Out of the Box
Whether you are a CSA member or a farmers market devotee, we want to help you make great meals with seasonal, fresh produce. Can’t figure out what to do with those radishes or kohlrabi and various types of squash? This is the place for you.
Cool as a cucumber salad makes great summer side dish
This simple combo — with tomatoes, white beans and avocado — is the perfect summer side dish.
Cherry tomatoes save the soup in this Caprese twist
Enjoy the flavors of a Caprese salad in a cold tomato soup perfect for summer.
Time to pick up some peppers
The colorful ones have the best flavors.
No matter what vegetables are in season, dinner is a snap with this stir-fry
Adapt this recipe to whatever vegetables are in season.
Everyone is invited to our 'Out of the Box' Facebook group
Whether you are a CSA member or a farmers market devotee, we want to help you make great meals with seasonal, fresh produce. Each week, the Star Tribune will be buying a box from different CSAs and looking for the best ways to prepare the food.
Avocado and arugula give a green boost to this springy potato salad
Add an avocado-arugula dressing and you are ready to celebrate the season.
Greet the spears of spring, asparagus
The local season of fresh asparagus has begun; enjoy it while it lasts.
The versatile radish serves up all sorts of side dishes
From pickles to salsa, this little vegetable heats up mealtime.
Green up for spring with sweet-pea hummus
Serve up roasted vegetables with this vibrantly colored dip for a seasonal meal.
Stuff the squash for a filling dish
This may be a first for you: using the shell of fall and winter squash as a baking dish.
Root vegetables suit fall fried rice
Look to the parsnip for this dish and expand your range of veggies.
How to use your Thanksgiving leftovers to make these great dishes
Feast for a week with inventive leftovers from your holiday meal.
Cranberries, chestnuts and sweet potatoes make up a dish for fall
This trio of local specialties make up a simple, but unexpected side dish.
Cold weather suits the classic dish of beef bourguignon
Start with meat that's cut in uniform pieces, then brown it carefully.
Pumpkin spice and chili makes a bowlful of flavor
The warming spices work well in a savory dish.
Is it possible to make butter even better? Try browning it
Sweet treats and savory fare become even more flavorful with newly trendy technique.
Kick up your condiment game with sweet corn relish
Start by roasting corn on the cob, then adding cumin, coriander and mustard seeds.
Beyond tomatoes: Fruit salsas suit the season
Whether with chips or grilled meats, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this easy condiment.
CSA members and fresh-food fans, join our 'Out of the Box' Facebook group
Ever at a loss for what to do with all the kohlrabi in your CSA box? Ever go crazy snapping up food at the farmers market and then wonder, now what? This group is for you.
Get ready for the big picnic of midsummer with new recipes
Spark up your outdoor dining with a new twist on old favorite seasonal dishes.
Look to pea shoots for extra greens
The tendrils from the plant offer a delicious treat, with a very short season.
Add fattoush, an Arabic salad, to your summer menu
This vegetable salad includes the tart flavor of the sumac spice.
How to build a better turkey burger
The key is to pan-fry the burger, rather than grilling it. And add plenty of seasonings.
Freshen up your caprese salad with strawberries
Wait till later in the season for fresh tomatoes for this salad.
French vegetable bean soup is right for the moment
It's always time for soup, and this one taps into the ones suited for the season.
Give hearty Niçoise salad an elegant twist
Fresh tuna and roasted veggies add a touch of sophistication to the classic French dish.
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