Pork Eggrolls

As I was strolling along the produce aisle at the store yesterday I saw some egg roll wrappers. I thought it a grand idea to get some and try my hand at making some egg rolls. I have never made these before, and generally I am not that fond of a bunch of greasy, fried food.

Here's what I did

Diced two carrots...half of a green and purple cabbage, a crapload of scallions, a few Anaheim peppers, one green pepper and 2 stalks of celery. I used my handy pampered chef cutting/dicing contraption..makes things so much easier and in half the time.

Then I cooked up about a half pound or so of ground pork sausage then drained.. Then I added the vegetables and cooked until soft. I added a bunch of freshly ground pepper and about a teaspoon of soy sauce. After tasting it, I felt it needed something else...Chinese five spice? Nah...fish oil..nope...besides I didn't have any of that o n hand. So I went digging through the pantry. We had a pack or 'oriental' flavor top ramen noodles. I don't remember why we had this..we don't normally eat this. I think it was from awhile back when I made a Chinese cabbage salad...?? Anyway..I thought I would use the spice packet in there. Then decide to smash up the noodles really small and add those as well. Mix pork and veggie/noodle concoction together.

Using canola oil, fill a skillet..maybe 1/3 of the way up the side..I don't know I didn't measure..just dumped it in there...and turn the heat up.

Next I took one wrapper and set it out. Put about 2 tablespoons on top.

Then fold the edges first..and sealed it with an egg wash. Folded the rest and did another coating of egg wash.

Carefully place in hot oil..these cook super quickly...were talking like 20 seconds each side.

Lay them on a paper towel to drain and cool..maybe 5 minutes.
Being a first time egg roll maker..these were the bomb! Everyone scarfed them up..It was weird to see the kids using ranch and ketchup to dip them though instead of the sweet and sour sauce..but whatever....they're kids...they would stick a straw in the ranch and gulp it down if I'd let them...

Spaghetti Squash with tomato fresca...sorta

Usually when I make spaghetti squash I use butter and fresh grated Parmesan. But a few weeks ago I decided to make a chunky red sauce to go with it. However I forgot to snap some pics, so today I did it again..since we got a squash in our CSA box.

First you just cut the squash in half and scrape out the seeds and such..as you would any pumpkin and toss..

I put fresh ground pepper and organic oregano on top and threw it in the over at maybe 350 degrees for like an hour or so.

Next up..I cut up a heirloom tomato, bell pepper..some garlic and some red onion and chive and threw it in the food processor..also I added half a can or organic diced tomatoes....

Did this for a few seconds until coarsely chopped.After the squash is done..let it cool for maybe 5 minutes or so and scrape it outta the shell.
Load it up with the sauce and top with some more parmie if ever so inclined.

This is so good and fresh tasting. I had made squash before and Justin was never a fan..so I was left with piles of spaghetti squash 'noodles' to eat solo. However when I made it this way a few weeks over when our friend Stella was over..he loved it and since has eaten it every time. He also dumps extra chunks of tomato and onion over the top and mixes it in. =)

Visit to our CSA Farm....

We have joined a CSA awhile back..(for those of you who aren't familiar with CSA it is a community supported agriculture..which basically means we support our local farmers and buy directly from them.) Usually we have it delivered twice a month, but today we had the opportunity to go and see the farm firsthand.
Our CSA is Callaloo Farm in Ramona...just a 20 minute or so drive away.
Jack was the only one who accompanied us on this sojourn..Lily was away at a friends house. It was great to have him see where food really comes from(not the grocery store).
It was a nice plot of land. CJ..(the farmer) does this mostly by himself...occasionally having help from family. There was a green house that he had built..he also had pigs...and chickens....Rhode Island Red..is what I think he said they were. Jack was excited to see them and he also got to feed them and they ate directly out of his hand.
We decided to do some harvesting and that was really exciting. There is something so wholesome and good about the growing and harvesting process...Unfortunately I think our society has forgotten the most basic connection with the land..and the farm to table concept has been long since put along the wayside....
CJ had Jack help and had him get involved with the choosing and the picking. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash and watermelons were collected...oh and carrots too I am so fascinated with gardening and only wish I had a green thumb. We are however going to try again in the spring, but this time Justin is going to build me planter boxes....
Eventually I would like 3 hens....but one thing at a time! Off to make some salsa with our fresh, organic goods from Callaloo Farms!