Chicago Farmer Girl

I’m a veggie-bottom girl and that means between John and me, we go through a ton of the fresh stuff every day. And we’re veggie snobs who love the Farmer’s Market and Whole Foods (even when our wallets cry) because we know there’s nothing better then the good stuff - almost ripe, organic according to AWA standards, and smelling farm fresh.

We considered CSA’s after several friends told me about their deliveries but hated the idea of ten pounds of potatoes and beets - I want variety!  I want color!  I want two kinds of apples! And heck, I want to save some money so I can buy a sweater for my dog.

And my Christmas wish was granted by Irv and Shelly’s Fresh Picks! Irv and Shelly’s delivers local, in-season, and all organic produce to your doorstep - they prioritize Midwestern farmers but if you want bell peppers, they’ll get you bell peppers from organic farms that have them.  In addition to the fruits and veggies, they have organic milk from Michigan and Wisconsin and breads from local bakeries around Chicago like the Bleeding Heart Bakery and Red Hen Bread.

{Nigel was also overjoyed at the site of all the produce - and yes, we have a new fireplace in our home.  I’m about to go all Christmas up in here! :D}

I picked “Fresh picks” boxes so I could get a ton of in-season fruit and veggies and it’s a glorious feeling to have so much fresh food in our home!

My fruit box contained Jonathan Apples, Golden Apples, Bosc Pears, Bananas, Kiwis & Mandarin Oranges or Tangerines.

I love Ezekiel bread because of the sprouted grains and knowing the exact calories of the bread. However, John and I have started being more serious about supporting local businesses.  This bread is from the Bleeding Heart bakery (Chicagoans will recognize it from their booth at the Farmer’s Market) and I enjoyed two slices with garlic hummus for lunch! We are so lucky to live near the Red Hen Bread and I hope to feature more of their breads on my blog in the future!

I’ve been wanting to make my own veggie burgers so I decided to try these veggie burgers from another one of my favorite Farmer’s Market booths - River Valley Ranch.  Expect me to try and copy this recipe soon!


Organic milk for my boo - if he’s gonna drink cow’s milk, I’m making sure it’s from an AWA farm!

In our veggie Fresh Picks box I found Delicata Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Onions, Kale, Crimini Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts, Scarlet Turnips & Carrots.

Anyone who is tittering at the bag of carrots raise your hand…and come sit by me in the mature kids section. Heh! :D Whoever sends me the best “that’s what she said” joke will get a big kiss from Nigel Bear.

The bounty was delivered carefully in large plastic bins which you can keep but I didn’t because I was home to meet the really sweet delivery guy (greeted enthusiastically by Nigel).  I’m thinking some yummy brussel sprouts roasted for dinner!

I am so glad such a service exists - the Farmer’s Market can be brought to me every day and I can try so many new fruits and veggies - they’ve even included recipes!

10 Notes/ Hide

  1. dreamitandwinit said: I’m right there with you — I shop organic because it’s better for your body and your tastebuds.
  2. ionlyweardresses posted this

Recent comments

Blog comments powered by Disqus