Hello,

This is the last week of the “Deep Winter” CSA! We hope you all have found the session nourishing. The “Walking to Spring” CSA session is full but we might open more shares later in the season – check back with us if you are interested!

The greens mix includes basil this week, which may seem odd given the season. It comes to us from a special place – Ray McWhorter, a teacher from the aquaponics “SPLASH” lab at Gilbert Elementary! It sounds like an impressive learning technique!

See you tomorrow at market!

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February 24th Produce

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

• Rainbow Swiss Chard {CSA/M}: this rainy weather has me craving soup, like this Barley & Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard, or an Asian noodle soup like the Market Udon Bowl (to which you can add any of our greens to) or maybe Egg Drop Soup, again with greens added.
• Red Russian {CSA/M}, Curly {CSA}, Toscano {M} & Red Ruffled {M) Kale: this Purple Kale, Cabbage and Fennel Ferment mixture sounds like a great way to preserve kale for the weeks and months to come!
• Arugula, Spicy Asian Greens, Spigarello Broccoli Rabe Leaves and Basil Mix {CSA}: this mix of spicy and herby greens will make a great base for pesto! There are a million ways to make it, and while I don’t really think you need a recipe, you should at least read through this blog post on How to Make the Best Pesto. It all comes down to personal taste but the author does some interesting experiments that you might find valuable.
• Tender Collards {CSA/M}: I am always looking for ways to get my toddler to happily eat greens. Sure, I can put them in smoothies or chop them finely to add to other dishes (which happens all.the.time), but something crunchy is always a hit. That is where Collard Green Chips come in. They couldn’t be easier and can be flavored in so many ways. Make them in the dehydrator or the oven and get your crunch on.
• Lavender Leaves {CSA}: did you know that you can use lavender leaves in addition to the flowers? Check out our latest post with LOTS of great ways to use your leaves!
• Mild Red Mustard {M}: there are references to soup above but thought I would include one more – see the recipe below for an easy Potato and Mustard Green Soup!
• Chickweed {M}: this nutritious herb can be used in salads or as a substitute for spinach. You can also make a tea from the fresh leaves – add 2 tablespoons of chickweed to 1 cup of boiling water and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Add lemon and/or honey to taste!

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Recipe :: Easy Potato and Mustard Greens Soup

This recipe is from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. Serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 onions, finely diced
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 bunch mustard greens, de-stemmed, cooked and chopped
• 2-3 pinches of red pepper flakes
• Parmesan for serving

Directions:

• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook slowly. Meanwhile, quarter each potato lengthwise, then thinly slice. Irregular pieces are fine – the smaller ones will fall apart, giving body to the soup.
• Add the potatoes, raise the heat, and saute, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to color and a glaze builds up on the bottom of the pan, about 10 minutes. Add 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf and 1 cup water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the solids. Add 2 quarts water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, taste for salt, season with pepper and stir in the parsley, cooked mustard greens and red pepper flakes. For a soup with more body, pass 1 or 2 cups through a food mill.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? She is taking a break from cooking to talk about starting the process of decluttering, specifically her kitchen.