Don’t get excited – that’s not what I’m talking about.

I’m talking about the fact that I’m expecting the first of my weekly box of organic goodies – I (along with a couple friends from work) decided to purchase a produce share in a local organic farm. Next Thursday (June 26) will be our first pickup date, and our delectable delivery promises much culinary adventure. I just cannot wait to see what I’m getting.

We purchased a share from Eight Mile Creek Farm in Westerlo, NY. The farm – and their certified organic produce – came highly recommended to me by a mutual friend. I called, asked about buying a share, and signed up immediately. Knowing I couldn’t possibly eat an entire share of produce myself (and since Bob vehemently eschews vegetables), I asked two friends to split it. They were nearly as excited as I was. For the next 22 weeks, we will be receiving a “mystery box” of whatever she happens to be picking that week.

I glanced at her list, and it seems she grows just about everything, including a few things that I have never seen before (can you believe it? me? not familiar with an ingredient?). Peas, beans, broccoli, chard, kale, parsnips, leeks, lettuce, tomatillos, etc. You have no idea how jazzed I am about this.

I’ve even asked my next-door neighbor, Chef Mark, if he’s be willing to help me out with some of the veggies I’m not familiar with – for instance, kohlrabi. What the HELL is kohlrabi? Mark says it’s like jicama, to which I said, “What the hell is jicama?”. Just kidding – I know what jicama is. I can’t wait for my private cooking classes! Mark’s pretty excited, too.

Bob, on the other hand, couldn’t care less.

I will be updating my loyal readers regularly, with photos and recipes from the bounty of Eight Mile Creek Farm and the kitchen of Wendalicious.

Summer 2008 is going to be fabulous!