Abundant Harvest Organics

In one of my last posts, I mentioned that I would be seeking out like-minded resources in my new community. For this week's post, I am featuring Abundant Harvest Organics (AHO).

AHO is a California farm-share delivery service similar to that of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). They work with farmers to bring in-season organic produce to a local delivery site. Fortunately, for us the town of Ridgecrest is small and the drop site is less than 2 miles away. 

My husband had heard about organic produce on Saturdays between 10a-noon over by a smoothie place. My son and I wanted to check it out since we used to frequent farmers markets in the Temecula Valley up to two times a week. 

Before I had arrived, I didn't know what to expect. I saw a white delivery truck in the parking lot so I assumed it was a first-come, first-served type thing.  As I approached, it appeared to be a CSA. When I had walked up to the table, I informed them that I was new to the area and was interested in purchasing some organic produce.  The hosts showed me the two boxes and what came in them for this week. The boxes are in the range of $22 to $40 a week depending on the site and surcharges. My site includes a $3 per box surcharge. I was asked to come back at noon to see if anyone had not been by to pick up their box (note: you pay in advance online). 

Before I left, the hosts asked me to create an account online by tonight to be included in next Saturday's delivery and all subsequent.  There is a one time deposit per box ($30). AHO is listed on Local Harvest and they have 5 out of 5 stars.

We came back at noon to find one box remaining. It was meant to be! The box included (all certified organic produce): green beans, avocados, yellow corn, potatoes, green bell peppers, tomatoes, pluots, yellow peaches, tarragon, summer squash, melon and lettuce. 

Apple Fig Muffins - complements of AHO

Complements of Abundant Harvest Organics (AHO), I'm sharing their recipe for Apple Fig Muffins that my son and I made on Monday, September 17th.

Ingredients:
2 cups flour 
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup vanilla yogurt 
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup melted butter 
1 1/2 cups of chopped figs (this was an item from AHO's delivery on 9/15)
2 cups of shredded (or thinly sliced) apples (this was an item from AHO's delivery on 9/15)

Topping:
1 tbl melted butter
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine egg, yogurt, and butter in a small bowl. Beat together until all is moist. Stir in apples and figs. 

Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, using an ice cream scoop to fill the tin. Combine the topping ingredients and spoon over muffins, pressing down in batter a bit.

Makes 12 large muffins (I made 18 regular sized muffins). 
Bake in 375 degree oven for 25 minutes depending on the size or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. (Mine baked for 22 minutes.)