do oranges last in the fridge? OR how to store produce

My good friend Brandon is a produce man. 

Really.

He works in produce for a living.  Started off in a grocery store and has worked his way up to a major food company produce buyer.  So when Brandon starts talking produce, I listen.

Sometimes it's an offhand remark when he open's my fridge, "You know putting citrus in here will make it mealy."  Or a funny story about debunking an old wives tale on how to choose watermelon.  (For the record, don't look for bee stings.  There are no kamakazi bees dying for the sake of ripe melon.)  Often it's when we are both in the kitchen, while our spouses sit on the barstools keeping us company while we cook.  He mentions how to care for avocados or the best way to keep lettuce crisp.  Since I have bought a share of a farm this summer (my local CSA!), I am flush with produce.  I love seeing the new and sometimes unusual items in my box each week.  And I'm glad I have Brandon to tell me how to store, wash and cook most of it!

I found this handy graphic at DrKehres.com and posted it on my fridge as a reminder.

yummage OR yes, it's that good!

My dad has always been a tease.  Since he's become a Pop to my two girls, the joking has elevated to new and fun heights.  One of my favorite things he'd do, when I was young usually took place after dinner at the table.

"Ewww.  This chocolate cake looks really yucky.  I guess I'll just eat your slice."
Then we'd scream, "Nooo, Dad!  We love chocolate cake!"
To which he'd feign surprise, "You do?  Well, I'll just have to take the yummiest slice then."

Then we'd all semi-argue about who really had the best slice of cake or most delicious scoop of ice cream.  These days, my Dad plays this same game with my girls.  It often ends the way it did when I was a kid.  With my Dad saying to the girls, "Don't say delicious!"
 "Delicious!" they scream.
 "Well, don't even think about saying magnifique."
 "Magnifique!"
"Alright.  As long as you don't say... yummage."
"YUMMAGE!"

Ah, that's how yummage was born.  Yummage has now been adopted into our family lingo.  It refers to anything delicious and mouthwatering.  Most of my tried and true favorite dishes and desserts are already branded as yummage.  But as I'm growing in the kitchen with new recipes and techniques, that yummage seal is tougher to come by.  I love testing, tasting and trying new foods.  I know if I just keep at it, I'll hear that magic word.  I know now that when the girls and my husband proclaim the new recipe I try as yummage, that it truly wears the badge of approval from my toughest critics.  This blog is a place to share the most yummage things in my cookbook and a few new tastes too!