighthouses.

We've already taken my tour of the Outer Banks lighthouses - heavy on pictures and my love for them.. but a little light on history. Its full of historical facts, that while written 50 years ago still hold true today: for instance, little Ocracoke Light is still the oldest Lighthouse in use. It may not tower as high as its cousins to the North and South, but it has a proud history all the same!

Plain Dealer 7/10/1960

Click article to view larger

PS Don't forget to check out my tour of the OBX lighthouses!

Dangerous Waters: A Shipwreck on Ocracoke 1899

I've shared with you a few of my finds along Ocracoke and the Outer Banks - remnants of ships, docks, and who-knows-what... So, today, I thought I'd also share a true life tale of sadness, bravery and the dangerous waters.

This is a tale that sadder than some, and brighter than others. While 21 sailors perished, the brave men of the Ocracoke Lifesaving station helped bring nine others to safety.

This is a story of real folks, who died, lived, and fought to save others. Its also a story that has played out along the Outer Banks for centuries... a story of man's wandering spirit, of travel, and of Mother Nature's power.

Reminders of these treacherous travels are still found throughout today's Outer Banks. Lighthouses and lifesaving stations remain to remind us of the danger that lies in these shoals - both then AND now.