Friday, June 18, 2010

italian mojito and this week's csa share

Italian Mojito

This week's organic CSA share included, among other delights, a succulent bunch of fresh mint. Nothing is more cooling and summery. Unless, of course, you bump up the refreshment factor by adding another summer powerhouse: puckery lemon. Last night, after doing some speedwork in preparation for my next half-marathon, I came home with a wicked thirst that water alone could not quench. [Well... that and I really wanted an aperitif to sip on while I made dinner.] Inspired by a drink I had in a local restaurant, I came up with what I've dubbed as the Italian Mojito. It's light, refreshing and simple: perfect for hot weather imbibing.

Italian Mojito

  • About 10 fresh peppermint leaves, lightly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest [Use organic, if possible]
  • 1-2 jiggers chilled Limoncello [or to taste]
  • 1 1/4 cup of chilled sparkling water, plain or lemon flavored

Makes one tall drink


Place the mint leaves/zest in a tall glass. Pour the Limoncello over the leaves, then top off with sparking water. Adjust levels of water/liquor to your taste.



My quality control inspectors check out this week's CSA share

This week's gorgeous organic CSA share included, clockwise from left, red beets and tops, mint [which Bossa Nova loves; I gave her a leaf of her own], broccoli, 2 large bunches of garlic scapes, rainbow chard, red butter lettuce, fresh onions with the tops attached, and a bag of fresh baby salad greens. I am now an official CSA addict. I'm eating an astonishing variety of fresh, locally grown produce. Not only is it healthy and environmentally friendly, but it's inspiring me to get creative and try new recipes. Wish I had opted in for the fruit and flower share, too!

13 comments:

Eric said...

I like the drink, simple and refreshing.

The CSA picture looks a lot like ours, mostly the same vegetables and our grey and black&white cat lurking around them :)

Unknown said...

Aww I love your quality control inspectors!

Allyson said...

Yum! Anything with Italian inspiration is wonderful in my book, but an Itaian mojito... that is one spectacular combo! I know what I'll be sipping on this weekend.

thezenofmaking said...

I love the kitty in crouching, stalking stance! Vegetables are serious business.

Millie said...

That's a great thrist quencher...I must try it. The funny thing is that I just posted my recipe for limbes (PR freezies) with a vegan twist. I guess we were both thinking on how to quench our thrist. Lovely!

http://nuestracena-vegancuisine.blogspot.com

Millie said...

hey sweety if you have a moment can you take another peek at my post. On the bottom of it I posted a picture I wanted to post and I forgot.

Amanda said...

My favorite combo: mojitos & kittens! That looks so refreshing!

Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...

Better watch out, it looks like the cats are going to get to that CSA share before you!

Janet said...

I love a good mojito on a hot summer day, I'll definitely give this one a try this summer. And I had no idea cats like mint, but I love that they do!

Anonymous said...

There's really nothing better than fresh picked produce... we've had the most beautiful baby rainbow chard and sometimes I just want to hug and kiss it.

Anonymous said...

hum, ca sent bon la nature

veggie

Guinnah said...

Your CSA looks great - I feel the same way about mine, it is inspiring me to try new things and pushing me to find new uses for chard and collards ;-) Love your Italian mojito - here in California I have an abundance of both lemons and mint in my yard (and always have limoncello in the freezer) - sounds delish!

Jackie said...

A reminder that I must make up your Limoncello recipe again, I so enjoyed it the last time :)