Thursday, April 28th: A box full of greens and oranges

by Brie

A big bunch of spinach came in our box this week. Spinach is a popular vegetable in our house, not only because it tastes good, but because it is a great source of vitamins, iron and calcium. I also like how versatile it is. It is great tossed in a salad, aloo palak or in our favorite recipe of spanakopita. This low fat spanakopita strudel recipe is next on my list to try.

I love sugar snap peas and was excited to find some in our box. They make a great snack and are easy to wash and take along with you. It is hard to go wrong when you fry them up on their own or in a stirfry with broccoli. If you prefer they can also be steamed. I plan to make this spicy Asian roasted broccoli and snap peas dish I discovered.

Broccoli, like the other green vegetables in this week's box, is high in Vitamin C and dietary fiber. Broccoli on its own makes for a great side dish. It would be great served with garlic butter and cashews or with Parmesan and lemon. With the weather warming up, broccoli is also a great base for salads, like this broccoli and bacon salad.

Since starting with Life Organic we have made some great recipes with carrots. Two favorites are this carrot cake and these carrot fritters. I am always looking for new recipes though. This week I am thinking of trying carrot halwa or candied carrots.  These root vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber.

Some fabulous fruit arrived in our box. Navel oranges, spartan apples and a box of strawberries are all perfect for snacking. For bakers, there is the option to try making an apple and strawberry crumble or ricotta orange pound cake with strawberries. If you prefer something savory try this fresh orange and apple chutney.

These are some of the ideas on my menu plan this week. What are you cooking?

Brie loves eating food and is learning to love cooking food. She also blogs about motherhood at Capital Mom and about Ottawa with kids at Kids in the Capital.