Weekly Farm Notes :: December 14th, 2016

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Hello,

Our fall CSA has ended (unless you received a text from us with details on an extension) – however, we will still be at market and will have a weekly share available for only $25/week! This will make your market shopping fast and easy! Contact us by Tuesday morning to reserve your share.

Still looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of health with a CSA share! Stop by our booth or call us at 423-637-9793 to purchase.

Also, don’t forgot we will be attending the Nutrition World Farmers Market every Saturday from 11am-1pm. Stop by and say hey!

See you at market!

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December 14th Produce

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

  • Awesome Asian & Lettuce Mix {M/CSA}: if you haven’t tried our Cumin Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Avocado Salad, now is the time while you can still find sweet potatoes at the market! It is one of my favorite salads as of late – I hope you try it!
  • Variety of Kale {M/CSA}: the combination of eggs, greens and cheese is one I fall back on time and time again. Combine those three ingredients and you have a satisfying main meal in no time. This Kale & Goat Cheese Frittata looks like a great place to start if you want to play around with these ingredients!
  • Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: while you can use just about any green in our latest recipe – Millet Pie with Greens & Feta – I like how quick Swiss chard cooks down. Thinly slicing the stems and cooking them with the onions is an added bonus!
  • Summerfest & Hon Tsai Tai Asian Greens {M/CSA}: these mild, tender greens would be a great addition to our Vegan Pho soup. Toss them in right at the end as they only take a minute or so to cook.
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M/CSA}: this arugula is great sauteed and could be paired with just about anything. If you are looking for a quick and healthy recipe, try this Arugula Wilted with Mushrooms & Onions.
  • Red Butter Lettuce {CSA}: I love to use butter lettuce for wraps. There are endless recipes you can find online but I love this Quinoa & Chickpea Lettuce Cup recipe. You can adjust the recipe in numerous ways and make a version you love.
  • Pak Choi Leaves {CSA}: have you checked out our Edamame & Pak Choi Salad yet? It is a great way to get a healthy dose of raw greens and protein along with lots of flavor. We hope you like it!
  • Dragon Tongue Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: did you know mustard greens are linked to cancer prevention? They are also touted as cholesterol lowering machines, along with kale and collards, so be sure to get your daily dose of these greens!
  • Tender Collards {M}: you may not think of collards as a festive food, but it can be with our Collard Green Relish! Make a batch now to serve over the holidays.
  • Red Kitten Spinach {M}: if you need a quick breakfast you can take on the road, try our Greens & Cheese Frittata Muffins. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week!
  • Organic, Range Free, Soy Free Eggs {M}: here is another muffin-type meal that would be great with any number of our greens – Quinoa Kale Bites. A few eggs bind together quinoa, kale (or other greens) and cheese to make a healthy on-the-run meal.
  • Wasabi Arugula {M}: this arugula has a bite so I like to pair it with something sweet. Try our Wasabi Arugula Rice Bowl with Miso-Ginger Dressing or just simply toss the dressing with the greens for a yummy salad!

Weekly Farm Notes :: December 7th, 2016

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Hello,

This is the last week of this season’s CSA. We will be in contact via email for those that need an extension. We have plenty of preservation recipes below if you want to extend your bounty for the weeks and months to come!

Still looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of health with a CSA share! Stop by our booth or call us at 423-637-9796 to purchase. For other ideas, Alice O’Dea has a wonderful list you can find here.

Also, don’t forgot we will be attending the Nutrition World Farmers Market every Saturday from 11am-1pm. Stop by and say hey!

See you at market!

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December 7th Produce

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

  • Red Butter Lettuce {M/CSA}: there aren’t many ways (that I know of, at least!) to preserve lettuce but here is a great soup that you can make and then freeze for later – Lettuce Soup with Fontina Gratin.
  • Jerusalem Artichokes {M/CSA}: if you aren’t familiar with these tubers (which are also called Sunchokes), check out all of the recipe ideas at this link. In addition, I have thinly sliced, dehydrated and then ground these up to make a powder. I then added it to mashed potatoes and other starchy dishes for an extra flavor boost.
  • Awesome Asian & Lettuce Mix {M/CSA}: back to preserving lettuce – some people actually freeze it raw and then use it later. The leaves will definitely loose their crunch when thawed but they can be used for soups or casseroles. To learn more, read this post: How to Freeze Lettuce Leaves.
  • Variety of Kale {M/CSA}: no food preservation list is complete without a pesto recipe. I particularly love our Super Greens & Sunflower Seed Pesto recipe. You can use just about any greens you have on hand or use a variety for a more complex flavor.
  • Rainbow & Giant Food Hook Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: while we don’t have pak choi this week, our Swiss chard would be a great substitute in our Edamame & Pak Choi Salad. You can thinly slice the stems and add them along with the greens. As an added bonus, you can toss in some of our green onions as well.
  • Dragon Tongue, Spicy Asian & Giant Red Mustard Greens {M/CSA}: have you ever tried Pickled Mustard Greens? We have a recipe for Quick Pickled Radish Leaves that you could try as well.
  • Kohlrabi {CSA}: I have two preservation thoughts for kohlrabi: 1) you could make a batch of our Sauerruben if you like to ferment or 2) you could try our Miso Pickles. You will get a very different end result depending on which you chose but you can’t go wrong.
  • Green Onions {CSA}: one way to preserve green onions is to use them in our Green Onion Yogurt Flatbread and then freeze the bread. Be sure to freeze each piece individually and then stack them in a ziplock bag to store.
  • Tender Collards {M}: these “Cheesy” Collard Green Chips don’t last longer than an hour in our house. Similar to store bought chips, these keep you coming back for more (but you don’t feel guilty in the process)!
  • Summerfest Asian Greens {M}: here is a fun post on Asian Greens in which the author provides a Garlic Buttermilk Dressing at the end that would go great with these or any number of our other greens.
  • Organic, Range Free, Soy Free Eggs {M}: I gotta admit, the sound of pickled eggs has never appealed to me. I can just find so many other ways to use farm fresh eggs! But…if you find yourself with an oversupply, this recipe might be a good one to try.
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M}: pureed soups are great for the freezer. I think this Creamy Vegan Arugula Soup sounds like a great way to preserve arugula!
  • Wasabi Arugula {M}: while this isn’t technically “pesto”, you can use the sauce in a similar fashion. I think you could substitute some of the herbs with our wasabi arugula and leave out one or both of the jalapenos (sine the greens will give it some spice). Yum!

Weekly Farm Notes :: November 30th, 2016

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Hello,

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Just a couple of announcements:

  1. We have a few more CSA shares available so let us know if you are interested
  2. Single shares are still available

Either of the options above would make a perfect gift of health for you or a loved one!

Also, don’t forgot we will be attending the Nutrition World Farmers Market every Saturday from 11am-12pm. Stop by and say hey!

See you at market!

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November 30th Produce

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

  • Green Leaf & Red Butter Lettuce {M/CSA}: have you tried our Cumin Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Arugula Salad yet? It is the perfect salad for this time of year – starchy yet fresh, savory yet bright. We hope you love it as much as we do.
  • Summerfest & Hon Tsai Tai Asian Greens {M/CSA}: these greens, and really any greens, make a great addition to stir-fries. This Hon Tsai Tai Stir Fry recipe can be adapted in any number of ways but be sure to include the greens!
  • Daikon Radish {M/CSA}: it is soup season and we have no shortage of soup recipes for you to try. We added daikon to our version of a Farmhouse Vegetable Soup along with potatoes, cabbage, carrots and more. It is hearty and loaded with tons of nutrition, perfect for fighting off those nasty bugs going around.
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: did you know that collards contain a large amount of vitamins A & K? Vitamin A is needed for growth and development, cell recognition, vision, immune function and reproduction. Vitamin K is is an essential nutrient necessary for responding to injuries – it regulates normal blood clotting. In addition, by assisting the transport of calcium throughout the body, Vitamin K may also be helpful for bone health: it may reduce bone loss, and decrease risk of bone fractures. Both vitamins are fat-soluable so be sure to consume them with a healthy fat to reap the benefits!
  • Red Russian, Toscano & Siberian Kale {M/CSA}: here is another soup recipe for you – Vegan Pho. We make a meat-free yet intensely spiced broth that holds tofu, noodles and kale (or other hearty green of choice).
  • Pak Choi {CSA}: I keep meaning to make this recipe from Alice O’Dea for Egg Drop Soup. There isn’t much to it and it can be altered in any number of ways. I am always looking for ways to use up what is in my produce drawer and I think adding sauteed pak choi would be a tasty and healthy addition.
  • Scarlet Salad Turnips {CSA}: have you tried our Korean Lacto-fermented Salad Turnips yet? The flavors are similar to kimchi but I like the nice texture the salad turnips provide. Give it a try!
  • Organic, Range Free, Soy Free Eggs {M}: this Mustard Greens Spanish Tortilla is a common dinner in our house. It doesn’t involve tortillas at all – it’s more like a Italian frittata that can be filled with just about anything. I love the addition of greens and protein as it gives you everything you need in one dish.
  • Kohlrabi {M}: I love making a quick hash whenever I want to use up root vegetables. I usually start with potatoes, add in a similar amount of root vegetables along with some greens. Top it with a fried egg, sliced scallions and hot sauce, and you have a filling and delicious meal. While you don’t necessarily need a recipe, we have one here if you want to take a peek.
  • Spicy Asian & Giant Red Mustard Greens {M}: while this recipe isn’t fast, it definitely delivers big flavor – Indian Mustard Greens Sauce with Potatoes. It’s a great way to use up a lot of greens and convert those who aren’t so sure about greens in the process.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M}: I love recipes that use large amounts of greens but don’t make you feel like you are eating too healthily. This recipe for Greens Cobbler with a Cornmeal Crust (also from Alice O’Dea) fits the bill exactly.
  • Awesome Asian & Lettuce Mix {M}: Our Festive Holiday Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is still one of my favorite recipes. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M}: these simple and delicious 9 Recipes Arugula Recipes will give you a good place to start if you aren’t quite sure how to use these tasty greens.
  • Wasabi Arugula with Flowers {M}: this arugula really does taste like wasabi! It’s kinda wild. We have a great recipe using these we think you will love – Wasabi Arugula Rice Salad with Miso-Ginger Vinaigrette.

Mustard Greens Spanish Tortilla

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Hello!

This dish does not involve a tortilla at all; think of it as the Spanish version to the Italian frittata. It is simply potatoes and onions cooked in olive oil, topped with whisked eggs, and baked. It is a common tapa item, often cut into cubes, but I serve it in wedges as a main dish. While the original version is quick, filling and delicious, it’s not the most nutritious dish. It was time for an upgrade.

To boost the heartiness and nutrition, I added cooked mustard greens and some veggie sausage. If you are sensitive to spicy greens, this is a great recipe to subdue it’s flavors while still enjoying the nutritional benefit. Don’t stop with just mustard greens, either! This would be a great use of any greens you have on hand. You don’t have to add the veggie sausage but it is a nice way to bulk it up.

I usually make this for dinner but it would make a great addition to breakfast or brunch. We hope you enjoy it!

Mustard Greens Spanish Tortilla (adapted from Cooks Illustrated)
makes 4-6 servings

Recipe note: if you aren’t using the sausage, increase the potatoes a bit – 1 pound total should work well.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 ounces russet potatoes (about 1 large), peeled and sliced into 1/8″ rounds
  • 1 medium onion, halved and sliced 1/8″ thick
  • Salt
  • 10 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup cooked mustard greens, finely chopped (from about 4 ounces of fresh greens)
  • 2 links of veggie sausage (I used the Smoked Apple Sage version), crumbled

Directions:

  • Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat to 425 degrees. Heat the oil in a 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the potatoes, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and onion are soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Whisk the eggs, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt together until uniformly yellow. Add the cooked mustard greens and sausage and stir to combine. Pour the eggs over the potatoes, stir gently to combine, and continue to cook until the eggs begin to set, about 1 minute.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the eggs are cooked, the top is puffed, and the edges have pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan, about 10-12 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to loosen the tortilla from the skillet, then carefully slide it onto a cutting board. Slice into wedges and serve. (The tortilla can also be made up to 4 hours in advance and served at room temperature.)

 

Kohlrabi Hash

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Hello!

Hash is traditionally a dish consisting of chopped meat, potatoes and onions. While it is quick and filling, it isn’t the most healthful dish. So to make it closer to something I would eat on a consistent basis, I added kohlrabi plus the kohlrabi greens. You don’t have to stop there though – you could also add turnips, peppers, carrots or other root vegetables while playing with other types of greens. Spices, like cumin or chile powder, would be nice too.

Think of this recipe as a starting point. Then let us know how you made it your own!

Kohlrabi Hash
makes 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 small to medium kohlrabi, leaves removed, destemmed and chopped, and the bulb peeled and cut into 1/2″ dice
  • 2 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/2″ dice
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • For serving: a fried egg, scallions or chives, hot sauce

Directions:

  • Heat oil in a 12″ skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, salt and pepper to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the kohlrabi bulb and potatoes, stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until the potatoes and kohlrabi are cooked through and brown (add a couple tablespoons of water to the pan if they are browning too quickly or to release browned bits from the bottom), about 10 minutes. Remove lid, add the kohlrabi greens and stir until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and top with egg, scallions/chives and/or hot sauce.

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: March 23rd, 2016

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Hello,

The “Walking to Spring” CSA starts tomorrow! We are transitioning from Winter crops to Spring crops so this week we are including double Toscano kale and double collard greens, along with the other items listed below. We have lots of recipe / preservations ideas included below and on the website!

If you have a share, you should have received an email from Mark with details on our get together tomorrow after market. We hope to see you there!

See you tomorrow at market!

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March 23rd Produce

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

  • Toscano, Red Russian & Siberian Kale {M/CSA}:
    • Salad: you can use all types of kale in salads but I particularly like Toscano. There is this one with currants, pine nuts (or sunflower seeds) and Parmesan or our Easy Kale Salad with Russian Dressing.
    • Super Greens Soup: check out the recipe below – it is a pureed soup using Swiss chard and kale but you could mix and match with any of your favorite greens. It can be easily frozen so make a big batch and save some for later!
    • Kale Chips: dehydrating is always a great option for all your greens! Check out this post for great tips plus a yummy recipe!
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}:
    • Pot ‘O Greens: I am not a born Southerner but boy-o-boy do I love a mess of greens with beans and cornbread! While collards are traditionally made with meat products, there are plenty of vegetarian preparations. Check out this, this and this!
    • Relish: if you can’t get through all of your greens while fresh, check out our Collard Greens Relish recipe. I have had a batch in the refrigerator for a couple of months and it is still good!
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: you can add your chard to the Super Greens Soup below or any number of the recipes in our archives: Swiss Chard and Orange Muffins, Barley and Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard, or Millet & Quinoa Patties with Curried Swiss Chard.
  • Spring Radishes {M/CSA}: if you are planning an Easter dinner this weekend, you might like the Spring Dinner Menu posted on the Main Street Farmers Market blog. It includes an idea for pimento cheese toast with sliced radishes on top which is a tasty start to any meal!
  • Dragon Tongue Mustard Greens {CSA}: get to know your greens a bit more – check out this link for more information on this beautiful green!
  • Sweet Mint & Peppermint {M}: here is a great line-up of savory and sweet recipes that incorporate mint!
  • Edible Spicy Asian Flowers {M}: need some ideas on how to use edible flowers? Check out this post for lots of great ideas!
  • Organic Fed Pastured Hens {M}: there isn’t a shortage of ways to use eggs but here is a great way to make eggs into a meal that works great any time of day – Greens and Cheese Frittata Muffins!

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Recipe :: Super Greens Soup with Lemon-Tarragon Cream

This is a great way to use up a lot of greens at once. The base of the soup is pureed and can be easily frozen. You don’t have to make the lemon-tarragon cream but it makes it a little more special. This recipe is from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook and serves 4-6.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    • 3 tablespoons sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plust 1/2 teaspoon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 onion, halved through the root end and sliced thin
    • 3/4 teaspoon light brown sugar
    • 3 ounces white mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • Pinch cayenne pepper
    • 3 cups water
    • 3 cups vegetable broth
    • 1/3 cup Arborio rice
    • 12 ounces Swiss chard, stemmed and chopped coarse
    • 9 ounces kale, stemmed and chopped coarse
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
    • 2 ounces (2 cups) baby arugula
  • Directions:
    • Combine cream, sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon oil, lemon zest and juice, tarragon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
    • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir in onion, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion releases some moisture, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits, until onion is deeply browned and slightly sticky, about 30 minutes. (If onion is sizzling or scorching, reduce heat. If onion is not browning after 15-20 minutes, increase heat).
    • Stir in mushrooms and cook until they have released their moisture, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cayenne and cook until fragrant, about 30 minutes. Stir in water, broth, and rice, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
    • Stir in chard, kale and parsley, 1 handful at a time, until wilted and submerged in liquid. Return to simmer, cover, and cook until greens are tender, about 10 minutes.
    • Off heat, stir in arugula until wilted. Working in batches, process soup in blender until smooth, about 1 minute. Return pureed soup to clean pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle individual portions with lemon-tarragon cream, and serve.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? This week she gives us an overview of Coconut Soup, a comforting dish for those with colds and allergies!

Weekly Farm Notes :: Oct 21st, 2015

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Hello!

“Deep Winter” and “Walking to Spring” CSA shares are still available. Don’t miss out on powerhouse greens to get you through the dark and cold months ahead! Here is the link to our CSA information to find out more.

Also, we are in the process of adding nutritional information to the Produce Information tab. Let us know what else we can add to make this useful for you!

A note on the Napa cabbage: when you farm without the use of harmful pesticides, sometimes you have to deal with what Mother Nature gives you. Right now, we are dealing with some worms in the cabbage but there is a simple way to get rid of them. Chop the cabbage roughly and soak in a large bowl (or sink full) of water that has been mixed with 1/4 cup of salt and 2 tablespoons of vinegar for 20 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly then drain and use as desired.

See you at market!

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October 21st Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market (denoted by M) and/or in the CSA (denoted by CSA):

  • Napa Cabbage {CSA}: check out my Quick Kimchi recipe on the Main Street Farmers Market blog this week!
  • Carrots {CSA}: simple roasted carrots are a favorite of mine. I love Cook’s Illustrated recipe and have used it over and over again. It is included below so you can give it a try as well.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {CSA}: learn about the blood sugar control properties and more of this tasty green here!
  • Awesome Asian Lettuce Mix {M/CSA}: I have been on a buddha bowl kick this week. I think these Asian greens would be a great base for a recipe like this one.
  • Pak Choi {M/CSA}: for a super simple and tasty meal, give our Triple Sesame Noodles with Pak Choi recipe a try!
  • Spicy Red Mustard Greens {M/CSA}: check out this Quick Pickled Mustard Green recipe – I could find lots of ways to use greens preserved this way!
  • Siberian Kale {M/CSA}: Wheelers Orchard is selling “ugly” apples this week, which are perfect for processing (homemade applesauce, anyone?!). I was actually thinking of picking some up, cooking it down with kale, and making a fruit and vegetable leather (think homemade fruit roll-ups). We would love to hear if you have any experience in this area!
  • Tender Collards {M}: this recipe for Breakfast Tacos with Eggs, Onions and Collard Greens has me dreaming of weekend brunch.
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M/CSA}: these greens have a bite this week but the more bitter, the better, I say! Check out this article on why bitter greens are good for your health. This article provides lots of great ideas to tame the flavor. My favorite way to enjoy bitter greens is in a salad with a sweetened dressing.
  • Salad Turnips {M}: I haven’t tried this yet, but our salad turnips are mild enough that I think they would be great in our newest recipe for Kohlrabi Hash Browns. Swap the kohlrabi for salad turnips and you have a meal in minutes!
  • Mint {M}: if you love Indian food as much as I do, then I suggest whipping up a batch of Cilantro-Mint Chutney to serve along side your favorite dishes. This sauce would freeze well, too!
  • Lemon Balm {M}: shrubs, which are sweetened vinegar mixtures, typically use fruit for flavoring. I swapped the fruit for lemon balm in this recipe and it was delicious!
  • Eggs {M}: pick up collard greens too and make this Breakfast Tacos with Eggs, Onions and Collard Greens recipe!

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Roasted Carrots

As noted above, this recipe is from Cooks Illustrated. It serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 pounds carrot, peeled, halved crosswise, and cut lengthwise if needed to create even pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Table salt and ground black pepper

Directions:

  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. In large bowl, combine carrots with butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Transfer carrots to foil- or parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread in single layer.
  • Cover baking sheet tightly with foil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook, stirring twice, until carrots are well browned and tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to serving platter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? If you cook, even just casually, you should know about mirepoix – Alice breaks it down for you.

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: Oct 14th, 2015

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Hello!

We had a few more CSA shares open up this week so please pass this onto anyone who is looking for nutritious, delicious food! Here is the link to our CSA information.

See you at market!

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October 14th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market (denoted by M) and/or in the CSA (denoted by CSA):

  • Awesome Asian Lettuce Mix {CSA/M}: check out this Turmeric Tahini Dressing – I think it would be great on these greens!
  • Daikon Radishes and Greens {CSA/M}: did you know that a 7″ long daikon radish has more Vitamin C than a small orange?! There are 74mg of Vitamin C in a daikon compared to 51mg in an orange.
  • Pak Choi {CSA/M}: have you tried our Raw Spicy Pak Choi Salad yet? Let us know what you think!
  • Napa Chinese Cabbage {CSA/M}: here is a link with lots of ideas of how to use your cabbage! I am definitely planning to make the quick kimchi (with the addition of daikon radishes) that is mentioned in this post.
  • Spicy Mustard Greens {CSA/M}: I love adding mustard greens to curried dishes (think chickpeas) or red lentils. The flavor really stands up well to intensely spiced dishes.
  • Kohlrabi {CSA}: I made these kohlrabi fries last season and loved them! It’s a fun, new way to enjoy kohlrabi.
  • Mild Mustard Greens {M}: these greens are mild enough to eat raw. Why not add some to your next salad?
  • Kale {CSA/M}: pick up some potatoes and eggs and make this easy, weeknight soup!
  • Tender Collards {M}: our Collard Green & Pecan Pesto recipe is one of my favorite pesto recipes. It can be frozen and is a great way to preserve your greens.
  • Arugula {M}: these greens are one of the best vegetable sources of Vitamin K, providing a boost for bone and brain health.
  • Salad Turnips {M}: these turnips are great raw but if you need a change of pace, try our Roasted Radish & Turnips with Barley Salad.
  • Red Leaf Lettuce {M}: check out our Essential Elements of a Satisfying Salad post and create a salad without a recipe.
  • Eggs {M}: my new go-to weeknight recipe is brown rice, a fried egg and vegetables (any of our veggies would be a great!) topped with a little soy sauce. Pick up some of our organic eggs and have a meal ready in minutes!

Weekly Farm Notes :: Sep 16th, 2015

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Hello!

The CSA starts tomorrow…are you as excited as I am?! So many tasty things to look forward to cooking over the next week. And if you haven’t signed up yet, there are a few spots left! Contact us here to find out more.

Although we haven’t had much at market the past few weeks, we have been busy on the farm and online in this space getting ready for this upcoming growing season. We have posted both an Essentials to Making Soup and an Essentials to Making Salad in hopes you can make both without a recipe. Check it out and let us know your thoughts!

Looking for something to do this weekend? It’s time again for the Tastebuds Farm Tour from 10am-5pm. Stop by our farm, and lots of other amazing farms, and see exactly where your food is grown! We look forward to seeing you soon.

For those with a CSA share – next week you can expect pak choi, awesome Asian salad mix, and tender collards. We will have recipe ideas for you next week!

See you at market!

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September 16th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market (denoted by M) and/or in the CSA (denoted by CSA):

  • Summerfest Komatsuna {CSA}: this Asian green is a cousin of the turnip but with a more mild flavor. It is sometimes called Japanese Mustard Spinach. Cook these greens similar to other Asian greens – stir-fry, steam or add to soups. I think they would be a great addition to a miso soup (look for a recipe soon)!
  • Royal Radishes and Greens {M/CSA}: I made this recipe for Radish & Black Bean Salsa years ago when I first started volunteering for a farm in Cincinnati, OH. I was handing out samples at a CSA pickup and after one little boy tried it, he asked his mom to make it so he could eat it for lunch the next day! It was pretty wonderful, and so is the salsa.
  • Siberian Kale Mix {CSA}: you may be looking for something hearty now that there is a chill in the air. If so, give this Coconut Curried Kale and Sweet Potato dish a try.
  • Amara Mustard Greens {M/CSA}: Also called African Kale, these mustard greens are on the mild side. I think they would be great in our Greens & Cheese Frittata Muffins or in our Millet & Quinoa Patties!
  • India Mustard Greens {M/CSA}: these mustard greens are spicy and I think they would be great in a sauce. Try our Green Tahini Sauce or my recipe for Mustard Green Harissa.
  • Arugula {M}: so many wonderful ways to enjoy arugula – check out this post from The Kitchn for a little inspiration.
  • Hakurei Salad Turnips and Greens {M/CSA}: here is a simple farro salad recipe to use both your turnips and the greens. Simply add white beans or your favorite protein and dinner is ready!
  • Green Tomatoes and Red Cooking Tomatoes {CSA}: I know what I am doing with my green tomatoes – frying them! There are a million recipes for fried green tomatoes but this one is served with basil mayonnaise, so pick up some basil tomorrow too! And for the red cooking tomatoes, add them to Main Street Farmers Market recipe for West African Soup – yum!
  • Snap Green Beans {CSA}: you might as well enjoy basil now before it is gone – Green Bean Salad with Basil, Balsamic and Parmesan.
  • Basil {M}: I learned a great new technique last week to preserve basil. Take a stack of 10 or so leaves, place them in a pint sized canning jar, sprinkle with salt and olive oil, and repeat until jar is full. Drizzle stack with additional olive oil until basil is mostly covered (it will continue to compress – check it every day or so for a few days to make sure it is fully covered). They should keep in the refrigerator for months!
  • Eggs {M}: did you know unwashed, farm fresh eggs can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator?! Pick some up tomorrow and you will always have a meal options waiting for you.

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Other :: Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s latest article? She is opening the door on one of my favorite things to make in the kitchen – sauces! So much to learn, so let’s do it together.

Weekly Farm Notes :: August 5th, 2015

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Hello!

We may be in the midst of summer heat but this is the BEST time to think about your Fall, Winter and Spring CSA! Not only can you secure your spot in, what is shaping up to be, our best season ever, but you can also help support our farm as we ramp up to provide you with healthy, delicious food.

You may be wondering how much variety there can be during the cooler months. While Mother Nature will partially dictate which of these products will make it to market, here is a list of seasonal produce you may see in your CSA share and at market: variety of cabbage, Chinese napa cabbage, bitter melon (NEW), variety of Pak choi, variety of kohlrabi, green onions, garlic, salad turnips, carrots, beets, variety of radish, salsify (NEW), rutabaga, arugula, spinach, variety of kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, broccoli raab, mustard greens, Asian greens, lettuce mix, variety of lettuce, pie pumpkin, winter squash, rampicante squash (NEW), potatoes, sweet potatoes, herbs, Jerusalem artichokes, chestnuts, and apples.

You can sign up by emailing us at food@tanthillfarm.com or at market tomorrow!

Let’s not lose sight of the current growing season, however. The list below includes items we will have available today. We hope to see you at market!

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August 5th Produce

Here are some of the items you can expect this week:

  • Chinese Yard Long Beans: while these may taste similar to green beans, the texture can become waterlogged if cooked in water, making them best simply sauteed. Jazz up the cooking oil with a little spice or garlic if you desire. You can also easily ferment them – I followed this recipe. I plan on letting them ferment for at least a week and look forward to adding them to dishes soon!
  • Diva Cucumbers: these cucumbers are thin-skinned and crunchy, the perfect addition to our Millet Tabbouleh.
  • Basil: of course you can make the classic pesto or the even easier pistou, but lately I have been making basil infused drinks. I recently soaked basil in white whiskey (vodka would be great, too) for a day and then strained it. The recipe below for Cinnamon Basil Syrup is next on my list!
  • Pastured Eggs: here’s an easy meal idea: make some rice, chop and saute the Chinese yard long beans, and top with a fried egg and a little soy and/or sesame sauce. Dinner is served!
  • Beautiful Cut Flowers: brighten up your day with our beautiful cut flowers.

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Recipe :: Cinnamon Basil Syrup

This recipe is from The Herbal Kitchen: Cooking with Fragrance and Flavor cookbook and is something I reference often when I need herbal inspiration. This syrup is mixed with blueberries and watermelon but I think it would be great in a cocktail too. Experiment and have fun!

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon or sweet basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

  • Bring the sugar, water, and cinnamon to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer the syrup for 3 minutes. Stir in the basil leaves and remove from heat. Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Strain and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.