Farm Notes March 22nd: Walking to Spring CSA is Here!

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Hello from Tant Hill Farm! We are so excited about the Spring season and all the surprises it has in store for us The weather has been a little strange but we just go with its flow! Our new baby Chicks are growing so quickly, by July we will have more Organic free range, soy and wheat free eggs to offer! Our Walking to Spring CSA session starts today, pick up at Main Street Farmers Market and Nutrition World Farmers Market.

We are at Nutrition World Farmers Market every Saturday from 11:30am-1pm.

See you at Main Street Farmers Market!

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March 22nd Produce

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

  • Toscano Kale {CSA} Red Russian and Siberian Kale {M}: check out this recipe from the Kitchen of Blackwell Smith. Don’t throw your stems away!! Kale Salad with Apples and Peanuts
  • Rainbow {M/CSA} and Giant Ford Hook Swiss Chard {M}: while you can use just about any green in our latest recipe – Chard Onion Cheese Frittata – I like how quick Swiss chard cooks down. Thinly slicing the stems and cooking them with the onions is an added bonus!
  • Dragon Tongue and Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {CSA}: 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! The Spicy Asian Mustard has a Horseradish bite that is tamed when cooked. Mustard Greens are amazing with your scrambled eggs in the morning!
  • Tender Collards {CSA}: Collard Green and Pecan Pesto is a great recipe as the weather is starting to warm. Basil is not the only green you can use for pesto. You can also use your favorite nut if pecans are not your fancy!
  • Red Kitten Spinach {M/CSA}: this is the most beautiful spinach I have ever grown! The dense texture, the arrowhead shape and the stunning burgundy coloring is so vibrant! Check out Blackwell Smiths recipe for Warm Red Kitten Spinach Salad.
  • Organic, Range Free, Soy and Wheat Free Eggs {M}: here is a 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.
  • Green Onions {CSA}: Add these beauties to any salad or meal.
  • Herbs: Parsley {M/CSA}, Rosemary, Garlic Chives, English Thyme and Sweet Mint {M} Here is a great site on how to store and prepare your herbs. Herbs. The herbs will store well in the bag they come in!
  • Edible Asian and Arugula Flowers {M}. Flowers make a great addition to your Kale salad. If you love presentation, this will take it to another level!
  • Medicinal and Nutrient Dense Chickweed for Smoothies, Teas or Tincture. See Chickweed is a Star for some great info on this amazing Herb!

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Thomas Edison

Weekly Farm Notes :: April 27th, 2016

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Hello,

This is the 5th week of the Spring CSA session and we hope you are enjoying the bounty of the season. We are always open to your questions, comments and feedback regarding each CSA session so don’t hesitate to contact us.

See you tomorrow at market!

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April 27th Produce

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

  • White Japanese Salad Turnips {M/CSA}: Sauerruben is a German fermented turnip recipe – think of sauerkraut but with turnips instead of cabbage. I made a version with traditional turnips but salad turnips would be just as good (add a bay leaf for a little extra flavor!).
  • Ford Hook & Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: it’s easy to use your greens when they are pre-cooked and ready to go in the refrigerator. I will saute some greens at the beginning of the week and then toss them into various dishes. You can easily add these to a stir-fry at the end and top it with My New Favorite Stir-fry Sauce.
  • Toscano Kale {M/CSA}: I love coconut rice but I haven’t tried a quinoa version before. This Coconut Quinoa and Kale with Tropical Pesto recipe sounds like a great one to try.
  • Purple Kohlrabi {M/CSA}: if you aren’t sure how to use your kohlrabi greens, try dehydrating them for our Kohlrabi Greens Furikake recipe. It is super simple and the seasoning can be used any number of ways. I enjoyed it simply tossed with rice when I was short on fresh vegetables.
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: check out our Collard Greens Relish if you are looking for ways to preserve your greens!
  • Lettuce Mix with Red Kitten Spinach {M/CSA}: I usually think of kale when making a smoothie but lettuce can be a great addition too! Here is a Berry Lettuce Smoothie recipe is get you started.
  • Edible Asian Flowers {M/CSA}: use these beauties in dishes where they will be noticed – in a green or grain salad, as a garnish for smoothies or mixed into a compound butter.
  • Baby Red Romaine Lettuce {M/CSA}: romaine lettuce is classic in a Caesar salad as it doesn’t get soggy when tossed with the rich dressing. If you are looking for ways to enjoy this delicious salad without the guilt, try this 5-Minute Vegan Caesar Dressing.
  • Pak Choi {M}: oranges have been touted as the only way to get Vitamin C, however plenty of leafy greens contain close to or more than oranges. Pak Choi is high on that list – just another reason to love this ingredient!
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M}: tacos are a theme this week and this recipe serves double duty because it features radishes, too. Give these Vegetarian Arugula & Black Bean with Pickled Radish Tacos a try.
  • Beautiful Red Radish {M}: I always plan to ferment my radishes but end up using them in other ways. This week I am going to try this recipe.
  • Mint {M}: I love steeping mint in hot water, along with grated ginger and turmeric, for a wonderful tea. Add a little honey and lemon juice at the end to take it up a notch.
  • Garlic Chives {M}: Alice’s latest article on Breakfast Tacos is timely as I have corn tortillas in my freezer waiting to be used. I am not sure what the filling will be yet, but mixing minced garlic chives into an egg before cooking it sounds like a good start.
  • Lemon Balm {M}: I love mixing this herb with strawberries. You can make a simple syrup – 1 part water to 1 part sugar – and let the lemon balm steep in the syrup for about 10 minutes. Then pour a little syrup over fresh strawberries for a quick dessert.

Weekly Farm Notes :: April 20th, 2016

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Hello,

If you haven’t already, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We would love to see how you use your vegetables and herbs each week! Tag your photos with #tanthillfarm to share with others in our community!

See you tomorrow at market!

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April 20th Produce

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

  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: do you ever eat collards raw? I haven’t tried it myself but if massaging kale can lead to a great salad, why not collards too? Here is a raw salad idea with apple cider vinegar and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: if you are looking for a healthy breakfast alternative you can eat on the go, try our Swiss Chard & Orange Oat Muffins!
  • Toscano & Siberian Kale {M/CSA}: unless it’s in a smoothie, I typically don’t think of kale for breakfast. However, combining it with eggs (and basically anything else you want) in a breakfast wrap sounds like a great way to start the morning.
  • Awesome Asian & Lettuce Salad Mix {M/CSA}: if you are looking for salad dressing inspiration, here is a collection of 52 Healthy and Homemade Dressings.
  • Pak Choi {M/CSA}: cabbage isn’t the only thing that can be turned into kimchi – pak choi is also great! And if you don’t have the time or energy for a lacto-fermentation, my Quick Kimchi recipe gives you lots of flavor without the wait.
  • Spring Radishes {M/CSA}: these Taco Pickles make use of cilantro too so be sure to pick some up and make a batch!
  • Wild & Spicy Asian Mustard {M/CSA}: if you are interested in learning more about wild mustard, check out this video. They grow just about anywhere so maybe you can find some around your home!
  • Spinach {M}: Mujaddara with Spiced Yogurt is nothing more than lentils, rice and onions, and is great with spinach or any other green you have on hand.
  • Bold & Peppery Arugula {M}: I love mixing spicy greens with starchy grains and a bold dressing. Our Arugula Rice Salad with Miso-Ginger Dressing is a fresh way use arugula but you could also add cooked greens as well.
  • Delicious Collard Raab {M}: this can be cooked just like broccoli raab. I loved it simply chopped and sauted over medium until the stalks were crisp tender and the leaves were crispy. You could toss this with rice and a fried egg for a quick and delicious meal!
  • Mint & Peppermint {M}: I love anything in fritter form. They are easy and great for kids and adults alike. Check out these Pea-Millet-Mint Fritters for a spring-like version!
  • Cilantro {M}: since I have cojita, the cheese called for in this pesto, this Cilantro Pesto is on my list for this week!
  • Lemon Balm {M}: considered a calming herb, lemon balm has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote sleep when combined with other calming herbs. Add some to your chamomile tea tonight!

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? She reminds us 1) to be conscience of those with food limitations when cooking for a large group and 2) to help those in need during an upcoming food drive.

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 :: January 20th, 2016

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Hello,

The bad weather forecasted for tomorrow has delayed the start of our Deep Winter CSA until this Saturday. We will be at the Brainerd Market from 11am to noon so please let us know if that doesn’t work and we can find an alternate plan.

We aren’t sure yet if we will make it to the market tomorrow to sell other produce but wanted to send out the list below just in case. Let’s all cross our fingers that it isn’t as bad as predicted!

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January 20th Produce

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

  • Tender Collards {CSA}: if you don’t have time or energy to eat your greens fresh, check out this great idea for Super Green Veggie Powder! You dehydrate your greens along with onions, bell peppers, celery and parsley (or whatever you have on hand) and then process it into a powder. Use on eggs, with potatoes or add to a green smoothie!
  • Rainbow & Ford Hook Swiss Chard {CSA}: Swiss Chard Pancakes? I support anything in pancake form (especially when you make the batter in a blender!).
  • Red Russian & Toscano Kale {M/CSA}: I think kale plus this lovely Ginger Carrot Dressing would make an amazing salad. Bonus – you might be able to find fresh turmeric at market so you can swap it for the dried version.
  • Spigarello Broccoli Rabe {CSA}: the dark, cold days of winter lead me to bake more often than usual, and this Savory Quick Bread recipe is one I come back to again and again. It is fairly basic – flour, eggs, olive oil and yogurt – flavored with broccoli rabe and sun-dried tomatoes. Try our version or make your own!
  • Green Mild Mustard Greens {CSA}: prepare these Quick Pickled Mustard Greens to serve with any number of other items. This would be a great addition to rice and fried eggs!
  • Large Leaf Spicy Arugula {M}: my mother-in-law raves about this Farro Salad recipe, and for good reason. It sounds delicious! Ps – make sure to pick up some mint for the salad too!
  • Wasabi Arugula {M}: this White Bean, Potato and Arugula Soup sounds like a lovely warming soup to serve during these cold winter days. You can use your rosemary in this recipe too!
  • Mint & Peppermint {M}: use this in the farro salad mentioned above or simply freeze the mint leaves in an ice cube tray covered with water (maybe to use when its warm again!).
  • Rosemary {CSA}: use this in the white bean soup mentioned above or simply steep rosemary and lemon peel in white distilled vinegar for a fragrant household cleaner!

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? She discusses the new dietary guidelines and gives a quick recipe for tomato sauce (no reason to buy the stuff in jars when it’s this simple to make at home!).

Weekly Farm Notes :: January 6th, 2016

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Hello,

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with everything you love most.

We are looking forward to the start of the Deep Winter CSA session! The first pick-up will start either next week or the week after. Look for an email with more details soon.

Hope to see you at market tomorrow!

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January 6th Produce

Here are the items you can expect at Market:

  • Tender Collards: I love these Collard Green Falafel. They don’t take long to throw together and are a unique way to use your greens. Serve with hummus, pita and olives for a tasty meal.
  • Rainbow & Ford Hook Swiss Chard: Callaloo is a Caribbean dish traditionally made with amaranth greens (which are also called callaloo). The stew is quick and flavorful and while we don’t have the greens, Swiss chard makes a great substitute. Here is a recipe worth trying.
  • Siberian, Red Russian & Toscano Kale: if you need a little detox in your life after the holidays (hand raised), give this Vegan Detox Smoothie a try!
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula: cooking tames the spiciness of these greens. Check out the recipe below for a super simple, yet satisfying pasta dish with sauteed arugula. There are many ways to make this dish your own – use different nuts or cheese and add any additional seasoning you like.
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens: I love 1) Indian food and 2) finding ways to use whatever greens are left over in my refrigerator. This Indian Mustard Green Sauce with Potatoes fulfills both of these loves. I hope you like it as much as I do!
  • Wasabi Arugula: if you are in the mood for a salad, don’t let this spicy arugula scare you away! The trick is to balance it with other flavors, like this recipe for Fresh Fig and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese. The sweetness from the figs and the tangy, rich flavors from the cheese are a great compliment to the arugula. Check out The Essentials Elements to a Satisfying Salad post to come up with your own salad!
  • Chickweed: if you haven’t tried this nutrient dense, medicinal “weed” before, now is your chance! It can be eaten raw or cooked briefly, in which case it will be similar to spinach. Check out our Chickweed Power Salad recipe for a great way to make it into a meal!
  • Henbit: this edible “weed” is part of the mint family but it tastes more like raw kale. It is high in iron, vitamins and fiber and can be used in salads, smoothies or wraps.
  • Dead Nettle: another edible “weed”, is very similar to Henbit (see a comparison between the two on this link). It is called “dead” because it won’t sting you like the infamous stinging nettle! One blogger notes the fuzzy texture is not great for eating raw and prefers adding it to smoothies.
  • Parsley: use the parsley in the pasta recipe below!
  • Lemon Balm: shrubs are a fun way to preserve fruit and herbs. Here is a quick Lemon Balm Shrub recipe which can be enjoyed on its own or used in a cocktail.
  • Leaf Celery: gremolata is an Italian condiment usually consisting of chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic. Swap out the parsley for leaf celery and you will have an easy, delicious topping for any number of meals (I sprinkled it on a mushroom pizza but it would also be great swirled into soups). Find the recipe here!
  • Mint: the cold weather has me craving tea all day long. When I need a caffeine-free version, I turn to herbs. Simply steep fresh mint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, add honey and lemon juice to taste, and enjoy!

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Recipe :: Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Arugula, Walnuts and Ricotta Salata

This recipe is from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. Serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound whole-wheat spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra virgin to finish
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • Several pinches of red pepper flakes
  • 6 or more cups of arugula leaves, large stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped
  • Salt
  • 3 tablespoons parsley
  • 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
  • Thin shavings of ricotta salata

Directions:

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a 12″ non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the arugula, season with a few pinches of salt, and saute until wilted. Stir in the parsley and walnuts and turn off heat. When the pasta is done, drain and add to the skillet. Toss well and serve with cheese and extra virgin olive oil drizzled over the top.

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? Detox tips are always welcome this time of year!

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 :: August 11th, 2015

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Hello!

I am including the same CSA information as I sent last week. Spots are filling up fast so please sign up soon if you are interested!

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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 stop by our booth at market tomorrow!

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

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August 12th Produce

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

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Recipe :: Benedictine

I have only lived in the South since last November but I instantly fell in love with the food culture. I love reading about traditional Southern recipes and wanted to share this one which I just found in The Southern Foodways Alliance Community Cookbook. This spread, which would be great with our Diva cucumbers, is usually served in the form of finger sandwiches.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and grated
  • 10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion
  • Coarse sea salt
  • Ground black pepper

Directions:

  • Place the cucumber in a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl. Place in the refrigerator to drain for 2 hours. Transfer the cucumber into the bowl of a food processor and discard the collected liquid. Add the cream cheese and onion; pulse to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving lightly chilled.

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Other :: Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s latest article? I always appreciate an introduction to topics and dishes I have never heard of before. Thanks, Alice!

Weekly Farm Notes :: July 7th, 2015

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Hello!

We have posted three new recipes since last week, all perfect for easy, fresh summer eating: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, Millet Tabbouleh, Minted Eggplant Dip. You can find the main ingredients at our stand tomorrow. We hope to see you at market!

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July 8th Produce

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

  • Heirloom Tomatoes: in my opinion, you have to make gazpacho at least once during the summer. It’s so fresh and easy. Here is a link to Main Street Farmers Market favorite version – yum!
  • Sweet Red Cherry Tomatoes: you can just toss these into our Millet Tabbouleh, or make a super simple cherry tomato salsa. Start by tossing 6 ounces of quartered tomatoes with a tablespoon each extra-virgin olive oil and cilantro, along with 1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!
  • Diva Cucumbers: these cucumbers are thin-skinned and crunchy, the perfect addition to our Millet Tabbouleh or for use in Tzatziki sauce (see recipe below).
  • Japanese Eggplant: try our new recipe for Minted Eggplant Dip!
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard: pick up some of our eggs and give this Greens & Cheese Frittata recipe a try! It makes for a quick lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to stop by Sequatchie Cove and pick up some cheese to use with it!
  • Tomatillos: try our new recipe for Roasted Tomatillo Salsa!
  • Green Sweet Carmen Peppers: I have read that these peppers are great for roasting and I bet they would hold up well on the grill. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoy them!
  • Papalo: we have been experimenting a lot with papalo lately. Try it in our Fresh Tomato Salsa or Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. I have also tried it in guacamole and as a garnish for a Thai inspired soup. Look for more papalo recipes coming soon!
  • Mint: we have numerous suggestions for using your mint this week: try our Minted Eggplant Dip, the Tzatziki recipe below or this recipe that I created a few years ago for Mint & Pistachio Pesto. Buy extra mint and try all three!
  • Pastured Eggs: there is no limit to what can be done with eggs. Pick up a dozen or two – they last for weeks!
  • Beautiful Cut Flowers: brighten up your day with our beautiful cut flowers!

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Recipe :: Tzatziki Sauce

This recipe is from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook. They suggests salting and draining the cucumbers to prevent excess liquid from making the dip watery. You can skip this step if you plan to use it all immediately. And given our Diva cucumbers have such thin skins, you could also skip the peeling step as well. Serve with pita, crackers or raw veggies. Makes 2 cups.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12 ounce) cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and shredded
  • 1 cup whole Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint and/or dill
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

Directions:

  • Toss cucumbers and 1/2 teaspoon salt together and let drain in colander for 15 minutes.
  • Whisk yogurt, oil, mint and garlic together in bowl, then stir in drained cucumber. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Other :: Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s latest article? She has been experimenting with Chef Watson, and the results are intriguing!

Minted Eggplant Dip

1 Comment

Hello!

Just a quick recipe post for the lovely Japanese eggplant Mark and Gina will have available at market. Japanese eggplant have thinner skins, less seeds (which can make eggplant bitter), and denser flesh than the large Italian variety. They also cook really fast given their small size, making them perfect for the broiler, which I use in the recipe below.

We hope you enjoy!

Minted Eggplant Dip
makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

  • 13 ounces Japanese eggplant (about 8 small), washed and dried thoroughly
  • 1-1/2 to 3 teaspoons minced mint
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Crackers, pita or cucumbers for serving

Directions:

  • Adjust oven rack to the highest position and heat broiler on high.
  • Prick each eggplant numerous times with a sharp knife to ensure they don’t explode when cooking. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and evenly arrange eggplant on sheet. Cook eggplant for 4-5 minutes, or until skin is well charred. Carefully flip eggplant over and cook an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove from oven and check for doneness by piercing with a knife. If eggplant is not completely soft, return to the oven and continue to cook. You may need to lower the oven rack and continue to cook further from the broiler if skins are already blackened but the flesh is not cooked through. Once cooked completely, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  • Once eggplant is cool, cut open and scoop out flesh with a spoon. Transfer to blender with the remaining ingredients, only adding 1 teaspoon of mint to start. Blend on high until smooth, about 15-30 seconds. Taste, adding more mint or other seasoning if desired. Serve.