"Da Box" and What We're Eating in Hilo, Hawaii

Before I get yapping along about "Da Box," from the Hawaii Food Basket, let's chat a little.  


First off, that picture of the EXTREMELY PLUMP CHICKEN is the result of last week's Lemon-Tarragon Brined Chicken experiment.  This was a lot of work, between the brining (me) and the smoker (Mr. L) but boy, was it ever worth it.  The meat was so unbelievably moist.  I was even happier on Day 2 when it was cold, when I made a tarragon-mayo mayonnaise and sliced some chicken, avocados, and tomatoes up over a salad.  Day 3 was sandwiches, also terrific.  There was a Day 4 but I've had half a glass of red wine and I can't remember what I did with it.  I also made chicken stock with the carcass and that was probably the Best Stock Ever.  Really. The hardest part is finding room in the 'fridge while you are brining it.  I would really like to do a Thanksgiving turkey in this manner, but if I do, I will need to use the ice chest or a giant tub.  So, four stars (pineapples? I need a rating system) for that recipe. You can find the link in last week's post.


Okay, here is the deal.  I apologize for the bunch of you who already checked this site and failed to find next week's menus.  I see you there in my stats. I failed you.  Apologies.  But this week is goofy.  I won't be cooking tonight or tomorrow (long story, but we won't get into that).  On Tuesday, though, something exciting happens. I will get my first CSA food box from The Hawaii Food Basket.  Because of that, I purposely did not do much shopping this week -- just the basics -- because I know I will need to figure out stuff to do with my box. Getting a CSA food box is a little like being on "Chopped," to me.  ("And your mystery basket contains . . . bananas! Papayas! Corn! Breadfruit! Make an appetizer!)   Fingers crossed it isn't all bananas and papayas (some would be fine, but I need veggies, too!).  I am experimenting -- if it's a good thing, you'll hear all about here.


In the meantime, mushroom burgers tonight; soup and salad tomorrow, and I am hoping I'll get to photograph and plan recipes beginning Tuesday or Wednesday.  Let's hope for glorious Hawaii produce in all her bountiful goodness.  Um, I think it's time to stop drinking wine.


Have a beautiful week. - C. Ironing