From the Farm

My box from Full Circle Farms arrived today. I almost forgot to pick it up! Good thing I remembered as there were many goodies in the box. Everything looked so fresh and yummy, it's like a trip to the farm minus the waste of gas and muddy boots. I was giddy opening the box, I couldn't wait to see the produce I received.

The box had a variety of vegetables and fruits. I was hoping for root vegetables that would entice me to venture out of my comfort zone, but we received greens I normally buy at the store. I was still happy with the freshness and variety, and the contents: fuji apples, oranges, kiwi, leeks, zucchini, red leaf lettuce, broccoli, cremini mushroom, and my all-time favorite, swiss chard.

I want to share with you the best way to prepare swiss chard. It's such a simple recipe, something one can make on a weeknight as a side dish for, well..just about anything!

Sauteed Swiss Chard

2 pieces of bacon, julienned
1 garlic clove, minced
a pinch of crushed red pepper
1 bunch swiss chard, tough stems removed, leaves chopped roughly

Place bacon in a saute pan and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain fat from pan, except for one tablespoon. Add the minced garlic and red pepper to the pan, saute for one minute, or just enough to slightly brown the garlic. Add the swiss chard and turn to coat the leaves with garlic/oil/pepper mixture. Place a lid and cook for 4-5 minutes until the chard is completely wilted. If it's looking too dry, you can add a tablespoon or so of water. Add pepper to taste. Add bacon pieces and serve.