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!

 

Swiss Chard & Orange Oat Muffins

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Hello!

I am thinking ahead to Thanksgiving and how to make life easier for the meals just before and after the main event. One can’t be bothered to make breakfast the day of or the day after (I can’t even step foot in the kitchen for a few days after Thanksgiving…unless it’s to eat leftovers). While this is not a quick, throw together recipe, it will pay off in the end when you can pull a healthy and delicious breakfast out of the refrigerator or freezer. The muffins themselves aren’t overly sweet so I think they could also serve as a side dish if you leave off the oat and brown sugar topping.

I should also note that no, these don’t end up tasting like Swiss chard. The orange flavor is most evident with a little hint of the saffron in the background. I used closer to 8 ounces of greens in my first round of testing and I still didn’t pick up on much chard flavor. Enjoy!

Swiss Chard and Orange Oat Muffins (adapted from here)
makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon + 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 6 ounces (about 10 medium to large leaves) Swiss chard, de-stemmed and roughly chopped
  • Pinch of saffron
  • 1 cup + 1/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats, divided
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1-1/2 cups milk of choice (I have used both whole and soy milk with good results)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup raisins, roughly chopped

Directions:

  • Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400 degrees. Liberally spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a 12″ non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the Swiss chard and cook, stirring constantly, until the leaves are wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a colander set over the sink and cool slightly. Press on the greens with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer to a cutting board and chop fine. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • Heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-low heat in a small saucepan until just warmed, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron, and allow to cool. Transfer to the bowl with the Swiss chard and set aside.
  • Take 1 cup (4 ounces) of oats and grind into a fine flour. This works best in a spice or coffee grinder but a small food processor also works. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and set aside. Take the remaining 1/3 cup of oats and mix with the brown sugar in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
  • To the bowl with the oat flour, add the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and whisk to combine.
  • In the bowl with the Swiss chard and olive oil, add the eggs, honey, milk, orange zest and raisins. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold to just combine without overmixing. Note: the batter will look a bit looser or wet than you might be used to – this is expected. Equally divide the batter between muffin tins until it almost reaches the top. Top each muffin with the oat & brown sugar mixture and transfer to the oven. Cook for 14-16 minutes (I needed 16 minutes), rotating once half way through, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a crumb or two attached. Allow to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes and then remove and transfer to a cooling rack.
  • To store: after they have cooled completely, the muffins can be refrigerated in an air-tight container for 3-5 days, although they will dry out a bit. They can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for 3-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

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!

 

Weekly Farm Notes :: Oct 28th, 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.

Are you interested in fermenting? We love using this preservation technique, and given we will have lots of fermentable foods soon (cabbage!), we have started collecting our favorite sources and recipes on Pinterest. Do you have any favorite sites or recipes we should add?

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!

See you at market!

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October 28th Produce

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

  • Mini Cabbage {CSA}: simply roast these mini cabbages just like you would Brussels sprouts for a delicious side dish you can enjoy with any meal.
  • Tatsoi {CSA}: you can use this Asian green just like spinach – so eat it raw or quickly saute it. For a quick meal, try this suggestion of adding it on top of egg and avocado toast. Yum!
  • Bitter Melon {CSA}: have you tried bitter melon before? It is completely new to us but we are excited to try it! This link gives details on how to prepare it and this link provides information and recipe ideas from different parts of the world. Also, did you realize the bitter melon is medicinal? From lowering blood sugar to providing an excellent source of folates, this edible pod is worth adding to your diet!
  • Red Leaf Lettuce {M/CSA}: these large leaves are perfect for vegetarian lettuce wraps! Try replacing the corn with our salad turnips for a truly seasonal meal.
  • Ford Hook Swiss Chard {M/CSA}: these rainy, cool days have me craving soup. Give our Barley and Lentil with Swiss Chard recipe a try!
  • Awesome Asian Lettuce Mix {M/CSA}: it’s almost citrus season so I am thinking about pairing citrus with just about everything. I think this recipe with mandarins, avocado, almonds and an Asian dressing would be perfect with these greens!
  • Tender Collards {M/CSA}: these tender collards are perfect for a quick saute. I love this combination with sesame seeds, sesame oil and mirin for an Asian twist on a Southern classic.
  • Red Russian Kale {M/CSA}: have you tried The Best Kale Salad yet? This week might be the perfect time to try it because you can use the cabbage from your CSA share as well.
  • Scarlet Salad Turnips {M}: shave some of these over a salad or include in the lettuce wraps mentioned above. You can also use these in our Roasted Radish and Salad Turnips with Barley Salad recipe!
  • Spicy Large Leaf Arugula {M}: I love mixing arugula with milder salad greens for a nice balance of flavor. Try our Sweetened Dressing for Spicy Greens recipe and enjoy the boldness of this delicious green!
  • Spicy Asian Mustard Greens {M}: everything gets turned into pesto these days but here is a fresh take. It uses sprouted nuts and eliminates cheese so it’s great for those of us who are dairy-free!
  • Baby Romaine Lettuce {M}: you can’t say romaine without thinking about Caesar salad. If you want to enjoy this classic without feeling guilty, try this tofu based dressing!

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Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s recent article? It’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving! Get your local turkey now!

 

Barley and Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard

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Hello!

I found the soup below here, and although I made a few small tweaks, it’s pretty close to the original. I considered swapping out or adding to the only spice used, cumin, but I am so glad I didn’t. Cumin and Swiss chard is now one of my favorite flavor combinations! It might not sound like they go together well but you really should try it.

I love the combination here of barley and lentils as it provides substance and protein. It’s really a one pot meal. If you don’t have any of the vegetables listed below, try it with whatever you have on hand. This is a soup that can be altered in so many ways. Check out our Essential Steps to Vegetable Based Soups for inspiration!

Barley and Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard
makes about 6 servings

Recipes notes: the amount of time it takes to cook both the barley and lentils is close to the same but it really depends on the age of the lentils. Older beans take longer to cook. Start with fresh lentils for best results.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 5 small carrots, cut into quarters lengthwise and sliced 1/2″ thick
  • 12 large Swiss chard leaves, leaves and stems separated with the leaves cut into rough 1″ pieces and the stems sliced 1/2″ thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 2/3 cup pearled barley
  • 2/3 cup French lentils or other lentils that hold their shape
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1/2 to 1 cup roughly chopped drained whole canned tomatoes (substitute canned diced tomatoes)

Directions:

  • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, carrots, and Swiss chard stems. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Add broth, barley, lentils, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the barley and lentils are tender, about 40 minutes (start checking after 30 minutes). Add the Swiss chard leaves and tomatoes and cook until the greens have wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or cool and store in an air-tight container for up to 7 days.

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 :: Sep 23rd, 2015

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Hello!

We are in the process of adding more information to our website that we think you will find useful. First, we have added a tab with produce pictures and detailed information, including storage tips, nutrition and recipe links. Second, we added a tab that will allow you to easily search our recipes. Both tabs are a work in process so please check back weekly for updated information. Please let us know if you are looking for additional information and we would be happy to include it!

See you at market!

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September 23rd Produce

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

  • Summerfest Komatsuna {CSA}: I simply chopped this up last week and added it to a basic miso soup recipe (along with some brown rice to make it a complete meal). This recipe takes just 15 minutes!
  • Swiss Chard {CSA}: this is my kind of recipe – protein, veggies and cheese in one bowl makes my heart happy.
  • Snap Green Beans {CSA}: do you ever have left over cornbread that gets a bit dry? I had some last week that I crumbled and sauteed in butter until brown and crispy. I sprinkled the cornbread crumbles over steamed green beans for a tasty side dish.
  • Hakurei Salad Turnips {CSA}: we roasted our salad turnips and radishes last week and added them to a simple barley salad. Check out our recipe here!
  • Collard Greens {M/CSA}: I am thinking ahead to cooler weather and the holidays and this Collard Green Gratin sounds like something I should try soon.
  • Royal Radishes and Greens {M/CSA}: we roasted our salad turnips and radishes last week and added them to a simple barley salad. Check out our recipe here!
  • Siberian Kale {M/CSA}: we are big smoothie fans here at Tant Hill! We love adding greens to our smoothies and kale is the perfect option. Check out our Pinterest page where we have gathered some recipes from around the web.
  • Pak Choi {M/CSA}: check out our quick, delicious recipe for Raw Spicy Pak Choi Salad. Serve this along side one of my favorite weeknight dinners of rice topped with a fried egg. It’s the best type of fast food.
  • Okra {M}: we have a couple okra recipes on the website for you to try – Quick Pickled Okra and Fresh Okra Cakes. I am also experimenting with dehydrating okra this week and will report back!
  • Arugula {M}: umm, why haven’t I made this salad before?! It’s a great use for your radishes too.
  • Spicy Asian Greens {M}: these greens deserve a great dressing. Check out the dressing section of our Essential Elements to a Satisfying Salad post and easily make your own!
  • Yukina Savoy {M}: this green looks like tatsoi but actually belongs to the Brassica family along with cabbage, broccoli and kale. You can use it any way that you would use spinach but here is a simple recipe for Mushrooms and Yukina Savoy if you need some inspiration.

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Other :: Alice O’Dea Article

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s latest article? This week she discusses making a roux – an essential element for many sauces and stews. Learn this now and use it all Fall and Winter long!

Weekly Farm Notes :: May 5th, 2015

1 Comment

Hello! Happy Cinco de Mayo! I have no personal affiliation with this celebration but I sure do look forward to enjoying a margarita tonight 🙂 Hope to see you at the market tomorrow.

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May 6th Produce

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

  • Purple Kohlrabi: I am sooo excited for kohlrabi! You may not be familiar with this funky looking vegetable but now is the time to get acquainted. Kohlrabi is part of the Brassica family, along with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, kale and collards, so you know it is good for you. It takes a little effort to peel but you are rewarded with crunchy goodness that has a mild broccoli flavor. For those that love little health statistics – kohlrabi has more Vitamin C than oranges or red cabbage. I love to eat it raw but it can be steamed, roasted, pickled, or turned into a number of salads, fritters or soups. Here is a good place to start for inspiration.
  • Pak Choi: I broiled my pak choi last week and really liked the results! It takes a little prep but heres what you do – slice the entire head in half and carefully clean out each section under cold running water. Lay on clean kitchen towels and pat dry. Toss with a little vegetable oil and broil for a few minutes on each side. Remove from oven and trim leaves away (which should now be quite brown), slicing thinly once cool enough to handle. Place the lower section back under the broiler until browned, a few minutes longer. Allow to cool slightly and then slice thinly. Toss with rice and protein of choice for a great meal.
  • Romaine & Red Leaf Lettuce: if you need a go-to dressing for all your greens, look no further! Check out the recipe below and toss it with your lettuce, chard and Asian greens.
  • Rainbow Swiss Chard: don’t forget, you can dehydrate your greens if desired. Check out our recipe here.
  • Tender Collards: can you really ever have enough pesto in your life? I don’t think so. Add this recipe to your collection.
  • Summerfest Asian Greens: I still haven’t done anything fun with these greens yet – tell us how you use them!

Upcoming Produce

Below are some items that you can expect to see in the coming weeks:

  • Beets: I always tend to roast beets but here is a tasty boiled salad idea from our friends at Riverview Farm.
  • Salad Turnips: if you haven’t had salad turnips before, you are in for a treat. They are sweet and tender and will totally change your opinion of turnips! I just slice them to eat raw in a salad. We would love to hear how you use them!
  • Baby Red Romaine: do you guys follow the Main Street Farmers Market blog? They post great recipes. This is more of an idea than a recipe, but I think adding these greens to the Ploughman’s Lunch would be great.
  • White Kohlrabi: the white version tastes just like the purple version (to me, at least). For a quick feast, just peel, slice into finger length pieces, and dip into hummus.
  • Chinese Napa Cabbage: this is the main ingredient used in the most common type of Korean kimchi. I think a southern take on kimchi is in order!

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Recipe :: Balsamic-Mustard Vinaigrette

I love this dressing because it is flavorful enough to stand up to the assertive greens we receive each week. The recipe below makes 1/4 cup but I would double or triple it to make sure there is plenty on hand.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced shallot (I think green garlic would work great here too)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

  1. Whisk vinegar, mustard, shallot, mayo, thyme, salt and pepper together in a small bowl until smooth. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in oil until emulsified. Keeps refrigerated for 2 weeks.

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Events

May 16th: Wildwood Harvest is having an open house from 10am-2pm. I plan on bringing a picnic to enjoy on the farm – hope to see you there!

May 22nd: Crabtree Farms is hosting a “Buying Local on a Budget” class from 6-7:30pm.

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Other News

Have you read Alice O’Dea’s latest article? Check out her latest article on bean salads!

Preserve the Harvest :: Dehydrated Greens + Recipe

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Hello!

I just went through a week of intense preserving to help Mark & Gina use up pounds and pounds of kale and collards, along with some parsley and edible flowers, that would have gone to the compost heap otherwsie. I could have made it easier on myself by just processing the greens in two or three ways but I couldn’t control myself and ended up preserving by: making soup, blending and freezing greens, making and freezing compound butter, fermenting, dehydrating and steeping edible flowers in a sweetened apple cider vinegar mixture (called a shrub – more to come on this!). I list all of these items to give you some insight into the various paths I used to preserve the harvest. Each process has it’s upsides and downsides. For example, blending kale with water and then freezing it in ice cube trays is really simple and cheap (no added ingredients) but freezer space is limited and how many kale cubes does one really need?

Dehydrating has tradeoffs as well – it is simple to prepare, relatively hands off and the finished product can be stored at room temperature. However, it is energy intensive as each batch has to dry for hours at a time (even tender greens take 2 hours in my dehydrator). For someone with limited time, however, I think the tradeoff is worth while.

The dehydrating process is really simple:

  • Wash greens well
  • Dry well
    • I put mine through a salad spinner and then pat them dry with a clean towel.
  • Remove ribs and cut into desired shapes
    • If you are against wasting the ribs, I would at least cut them out and then dehydrate them separately from the leaves as they will dry at different rates.
  • Season if desired
    • This step depends on how you intend to use the greens. If you want to eat them as “chips”, I would suggest tossing them with at least a little oil and salt (see below for recipe idea). If you just want to dehydrate them in order to throw them in soups later, you can probably skip this step.
  • Dehydrate
    • Using a dehydrator: I have tried various temperatures but find that 135 degrees works best for greens. It only takes 2-3 hours at this temperature, whereas it can take hours and hours more if you drop it down much lower. I know raw foodist don’t cook anything over 104 degrees as they believe the nutritional value is lost. This may be true but since dried greens are such a small part of my overall diet, I don’t worry about it much.
      • If you don’t have a dehydrator but are looking to purchase one, this article gives a lot of helpful information.
    • Using an oven: I have never dehydrated food in an oven so I would do your own research if this is the route you wish to take. From what I have read, most ovens don’t go below 170 so you have to prop the oven door open to maintain the correct temperature. It seems like this could be difficult to control but I would love to hear from anyone who tries it.
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry spot.
    1. This is a good article to understand where and why dehydrated food should be stored and how long you can expect it to last.

In the end, you can dehydrate just about anything. Since greens are so plentiful right now, give this a shot if you are out of other ideas!

Spiced Swiss Chard Chips

Recipe notes: 1) depending on the size of your dehydrator, you may be able to fit more greens at once. I am using a round, 4 level Nesco dehydrator.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or more if desired
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 pound (about 15 medium leaves) Swiss chard, washed and dried thoroughly

Directions:

  • Whisk oil, spices and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Trim Swiss chard ribs and set aside. Cut leaves into desired shapes. I cut the leaves in half along the ribs and then cut each half into halves or thirds, depending on the size.
  • Place leaves in the mixing bowl and toss gently but thoroughly with the spices. Arrange the leaves on the dehydrating trays, taking care not to overlap them too much.
  • Dehydrate at 135 degrees F, checking after 2 hours to see if they are crisp. If not, continue to dehydrate, checking every 20-30 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place. These should last for months but I bet they won’t stick around that long 🙂