Bountiful Baskets

I apologize in advance to those back East who read this blog - where this may not necessarily pertain to you (although I would think you may have something similar).  We have been getting "Bountiful Baskets" for about the last 9 months.  It seems like since the news has been telling everyone produce prices are on a rise due to weather - it has even become more of a necessity.  It is a food co-op for fruit and veggies.   

For those of you who don't know what this is all about here is the rundown:  sometime between Monday at 12:00 pm and Tuesday 10:00 pm -  you get online and pay for your basket for that week (and just so you know - where we live in Idaho - the baskets go FAST! we have to get on right at 12:00 on Monday to ensure we get a basket).  It is only $15.00 for the basket (more if you want bread, all organic or additional specials they have).  For "first time" baskets - there is a one time $3.00 fee.   On Saturday morning - go to the pickup site at the right time to get your basket.  Make sure you bring  your number because sometimes they are really mean and wont take your word for it.  Bring your own box or basket or bag to take home your stuff in.  You get 50% fruit and 50% veggies.  You never know what you are going to get - but you get A LOT of stuff.  In fact, we usually only get a basket once a month because we cant eat it all (but that is also partly our fault of poor diet - when we eat super healthy - we should get it every other week).

It is so fun - because every week is different - and every week fun.  For example, this week we got a coconut.  I have no idea what I am going to do with the coconut - but how fun to figure it out!  It really has made eating healthy more accessible and more of an adventure.  This blog gives recipe ideas about what do with your basket goods (it also does a price comparison to show you  how much you would have spent if you went to a grocery store).  

Tips:  the fruit is usually under-ripe - and then when it ripens it seems like you have a short window to eat it in.  So you do have to pay attention to that.   

I think that everyone that can - should try to get a basket and share some of your recipes you came up with.  (I know that Queens Creek has a location for baskets, and St. George have 10 different sites.  Also - Lehi/Cedar Hills have pick up locations - although I was surprised to see that American Fork didn't yet).  This week we got a couple mangoes - I plan on making Lime Poppy seed shortcake with Blueberries and Mangoes.