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 :: 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.

Weekly Farm Notes :: September 21st, 2016

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Hello,

Tomorrow is the first day of the “Fall into Greens” CSA pickup – yay! We have missed seeing you each week and look forward to the start of a great season.

Just a reminder: if you get your CSA box home but can’t remember what is what, take a look at our Produce Information tab. We have pictures along with attributes, nutrition, storage and recipe information! We are constantly updating to include new products to check back often.

See you at market!

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September 21st Produce

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

  • Daikon Radish & Greens {M/CSA}: if you want to use multiple items in one recipe, this is it. Pao Cai are preserved (here, they are fermented) Chinese vegetables that include daikon, pak choi and hot peppers. Pick up some scallions and garlic while you are at the market and you’ll have most of what you need!
  • Hakurei Japanese Salad Turnips & Greens {M/CSA}: I tend to eat these salad turnips raw but I bet they would be great in a quick pickle. If you aren’t familiar with this process, check out Alice O’Dea’s article “Pickling All The Things“. She mentioned adding jalapenos to the mix to pick some up this week to make a spicy version!
  • Joi Choi Pak Choi {M/CSA}: it is really still in the 90’s? Until it cools down, I am trying to eat as much raw food as possible. Our Raw Spicy Pak Choi Salad is an easy side dish for whatever else you have planned.
  • Parsley {M/CSA}: parsley isn’t the first herb I would think to add to a smoothie, but when paired with the right ingredients, I bet it would be great. Check out “How to Use Parsley In A Green Smoothie” for nutritional information and smoothie ideas.
  • Green Bell & Spicy Peppers {M/CSA}: I still haven’t made stuffed peppers this summer but there is still time! I plan to try a vegetarian version, similar to this one: Quinoa Stuffed Peppers.
  • Summerfest Asian Greens {CSA}: this Asian green is similar in flavor to spinach and you can use it interchangeably in recipes. I am assuming we all love spinach and artichoke dip but it isn’t something we should indulge in often. This Yoghurt & Spinach Dip, however, is still creamy but much more healthful.
  • Cherry Tomatoes {CSA}: the transition from one season into another is the perfect time to preserve your favorite ingredients before they are gone. Tomatoes are that ingredient for me. My favorite way to preserve the fresh tomato flavor is to make this Cherry Tomato Miso Sauce and freeze it for later.
  • Basil {M}: speaking of preserving, what better way to preserve basil than in pesto? Traditional pesto can turn brown pretty quickly, but the addition of parsley can help slow that process without changing the flavor. Check our this Greener Pesto recipe on the MSFM blog.

“Fall Into Greens” CSA Session Starts Soon!

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Hello!

It’s been a while but we wanted to let you know that we are excitedly gearing up for our fall CSA session! Here is what you need to know:

  • We focus on nutrient dense Powerhouse Greens and various other vegetables, such as:
    • Variety of kale, tender collards, mustard greens, mild & spicy Asian greens, Chinese cabbage, green cabbage, Swiss chard, pak choi, kohlrabi, radish, carrots, beets, salad turnips, daikon radish, mache, cress, variety of lettuce, lettuce mix, spinach, arugula, green onions & garlic
  • It lasts 12 weeks starting the end of September or early October
  • The cost is $370 but you can receive a 5% discount when you sign up for the Winter and Spring sessions at the same time
  • We offer two pick up locations
    • Main Street Farmers Market: Wednesday from 3:30 – 5:30
    • Nutrition World: Saturday from 10 – noon

Contact Mark & Gina to learn more or sign up!

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Weekly Farm Notes :: Dec 9th, 2015

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Hello!

The recent fall CSA session ended last week (unless you received an extension email from Mark & Gina). We will still have plenty of goodies at market, though! And don’t forget, if you have already signed up for a Winter or Spring CSA session, you get 10% off anything else you purchase!

See you at market tomorrow!

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December 9th Produce

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

  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: check out the markets latest recipe for Sicilian Greens with Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins. Try a different combination of greens, nuts and dried fruit – like Swiss chard, almonds and apricots or kale, pecans and cherries. Experiment and have fun!
  • Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: check out the easy Egg Gratin with Swiss Chard and Cherry Tomatoes recipe below. I have also made it with broccoli rabe and spicy peppers so play around with the ingredients and make it using whatever you have on hand.
  • Siberian, Red Russian & Toscano Kale {M/CSA}: check out our most recent post for Kohlrabi Greens Furikake – it would be just as good with kale!
  • Mild Mustard Greens {M/CSA}: have you checked out our Indian Mustard Green Sauce with Potatoes recipe yet? It is great comfort food for chilly nights!
  • Pak Choi {M/CSA}: I developed this Quick Kimchi recipe for the market using Napa cabbage. However, I think you could use pak choi and get great results too! While this version won’t last quite as long as the traditional, fermented style, I don’t think it would stick around in your refrigerator long enough anyways!
  • Awesome Asian Salad Mix {M/CSA}: this mix includes a variety of 5 greens but does not lettuce, making it great raw or sauteed. I think this Udon with Tofu and Asian Greens soup looks like a great way to use these greens.
  • Red & Green Baby Butterhead Lettuce {CSA}: now THIS is what salads should look like! I, too, hate wimpy salads and think they need lots of variety in flavor and texture to satisfy.
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M}: I love using arugula in veggie wraps. They are really simple and can be varied in so many ways. All you need are 10″ or larger tortillas, hummus or other spread, and your favorite fixings – I usually use olives, feta, sauteed or roasted veggies, and arugula or other fresh greens. This is fast food you want to eat!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: I think these greens would be great in our Quinoa & Kale Bites recipe!
  • Wasabi Arugula {M}: wasabi arugula has an extra kick! Here is a list of recipes that work well with spicy arugula.
  • Cilantro {M}: I don’t own a juicer but I am sure some of you do out there. Here is a great Lesson on Juicing post from one of my favorite bloggers. She juiced cilantro with some serrano chiles tossed in and suggests mixing it with yogurt and serving with tomato soup – yum!

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Recipe :: Egg Gratin with Swiss Chard & Cherry Tomatoes

This recipe is from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen – it’s an everyday go-to cookbook for me. It serves 4-6.

Recipe notes: 1) I used Parmesan in place of Manchego and also cut the amount in half and I still think it turned out great; 2) I also used about 8 spicy pickled peppers in place of the tomatoes – it both saved time and added an extra kick to the dish; 3) I used an 8 x 8 glass baking dish and it worked well.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for dish
  • 2-1/2 ounces Manchego cheese, grated (1-1/4 cups)
  • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces Swiss chard, stemmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1-1/4 cups half-and-half
  • 4 large eggs

Directions:

  • Adjust 1 oven rack to middle position and second rack 6 inches from broiler element. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of broiler-safe 2 quart gratin dish with butter and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Manchego evenly over bottom and sides of dish. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook until tomatoes begin to break down and release their liquid, 3-5 minutes; transfer tomatoes to prepared dish.
  • Wipe out now empty skillet with paper towels and melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in chard and increase heat to medium-high. Cover and cook until chard is wilted but still bright green, about 2 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Transfer chard to gratin dish and spread evenly over tomatoes.
  • Whisk cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt together in medium bowl. Whisk in half-and-half, eggs, and 3/4 cup Manchego until thoroughly combined. Pour egg mixture over tomatoes and greens. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Manchego. Bake gratin on middle rack until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes, rotating dish halfway through baking. Remove gratin from oven.
  • Heat broiler. Broil gratin on top rack until cheese is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Let gratin cool until custard has set up, about 5 minutes. Serve.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? I love the sound of this avocado pasta and plan on trying it ASAP!

Weekly Farm Notes :: Dec 2nd, 2015

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Hello!

This is the last week of our “Falling into Greens” CSA session. We are offering three separate pickups this week – 1st at market tomorrow, 2nd at Brainard Market on Saturday and 3rd on Main Street on Saturday. Please make sure you have prearranged your pickup with Mark & Gina.

In case you missed it, we have a new preservation post this week on Stem Jam. We get a lot of greens and a lot of stems! Stash them away in the freezer and make this jam at the end of the week.

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December 2nd Produce

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

  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: I have been interested in making West African Peanut Soup for a while, but it is definitely on my list now that I found a recipe with collard greens added in!
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: although the cold and rain makes us crave cooked, hearty food, don’t neglect getting a daily dose of raw greens! This article will give you lot of tips to make a Swiss chard smoothie taste great.
  • Red Russian & Toscano Kale {M/CSA}: noodles of any kind make for quick weeknight meals. Check out this Garlic Soba Noodles recipe and toss in any number of the greens suggested.
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M/CSA}: the spiciness of these greens is a great counterpoint to richer dishes. Add some to egg salad, pizza or mac’n’cheese!
  • Red & Green Mild Mustard {CSA}: check out our new Indian Inspired Green Sauce with Potatoes for a tasty way to use your mustard greens!
  • Beets {CSA}: have you tried beet kvass yet? I tried it for the first time a month ago and loved the results! I fermented mine a few days longer than is recommended in the link above so mine was probably a bit funkier. I used most of the juice and beets in smoothies but the juice is great straight, mixed with syrups or sparkling water or in a cocktail.
  • Daikon Radish {CSA}: although this Sweet Pickled Daikon Radish recipe was designed for canning, just store in the refrigerator to keep it easy.
  • Kohlrabi {CSA}: our Kohlrabi Hash Browns recipe is great for a quick weeknight meal or a lazy Sunday brunch.
  • Green Butterhead & Drunken Woman Frizzy Headed Lettuce {CSA}: looking for some salad inspiration? Take a look at The Essential Elements to a Satisfying Salad post and make a salad you’ll love.
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: check out our new Indian Inspired Green Sauce with Potatoes for a tasty way to use your mustard greens!
  • Jerusalem Artichokes {M}: have you tried these fried yet? I have made “chips” where they were thinly sliced and then fried but I haven’t tried them battered and fried. This recipe sounds great if you want to try your hand at it!
  • Awesome Asian Salad Mix {M}: sometimes, you just need to hard boil or fry and egg and call it dinner. Spice that idea up a bit and make this Mixed Green Salad with Egg, Avocado and Creamy Lemon-Dill Dressing.
  • Cilantro {M}: we all need quick, flavorful, make-ahead sauces that taste great on just about anything. Add this vegan Spicy Cilantro Sauce recipe to the list.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? This week, she explores the wonders of making a pan sauce…if you haven’t made one before, you need this information!

Weekly Farm Notes :: Nov 24th, 2015

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Hello!

Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving? If you waiting until the last minute to figure out your meal, we hope you find some ideas below. Also, don’t forget that the end of the “Fall into Greens” CSA session is ending soon so preserve the bounty now!

A reminder: all of those stems from your greens are edible! Adding them to smoothies is always an option but I like the ideas on this post. Also, look for a “Stem Jam” recipe coming soon!

See you at market tomorrow (not Wednesday) and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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November 24th Produce

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

  • Carrots {M/CSA}: check out our latest post – Carrot and Turmeric Soup! This would be an easy, make-ahead side dish if you are still planning your Thanksgiving meal. Also, don’t forget that you can eat the carrot tops!
  • Jerusalem Artichokes {M/CSA}: there is one important thing to know about the composition of Jerusalem artichokes – they are rich in a carbohydrate called inulin and very low in starch. This makes them great for those who wish to avoid starchy foods but they can also be difficult to digest in large quantities. Check out this, this and this for more information.
  • Siberian Kale Mix {M/CSA}: how genius is this “Salad Booster” – a combination of toasted nori, kale, sunflower seeds and lemon zest?! This is definitely on my list of things to try ASAP!
  • Red Leaf & Red Butter Lettuce {M/CSA}: how do you store your lettuce? This link tells you how to keep your greens fresher, longer!
  • Ford Hook Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: kale gets all the attention but Swiss chard deserves some of the lime light! Check out this link for lots of recipe ideas – I especially like the sound of Bread Soup with Onions, Chard and Mushrooms for Thanksgiving.
  • Awesome Asian Salad Mix {M/CSA}: there are LOTS of Asian salad recipes out there but I think this one looks the best (no crispy ramen topping included, which is a good thing in my book). Just substitute the salad mix for the kale.
  • Pak Choi {CSA}: if you need something on the lighter side post Thanksgiving, give our Triple Sesame Noodles with Pak Choi a try!
  • Garlic {CSA}: I just got The Joy of Pickling cookbook and wow, it’s fantastic. If you are a fan of pickling, I would suggest you pick up a copy (I got mine for $6 on Ebay). See the Chinese Pickled Garlic recipe below for a fast and flavorful way to preserve your garlic.
  • Tender Collards {M}: these Chickpea, Cashew and Collard Green Patties can be made ahead and frozen. No need for greasy carry out when you have these stashed away in the freezer!
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M}: I am fascinated by another cookbook I picked up this week – Preserving the Japanese Way. There is a recipe for Wild Arugula with Walnut Miso that I am dying to try. If it turns out well, I will definitely post it soon!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: hot damn, this vegan Mustard Greens Soup with Poblanos and Almonds sounds delicious! I love how simple ingredients can come together to make a special meal.

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Recipe :: Chinese Pickled Garlic

This recipe is from The Joy of Pickling and makes about 1 cup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or distilled vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pickling salt

Directions:

  • Put the garlic into a half-pint jar. Stir together the vinegar, sugar and salt and pour the liquid over the garlic. Cap the jar and store it in the refrigerator or another cool, dark place for at least 1 month before using the garlic. It should keep well for 1 year or more. After opening the jar, store it in the refrigerator.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? Take her advice and make a yummy soup from your Thanksgiving leftovers!

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: Nov 18th, 2015

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Hello!

There are two important events coming up of note: first, Thanksgiving of course, but also the “Fall into Greens” CSA session is coming to an end in just a few short weeks. Start thinking about preserving part or all of your weekly share to hold you over before the “Deep Winter” session starts in January. We are providing information below to help you prepare for both!

For those who use Facebook and Instagram, we are asking that you use #tanthillfarm whenever you post something about the farm or your weekly CSA share. There are lots of us in the community but I am guessing we aren’t all connected on social media. This will give us an easy way to connect and see what others are doing each week with their produce. We will also tag any pictures of the farm so you can see what it takes to get your produce from the field to your table.

A few “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.

See you at market!

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November 18th Produce

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

  • Kale Mix {M/CSA}: this mix includes Toscano, Siberian & Red Ruffled varieties. For a fresh recipe, this seasonal Balsamic Butternut Kale Panzanella salad looks like a great way to incorporate fresh greens in a festive way! If you want to preserve your bounty, freezing is my favorite way to store kale for future use. It is fast and great at retaining the nutrient value. Check out this guide to make little kale bundles that can be used in various ways down the road.
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: I have never included Mac n’ Cheese in my Thanksgiving celebration but I know a lot of people who do. Why not toss in some of your collards into the dish this year, similar to this recipe? You can always prepare and freeze your greens this week to make the process easier.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: don’t forget about your dehydrator when trying to find ways to preserve greens. While I don’t like the way raw greens turn out when dehydrated, I really enjoy those that are tossed with oil and spices. Check out our Dehydrated Greens post that includes a recipe for Swiss chard.
  • Mild Red Dragon Tongue & Green Amara Mustard Greens {CSA}: I always fall back on making sauces to preserve fresh ingredients. I especially loves sauces like this one because it can be transformed down the road. You could add cheese and toasted nuts and toss it with pasta or use it as a spread on a sandwich.
  • Cabbage {CSA}: I always think of sauerkraut when trying to find ways to preserve cabbage, but sometimes you need to spice things up. Our Curtido (Salvadorian Sauerkraut) recipe includes carrots, jalapenos and dried spices for a nice twist on an old classic.
  • Spigarello Broccoli Rabe Leaves {CSA}: everything gets turned into a pesto these days, for good reason. They are relatively easy to make, taste great and freeze well. Prepare the sauce for this Broccoli Rabe Walnut Pesto now and freeze to enjoy later!
  • Lettuce {CSA}: I love tahini based salad dressing for the flavor and richness it provides. Just so happens, the market published this Lemon-Tahini Dressing this week. Let’s all give it a try.
  • Tatsoi {CSA}: this green is similar to spinach but with more character. That’s why it works great in this Pasta with Tatsoi and Gingered Butter Sauce recipe.
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M}: I love mixing fresh and cooked items together in a salad. I think this Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad would make a great addition to Thanksgiving!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: really, anything with a fried egg and avocado is going to be great, but this egg sandwich looks pretty legit.

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Thanksgiving Prep

Here are the items that will possibly be in your CSA share next week. We hope this helps you plan your dinner!

  • Sunchokes / Jerusalem Artichokes: here is a list of possible sunchoke recipes. I think the sunchoke and potato gratin would be a great Thanksgiving side dish!
  • Carrots: I can imagine really enjoying this Roasted Carrot Turmeric Soup the day or two after Thanksgiving when a light meal is in order.
  • Awesome Asian Mix: I noticed that Alexzanna Farms has Japanese persimmons this week. I think it is worth asking if they will be available next week too. Substitute the chicories with our Asian mix and I think this salad would be lovely for Thanksgiving!
  • Garlic: if you need to have a dairy-free “creamy” option for Thanksgiving, I thought this Roasted Garlic Ricotta looked like a great option (anything is good when mixed with roasted garlic).
  • Spicy Arugula (same as suggested above): I love mixing fresh and cooked items together in a salad. I think this Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad would make a great addition to Thanksgiving!
  • Pak Choi: this Glazed Shiitakes with Bok Choy recipe is a similar take to many other pak choi recipes out there but I love the focus on mushrooms. It almost reminds me of a fresher version of green bean casserole!
  • Lettuce: I love shaved fennel in salad and it just so happens that Crabtree Farm has some this week! Ask to see if it will be around next week and add it to your Thanksgiving meal.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? I cannot wait to experience a Scenic City Supper Club dinner myself someday!

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: Nov 11th, 2015

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Hello!

Thanksgiving is my favorite of all holidays and it is only 2 weeks away! You will see below that I have quite a few turkey day side dish suggestions using our beautiful farm fresh bounty. It’s not to early to start planning!

“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.

See you at market!

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November 11th Produce

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

  • Kale {M/CSA}: Thanksgiving isn’t complete without stuffing so why not try a Kale and Caramelized Onion Stuffing this year! Maybe gratins are more your thing – this vegan Kale and Mushroom Gratin looks tasty too!
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: I recently tried cooking collards in my pressure cooker and they are the best I have ever tasted! I just cooked them with onion, apple cider vinegar and a little sugar. If you own a pressure cooker, I highly suggest you try this technique. Here is a vegetarian recipe for Pressure Cooker Balsamic Collard Greens that sounds amazing.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: I am working on a recipe for Orange & Swiss Chard Oat Muffins that I will publish later this week. You could make and freeze a batch this week, then pull them out for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving when you can’t imagine ever cooking again.
  • Cabbage {CSA}: I think a lovely winter slaw would be a great addition to Thanksgiving dinner!
  • Green Onions {CSA}: I have been dying to try this Shredded Tofu and Mushroom Stir-Fry recipe. It would be perfect this week as you can use our green onions and cilantro and then pick up mushrooms from Land Before Time Farm. For something quite different, check out our Green Onion Yogurt Flatbread recipe!
  • Lettuce Mix {CSA}: winter salads take on a whole different personality from those we consume during the warmer months. I love the heartier textures and tastes in salads during this time of year (although it still doesn’t even feel like autumn yet!). Here is a great list of colorful salads to help inspire.
  • Pak Choi {CSA}: here is another way to incorporate the lovely mushrooms you can find locally with our pak choi and green onions. Don’t forget about our Raw Spicy Pak Choi Salad also!
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M}: I am not a football fan but I would definitely come to your house to watch a game if you made the Feta and Arugula Guacamole recipe below!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: have you ever eaten Sag Aloo? It is an Indian spinach sauce mixed with chunks of potatoes but I made it recently with kale and mustard greens. It is wonderfully satisfying and delicious but not something many people make at home. It really doesn’t take much time and the sauce can be made ahead and frozen. I will publish a recipe in just a couple of days so keep an eye out!
  • Parsley {M}: here is a completely different type of salad – Parsley and Onion Salad on Grilled Bread. I think this would be a lovely Thanksgiving day appetizer 🙂
  • Cilantro {M}: from hummus to pesto to compound butter, you can surely find inspiration here!

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Recipe :: Feta and Arugula Guacamole

This recipe is from Cook’s Country. It makes 2-1/2 to 3 cups and serves 4 to 6 people.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1/2 cup chopped baby arugula
  • 1 jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup)

Directions:

  • Halve 1 avocado, remove pit, and scoop flesh into medium bowl. Add arugula, jalapeño, onion, lime juice, garlic, ¾ teaspoon salt, and cumin and mash with potato masher (or fork) until mostly smooth.
  • Halve and pit remaining 2 avocados. Carefully make ½-inch crosshatch incisions in flesh with butter knife, cutting down to but not through skin. Insert spoon between skin and flesh, gently scoop out avocado cubes, and add to mashed mixture. Add feta and gently mash until mixture is well combined but still coarse. Season with salt to taste. Serve.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? It looks like I am not the only one deep into Thanksgiving preparations!

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: Nov 4th, 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 more pictures and nutritional information to the Produce Information tab. Let us know what else we can add to make this useful for you!

See you at market!

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November 4th Produce

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

  • Purple Kohlrabi {CSA}: hey, don’t throw away those leaves! Use them like you would any other green – shred and toss into a salad or saute in a little oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. And if you need ideas for the bulb, check out our Kohlrabi Hash Browns or Raw Sesame Marinated Kohlrabi recipes!
  • Red & Green Mustard {CSA}: I am always looking for easy, vegetarian stews for the fall and winter. I think this Chickpea Stew with Orzo and Mustard Green recipe looks great!
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: however you choose to prepare your Swiss chard, I would highly recommend pairing it with a little cumin (we used this pairing in our recent Barley & Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard recipe). I think a some cumin scented Swiss chard would be great on a taco or added to a burrito.
  • Red Leaf Lettuce {M/CSA}: these large, tender leaves are perfect for lettuce wraps. Check out our Korean Lettuce Wraps recipe for some inspiration!
  • Awesome Asian Greens Mix {M/CSA}: the mix this week doesn’t include lettuce so it would be great raw or quickly sauteed, maybe with some ginger garlic sauce?
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: have you ever used your collards in a smoothie? I haven’t either but this recipe sounds like a great one to try!
  • Red Kale Mix {M/CSA}: this kale mix (which varies in color) includes Red Ruffled, Red Russian, Red Ursa and Scarlet. Don’t forget, you can always dehydrate your greens! Check out our Preserving the Harvest post on Dehydrating for more details plus a recipe.
  • Baby Romaine Lettuce {M/CSA}: anyone suffering from allergies will find this interesting:
    • All common lettuce varieties are considered hypoallergenic (unlikely to cause allergic reactions), but romaine lettuce may offer additional health benefits for people who suffer from allergies thanks to its high folate content (one ounce of romaine delivers 10% of the Daily Value for this B complex vitamin). A 2009 study examined the blood folate levels of more than 8,000 people with and without asthma and allergies and found that people with the lowest serum folate levels were 31% more likely to have allergies and 40% more likely to have wheeze than those with the highest levels of folate. The inverse association also appeared to be dose-dependent, meaning that the people with the highest levels of folate were least likely to suffer from allergies or wheezing. This study appeared in the June 2009 issue of the The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M}: do you ever make homemade pizza? It’s fairly easy if you buy pre-made dough from the grocery store. One of my all time favorite pizzas is roasted red peppers and cheese topped with lightly dressed arugula after it comes out of the oven. Give it a try – I am sure you will love it too!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: if you want to preserver your mustard greens for use down the road, try this Mustard Green Harissa. It’s spicy and flavorful and great in so many different applications.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? I am sooo excited for Thanksgiving and look forward to, among many things, cranberry sauce!