Adventures in CSA Boxes: Radishes

This summer, I signed up for a CSA box and couldn't wait to get my first basket.  I had been warned that this particular CSA tended to "start slow", but would soon yield more produce than I knew what to do with.  On the first week, I arrived at the pick up location, anxious to see what nature (and by "nature", I mean the plot in Bronzeville) had to offer me.  I unloaded the crate with baited breath, only to find... radishes.  And some greens. And about 3 green onions.  And mint.  LOTS of mint.  Putting the mint to good use was no problem - mojitos and mint ice cream, anyone?  The greens?  Spiced up my salads all week!  But those radishes...

I must admit that radishes have never been my favorite vegetable.  Other than slicing them in a salad, I had no idea what to do with them.  However, I had heard that something magical happens when you combine radishes, butter, and salt.  (Of course, it's hard to imagine anything that couldn't be improved with butter and salt.)  So, I whipped up an herbed butter with some of those green onions, some parsley from my balcony, and a bit of lemon.  I smeared a little on a slice of radish, sprinkled it with sea salt, and immediately knew I was on to something!  Pile it on a toasted baguette, and you've got a elegant and perfectly-in-season summer appetizer!

Next week, we tackle the turnips.

Radishes with Butter, Salt, and a Few Twists
(Makes 12 appetizers)

12 half-inch slices of baguette, toasted
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
2 TBSP sliced green onions (dark green part only)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3-4 large radishes, ends removed and cut into thin slices
Coarse sea salt

Arrange slices of baguette in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Toast in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.  Remove the toasts from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.  (You don't want the butter to melt when you smear it on the toasts.)

Meanwhile, stir the herbs and lemon juice into the softened butter.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  

To serve, smear each baguette slice with a generous swipe of the herbed butter.  Top with a few radish slices and sprinkle some sea salt on top.  Voila!  Radish magic :)

Who knew radishes could be so delicious?