Wouldn’t it be great to have your own personal farmer – someone who grew produce for you and a few other Locavores in the community?  Well you can with a CSA. 

What exactly is a CSA?  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and very simply it is a share of a farmer or producer’s harvest.  Here’s how it works.  Prior to the planting season, a grower will offer shares in his/her CSA.  The number of shares available depends on the size and volume of produce a farmer can produce.  A share is usually defined as an amount of produce to feed either two or four people for a week and a CSA in Idaho generally includes 16-18 weeks of produce.  Cost of shares varies widely depending on the number of weeks, variety of products offered, whether weekly produce is delivered or has to be picked up, location of the CSA, and simple economics – supply and demand for shares.   The buyer of the shares pays in advance allowing the farmer to plan production and also providing him with capital needed to plant, grow and harvest.

CSA’s vary widely in what they offer.  Some CSA’s are fresh produce only – primarily vegetables - and the produce varies each week depending on what is in season.  Weekly “boxes” may start with lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes and other quick-growing early season crops.  As the weather warms, the box might contain carrots, beets, green beans, summer squash and finally tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn and winter squash.  Some CSA’s also include a fresh fruit option where the farmer will work with a local orchard and include seasonal fruit in the weekly offering.  Other CSA’s might include meats, dairy or breads.  Contents are dictated by weather and growing conditions, are not guaranteed, and usually not customized – every share holder receives the same basic selection of products.

If you would like to become a member of a CSA check out these Idaho Preferred producers.  Wissel Farms is the newest CSA in the Treasure Valley and offers a fruit-vegetable membership and free weekly delivery (Wisselfarms.com).  Morning Owl Farms offers several types of CSA’s  - some that are year-around and can be found at www.morningowlfarm.com.  Vogel Farms in Kuna offers a meat subscription at www.vogelfarmscountrymarket.com and Cabalo’s Orchard offers a CSA card for fruits and vegetables grown on their farm in Kuna.  In north-central Idaho check out Jim’s Year Around produce in Julietta. You can find information and the application to their CSA at http://idahopreferred.com/member-database/jims-year-round-produce.

The Super Bowl is this Sunday! Even if you are not a big football fan it doesn’t mean that you can’t put together a fun football party. Everyone knows that no Super Bowl is complete without the food and commercials.  When planning the menu for this big get together don’t forget about your eating local resolution.

Make the perfect layered bean dip and serve with Casa Valdez tortilla chips made right in Caldwell. Include Idaho beans, sour cream from Meadowgold or Darigold, cheese from Ballards, Idaho onions, and delicious salsa from Treasure Valley Salsa. If you want to stick with the Mexican food theme, Quesadillas made with Idaho cheese are a crowd pleaser and easy to make. Look for corn, flour and even whole wheat tortillas from Casa Valdez or Fresca. Serve on the side with Idaho sour cream and Treasure Valley salsa.

Another great choice is hot dogs or chorizos.  Look for Falls Brand and Gem Pack franks that can be found at most local grocery stores. Another great option is Hard Ball Farms. They have a variety of different pork products including Basque style chorizos and you can easily order them online. Hog Heaven in Moscow makes a variety of different sausages as does Big Lost River Meats in Mackay.  Serve them on rolls made by Zeppole, Alpicella, Harvest Classic or Great Harvest Bakeries, all baked fresh daily in the Treasure Valley.

For something new and different try this Loaded Baked Potato Dip! It can be made in 10 minutes.

Loaded Baked Potato Dip (Recipe adapted from MyRecipes.com)

Yield: About 4 cups

16 ounces Idaho sour cream
16 slices (12-ounce package) bacon, cooked and crumbled Look for brands like Falls Brand or Hard Ball Farms
8 ounces sharp Idaho cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup thinly sliced Idaho onions

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Serve with homemade potato chips using Idaho potatoes. Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

You can’t forget the beverages…local beer, wine, and spirits are great for the adults and regular or chocolate milk for the kids from Cloverleaf Creamery, Darigold, or Meadowgold. Don’t forget the local bottled water for your guests. Rocks Water from Boise is available in several stores including Paul’s and Albertson’s.

For dessert, serve Cloverleaf Creamery ice cream made fresh in Buhl. It is available in several flavors so everyone can have their favorites!