Summer Share Fifteen Aug 31/Sept 2nd 2021

Important information:

• We are very low on box returns; please gather them up and return them this week. Thanks!!
• This is an odd biweekly distribution as well as a weekly one.
• Winter share membership forms with information will be emailed out this week! Online enrollment to follow….

Farm News from Jane
He we are at the first of September and the yellow school buses will soon start rolling. That means an earlier start to the morning commute for some and a big change in the morning routine for others. The leaves up north in the Adirondacks have already begun to change color I hear… Our red maple in the yard is starting to “shed”. The leaves on the tree seem dry and leathery. Perhaps this heat and the dry weather we had earlier in the season has brought this on. The vibrant leaf colors are due to the amount of sun during the summer. Lots of hot sunny days cause the trees to produce more sugars and that brings out the colors, especially for the sugar maples! So, we should have a beautiful array this year!
The autumn produce is starting early this season. I don’t remember ever harvesting collards in August but the size and quality are great so here we go… The broccoli on the other hand has not appreciated the extreme heat of the last few weeks and the plants are maturing to the flower stage even when they are quite small. The cabbage is starting to form heads and the Brussel sprouts are “sprouting” too. The rains have helped all the crops to grow quickly in this heat. Water is generally the limiting factor. I know that you have heard me share that there is nothing like a good rain shower. No matter how much or how often we irrigate it helps the plants continue to grow and not suffer but there is NOTHING like rain from heaven…
We harvested some summer carrots, not to be confused with winter carrots. Summer carrots are tasty and fine but not as sweet as the winter carrots. The cool weather caused the carrots to store more sugars and makes them very sweet. The crucifers like the Brussels sprouts actually benefit from a light frost making them sweet also. Weather and soil make such a difference in the flavor of our vegetables. Members notice the flavor and sweetness of the potatoes grown in our soil. Different soil types produce varying benefits to each family of vegetables. We seem to have good root vegetable soil, though there are no complaints about the crops above ground! The first seeding of spinach went in on Friday. It does not germinate well above eighty-five degrees so I am glad that this week is cooling down. This crop will be the first to go into the high tunnel when we finish harvesting the tomatoes. Things do change so quickly; that sounds like something Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz when they are parading around the Emerald City. Our “emerald city” continues to be lush with growth and harvest. We are very thankful for such a bounty. Enjoy the harvest! Jane

Produce:   Broccoli   Royal Burgundy beans   Carrots   Collards   Blush onions   Garlic
Tomatoes   Sweet corn   Potatoes   Chioggia beets  

Fruit:   Donut peaches   Purple plums   Nectarines

Produce tips:
– Potato variety will vary from Adirondack Reds, Keuka Gold (which is like a Yukon Gold) and French Fingerlings. Adirondack Red potatoes are red outside and inside and are creamy for boiling and salad recipes.
– Collards are a heavier green that needs a slow cooking. Look at all the many recipe suggestions below.
– Blush onions are a mild sweet red onion.
– Royal burgundy beans are an heirloom variety that turns green when cooked. They are a heavier bean with a nourishing seed for protein.
– Tomatoes; the slicing ones that we have shared are coming to an end. There will still be cherry tomatoes for a few more weeks.
– Broccoli; heads are harvested small because the extreme heat causes them to flower quickly. Small or none at all this time around. No worries, there are more plantings that should flourish once the cooler weather settles in. We like to try for an early crop; sometimes it works and other times, not so much…

Recipes
ROASTED POTATOES, PEPPERS AND ONION
3/4 pounds waxy potatoes; 1 pepper; 1 large onion, cut into wedges; olive oil; 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary; salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash the potatoes and blanch for 5 minutes in boiling water. Drain. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and halve lengthwise. Cut pepper lengthwise into 8 strips, discarding the seeds and pith. Oil a shallow ovenproof dish thoroughly with olive oil. Arrange the potatoes and peppers in alternating rows and stud with the onion. Cut the rosemary sprigs into 2-inch lengths and tuck among the vegetables. Season the dish generously with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender. Serves 4

COLLARDS WITH POTATOES
2 bunches collard greens or a mixture of collards and kale; sea salt and freshly ground pepper; 3 medium yellow-fleshed potatoes, scrubbed and coarsely diced; 3 or 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces, optional; 2 tablespoons peanut or olive oil; 1/2 onion, finely diced; 2 plump garlic cloves, finely chopped; good pinch red pepper flakes; hot pepper sauce or vinegar for the table
Strip the collard leaves from the stems and wash the greens. Bring a few quarts of water to a boil. Add salt and the greens, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Scoop them into a bowl. Add the potatoes to the cooking water and simmer until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned. Set it on paper towels to drain, discard the fat, and wipe out the pan. Return the pan to the heat, add the oil, and when it’s hot, add the onion. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Coarsely chop the cooked greens, and then add them to the pan along with the garlic and pepper flakes. Scoop some of the potato water into the pan as well so that everything cooks in a little moisture, adding more water as needed. When the potatoes are tender, scoop them out and add them to the greens. Add the bacon, and then toss everything together. Taste for salt and season with pepper. Keep everything distinct or mash the potatoes into

AROMATIC WILTED GREENS WITH COCONUT MILK
2 T coconut oil, 4garlic cloves, lightly crushed, 2 small shallots, 1 red chili (such as Fresno) thinly sliced, 1” piece of ginger, peeled, thinly sliced into matchsticks, 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, divided, kosher salt, 1 small bunch kale, ribs and stems removed and leaves torn, 1 small bunch collard greens, ribs and stems removed, leaves sliced 1 “thick, ½ C coconut milk. Divided, lime wedges (for serving)
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook garlic, stirring, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add shallots, chili, ginger, and two thirds of scallions. Season with salt; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add kale and collard greens a handful at a time, letting them wilt slightly before adding more. Cook, tossing occasionally, until greens are crisp tender, about 6-8 minutes. Add half of coconut milk and toss to coat. Transfer greens to a serving bowl and top with remaining coconut milk and scallions. Serve with lime wedges. Recipe form Bonappetit

LENTIL AND GREEN COLLARD SOUP
1 T olive oil, 1 bunch collard greens – rinsed, stemmed and thinly sliced, 1 large onion, chopped, 1 T salt, 1C dry red lentils, rinsed and drained, 6 C water, 2 T minced garlic, 1 T ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Heat 1 T olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stir in onion and salt; cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in lentils, and cook for 1 minute. Pour in water, then bring to a boil over high heat, then turn heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add collard greens, and cook until wilted, about 10 minutes. When the lentils are tender, stir in the collard greens and season with cumin, cinnamon, and garlic; allow to simmer 10 more minutes. Stir in lemon juice before serving. Prep 15 min; Cook 30 min; Ready in 45 min

VEGETARIAN SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS
½ small yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2-3 cups vegetable broth (I only used 2 cups), 1 teaspoon applewood smoked salt (or any kind of smoked salt), ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 lbs. collard greens, black pepper, hot sauce
Coat a large deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil. Sauté onions until almost tender over medium heat and then add in garlic. Cook until onion and garlic are fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add in vegetable broth. Season broth with smoked salt and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Make sure it’s to your liking because this is how your greens will taste. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Add in the greens. Green will wilt down as they cook. Simmer for 1 hr. to 1 hr. 30 mins. Do not boil. Add more vegetable broth if needed. May need more or less time so be sure to check them after 30-45 minutes. When done, greens will be dark green, tender and will not have a raw taste. Add in more smoked salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and hot sauce, if desired. (I always do!) Enjoy! Add hot sauce or vinegar if desired. Notes ~TIPS~ Any type of smoked salt can be used. Cooking time may vary. Add fresh tomatoes and red peppers if desired. Recipe from: Divas can Cook

BAKED EGGS WITH COLLARDS AND CHEDDAR GRITS
1 large bunch collards (3/4-1 lb.), 1 T balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper, 1 garlic, cut, cut into slivers, 1 C quick cooking grits, 1-1 ½ C grated sharp cheddar cheese, 4-6 eggs
Oil individual baking dishes. Heat oven to 400^0. Wash collards; cut out the stems. Chop greens. Steam or Sautee greens until just wilted. Sprinkle with vinegar and season with salt & pepper. Set greens aside. Place 3 ¼ C water and garlic in saucepan and bring to boil. Stir in quick grits; lower heat, cover, and cook gently, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in cheese and half the cooked greens. Portion into baking dishes. Make a well in the center, nestle the remaining greens into the indentations, and crack an egg over the top of each. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until eggs are set, 10-15 minutes. Makes 4-6 servings.
Recipe from MACSAC

COLLARDS & BACON GRILLED PIZZA
1 lb. whole-wheat pizza dough, 3 tablespoons garlic-flavored olive oil, 2 cups thinly sliced cooked collard greens, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon
Preheat grill to medium-high. Roll dough into a 12-inch oval on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a lightly floured large baking sheet. Bring the dough, oil, collards and Cheddar to the grill. Oil the grill rack. Transfer the crust to the grill. Close the lid and cook until puffed and lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Using tongs, turn the crust over. Spread the crust with the oil and top with the collards and Cheddar. Close the lid and cook until the cheese is melted and the crust is lightly browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes more. Return the pizza to the baking sheet. Top with bacon.

BURGUNDY BEAN BOWL
3/4 cup burgundy beans, washed and ends snapped, and cut into 1-inch pieces, 1/2 medium onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus a bit for drizzling, 4 ounces tempeh, cut in small cubes, 3/4 cup lettuce, chopped, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute, stirring occasionally, about five minutes. Clear a space in the center and add beans. Saute 3-5 minutes until beans have started turning green. Add tempeh and garlic and stir occasionally. Place lettuce in a bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top and toss to coat. When tempeh is nice and brown and beans are bright green, add a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan. Sprinkle contents of pan with salt and pepper. Serve nestled on top of prepared lettuce. Serves 1 for lunch or 2 as a side dish Recipe from https://centerstagewellness.com

QUICK AND EASY PURPLE GREEN BEANS
6 cups green beans, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Wash your beans then snap the ends off of all the beans. You are taking off about 1/4-1/2 inch. depending on how long the skinny tales are. Discard the ends. Heat the olive oil and water a heavy bottom, large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the green beans. Stir to coat. Let them sit for 5 minutes or so. You should start to hear them pop. When you hear some popping, stir, then cover the pot and let them cook for 5-7 more minutes. Uncover, check doneness (the longer they cook, they less crisp they are). Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Serve warm and try not to eat all of them as you bring them to the table. Recipe form iheartvegetables.com

BROCCOLI BASIL QUICHE
1 pie pan lined with pie dough (prepared from scratch or store-bought); 1 cup finely diced broccoli; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese; 1 tablespoon flour; 3 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup half-and-half, heavy cream, or milk; 2 tablespoons basil pesto 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prick bottom and sides of crust and line with foil. Bake 8 minutes, remove foil, and bake another 8 minutes. Reduce oven to 325 degrees. Toss broccoli, green onions, cheese, and flour in a bowl. Spread mixture over the bottom of the crust. Whisk remaining ingredients in the bowl. Pour filling into crust. Bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes.
Makes 6 servings. Recipe from Julie Worzolo

HERBED BROCCOLI AND RICE FRITTATA
2 tsp olive oil; 1 cup thinly sliced scapes; garlic clove finely chopped; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 1/2 cups cooked broccoli; 4 eggs; 4 egg whites; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 Tbsp oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; y., tsp cayenne pepper; 3 Tbsp grated mozzarella cheese
Heat oil in large oven proof skillet. Add the scapes and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring, for 2 m minutes. Add the rice and broccoli and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Whisk the eggs and egg whites with the ricotta cheese, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper until well blended. Pour eggs mixture over the rice mixture in the pan, stir gently to combine, and cover. Cook over low heat until eggs are almost set, 7-10 minutes. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle cheese over frittata. Place under the broiler, about 5 inches from the heat source, and broil until the cheese melts and the top of the frittata is flecked golden brown, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cut into wedges and serve. 4 main dish servings.

FRIED BEETS AND CARROTS
2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 2 medium beets, quartered, sliced 1/4-inch thick; 2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick; tamari sauce; greens
Heat olive oil in skillet. Add cumin; cook about 1 minute. Add beets and carrots; fry until tender. Remove from heat, sprinkle on a little tamari, and serve. Variation: If using young beets save the tops. When the beets and carrots are tender, add chopped greens, cover, and cook until soft. Toss mixture, sprinkle with tamari, and serve. Makes 2-4 servings. Recipe from Linda Derrickson, Sunporch Cafe

BEET CARPACCIO

For salad: 1 lb. beets (preferably Chioggia), trimmed and peeled, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup roasted pistachio nutmeats, 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup greens

For dressing: 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon, 1 teaspoon superfine sugar, 1/3 cup olive oil, salt and white pepper

Thinly slice the beets with a mandolined slicer.  Place the slices into a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup lemon juice.  Set aside. (The lemon juice will help preserve the color of the beets when you cook them, so let them sit at least 10 minutes while you prep everything else.) Make the dressing: Mix together vinegar, sour cream, tarragon, and sugar with a wire whisk until well-blended.  Slowly add the olive oil, while whisking constantly.  (This creates an emulsion).  Add salt and white pepper to taste.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Bring water to a boil in a large pot that has a steamer tray.  If you like, add salt and a splash of lemon juice to the water.  Once boiling, place beet slices on the streamer tray (it’s alright if they overlap slightly).  Cover and steam for 5-6 minutes, or until tender yet firm.  Briefly shock the beets in an ice bath, then drain.  Layer the beets and onions on four small plates.  Sprinkle with pistachios and feta cheese crumbles.  Make sure the dressing is well-stirred, then lightly drizzle over the salad. Top with microgreens. Recipe from Restaurant Widow; Serves 4

HOT BEET & CARROT SLAW
2 T butter, 1 large clove garlic, 2 beets; fist sized; grated, 1 med. carrot; grated, ¾ C orange juice
Sauté garlic in butter for 2 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook 5-8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

ROASTED BEETS WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE RECIPE
2 # red beets, medium sized, scrubbed clean, Olive oil, Salt, 1/2 c balsamic vinegar, 2 t sugar, 1 t grated orange zest, freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400°F and line pan with aluminum foil.  Rub beets with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, place in pan, cover with foil: Place the beets in the pan. Rub olive oil over the beets, and sprinkle with salt. Cover the beets with another sheet of aluminum foil. Roast for 1 to 2 hours: Roast for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the beets and how old they are. After 1 hour, test every fifteen minutes by poking a beet with the tines of a fork. Once the fork tines go in easily, the beets are tender and cooked. Remove from the oven.
Prepare balsamic glaze: While the beets are cooling, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small, shallow sauté pan, add the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Heat on high until the vinegar has reduced to a syrup consistency. Remove from heat. Peel and cut cooked beets: After the beets have cooled for several minutes, but are still warm to the touch, peel off the outer skins and discard. Cut the beets into quarters or more, bite-sized pieces. Pour glaze over beets: Place beets in a serving bowl. Pour balsamic glaze over the beets. Stir in grated orange zest, and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a little orange zest to serve

MOROCCAN GRATED CARROT AND BEET SALAD RECIPE
2 cups of grated carrots (from about 3 carrots), 1 C of grated fresh beets (from about 1 medium sized, peeled beet), 1/2 C golden raisins, 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet, not hot), /4 tsp ground cumin,

1/4 tsp cinnamon, small pinch of salt, small pinch of cayenne, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp honey, 2 Tbsp sliced fresh mint leaves

Place the grated carrots in a medium sized serving bowl. Place the grated beets into a sieve and briefly rinse with cold water. This will rinse away a little of the excess beet juice that may otherwise color the whole salad beet red.  Pat dry with a paper towel. Then add to the bowl with the carrots.  Add the raisins.  Stir to gently combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne. Then add the lemon juice and honey and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the carrots and beets, then gently fold until the carrots and beets are lightly coated.  Let sit for an hour before serving, either chilled or at room temperature, for the dressing to seep into the carrots and beets. Right before serving, stir in a couple tablespoons of sliced fresh mint leaves. Garnish with fresh mint. Recipe from simplyrecipes.com

PRIZEWINNER GREEN BEANS WITH TOMATOES AND GARLIC
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1pound green beans, ends clipped, beans cut in half; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 sprig rosemary, leaves torn off the stem; about 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges; 1/2 cup sliced onions (peeling is optional); 2 teaspoons dried oregano; salt to taste or 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1/2 teaspoon dried ground thyme
Heat olive oil in deep pan over medium heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant. Add onions; sauté until translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, the dried spices, and green beans. Stir, cover, and steam-cook beans until nearly done, 10-15 minutes. Stir in the rosemary and tomatoes. Cook very briefly, until tomatoes are warmed through and beans are done. Season with salt, or, if you prefer, melt salted butter over the beans before serving. This recipe won a prize in the 2002 Food for Thought Recipe Contest in Madison, Wisconsin. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from Mora Rosenbloom

FRESH TOMATO AND FETA SAUCE FOR PASTA
1/2 pound angel hair pasta; fresh, great-tasting tomatoes, enough to make 2 cups chopped tomatoes or 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes; 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; salt and pepper; feta cheese
Boil pasta in large quantity of salted water until just tender. Meanwhile, chop tomatoes and place in bowl. (If you’re using paste, or Roma-type, tomatoes, you may first cut a shallow X in the bottom of each, dip the tomatoes in the boiling pasta water 10-20 seconds, and remove skins.) Place lemon juice in a large bowl; whisk in oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Rinse and drain pasta; toss with oil mixture. Transfer pasta to a large, shallow platter and top with chopped tomatoes. Crumble feta on top, as much or as little as you like. Serve at room temperature. This recipe came from a sister’s friend. You can vary the amounts to serve any number of people. Makes 3-4 servings.

FRESH CORN CORNBREAD
4 T canola oil, divided, 1½ C fresh corn kernels, divided, 1½ C stone-ground cornmeal, ½ C all-purpose flour, 1 T baking powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp sugar, 1 C whole buttermilk, 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, Butter, to serve
Preheat oven to 450°. In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, place 2 tablespoons oil. Place skillet in oven until very hot, about 8 minutes. In the container of a blender, place ½ cup corn kernels; process until smooth. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir in ½ cup corn kernels. Make a well in center of cornmeal mixture; add buttermilk, eggs, blended corn, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil, stirring just until moistened. Carefully spoon batter into hot oil. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup corn kernels. Bake until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm with butter

SPICY RANCH SWEET CORN SALSAET CRON SALSA RANVEGETARIAN
I pt. sour cream, I tsp. minced garlic, ¾ diced avocado, ½ C diced red onion, 1 C. diced tomato, 1 C. cooked corn, 2-3 tsp. minced jalapeño, 1/2 C diced red pepper
Mix contents of dips packet with sour cream. Add garlic, avocado, red onion, tomatoes, corn, jalapeno, and peppers. Stir well to combine. Refrigerate 1 hour to thicken.

CHILLED COCONUT CORN SOUP
2 T virgin coconut oil, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 1 (1/2″) piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 tsp), 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste, 6 ears of corn, kernels cut off (about 5 1/2 cups), cobs reserved, 1 Yukon Gold potato (about 5 ounces) peeled, cut into 1/2″ cubes, 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk, 2 (2″) strips lime zest, 1/2 C unsweetened coconut flakes, 2 T fresh lime juice, Diced avocado, cilantro leaves with tender stems, and lime wedges (for serving)
Melt coconut oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onion, ginger, turmeric, and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, 8–10 minutes. Break corn cobs in half and add to pot along with corn kernels, potato, coconut milk, lime zest, and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potato is tender, 20–25 minutes. Discard corn cobs and lime zest, then transfer soup to a blender. Add 1/2 tsp. salt and purée until smooth. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a large bowl and chill, covered, at least 2 hours. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread coconut flakes on a small rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes; transfer to a plate. Stir lime juice into soup and adjust seasonings, thinning with water, if needed. Divide soup among bowls, then top with toasted coconut, avocado, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges alongside. Do Ahead: Soup can be made 4 days ahead. Cover and chill. Recipe from Anna Stockwell; Epicurious August 2015

FRESH CORN CAKES
Makes about 9 to 10 4-inch pancakes
2 tablespoons butter, plus additional for brushing pan 3/4 cup kernels cut from one large ear sweet fresh corn, 1/8 teaspoon salt plus additional for seasoning com 1 large egg, 1 1/4 cups buttermilk 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon sugar, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, any kind 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet or griddle pan over medium heat. Add com and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins to brown ever-so-slightly. Sprinkle with salt and set aside to cool. Wipe out skillet. Lightly beat egg in the bottom of a large bowl, then whisk in buttermilk, com, vanilla and sugar. In a smaller bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir dry ingredients into wet, mixing until just combined but still lumpy in appearance. Reheat your skillet or sauté pan to medium. Brush the pan with butter and ladle 1/4 cup batter at a time, 2 inches apart. When the pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around the edges, flip them over and cook them until golden brown underneath. If they seem to be cooking too quickly (dark on the outside, raw centers) turn your heat down to low for the next batch and inch it up as needed. Repeat with remaining batter, and serve immediately with a pat of salted butter and a healthy dose of maple syrup.

BAKED CORN WITH ONIONS
4 cups fresh corn kernels; 2 cups thinly sliced onions; 1 teaspoon curry powder; salt and pepper to taste; 1/4-pound (1 stick) butter; l/2 cup heavy cream
Alternate corn and onions in layers in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with curry powder and salt and pepper. Cut butter in slices over the top. Pour on cream. Bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes, or until top is browned.
Serves 4-6.

MEXICAN GRILLED CORN
2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise; 2 tbsp nonfat plain yogurt; 11/2 teaspoon chili powder; 4 ears corn, husked; 4 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 lime, quartered
Preheat grill to medium-high. Combine mayonnaise, yogurt and chili powder in a small bowl. Grill corn, turning occasionally, until marked and tender, 8 to 12 minutes total. Spread each ear with 1 tablespoon of the sauce and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Serve with lime wedges. Makes 4 servings.

PLUM CRISP
1/2 cup chopped, blanched almonds; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 2 tablespoons wheat germ 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup butter, diced; 2 pounds fresh red or purple plums, pitted and sliced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey, or more (to taste); 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
In a medium-size bowl, mix the almonds, honey, flour, wheat germ, and salt. Add butter and work into the mixture with your fingers until well blended and crumbly. Refrigerate while preparing the fruit. Preheat oven to 400 F and butter a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Arrange the plums cut side up in the baking dish. Sprinkle them with the lemon juice and honey. Spoon the almond mixture over the fruit and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until top is crisp and lightly browned. Cool 15 minutes or longer before serving. Serve with yogurt or sour cream. Yield: 6 to 8 servings Recipe from Naturally Delicious Desserts and Snacks.

PLUM KUCHEN
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter; 1 egg; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest; 1/4 cup milk
The fruit and topping: 10 to 12 plums; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly butter an 8-cup gratin dish or tart pan. Pulse the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor, then cut in the butter to make fine crumbs. Beat the egg and egg yolk with the flavorings, then add enough milk to make 1/2 cup liquid. Add the liquid to the flour, mixing enough to make a thick dough. Brush your hands with flour, then pat the dough into the baking dish, pushing it up a little around the edges to make a rim. Slice Italian plums in half. If they’re small, leave them in halves; otherwise quarter them. If you’re using round plums, such as Elephant Heart, slice them into wedges about 1/2 inch thick. Overlap them over the dough. You can really crowd them together, because they’ll collapse while cooking. Drizzle the melted butter over the fruit, then sprinkle on the sugar and cardamom, if using. Bake until the crust is golden and the fruit is soft, 35 to 45 minutes. Serve warm if possible. SERVES 6 Recipe from Local Flavors.

LATE SUMMER PLUM CAKE
1-1/2 C all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off, 1-1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cardamom, 1/2 tsp salt, 8 T (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan, 1 C plus 2 T sugar, divided, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 C milk (low fat is fine), 1-pound plums, pitted and quartered
Preheat oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. (Alternatively, the cake may be made in a 9-inch cake pan or pie pan and served directly from the pan.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on low speed until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until smooth. (Note: the batter will be quite thick.) Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Arrange the plums on top, skin side up, in a circular pattern so that they mostly cover the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the plums. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center. When the cake is hot out of the oven, run a knife around the edges of the pan and then remove the springform edge, leaving the base in place (if using a springform pan). Let the cake cool on a rack completely. Slice and serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Note: This cake keeps well, loosely covered at room temperature, for several days. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving. Recipe from Onceuponachef.com https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/late-summer-plum-cake.html

DONUT PEACH SCONES
3.25 C cake and pastry flour (Or substitute with 3 cups of all-purpose flour), .25 C coconut sugar, 1 T baking powder, .5 tsp salt, .5 tsp cardamom, 1.5 C fresh peaches, in inch chunks
.25 cup dried fruit (We’ve tested with golden raisins, dried apricot, and dried cantaloupe. Dried mango would also be good), 1 cup milk, .75 cups very cold butter, chopped into small cubes, .25 cup honey
For the Sweet Cointreau Butter: 6 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Cointreau (or substitute any kind of orange liqueur), 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or substitute any kind of sugar)
For the Peach Scones
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Add the butter to the bowl, and using your hands, mix the butter into the flour mixture. You don’t want the butter completely integrated. There should be small chunks of flattened butter in the dough. This will help create tender, flaky scones. Stir in the peaches and dried fruit. Stir in the milk and honey until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough. Scoop up about 1/3 cup of dough for smaller scones, or about 1/2 cup for larger scones. Drop the batter onto a parchment lined or Silpat lined baking sheet. Bake at 400F for about 15 minutes. Serve with Sweet Cointreau Butter.
For the Sweet Cointreau Butter
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. If using coconut sugar, it will not fully dissolve in the butter. That’s OK.
Tips for Making the Scones: Using cold butter will help to ensure tender, flaky scones. Don’t worry if there are small chunks of butter in the dough. The dough should be shaggy-looking and sticky. Don’t mix the dough any longer than necessary to incorporate the ingredients. Keep scones in a sealed container. They will keep for 2-3 days but are best eaten fresh.

PEACH “DONUTS”
For the raspberry sauce: ¼ cup sugar, 1 6-ounce box raspberries, 1 tablespoon crème de cassis liqueur, finely grated or chopped zest of 1 lime
For the peaches: 6 ripe donut peaches, ½ cup almonds, 2 tablespoons raw brown sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons butter, as needed
For serving: Vanilla ice cream, additional raspberries
To make raspberry sauce, combine 1/3 cup water and the sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to medium low and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Stir in raspberries and cassis liqueur. Return to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Place lime zest in a bowl and strain hot raspberry sauce into bowl. Press raspberry pulp through strainer; discard seeds. Whisk to blend pulp and syrup, and return to saucepan. To skin peaches, bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add peaches. Blanch for 30 seconds and transfer to a bowl of ice water; drain. Cut peaches laterally around pit and gently twist apart. If peaches do not twist apart easily, insert knife tip and cut around the pit, then gently ease it out and separate the peach halves. Remove skin. Place almonds and sugar in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until mixture is finely ground. Transfer to a wide bowl. Gently dip each peach half into the mixture to coat both sides, and place on a plate. Shortly before serving, heat sauce and spoon a few tablespoons onto dessert plates. Heat a large, heavy, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and when it has stopped foaming, add a batch of peach halves; do not crowd the pan. Sear for about 1 minute, until almond coating has browned, and flip over. Sear for another 30 seconds to a minute and remove to dessert plates, placing two halves on each plate, cut side up. Add more butter to pan if necessary and finish searing peaches. If desired, serve peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and, for garnish, additional raspberries.