Purple Dragon Wed. Delivery Dates

Remaining Wed Deliveries in 2009:
Nov. 24 (Tuesday)
Dec. 9 & 23
2010 Deliveries:
Jan 6 & 20
Feb 3 & 24 (closed week of 14-20)
March 10 & 24
April 7 & 21
May 5 & 19
June 2 & 16 (closed June 27 - July 4)
July 7 & 21
Aug 4 & 18 (closed Aug 29 - Sept 6)
Sept 8 & 22
Oct 6 & 20
Nov 3 & 17
Dec 1, 15 & 29

What's Coming on Saturday 10/17/09

We expect organic PA red thumb fingerling potatoes, acorn squash, NY Swiss Chard, cilantro, red leaf lettuce, yellow onions, poblano peppers, tomatillos, cherry tomatoes, ecologically grown Devoe pears, Empire apples, a Floria Booth Avacado, California carrots, plums, peruvian bananas.

Fruit share: red grapes, a pomegranate, a pineapple, and spartan apples

What's Coming on Wednesday, 10/13/09

We are expecting to get: PA Edamame, Red Thumb Fingerlin potatoes and Acorn Squash, Swiss Chard, Red Leaft Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Ecologically grown Devoe Pears (great with Cheddar Cheese - this variety was developed by the farmer's uncle), empire apples, Georgia green beans, yellow squash, a Florida Booth avocado, California carrots and plums, Peruvian bananas, Grapefruit or Poblano peppers.

Fruit share: red grapes, a pomegranate, a pineapple, and Spartan apples

What's Coming on Saturday 10/03/09

We expect organic PA lacinata kale and white mushrooms, NY butternut squash, green onions, romain lettuce, zucchini or yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, ecologically grown Gala apples, and IPM Concord grapes (indigenous to our region), California broccoli (not enough local yet), cantaloupe, carrots and garlic and Peruvian Bananas.

Fruit Share: Green grapes, grapefuit, black plums and Valencia oranges.

What's Coming on Wednesday 09/30/09

We expect organic PA Lacinata Kale and White Mushrooms, NY Butternut Squash, green onions, romaine lettuce, zucchini OR yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, ecologically grown Gala Apples and IPM Concord Grapes (indigenous to our region). California Broccoli (not enough local yet), cantaloupe, carrots, and garlic, and Peruvian Bananas.

Fruit Share: Green grapes, grapefruit, black plums and Valencia oranges.

What's Coming on Saturday 9/19/09

We expect organic PA Sweet potatoes (with some blemishes and odd shapes - very good last year), NY Beets with greens, celery, collard greens, escarole (a bitter green good in salad, or sauteed with garlic), fennel, leeks, butter lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, Ecologiclaly grown McIntosh Apples and Bartlett Pears (both with little holes caused when hail hit them), and IPM corn, California carrots, pluots, and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit Shares: A honeydew melon, a Keitt mango, red seedless grapes and a pineapple

What's Coming on Wednesday 9/16/09

We expect PA Sweet Potatoes (with blemishes and odd shapes - last year they were so good!), NY beets with greens, celergy, collard greens, escarole (a bitter green good in salad, or sauteed with garlic), fennel, leeks, butter lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, Ecologically grown McIntosh apples, and Bartlett pears (both will have little holes where the hail hit them), and IPM corn, California carrots, pluots, and Peruvian Bananas.

Fruit Shares: a honeydew melon, a Keitt mango, red seedless grapes and a pineapple.

What's Coming on Wednesday 09/02/09

We expect NY basil, Swiss chard greens, cucumbers, eggplant, red leaf lettuce, yellow onions, green or frying peppers (not hot), red potatoes, Carolina gold and Juliette plum tomatoes, ecologically grown Ginger Gold apples, nectarines & peaches, IPM corn, California carrots, and peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: Bartlett pears, black mission figs, strawberries and a cantaloupe.

Kohnrabi & Tomatillos - what to do with strange veggies...

Here is what I did with this weeks odd veggies - and my family ate them!!!

TOMATILLO SALSA
Take 8-10 tomatillos and peel off the husk. Wash off the sticky parts. Place in a pot of water with a little salt. Bring to a boil and cook about 10 min. Drain. Put them in a blender or food processor with 5 sprigs of Cilantro, 1/2 small onion and 1 chopped jalopena pepper. Blend. Chill. Use as a dip with tortilla chips.

KOHLRABI SLAW
Peel and grate kohlrabi into fine julienne strips. Slice 3-4 inner celery ribs. Toss with Mustard Vinaigrette (below)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 shallots, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
salt and pepper
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp sour cream
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp chives (if not fresh - 2 tsp)
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Mix and pour over slaw.

What's Coming on Saturday 08/01/09

Check out the post for Wednesday 07/29/09 - it appears that both my groups are going to get the same items this week.

Thanks and enjoy!
Paula

What's Coming on Wednesday 07/29/09

NJ blueberries, NY arugula, NJ Collard Greens, NJ Cucumbers, NJ Garlic, NJ Green Onions, NJ Red leaf lettuce, NJ Zucchini Squash, NJ IPM Corn (very difficult and expensive to grow corn organically and if often ends up with worms, this excellent grower uses alternate methods and is a neighbor of one of our organic farmers who recommended them to us), NJ Ecologically grown peaches, Maryland grape tomatoes, California Cantaloupe, California Carrots, California Cherries, California Plums and Peruvian Bananas.

FRUIT SHARE: Pluots, Valencia oranges, blueberries and a pineapple.

Food will be available after 9am.

Purple Dragon Update - Wed & Sat Groups

This is a quick note to let you know about a couple of things....

Remember that in August PD is closed for a week and that causes the dates to slide. Here are the actual pick up dates for the Wed and Sat groups - please mark your calendars!

WEDNESDAY:
July 29
August 12
September 2, 16, 30
October 14, 28
November 11 & 24 (This is a Tuesday, not a Wednesday)
December 9 & 23

SATURDAY
August 1 & 15
September 5 & 19
October 3, 17 & 31
November 15 & 28
December 12 & 26

For those long stretches you can order additional items as a special order. To receive Janit's weekly newsletter and special order sheet, please send an e-mail to pdemaillist1@verizon.net and let her know that you are in Paula Roper's New Providence POD and which day.

What's Coming on Saturday 07/18/09

Review the blog post for 07/15/09 - items are the same!

What's Coming on Wednesday 07/15/09

We expect the following NJ Produce: Blueberries, Japanese salad turnips with greens, NY Beets with greens, NJ Red Cabbage, NJ Cilantro, NJ Asian Cucumbers, NJ Swiss Chard, NJ Lettuce, NJ Yellow onions, NJ New White Potaties, and IPM Corn - this alternative method corn was excellent last year, Georgia yellow & Red grape tomatoes, Washington Granny Smith Apples, California Carrots, California white nectarines, and Peruvian Bananas.

Fruit Shares: Red grapes, strawberries, peaches and Packham Pears.

Please contact coordinator in 24 hours if there is a problem with anything.

Purple Dragon Update

A few important updates for this week:
1. Napa cabbages will need to be cut in half as they grew too big; farmer could only fit 8 in the boxes he bought for them. Please make sure there is a cutting board and knife and plastic wrap or bags for the dividers to use.
2. Snow peas have been replaced by sugar snap peas this week at the farmer's request.
3. Blueberries need to be ever-so-gently divided. We recommend wearing plastic or rubber gloves and packing them into yogurt containers or something somewhat firm to prevent squishing. Please do not use a scoop as they will definitely squish! You can very gently pour them, however. We buy bulk because we get 25% more this way for the same money.
4. Hepworth Farms is sending spinach as a gift, but not enough for all the groups. If you get spinach, please know that it is a gift from Hepworth Farms. If you don't, the next time a farmer or supplier does something generous like this, we will make sure that the groups that did not get it this time get whatever it might turn out to be the next time it happens.

Some people have been wondering when the local produce will start, or why we are not getting only local produce at this point. The local farms are just starting to harvest some items now, so we can't get more items than they have available! This week, we are getting blueberries, basil, Napa cabbage, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, lettuce, zucchini and sugar snap peas. That is all that is available from the new crop. So stick with us and you will enjoy a great variety of local, organic summer produce once it becomes available. We work with over 100 small area farmers.

The NJ blueberries are ready now, and more local fruits and vegetables will be coming soon. We are lucky to have a co-op that buys from many farm sources rather than from just one farm as some farmers are getting very low yields due to all the rain. People who are in groups buying from only one farmer who is having low yields will be getting almost nothing right now.We will get peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, apples and pears, and all kinds of greens, squash, tomatoes, corn, herbs, broccoli, caulflower, etc. as the season goes on.

Late in the fall, everything will be harvested and stored, such as apples, potatoes, hard squash, pears and onions, and we will continue to buy those local things as long as they are good. This is what we have done for over 20 years and we will continue to provide a great value in local and organic groceries all year round. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and see what new items arrive in your shares each week!

Purple Dragon Update

A few important updates for this week:
1. Napa cabbages will need to be cut in half as they grew too big; farmer could only fit 8 in the boxes he bought for them. Please make sure there is a cutting board and knife and plastic wrap or bags for the dividers to use.
2. Snow peas have been replaced by sugar snap peas this week at the farmer's request.
3. Blueberries need to be ever-so-gently divided. We recommend wearing plastic or rubber gloves and packing them into yogurt containers or something somewhat firm to prevent squishing. Please do not use a scoop as they will definitely squish! You can very gently pour them, however. We buy bulk because we get 25% more this way for the same money.
4. Hepworth Farms is sending spinach as a gift, but not enough for all the groups. If you get spinach, please know that it is a gift from Hepworth Farms. If you don't, the next time a farmer or supplier does something generous like this, we will make sure that the groups that did not get it this time get whatever it might turn out to be the next time it happens.

Some people have been wondering when the local produce will start, or why we are not getting only local produce at this point. The local farms are just starting to harvest some items now, so we can't get more items than they have available! This week, we are getting blueberries, basil, Napa cabbage, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, lettuce, zucchini and sugar snap peas. That is all that is available from the new crop. So stick with us and you will enjoy a great variety of local, organic summer produce once it becomes available. We work with over 100 small area farmers.

The NJ blueberries are ready now, and more local fruits and vegetables will be coming soon. We are lucky to have a co-op that buys from many farm sources rather than from just one farm as some farmers are getting very low yields due to all the rain. People who are in groups buying from only one farmer who is having low yields will be getting almost nothing right now.We will get peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, apples and pears, and all kinds of greens, squash, tomatoes, corn, herbs, broccoli, caulflower, etc. as the season goes on.

Late in the fall, everything will be harvested and stored, such as apples, potatoes, hard squash, pears and onions, and we will continue to buy those local things as long as they are good. This is what we have done for over 20 years and we will continue to provide a great value in local and organic groceries all year round. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and see what new items arrive in your shares each week!

What's Coming on Saturday 07/01/09

This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!

.We expect organic NJ blueberries (Will be in bags in the red cooler so they do not mold. Pick up early!), PA Napa cabbage (1/2 each--they grew larger than expected and farmer can only fit so many in the boxes,) NY basil, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, romaine OR butter lettuce, snow peas and zucchini, California carrots, celery, lemons, peaches and red bell peppers, and Mexican hothouse tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and New Zealand gold kiwi.

Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get green grapes, oranges, plums and a pineapple.

Garlic Scrapes

One of the things I love about participating in Purple Dragon is that every once in a while, I get to try something new - and this week it is GARLIC SCRAPES. This is the green plant that grows out of the top of the garlic. Normally when you purchase a head of garlic what you are actually getting is a bulb. Have you ever put garlic in a basket and within a few days a green shoot comes out of the bulb? That is a garlic scrape.

SO...now that you know what they are - what do we do with them?

* Use them in pesto instead of basil and toss with pasta
* Chop them and use in a stir fry instead of green onions
* Blanche them and toss with a light vinegarette for a summer salad/side
* Add to gazpacho - it give a great light garlicy flavor
* Lightly grill and serve as you would asparagus

What's Coming on Wednesday07/01/09

This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!

We expect organic NJ blueberries (Our will be in bags - and will be in the cooler on the porch so that they do not mold - come early!!!), PA Napa cabbage (1/2 each--they grew larger than expected and farmer can only fit so many in the boxes,) NY basil, red Russian kale, garlic scapes, romaine OR butter lettuce, snow peas and zucchini, California carrots, celery, lemons, peaches and red bell peppers, and Mexican hothouse tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and New Zealand gold kiwi.

Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get green grapes, oranges, plums and a pineapple.

Saturday's Pineapple...

Had a call from one divider Sat. am who thought the pineapples looked iffy.
She cut hers right away when she got home and said it was excellent.
So don't be put off by a bit of surface mold, which is often caused by produce going in and out of refrigeration, but use your pineapple soon.
I suggest washing it (always wash fruit before you cut it) and cut and see how it is. If it is brown inside, obviously overripe and let your coordinator know.
If you think something is ripe or overripe, always a good idea to put in the fridge right away, and use as soon as possible.
It was not our intention to get fruits that were so ripe, but if we have them and they are good, we might as well use them, right?
Also, if you are not ready to use them,. you can freeze cup up fruit for later smoothies, ice pops, daquiries, etc.
Best-
janit

What's Coming on Saturday 06/20/09

This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!

We expect NY Ecologically grown Jonagold apples, organic NY collard greens, dill, red OR green leaf lettuce, either English OR snow peas and red potatoes, PA mushrooms, Florida eggplant, California carrots, Valencia oranges and grape tomatoes, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas.

Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get nectarines, peaches, Granny Smith apples, blueberries and a Tommy Atkins mango.

What's Coming on Wednesday 06/17/09

This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!

We expect NY Ecologically grown Jonagold apples, organic NY collard greens, dill, red OR green leaf lettuce and either English OR snow peas, PA mushrooms, Florida eggplant, parsley and tomatoes, California carrots, Valencia oranges and russet potatoes, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get nectarines, peaches, Granny Smith apples, blueberries and a Tommy Atkins mango.

Here's what's coming Saturday 06/06/09

This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!We expect NY organic cilantro, baby lettuce, spinach and radishes, Georgia blueberries, Florida eggplant, grape AND roma tomatoes and yellow squash, Washington Fuji apples, California carrots, celery, white peaches and romaine lettuce hearts, and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get red Bartlett pears, Valencia oranges, a honeydew melon and a pineapple.

What's Coming on Wednesday 05/20/09

This is what we expect to be in the order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. LOCAL PRODUCE IS STARTING!

We expect NY Ecologically grown Mutsu apples, organic PA romaine lettuce and rhubarb, Florida green cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, cherry and slicing tomatoes, California baby peel carrots, kale greens, Valencia oranges, peaches, russet potatoes and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Bosc pears, blueberries, strawberries and kiwi and everyone is getting a mango as a makeup for problem peaches last delivery.

Vidalia Onions

Sorry to be posting a recipe for Vidalia Onions nearly 2 weeks since they were delivered - however - I just cooked mine today, and it reminded me that I needed to share this lovely southern recipe with you.

Vidalia Onions are sweet instead of hot - so they make terrific eatting raw. You can also bake them in this very traditional Georgia Casserole:

Slice 3 cups of Vidalia Onions and par boil them (this means take a large pot, fill with water and some salt and bring to a boil - dump in the onions for 3-4 minutes, then drain). Put them into a casserole dish with about 1/2 cup almonds (you can use slivered, or dry roasted whole or anything in between - in "white trash cooking" you use what you have).

Melt 2 tbsp. butter and stir into it 2 tbsp. flour. Then add (constantly stiring) 1/2 cup milk (whole milk) and 1 cup chicken stock (or 1 cup water with a boullion cube). Stir until it begins to thicken. Pour over onions. Add salt, pepper and up to 1 cup of grated cheese (anything from Parmesian to Cheddar to Mozarella).

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browning.

Kiwi Fruit

I don't know about you, but I've got an ever growing pile of Kiwi fruit in my kitchen - which is ripening nicely. However, I have not been successful getting my family to eat it, even the members who claim they love Kiwi Fruit. SO...I found some interesting recipes to try - and thought I'd share the websites with you. BTW - one of the websites indicated that you can substitute kiwi in any recipe that calls for tomatoes (like salsa).

If you come us with anything exciting that your family loves (at least 50% of family members will eat it) please share!!!

http://www.kiwifruit.org/Home-i-1-1.html
This is the website for the California Kiwi Fruit Commission (who knew!)...

http://www.rainforestwebs.com/recipes/kiwibiscuits.html
This looks like a great cookie - I'm making a batch this afternoon....unfortunately Kiwi means New Zealander as well as the name of a green furry fruit.

http://www.seasonalrecipes.com/season/kiwifruit.php This site looks like lots of fun with seasonal recipes from New Zealand.

ENJOY!!!

What's Coming on Saturday 05/09/09

We expect NY Ecologically grown Empire apples, Georgia Vidalia onions (store these fragile treats in the fridge and use soon,) Florida vine-ripened cantaloupe (eat soon!,) eggplant, romaine lettuce, bell peppers (if you find some white stuff on them, that is calcium carbonate, used by the farmers to prevent sunburn on the peppers. It is the same calcium that is used as a vitamin, so wash it off, but it is harmless if you eat it.), slicing tomatoes, yellow squash and zucchini, California carrots, kale, Valencia oranges, English peas (remove the shells to eat,) Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, a pineapple, strawberries, a Tommy Atkins mango and and peaches.

Organic Garden Plants Available...

Organic garden plants available May 15. Orders due by May 12. Please send your check with your order.Plants will vary in size; we won't know how big until they arrive from the farm!

Type of plant, price, # of sets of 5, ost
Genovese basil, 5 plants, $10
Cilantro, 5 plants, $10
Parsley, 5 plants, $10
Mountain Fresh slicing tomatoes, 5 plants, $10
Brandywine Heirloom tomatoes, 5 plants, $10
Mixed cherry tomatoes, 5 plants, $10
Plum tomatoes, 5 plants, $10
Eggplant, 5 plants, $10
Bell peppers, 5 plants, $10, Jalapeno peppers, 5 plants, $10

DISCOUNT! Order 5 or more types and receive a $5 discount. -$5
PICKING UP at 289 Washington Street, __Friday, May 15, 3-5 pm OR Saturday, May 16, 10-noon, no charge
Please DELIVER my plants to my pod at the next delivery date after May 15; $5
Please enclose your check with your order & mail to 289 Washington Street, Glen Ridge, NJ, 07028
TOTAL:
Name: ________________________________ Address: _______________________________ City/State/Zip_________________Phones: H:___________________________ W:_____________________________ Coord.: ____________________ Pickup day: _____

What's Coming on Wednesday 05/06/09

We expect NY Ecologically grown Empire apples, Georgia Vidalia onions (store these fragile treats in the fridge and use soon,) Florida vine-ripened cantaloupe (eat soon!,) eggplant, romaine lettuce, bell peppers (if you find some white stuff on them, that is calcium carbonate, used by the farmers to prevent sunburn on the peppers. It is the same calcium that is used as a vitamin, so wash it off, but it is harmless if you eat it.), slicing tomatoes, yellow squash and zucchini, California carrots, kale, Valencia oranges, English peas (remove the shells to eat,) Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, a pineapple, strawberries, a Tommy Atkins mango and and peaches.

What's Coming on Saturday 04/25/09

This is what we expect to be in the Saturday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown Mutsu apples, Florida green cabbage, cantaloupe, cucumbers, green beans (the farm had first asked us to buy eggplant but then did not have enough, so we switched to green beans,) and roma tomatoes, California carrots, collard greens, romaine lettuce hearts, yellow onions and russet potatoes, Peruvian bananas and Argentinian red Bartlett pears.

Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, a pineapple, strawberries and Bartlett pears.

What's COming on Wednesday 04/22/09

This is what we expect to be in the Wednesday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown Mutsu apples, Florida green cabbage, cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant and roma tomatoes, California carrots, collard greens, romaine lettuce, yellow onions, russet potatoes, Peruvian bananas and Argentinian red Bartlett pears. Because of very high prices on lettuce and cooking greens due to extreme wind in California, our buying power was limted this week.

Anything else is a make-up. Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Gold Delicious apples, strawberries, Valencia oranges and kiwi.

Bok Choi Stir Fry

This recipe is from one of my very first posts to the BLOG. I had a request for it again - since we had such great Bok Choi this past week. ENJOY!

Bok Choi is one of my favorite veges. I use it in a quick stir fry! Start by cooking 1 pkg. of spaghetti pasta (I often use Italian pasta rather than Chinese pasta for this dish). While the pasta is cooking, Wash and Chop the Bok Choi. You will also want to chop an onion, mince a clove of garlic, and about 1-2 tbsp. ginger root - and perhaps some mushrooms. Into a measuring cup add 1/4 cup Soy Sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp. Sesame Oil. Heat your wok and add Canola Oil (about 2-3 tbsp.) Then toss in the garlic and ginger. Almost immediately add the onion and bok choi. Stir and toss the mixture constantly for 2-3 minutes until everything is hot and nearly cooked through. Now add the soy sauce mixture in your meauring cup. Toss veges in the liquid and turn off the Wok. When you drain your spaghetti, toss it in 1 tbsp sesame oil. Then mix with the veges. Dinner is served!

Saturday 4/11/09 - Credit for previous bad strawberries

Just so you know - the grapefruits that you received today were a "Make Up" or "credit" for the bad strawberries from last time. ENJOY!!!
Paula

What's Coming on Saturday 04/11/09

This is what we expect to be in the Saturday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown Spartan apples, Georgia sweet potatoes, Florida green beans (if you cannot accept beans because of Passover, please ask your coordinator to let the divider know to give you extra bok choi instead and give the extra beans out to the group,) red OR green leaf lettuce, parsley, bell peppers (if you find some white stuff on them, that is calcium carbonate, used by the farmers to prevent sunburn on the peppers. It is the same calcium that is used as a vitamin, so wash it off, but it is harmless if you eat it.), yellow squash and zucchini, California bok choi (if less than 15 heads per case, you may need to cut the largest ones. Sometimes, they grow to be gigiantic!,) carrots, Valencia oranges and russet potatoes, Mexican slicing tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and kiwi from Italy. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, a pineapple, strawberries and Bartlett pears.

What's Coming on Wednesday 04/08/09

This is what we expect to be in the Wednesday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown Spartan apples, Georgia sweet potatoes, Florida green beans (if you cannot accept beans because of Passover, please ask your coordinator to let the divider know to give you extra bok choi instead and give the extra beans out to the group,) red OR green leaf lettuce, parsley, bell peppers (if you find some white stuff on them, that is calcium carbonate, used by the farmers to prevent sunburn on the peppers. It is the same calcium that is used as a vitamin, so wash it off, but it is harmless if you eat it.), yellow squash and zucchini, California bok choi (if less than 15 heads per case, you may need to cut the largest ones. Sometimes, they grow to be gigiantic!,) carrots, Valencia oranges and russet potatoes, Mexican slicing tomatoes, Peruvian bananas and kiwi from Italy. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, a pineapple, strawberries and Bartlett pears.

Zuchinni Fritters

One of my family's favorite side dishes are Zuchinni Fritters. It is an old southern recipe, and it does not have measurements - so bear with me while I explain how to make it.

Grate 1-2 zuchinni. You want about 2-3 cups of grated squash when you are done. Leave the peel on the zuchinni, it tastes great and makes them more colorful.

Grate 1 yellow onion (this is a to taste thing - if you have big onions, you might want to use 1/2 or 1/4 instead of a whole one). The thing about grating the onion - you get sort of mush and juice. Works really well in this dish.

Add 1 beaten egg.

Add 2-3 tbsp flour (to thicken egg and juices) and salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a skillet and add 1/2 tbsp butter and some olive oil. When the pan is hot, add heaping spoonfuls of the zuchinni mixture. Generally I flatten them down (pancake size) and brown on each side. You can take them off, put them on a cookie sheet and keep them hot in the oven.

That's all there is to it!

What's Coming on wednesday 03/11/09

We expect NY Ecologically grown #2 (expect some spots) Honeycrisp apples and organic PA turnips, Florida red cabbage, red OR green leaf lettuce, bell peppers, Roma tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lacinata kale , more of the delicious Valencia oranges with some spots on the skin, and sweet potatoes, Mexican eggplant, a Costa Rican pineapple and Peruvian bananas. Anything else is a make-up.

Please let your coordinator know ASAP if you have any quality problems; we only have 24 hours to get supplier credits.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Cameo apples, royal mandarin oranges, a pommelo and kiwi.

What's Coming on Saturday 02/28/09 UPDATE

Here is the update on Saturday - there are a couple of changes....

We expect PA IPM golden delicious apples and organic NY yellow onions, Florida green cabbage, red or green leaf lettuce and suntan peppers, California broccoli, carrots, celery hearts, collard greens, fingerling potatoes (just roast whole,) and Valencia oranges, WA Bosc pears, Mexican sugar snap peas from the excellent Del Cabo farmers' cooperative, US and Mexican small farmers working together, Peruvian bananas and Honduran ginger (look for a small piece in your box) and a bottle of salad dressing to help a supplier. We paid less than half price for this, so enjoy!

Kiwi is a make-up for strawberries.

Fruit shares: A mango, a pineapple, Braeburn apples, grapefruit and clementines.

What's Coming on Saturday 02/28/09

We expect PA IPM gold delicious apples, NY organic yellow onions, Florida romaine lettuce, yellow squash OR CA bok choi and tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, celery hearts, Valencia oranges, sugar snap peas, Russian banana fingerling potatoes (delicious baked whole with olive oil and garlic on them,) WA Bosc pears and Peruvian bananas and a piece of ginger from Honduras (store in the freezer in a baggie if you won't use it soon,) and a bottle of organic salad dressing (as a favor to a supplier and we got a great deal--either chipotle ranch or romano cesar; hope you enjoy it! Dressings need to be kept refrigerated once you get them home. We heard from one family that used the ranch as a marinade.)

Fruit shares: I am planning to get grapefruit, Braeburn apples, clementines, a Kent mango and a pineapple

What's Coming on Wednesday 02/25/09

We expect PA IPM gold delicious apples, NY organic yellow onions, Florida romaine lettuce, yellow squash OR CA bok choi and tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, celery hearts, Valencia oranges, sugar snap peas, Russian banana fingerling potatoes (delicious baked whole with olive oil and garlic on them,) WA Bosc pears and Peruvian bananas and a piece of ginger from Honduras (store in the freezer in a baggie if you won't use it soon,) and a bottle of organic salad dressing (as a favor to a supplier and we got a great deal--either chipotle ranch or romano cesar; hope you enjoy it!

Dressings need to be kept refrigerated once you get them home. We heard from one family that used the ranch as a marinade.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get grapefruit, Braeburn apples, clementines, a Kent mango and a pineapple

Produce Quality - when they look funny...

From Janit London at Purple Dragon:

We never intentionally buy or send out anything that is not good, but produce, being a natural product, sometimes can break down very quickly--within hours. So please understand that there is no need to get angry or upset--just let your coordinator know right away. So, yes, some of the strawberries surprised us and broke down very quickly. We thought we would be fine delivering them in the lovely cold weather, but alas! some did not make it, not through mishandling but because of inherent issues within the berries themselves. Others, and this is not surprising when there is less sun, were not as flavorful as people might have liked. Of course, they are not as delightful to eat raw but can be used in delicious recipes, such as, chop and boil in 1-2 cups of water for 5 minutes; add maple syrup to taste, and you have a lovely syrup for pancakes that will keep in the fridge for a week.

The other problem is that sometimes something can look funny or different but still be excellent; we are always learning and then passing along what we have learned to you. Some people thought their green grapes (if you got these) had issues but really, it was just the late-season "ambering," when the grapes get an amber color, which only makes them sweeter. Other members thought there was something wrong with their Valencia oranges, which were somewhat lumpy looking and had some spots on the skin. The oranges were actually fabulous!

So don't be fooled by appearances! Taste the food or call the office. Also, beware of guessing what might be wrong with something. We hear the most interesting conjectures of what might potentially be wrong but most of the time, these ideas are totally incorrect. We have had people thinking they saw mildew, aflatoxin, and things being old. Produce doesn't get mildew or aflatoxin (except on peanuts) and we always know how "old" things are before we buy them (such as all local apples, pears, potatoes, onions and squash are harvested in the fall.) So please don't stress and don't worry but call or e the office and we can reassure you about what you have received. We had a lot of people who regretted that they threw away their delicious oranges based on their funny appearance, so let's avoid that kind of error! Call! Email! Ask us.

And be sure to let your coordinator know if you think you have a quality issue so she can check in with the group and let us know.

SATURDAY POD SORT LIST

Remember - sign up for 2 times if you are whole share and 1 time if you are a half share. If you are not able to sort at all, the charge is $30 to have the food pre-sorted at the warehouse. All POD members are required to help sort food.THANKS!

SATURDAY LIST

DATE
NAME


28-Feb
Cirotti

14-Mar
Peggy Hodgkins

28-Mar
Harrison

11-Apr
Sondey

25-Apr
Hadow

9-May
Peterson

23-May
Dougherty

6-Jun
Dreitlein

20-Jun
Dougherty

July 4***
Peterson

18-Jul
Sondey

1-Aug
Reilly

15-Aug

5-Sep

19-Sep
Mathis

3-Oct

17-Oct

31-Oct

14-Nov

28-Nov

12-Dec

26-Dec

Wednesday POD Food Sorters

Remember - sign up for 2 times if you are whole share and 1 time if you are a half share. If you are not able to sort at all, the charge is $30 to have the food pre-sorted at the warehouse. All POD members are required to help sort food.
THANKS!

WEDNESDAY LIST
DATE
NAME

25-Feb
Prosser

11-Mar
Toner

25-Mar
D. Sajer

8-Apr

22-Apr

6-May

22-May

3-Jun

17-Jun
Brasowski

1-Jul

15-Jul
Prosser
29-Jul

12-Aug

2-Sep
Brasowski

16-Sep

30-Sep

14-Oct

28-Oct

11-Nov

Nov 24 ** Tues

9-Dec

23-Dec

Organic vs. Conventional Produce...

I received this information in a newsletter this morning - and thought I'd share it - great information for anyone who wants numbers to back up what we already know about getting organic food. One more thing - the newsletter is from LAPTOP lunches - I put the weblink to the newsletter at the bottom of this note, check it out - great ideas for packing lunches for your kids.
Paula

How bad is conventional produce?
You may be thinking that eating conventional produce is the most practical option. How bad can these pesticides possibly be? Well, here are some statistics from one of my favorite organizations, Sustainable Table (www.sustainabletable.org):
According to the EPA, over 1 billion tons of pesticides are used in the U.S. every year to eliminate pests. These chemicals are known to damage the environment and human health.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers estimates that in 2002, 69,000 children suffered from pesticide related poisoning or exposure to poisonous pesticides.
According to the EPA, agricultural practices are responsible for 70% of all pollution in U.S. rivers and streams.
Many operations consume water at an unsustainable rate, causing aquifer depletion and ground subsidence.
Conventional produce is shipped an average of 1,500 miles before reaching consumers.
That’s right. In addition to poisoning our bodies and the soil, that poor tomato you’re eating has guzzled up an enormous amount of fossil fuels. It was probably picked when it was green in Mexico or Chile, then flown in and put on a truck where it was driven hundreds of miles before getting to your grocery store. And who knows how long it was sitting there before you put it in your cart.
How good is organic produce?
Organic farmers are committed to growing food in a natural manner – free of pesticides – and harvesting it when the time is right. Organic farming practices protect our land and water from being poisoned, which means we all have safe water to drink and nutrient-rich soil that continues to yield healthy produce for us to eat. Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels because we sell our products to local stores, at our farm stands or farmers' markets, or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. When you buy organic products, you're supporting your local economy. And when you eat organic products, your taste buds will dance because the flavor is undeniably delicious.
With all of these benefits, why isn’t everyone eating organic food? Many cite the high cost, but it's important to realize that at least 30% of our crops don’t make it to you. Nature does its thing, of course, and we let it. Organic farming is laborious. We plant crops seasonally and harvest them when it’s time. That means we watch over our crops every day, harvest every day, and deliver every day. Finally, the demand for organic produce isn’t big enough to push prices down – yet.

http://www.laptoplunches.com/newsletters/2009/FebruaryNewsletter_2009.html

Wednesday Weather Alert

It will be very cold tomorrow. I will be running a heater in the space where the veggies are stored. Be sure to look at notes - you may have items stored in a cooler that you will need to add to your order.

Members to bring ice chests with your names on them today and have the dividers pack the food into the ice chests.

What's Coming on Saturday 02/07/09

Here's what's coming on Saturday..

We expect NY ecologically grown Empire apples and organic shallots, PA yellow carrots and russet potatoes, Florida green beans, green cabbage, red OR green leaf lettuce, parsley (delicious in soups and salads,) red bell peppers and grape tomatoes, Oregon red anjou pears (gorgeous in fruit salad or for dessert with the PA smoked cheddar,) California strawberries and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Braeburn apples, grapefruit and Anjou pears.

What

We expect NY ecologically grown Empire apples and organic shallots, PA yellow carrots and russet potatoes, Florida green beans, green cabbage, red OR green leaf lettuce, parsley (delicious in soups and salads,) red bell peppers and grape tomatoes, Oregon red anjou pears (gorgeous in fruit salad or for dessert with the PA smoked cheddar,) California strawberries and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Braeburn apples, grapefruit and Anjou pears.

What

We expect NY ecologically grown Empire apples and organic shallots, PA yellow carrots and russet potatoes, Florida green beans, green cabbage, red OR green leaf lettuce, parsley (delicious in soups and salads,) red bell peppers and grape tomatoes, Oregon red anjou pears (gorgeous in fruit salad or for dessert with the PA smoked cheddar,) California strawberries and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Braeburn apples, grapefruit and Anjou pears.

What's Coming On Wednesday 02/04/09

Here is what we are expecting in our Wednesday delivery. In addition - I have 2 Half shares available this week only - if you are thinking that your regular delivery will not be enough to last you 2 weeks, please consider taking an additional 1/2 shares this week. Let me know ASAP - since this will be first come, first serve.

I will also have eggs available at $4 per dozen, and raisins (my family believes they are the best raisins available anywhere) for $4 per pound.

We expect NY ecologically grown Empire apples and organic shallots, PA yellow carrots and russet potatoes, Florida green beans, green cabbage, red OR green leaf lettuce, parsley (delicious in soups and salads or tabouli, and supernutritious,) red bell peppers and grape tomatoes, Oregon red anjou pears (gorgeous in fruit salad or for dessert with the PA smoked cheddar,) California strawberries and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: Blueberries, a pineapple, Gala apples and clementines.

Valentine's Family Dinner Special: Buy 2 bottles of Blue Earth Heirloom Tomato Sauce ($12 each; super thick!) from NJ organic heirloom tomatoes and get $5 off a pound of exquisite organically raised parmigiano reggiano from Italy, reg. $15/lb.

It may be below freezing Wednesday morning. Members--please leave an ice chest if you cannot pick up early.

Cheeseburger Soup

Yesterday my 14 year old son, took to heart my comment from Facebook's 25 random thoughts - I posted that I really don't like it when I cook a meal, and people come to the table and complain about how awful the food is before they even taste it. He came to me after supper (which was not one of his favorite meals) and said that he'd found a recipe he thinks he would like, would I make it. It was for Cheeseburger Soup (from Splendid Soups and Spectacular Sides). SO...I honored his request and made it last night. It is a really interesting soup - I am not sure it really tastes like a cheeseburger - or maybe I'm confused because the texture is soup and the taste is cheeseburger. I share the recipe here for your enjoyment. If you end up preparing it, let me know how your family likes it.

Brown in 1 tbsp oil: 1 lb. ground beef.
Add: 1 cup onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrot, diced
1 tsp. garlic, minced

Stir in: 3 cups chicken broth
2 cups russet potatoes peeled, diced
1 tsp. dried basil

Melt, whisk and then add to soup:
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk

Add: 2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp. prepared mustard

Serive with shoestring fries (very crispy with salt).

Ten Tips for Less Waste in 2009

1. Ditch the dryer sheets (I use lavender dryer bags from Purple Dragon)
2. Bring your own cup or mug
3. Use a reuseable utensil
4. Bag the sandwich bag
5. Say no to gift wrap - use a reuseable bag
6. Reuse a plastic bag
7. Bring a bottle (made of stainless steel)
8. Pack a sustainable lunch
9. Bring a bag with you
10. No more paper towels

WEDNESDAY 01/21/09 LATE DELIVERY

Due to truck problems the delivery today is a bit later than expected -

Wednesday 01/21/09 Special Message

Starting this week we will be part of a new driver's schedule - we expect him to deliver by 6am - so the food should be ready for pick up - MUCH EARLIER than before. I believe you can start picking up by 9am this week.

WED 01/21 WEATHER ALERT

It is going to be below freezing Wednesday morning!

Coordinators: please make sure the veggies will not freeze where they are stored.If they might freeze, please cover with blankets, tarps, newspapers, etc. Keeping veggies off the floor will help prevent freezing. Bananas and tomatoes should be kept in a warm room until divided. Please call us for advice if you have any questions about what to do.
***** Please read notes on the porch -
there may be items in the ice chest for you to pick up!!!******

Members--please leave an ice chest if you cannot pick up early.Everyone--please call or e if you have any questions about protecting your fruits and veggies.

What's Coming on Saturday 01/24/09

This is what we expect to be in the Saturday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. Look at what the extra $3 gets us!

We expect PA IPM Golden delicious apples and organic Crimini mushrooms, sweet potatoes, NY yellow onions, Florida dill herb (delicious in soups and salad dressings, or in butter for steamed parsnips and carrots,) romaine OR red leaf lettuce, green with possibly a touch of red bell peppers, tangeloes and grape tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, collard greens and parsley, Peruvian bananas and blueberries from Argentina.

Make-ups for problem produce will also be included in this week's order; we are not sure yet what is replacing what.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Braeburn apples, grapefruit and Anjou pears.

What's Coming on Wednesday 01/21/2009

This is what we expect to be in the Wednesday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them. Look at what the extra $3 gets us!

We expect PA IPM Golden delicious apples and organic Crimini mushrooms, sweet potatoes, NY yellow onions, Florida dill herb (delicious in soups and salad dressings, or in butter for steamed parsnips and carrots,) romaine OR red leaf lettuce, green with possibly a touch of red bell peppers, tangeloes and grape tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, collard greens and parsley, Peruvian bananas and blueberries from Argentina. Make-ups for problem produce will also be included in this week's order; we are not sure yet what is replacing what.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Braeburn apples, grapefruit and Anjou pears.

Purple Dragon Supplier supplies food for Inauguration!

Farm News: One of the farm cooperatives that supplies us told us that they are supplying food for the Inauguration! This is the same group from whom we got the celeriac. We will be getting beets and yellow carrots from them next delivery.

ATTN: SATURDAY PD FOLKS

It is supposed to be below freezing tomorrow morning and we are expecting snow starting around noon. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pick up as early as possible, read all notes (I may have some items residing in a cooler to keep them fresh) and I will have a space heater on the porch - hopefully everything will be as terrific as always!

If you have any questions - please call me at 908 803 1157 (cell).
Thanks,

Going Green

I have two terrific website to recommend to all of you!!! The first one has great ideas for packing lunches for kids...and the second is a wonderful source for bags/boxes/lunchpails to go green with in 2009. ENJOY!

http://lunchinabox.net/

http://www.reusablebags.com/

Kale and Yukon Gold Potato Soup

I was looking for something new and different to do with this week's Kale, and after a conversation with another co-op member found this recipe from Rachel Ray of the Foodnetwork. I'm probably going to use Italian Sausage since I have some in the freezer, but doesn't this look wonderful?! If you try it too - let me know what you think! -Paula



Ingredients
2 tablespoons (2 turns around the pan) extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium white waxy potatoes, like yukon golds, peeled and diced
2 medium onions, chopped
4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 bay leaves, fresh or dried
1 pound kale, coarsely chopped
Coarse salt and pepper
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzos (chick peas), drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 pound diced chourico, casing removed
1 quart chicken broth
Warm, crusty bread
Directions
Heat oil in a deep pot over medium high heat. Add potatoes and onions, cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic, bay leaves, and kale to the pot. Cover pot and wilt greens 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add beans, tomatoes, chourico, and broth to the pot and bring soup to a full boil. Reduce heat back to medium and cook 5 to 10 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.
Serve soup with hunks of crusty bread and butter.
Cook's Note: If you are in Mystic, ask for cherise (phonetic pronunciation), if you want to sample the chourico.

ONION, ONION, Who's Got the Onion?

I had a request today for soup recipes for onions - that are vegetarian. My two favorites are by mollie Katzen. I will list them below. Also - if you have tons of onions - you can slice and cook in a bit of oil or butter until carmelized and put into 1 tbsp. lumps to freeze. Then gather them into a freezer container (after they are frozen). Anytime you cook a burger, just heat up the amount you need.

ONION SOUP
In a dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter and cook for about 10 min.
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp. salt
Add the following, cover and cook slowly for about 35 mintues:
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
a dash or two of thyme
Add:
4 cups water
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2-3 tbsp dry white wine (optional)
a few dashed of white pepper. Simmer at least 10 more minutes.

Service with croutons and swiss cheese. If you are using oven proof bowls, you can add a large crouton, and cheese and put under the broiler (like French Onion Soup)

SWISS CHEESE & ONION SOUP (think fondue soup)
Starts a lot like the last one....
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a dutch oven. Add:
2 med. onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
1-2 med. cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. dry mustard.
Cook 8-10 min. until onions are very soft.
Add 1-3 tbsp flour (sprinkle and stir)
2 tbsp dry sherry
2 cups water
1 tsp horseradish
Cook 5 more minutes
Add 1 1/2 cups warm milk (can be lowfat)
1 1/2 cups packed grated swiss cheese
Stir until smooth.

What's Coming on Saturday 01/10/09

This is what we expect to be in the Wednesday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown #2 Honeycrisp apples and organic Yukon Gold potatoes, Florida cherry tomatoes, California avocadoes, broccoli, carrots, grapefruit, kale, romaine lettuce, Oregon Bosc pears, Mexican zucchini and Peruvian bananas and possibly one other item, or we will get extra lettuce and greens.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Pink Lady apples, a mango, Valencia oranges and a pineapple.

What's Coming on Wednesday 01/07/08

This is what we expect to be in the Wednesday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown #2 Honeycrisp apples and organic Yukon Gold potatoes, PA celeriac, Florida cherry tomatoes, California avocadoes, broccoli, carrots, grapefruit, kale, romaine lettuce, Oregon Bosc pears, Mexican zucchini and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get blueberries, Pink Lady apples, a mango, Valencia oranges and a pineapple.

We should be ready for you to pick up at Paula's by 11am.

PLEASE READ - UPDATE FROM PURPLE DRAGON

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS - MY NOTE IS AT THE BOTTOM:


We did NOT pass along our increased fuel costs, both for our drivers and what we were being charged when we received deliveries because we feel that we have a partnership with the members. We can weather these trying economic times together. Purple Dragon is in a unique position to help you save money on your groceries and natural household items. Let's work together and hopefully the summer regional produce prices will be more in the normal range. We have found that, with the higher prices farms and wholesalers have been charging, we have had to really struggle to get a decent order for you and we are not able to get you some of the wonderful things we would like to get. We are going to ask everyone for an additional $3/delivery starting in January. (Leave your check for the new amount when you pick up on Wednesday.) This translates to $1.50 per week, so we hope you feel this is fair and economical. This way, we can have additional buying power to get our orders fuller and better. We have been having to leave off some items we would like to have gotten for everyone because we did not have enough money with the price rises in wholesale food costs in the last six months. We feel this small price increase will allow us to get everyone more food and a better variety. Please remember, when gas and food prices were going up all around us, we did not raise our price. Don't forget that you can be a coordinator ($40 discount each delivery) or a divider ($15-30 discount per delivery) if you are having trouble affording your veggies. Meanwhile, we are having our company software rewritten, which we have not done in over 10 years. We hope to finally make online ordering possible, as well as to automate functions that now take hours of office time. We always need drivers with their own vans or mini-vans to deliver the veggies early in the morning, one or two days a week, before they go to their other jobs. Please let us know if you know of anyone.

PAULA'S NOTE: THIS MEANS THAT STARTING ON 01/07/08 and 01/10/08 when you pick up and leave a check - the cost is as follows:
WHOLE SHARES: $47.00
HALF SHARES: $23.50
FRUIT SHARES: $17.00

IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE JANIT'S E-MAIL DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX - PLEASE SEND A NOTE TO janit@verizon.net and tell her you are in my POD in New Providence, and which day. In addition to her letter you will get special order sheets for getting extras. If you place a special order, please copy me so that I will know what is coming, and drop off a check (by the day before delivery) made out to Purple Dragon for the amount of your special order. I need to pay for the order when it is delivered.

THANKS!