Eating Well with Fresh Harvest Bundles

Muir Fresh Harvest Bundle pictured here: 

Fuji Apples, Granola, Parsnips, Green Leaf Lettuce, Pears, Broccoli, Acorn Squash, Mango, 

Grape Tomatoes, Onions, Organic Rosemary, Carrots, Blueberries, and Vanilla Yogurt

GO HERE TO ORDER YOUR BUNDLE!! - More details at the bottom of this post!

It may come as a complete surprise that, aside from loving to bake too plentiful amounts of treats around our house, I actually really love to cook.  The issue of why most of that never makes it onto the blog is that me+cooking+blogging=no notes.  It's silly really, but I still can't seem to get myself into a good, disciplined pattern of actually writing down what I'm doing when I cook, or even measuring it when I'm doing it.  When I bake, I am much more organized and it usually isn't so immediate.  I'm pretty slapdash about my cooking though.  Anyway, one of my major goals for this year is to do much, much better at keeping track, taking notes and measuring things out so that I actually share with you all what we are eating - because, really, we don't only eat cookies around here (okay, no more than once a week ;)

So, to make a concentrated effort at sticking to that promise, I've been thrilled to have discovered a different way to shop for produce here in the Salt Lake City / Wasatch Front area.  You see, a couple of months ago I got in touch with the lovely folks over at Muir Copper Canyon Farms - ("Muir Copper Canyon Farms is the Intermountain West's premier produce and specialty foods distributor to the food service trade." ) to discuss an idea about featuring local businesses.  

I don't know about you, but I have often wanted to get my hands on what the good restaurants use since it always seems to 'magically' be so much better than what I can pick up in the store.  I knew that they were a fantastic source of what I refer to as 'the good stuff' since they specialize in providing those resources to many of the best restaurants in the area.  The are a purveyor of the highest quality, most fresh and delicious produce and specialty ingredients.  I originally found them a few years ago when I toyed with the idea of doing catering (this was pre-Cole and definitely pre-Kayla).  

Anyway, I contacted them and heard back from Mike and Laura Muir, Salt Lake City locals who not only grew up here, but grew up together, fell in love and have been married for six years and have a beautiful daughter.  It just makes my heart happy to hear a story like that in today's world.  Sorry, I digress...

So, Mike wrote back to me and told me about a new local business and he and Laura had come up with that would provide great bundles of produce and specialty goods to locals.  No contracts, no membership fees, no CSA's, and you don't have to worry about showing up, donating time, etc etc etc - all those details that have stopped me from trying any of the other boxed/package ideas out there.  

Needless to say, I was intrigued - it sounded like I had luckily stumbled upon someone who had figured out all the pitfalls of other programs and made it simple and easy.  Mike and Laura were even kind enough to provide me with the bundle you see here to give things a try.

Getting a bundle is fun and it really is just that simple.  They design each bundle around what is available, fresh and unique - which then made it really fun for me to get inspired from what they provided and plan our meals around that.  Through their connection with Muir Copper Canyon Farms they have access to the high quality, high end and unique items that aren't always readily available in stores, and certainly are rarely as fresh.  For one low price you buy a bundle, then go pick it up, all ready for you at a pick-up location along the Wasatch Front (there are currently two locations, but they are working on more).  

So, in what has rapidly turned in to what will become a series of posts - because I haven't been able to stop gleefully using my bundle and have so many great ideas to share with you- I wanted to wait no longer to start telling you all about this so that if you are lucky enough to live near the Wasatch Front, that you can get your bundle ordered! The next bundle is due for pick-up next week and is only $35 for roughly $80 worth of high quality produce - I sincerely encourage you to try this out! 

I've had a crazy week and didn't get this out as soon as I hoped, so if you want your chance to get the bundle listed below, you'll need to get it ordered by the end of tomorrow!!!  

The good news is, there will be another bundle after that if you don't make it with this one and I'll make sure and let you know all about it too!

The list for the bundle for next week can be found here (and is listed below with my comments from the 'peanut gallery' so to speak). It looks like it is going to be another great one.  Seriously, just check out this value.

Bananas, 

Pineapple, 

Oranges (10 - TEN, that is TEN oranges people!), and 

Lemons (4).  Add to that there will be 4 

Vanilla Beans (4 - you can't get this kind of deal in stores!) and super, yummy 

Crumb Brothers Whole Wheat Bread.

You also get Brussel Sprouts (1 lb), 

Red Pearl Onions (1 pint), 

Hydroponic Butter Lettuce, 

Celery Stalk, 

Cucumbers (2), 

Jumbo Asparagus, 

Baby Bok Choy, 

Red Peppers (3), 

Green Peppers (3), 

Shelled Edamame (1 lb), 

Avocados (3)!

Doesn't your mind just start spinning with all the possibilities!  I know mine does.  It actually makes me feel excited about menu planning again!

One note on the bundles - yes, it is a LOT of food, which is the point since you are shooting for value here.  Don't let that stop you if you have a small family.  For only $35 this is going to really help you stretch your budget since produce can chew up such a large amount of the grocery cost.  If anything, because it is such a good deal and there is so much, if you have a smaller household (or like me, small children that don't help put a dent in too much) just find someone you know and split a bundle with them.  It is completely worth it and there is plenty to share.  In fact if you order a bundle and you bring a friend to order as well, you both get some extra goodies for helping to spread the word!

Muir Fresh Harvest is also holding a blogging contest for locals to get a chance to win a bundle - so you should definitely check it out!

You can see a list of just some of the great reasons why buying your produce in a bundle is such a fantastic idea here.  Check back tomorrow for the first of many recipe ideas I have had (so far) from my bundle.  I've still got more produce to use so I have a few more ideas up my sleeve!

Honestly, this is such a great value that I can't help but want to help shout this from the roof tops and encourage you all to take advantage.  You'll be amazed by what you get, the value, freshness, quality and want to tell everyone you know too so they can take advantage.  I believe in it so strongly, I just want to mention that while I was provided a bundle to cook with and try out so I could tell you about it, I wasn't compensated in any other way and wouldn't have needed to be.  I can't wait for you to try this service out and tell me all about the fantastic things you make!