Weekly Farm Notes :: February 10th, 2016

Hello,

This week we are sharing some farm news. Check out the highlights below!

  • Big news – we are starting a mushroom growing operation! The first shiitake and oyster varieties hopefully available by the end of the spring CSA session.

  • Tomatoes and peppers are growing and we hope to have them available first to shareholders.

  • First spring plant order of 2000 plants coming in next week.

  • The first of two hightunnels is under construction with 2nd one completed by end of April.

See you tomorrow at market!

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February 10th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market {M} or in the CSA share {CSA}:

  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {CSA}: kale isn’t the only green that can be turned into chips. Check out our Preserving the Harvest :: Dehydrated Greens post to learn more!
  • Red Kale Blend & Toscano Kale {CSA}: I think our Toscano kale makes the BEST kale salads. The trick is to massage them with a bit of dressing for a few minutes to soften slightly. You could even mix the kale with some of the other greens, like arugula, and toss it all with our new Hemp Seed “Ranch” Dressing! Check out our Essentials to a Satisfying Salad post if you want to turn it into a meal.
  • Dragon Tongue Mild Mustard Greens {CSA}: I love sauces. They are relatively quick to put together and can turn a few refrigerator ingredients into a meal. If you are wondering how to use your mustard greens this week, check out this tasty recipe for Mustard Green Harissa.
  • Kohlrabi {CSA}: there are many ways to prepare kohlrabi but my favorite has to be Home Fries. Cut them about 1/2″ thick and they have the perfect texture – soft but with a nice bite.
  • Homemade Rosemary Rolls {CSA}: Stephanie Everett from Everett Heritage Farm made these for us. She used local eggs, honey and flour from Sonrisa Farm! The recipe is below if you wish to make some for yourself!
  • Fresh Rosemary {CSA}: having infused olive oils in a fun way to add extra flavor to your favorite dishes. Homemade Rosemary Infused Olive Oil couldn’t be easier – simply steep about half the rosemary in warm oil for about 10 minutes and then pour over fresh rosemary in the jar of your choice. Drizzle this on pasta and toss with a little garlic, lemon and cheese – yum!
  • Tender Collards {M}: if you are looking for a way to preserve your collards, check out our Collard Greens Relish recipe! It is great served with crackers and cheese!
  • Wasabi Arugula with Spicy Flowers {M}: wondering about edible flowers? Here is a list of common flowers you may not have known you could eat (I had no idea you could eat clover flowers!). This is good to keep in mind as Spring is just around the corner 🙂
  • Bold and Peppery Arugula {M}: are you familiar with the Vietnamese soup called pho? It is based on an intensely flavored broth and served along with noodles and various garnishes. I love to make a vegan variation (similar to this one) and add my own veggies, including arugula. The bold flavor stands up really nicely to the broth. Give it a try and make your own version!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: Mustard Greens Soup with Almonds and Poblanos may seem like a strange combination but it is delicious! We hope you enjoy it!
  • Chickweed, Henbit & Dead Nettle {M}: here is yet another sauce – it couldn’t be easier and can be used on so many things – Henbit & Dead Nettle Pistou.

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Recipe :: Rosemary Rolls

The recipe Stephanie used can be found here but she added dried rosemary. If you want to use fresh rosemary in place of the dried, you typically use about 3 times as much (so about 2-1/4 teaspoons). To store, keep in a dish towel on the counter for a few days or in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for a week. They also freeze well and will keep for a few months in a ziplock bag.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tb. active dry yeast (instant works, too)
  • ½ c. warm water
  • ½ c. butter, softened
  • ¼ c. honey
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup lukewarm buttermilk or milk
  • 4-1/2 – 5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1-1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp. dried rosemary

Directions:

  • Dissolve the yeast in the ½ cup warm water in a glass measure. Set aside.
  • Cream the butter and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add the eggs and mix, scraping the sides. Add the milk and yeast mixture.
  • Add 4-1/2 cups of flour, salt and rosemary, mixing until combined. Change to dough hook and knead for 2-3 minutes only, just until no longer tacky, adding a tablespoon or two of flour, if needed.
  • Let sit in bowl, covered, to rise for one hour. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead a couple of times, then let rest 3 minutes.
  • Divide into 24 equal pieces, shaping each into a ball and placing in a buttered 13×9-inch baking dish with the pieces touching.
  • Let rise, covered for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? This week she touches on the importance of eating out…something I could use more of in my life!

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