Winter Share Eleven April 16th 2020
Important information:
- This is the last Monthly winter share.
- The final winter share is April 30th.
- Final summer share payments are due April 30th.
Farm News from Jane
We hope that everyone who was celebrating their holidays were able to do it in some fashion even if that meant virtually. Having restrictions on our activities is such a good reminder that we have so much to be thankful for in this country. The forsythia is in full bloom and there are breath taking in their beauty. The daffodils have popped up everywhere in all their various varieties. The magnolias are almost ready and we hope that the winds will calm while they’re open so we nay enjoy their beauty for as long as they last. The tulips are poking through as well although the last few cold days probably has them “on hold” for the present.
We haven’t seen the peas or carrots we seeded two weeks ago pop through the ground but we’ll give them a bit more time before we plant the next round. The second greenhouse is quickly filling and some of the veggies need to take up residence outside soon. They are outgrowing their homes and need more “root” room. We hope to begin transplanting out in the field next week. The seed potatoes were delivered on Monday and we continue to seed and transplant seedlings in the greenhouses. The days pass quickly for us and there are almost always more jobs on the day’s list then there is time. Ben has been preparing planting beds by spreading our homemade compost for soil enrichment and then will “turn it in” with the mechanical spader before we begin transplanting the seedlings. It is a time of anticipation and “growing” excitement”; pun intended. We also continue to harvest lots of spinach before it decides to tell us it’s mature by sending up seed stalks. This process is called “bolting” and we hope that this week’s cold spell will keep that process in check for a while. They say “all good things do come to an end”, but in the life cycle of nature just for the season.
We hope that most of you signed up for a summer share are eagerly looking forward to May when the first tips of asparagus push through and the rhubarb is red and “ready”. Lots of delicious beauty to enjoy coming next month. For all of you who are receiving their last monthly share; thanks for your support. We hope that you’ll join us again next year! For the rest of us there are still more veggies coming… Eat healthy and stay well, Jane
Produce: Potatoes Spinach Garlic Red onions Shallots Red beets
Carrots Green and Red Cabbage Rutabaga Honey
Produce tips:
– The honey is from Fiegel’s Apiaries in Appleton in the Lake Ontario fruit belt region.
– A friend shared she tried a cabbage pancake recipe she saw on a cooking show that she and her family loved. Oh, the many faces of the winter storage veggies… I found a recipe that looks similar; do try!!!
– If you haven’t tried mashing your potatoes with the rutabaga, it’s a great comfort combo! Don’t forget the butter and salt!
– Garlic will keep best in the refrigerator as it wants to “grow” this time of year. Place in a plastic bag first.
– Shallots are smaller and not as round as the red onions. Shallots break down much more easily than their larger counterparts when cooked, allowing for a meltier level of caramelization, or a more subtle touch for creating a foundation in things like sauces.
Recipes
JAPANESE CABBAGE PANCAKES
3 scallions, 4 C shredded green cabbage (from ½ small head), ¾ C all-purpose flour, ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger, 4 large eggs, lightly beaten, 2 T tamari, divided, 2T canola oil, ¼ C mayonnaise, 1 tsp. sriracha,
¼ C ketchup, 1 T Worcestershire sauce
Slice scallions, separating white and green parts. Stir together cabbage, sliced white scallion, flour, ginger, eggs, and 1 tablespoon tamari in a large bowl until well combined. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cabbage mixture; press to flatten and cover bottom of pan. Cover and cook until bottom is golden, about 8 minutes. Carefully flip pancake; cook, uncovered, until bottom is golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and 2 teaspoons water in a small bowl. Stir together ketchup, Worcestershire, and remaining 1 tablespoon tamari in a separate small bowl. Drizzle sauces over pancake and sprinkle with sliced green scallion.
QUICK MEAL CABBAGE WITH HAM AND SESAME SEEDS
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil; 6-8 cups shredded cabbage; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock or water; 1+1/4-1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup thin strips of ham; lemon juice; toasted sesame seeds Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in large skillet. Add ham; sauté 1 minute. Add cabbage. Stir in stock. Cover, and simmer hard until most of the stock is absorbed and cabbage is wilted and tender, 5-10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with sesame seeds. Inspired by a recipe by Pam Anderson with Karen Tack in Cook s Illustrated January 1995.
APPLE AND WINE-BRAISED RED CABBAGE
2 tablespoons canola oil; 1/2 large head red cabbage, shredded or sliced as thinly as possible; 1 onion, halved and cut as thinly as possible; salt and pepper; 1/2 cup red wine; 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 apples, cored and cut into eighths; 1/2 cup raisins
Heat oil in large braiser or wok over medium-high flame. Add cabbage and onions; season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Cover, reduce heat, and allow mixture to wilt slightly, about S minutes. Stir in wine, vinegar, and brown sugar. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, about 4-Sminutes. Stir in apples and raisins; cook another 20-30 minutes. I’ve also used water instead of the wine and omitted the apples and raisins and it’s still yummy! Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Makes 6 servings.
ROSY COLESLAW WITH APPLE AND ONION
4 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 tablespoon sorghum syrup or maple syrup; 1/2 cup shredded or chopped carrot; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 tablespoons finely chopped onion; 1 large tart apple, peeled and finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; salt and pepper
Toss all ingredients except salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve. Makes 6 Servings; Recipe from MACSAC
SCANDINAVIAN CABBAGE SOUP
2 C. cabbage, chopped; l C. onion, sliced; l C. celery slices; 1 C. peas; l C. thin sliced carrots; 2 C. creamed corn; 1 stick butter; 21/2-3cps milk; 1 tsp salt; 1/4tsp pepper; 1 tsp thyme; 1/4tsp garlic powder or fresh garlic to taste; 11/2-2cps shredded cheddar cheese.
Sauté cabbage, onions, celery, peas, and carrots in butter until tender, stirring frequently. Add milk and seasonings. Heat over low; add cheese, stirring until melted.
CARAWAY-BUTTERED CABBAGE
¼ cup butter; 1 tsp caraway seeds, crushed; 1 tsp. salt; 2 tbsp water; 6 c. coarsely shredded cabbage
Melt butter in saucepan. Add remaining ingredients. Steam until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir to combine. Makes 4 servings.
BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH SAGE SHALLOT APPLE DRESSING
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp each chopped fresh sage and parsley; (6 ounces each) 2 heaping cups dried bread cubes or croutons; 1 tbsp butter; salt and pepper to taste; 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots; 1/2-2/3 cup chicken broth; 1 cup finely chopped tart apple
Oil a baking pan. Trim chicken of all fat; flatten meat by pounding it lightly with a flat, heavy utensil. Place in pan. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook shallots in butter on stove top until tender, 4-5 minutes. Stir in apples, herbs, bread cubes, salt, pepper, and just enough chicken broth to make a moist stuffing. Mound on chicken. Bake until stuffing has browned and chicken is tender, 20-25 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe from MACSAC
ONION JAM
2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds red onions, halved, thinly sliced; 8 fresh thyme sprigs; 4 garlic cloves, pressed; 1 cup ruby Port; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1/2 cup grenadine; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar
Heat oil in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, thyme, and garlic; sauté until onions are slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Add 11/2 cups water and all remaining ingredients and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil gently until onions are soft, liquid is reduced, and mixture thickens to jam consistency, stirring often and adding more water by cupfuls to prevent sticking, minutes. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, rewarm onion jam just until heated in through, stirring frequently. Makes about 1 1/3 Cups
ROASTED POTATOES AND SHALLOTS
6 large shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, 1 1/2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in lowest position. Toss shallots with 1 1/2 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a 13-by 9-inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Roast, stirring occasionally, until shallots are golden, about 30 minutes. Toss potatoes with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl, then add to shallots. Roast, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and potatoes are crusty, 40 to 50 minutes.
Recipe from In the Kitchen with Stephano Faita
WARM DRESSING WITH SHALLOT
(great over baked squash and greens)
1/4 C maple syrup, 1/4 C cider vinegar, 1/3 C olive oil, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 shallot, minced, salt and pepper
Shake ingredients together and place in a small pan. Heat until shallots begin to have an aroma.
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
DICED BEETS WITH ORANGE ZEST AND YOGURT SAUCE
1/2 lb. beets, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 1/8 cup cider vinegar; zest of 1 orange, grated (about 1 tbsp.); 1/8tsp. ground mace; 1/8 tsp. ground cloves; 1/8 tsp. salt; freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 cup plain low-fat yogurt; 1 tbsp. fresh orange juice; 1/2 tsp. honey
Preheat the oven to 3750 F. In an 11/2-quart ovenproof casserole with a lid, combine the beets, vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, orange zest, mace, cloves, salt and pepper. Bake the beet mixture, covered, for one hour. Meanwhile, to make the sauce, mix together the yogurt and orange juice in a small bowl. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve. Remove the beets from the oven and stir in the honey. Serve immediately, topped with the yogurt sauce. Serves 2
HONEYED BEETS
¼ cup honey; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 lb. cooked, sliced beets; 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
In a saucepan blend honey, vinegar and 1 tbsp water. Add butter, beets and onion rings. Simmer until heated through, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook as onion rings should remain crisp. Serves 4.
SECRET CHOCOLATE CAKE (CHOCOLATE BEET CAKE)
2 C. cooked chopped beets, ½ c. applesauce, 1+1/2 c. sugar, ½ c. oil, ½ c. plain yogurt, 3 eggs, 1+1/2 t. vanilla, 1+1/2 c. flour, 1 c. whole wheat flour, ½ c. baking cocoa, 1+1/2 t. baking soda, ½ t. salt, ½ c. chocolate chips (I prefer mini chips), powdered sugar or your favorite glaze or frosting
Prepare beets by cooking, peeling, and chopping them. Combine with applesauce and puree with a hand blender or in a standing blender. Set aside. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. Beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. For 2 minutes. Add half the dry ingredients and incorporate slowly, alternating with the beet/applesauce mixture until everything is blended. Pour half the batter into greased Bundt pan. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips, then pour the remaining batter on top. Bake @ 3500 for 45-50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan on rack.
From Simply in Season Children’s Cookbook by Mark Beach & Julie Kauffman
WELL- THYMED RUTABAGA
1 1/2 – 2 pounds rutabaga; chicken or vegetable stock; 1 cup sour cream; 1-2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 1-2 tsp. dried thyme; salt and pepper to taste
Peel rutabaga, dice the flesh, and place in a saucepan. Add just enough stock to cover rutabaga, bring to simmer, and cook until tender. You can serve this three ways: 1) Soup: Stir in the remaining ingredients; 2) Side dish: Drain off stock and stir in remaining ingredients; or 3) Puree: Drain off most of the stock and puree rutabaga with remaining ingredients, using immersion blender, food processor, or blender.
Makes 4-6 servings; Recipe from Linda Holley, Harmony Valley Farm
RUTABAGA CARROT COLESLAW WITH BUTTERMILK GARLIC DRESSING|
1 large or 2 medium rutabagas (about 1 pound); 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 large carrot (about 1/4 pound); salt and pepper to taste; 6-8 tablespoons Buttermilk Garlic dressing
Peel rutabagas and carrot; cut into large chunks and shred in food processor or on very large grate holes of hand-held grater. Toss with remaining ingredients and chill hour. Makes 4 servings; Recipe from MACSAC
CIDER-GLAZED ROOTS WITH CINNAMON WALNUTS
3 pounds assorted root vegetables, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup dark brown sugar; 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1 tbsp butter; 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400°F. If using parsnips, quarter lengthwise and remove the woody core before cutting into 1-inch pieces. Whisk cider, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish until the sugar is dissolved. Add root vegetables and toss to coat. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and stir the vegetables. Continue cooking, uncovered, stirring every 20 minutes or so, until the vegetables are glazed and tender, about 1 hour more. Meanwhile, place walnuts in a small skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the butter, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts and the nuts are coated. Spread out on a plate to cool slightly. Transfer the vegetables to a serving dish and sprinkle with the cinnamon walnuts.
CHILI ROASTED RUTABAGA
2T vegetable oil, 1½t chili powder. 1t onion powder, 1t garlic salt, 1/2t sugar, 1/2t paprika, ½ t cayenne, 1 ½ pounds rutabaga.
Heat oven to 4000. Mix first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Peel rutabagas and cut them into chunks that are about 2inches long and ½-1 inch wide. Toss with spice mix. Transfer to large baking sheet, spreading pieces out evenly. Bake until tender and somewhat browned, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Makes 4-6 servings
RUTABAGA & POTATO PUREE
1 1/2 pounds rutabaga, peeled and cut into small chunks, 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks, 4 cloves garlic, peeled, Salt, to taste, 1/3 cup nonfat milk, scaled, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, Freshly ground white or black pepper, to taste
Place rutabagas and potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add garlic and season with salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the vegetables are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return the vegetables to the pan. Place the pan over low heat and toss for about 1 minute to dry the vegetables slightly. Mash the rutabagas, potatoes and garlic with a hand mixer or potato masher. Add enough milk to make a smooth puree. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper. Serves 8; Recipe from Eating Well Magazine
CARROT AND RUTABAGA MASH
1# carrots peeled, and 1# rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, 3T. butter, salt and pepper
Boil carrots and rutabaga until just soft. Smash together with a potato masher or food processor until it looks like a puree. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired. Recipe courtesy of Robert Irvine; Food Network
RUTABAGA “POTATO” SALAD
2 medium to large rutabaga, 1/4 -1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/4 to 1/2 an onion, diced, 1-2 T sweet relish, garlic powder, salt, pepper
Other fun ingredients to try: salad greens, celeriac, celery salt, hard-boiled eggs, dill, dill seed, chopped dill pickle, raw bok choy, diced carrots, even some cooked potatoes mixed in! Clean, peel, and chop the rutabaga into cubes. Put into a pot, just cover with water, and boil until soft and edible, when a fork goes through easily. Drain water out. Rinse the rutabaga in cold water if you want to get it to be a cold salad. Mix in all other ingredients. You can soak the diced onions in warm water (or the rutabaga boiling water) to mellow them if you want. Adjust flavorings to taste. Chill in the fridge, or eat warm. Recipe from Red Fire farm
BALSAMIC ROASTED CARROTS
1 T olive oil, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ½# carrots, 2T balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and carrots in a bag or bowl; toss to coat. Pour the carrots into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the balsamic vinegar over the carrots; shake the pan to coat evenly. Return to oven and bake until the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Recipe from Allrecipe.com
ROASTED CARROTS
12 carrots, 3 tablespoons good olive oil, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or parsley
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. If the carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise; if not, leave whole. Slice the carrots diagonally in 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. (The carrots will shrink while cooking so make the slices big.) Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a sheet pan in 1 layer and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until browned and tender. Toss the carrots with minced dill or parsley, season to taste, and serve. Recipe from Ina Garten Foodnetwork.com
ROASTED CARROTS WITH TURMERIC COUSCOUS
1 1/4 lbs. medium carrots, halved lengthwise, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1/2 tsp. curry powder, 2 3/4 cups chicken stock, 2 cups Israeli couscous, 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, thinned with 3 tbsp. water, Torn fresh mint, 4 lemon wedges
On baking sheet, toss carrots, oil and curry powder; season with salt and pepper. Roast at 500° until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. In saucepan, boil stock. Add couscous and turmeric. Cover and simmer until tender, about 7 minutes; season. Top couscous with carrots, yogurt and mint. Serve with lemon wedges. Recipe from rachaelraymag.com
QUICK PICKLED CARROTS
2 C water, 2 C cider vinegar, ½ C sugar (more or less to desired sweetness), 1/2t salt, 1 T mixed pickling spices 2+1/4# carrots, peeled and cut into desired sizes for container
Place all ingredients except carrots in a medium sized pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Prepare carrots and add to a pot of boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain carrots and place in prepared brine. Let mixture cool to room temperature. Place in jars or desired containers.
Makes approximately 2 quarts.
MOROCCAN GRATED CARROT AND BEET SALAD RECIPE
2 cups of grated carrots (from about 3 carrots), 1 cup of grated fresh beets (from about 1 medium sized peeled beet), 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet, not hot), 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, Small pinch of salt, Small pinch of cayenne, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 teaspoons 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
GOLDEN HARVEST POTATO BAKE
5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed, 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, 5 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper
Place the potatoes, carrots, garlic and tarragon in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. In a large bowl, mash the vegetables. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, milk, eggs, vinegar, butter, salt, parsley and pepper until blended. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.
HEIRLOOM CARROT SALAD WITH SWEET ORANGE AND THYME VINAIGRETTE
6 Tbs. olive oil, ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish, 1 Tbs. finely chopped shallot, 1 tsp. honey, 1 ½ lbs. heirloom carrots, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Whisk together oil, vinegar, orange juice, thyme, shallot, and honey in large bowl. Hold each carrot over bowl containing vinaigrette and, using a vegetable peeler or spiral slicer, peel long, thin strips into bowl. Toss to mix. Toast pine nuts in skillet over low heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and tossing frequently to prevent burning. Add pine nuts to carrots, and toss to mix. Sprinkle with parsley, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Recipe from Vegatariantimes.com
CREAM OF CARROT AND RUTABAGA SOUP WITH MAPLE SYRUP
4 cups carrots, peeled and sliced, 4 c rutabaga, peeled and chopped, 2 onions chopped, 3 t. butter, 8 c. chicken broth, 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed, 3 t. maple syrup, ¼ c. cream, salt and pepper
In a saucepan, cook the carrots, rutabaga, and onions in the butter for about 5 minutes, without browning.
Add the broth, potatoes, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. In a blender, purée the soup until smooth. Add the cream. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Recipe from Ricardocuisine.com
ASIAN SPINACH SALAD
1 lb. fresh spinach, washed and trimmed; 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil; 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp sugar; 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar; Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Steam spinach until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze out as much water as possible. Chop coarsely. In bowl, combine soy sauce, oil, seeds, garlic, sugar, vinegar and pepper; mix well. Add spinach to sauce, and toss to coat. Serve hot or cold. Makes 4 servings Recipe from Farm-Fresh Recipes.
SAUTÉED SPINACH WITH RED ONIONS, BACON AND BLUE CHEESE
2t. olive oil, 1/2c thinly sliced red onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 10oz bag of spinach, tough stems removed, 2 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled, 1Tcrumbled blue cheese.
Heat oil in large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about one minute. Add garlic and cook stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds more. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in bacon and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve immediately. Recipe from Eating Well in Season.
WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH GREENS & BEETS
3 medium beets, 6 tablespoons olive oil , Salt and Freshly ground pepper, 2 cups whole wheat berries
1 bunch kale or 2 cups spinach, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or other vinegar , 1⁄2 cup minced shallots, 1 tablespoon finely chopped sage, or 1 tsp if dried, 2 garlic gloves, 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and roast chopped beets until tender. Bring wheat berries, 5 cups water, and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Cook over medium heat until tender. About 25-30 minutes. Remove stems from kale, slice leaves, and add to pot with wheat berries (or chop and add spinach or other greens if using). Cover and remove from heat. Steam until wilted, about 5 minutes. Drain and mix in a bowl with beets, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Use salt and pepper to taste, toss.
In a medium skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, add shallots and a pinch of salt and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes or until brown. Add the sage and cook for one minute, add garlic and cook for an additional minute while stirring. And wine and simmer, while continuing to stir, until evaporated. Add to salad, toss, and serve. Can be made ahead and refrigerated. Recipe form red Fire farm
PASSOVER SPINACH SOUFFLE
Prep time: 20 minutes, Baking time: 45 minutes
1/2 C chopped onion, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1T butter, melted, 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 8 oz farmer cheese, 1/8 t each of salt and pepper, 3 eggs, 2 pkgs. (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained, ¼ t paprika, 1/8 t ground nutmeg
Cook and stir onion and garlic in butter until tender. Beat onion mixture, cream cheese, farmer cheese, salt and pepper with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in spinach. Pour cheese mixture into greased 9 in square baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika and nutmeg; cover. Bake @ 3250 for 30 min; uncover. Bake an additional 15 minutes. Makes 8 servings * If substituting fresh bag of Oles Farm Spinach sauté or wilt down spinach first and reduce all other ingredients by half and use a smaller casserole.
SPINACH-PEAR SALAD
1 (10-oz.) package washed and ready-to-eat fresh spinach; 2 large pears, sliced; 1/2 c diced red bell pepper; 1/2 c chopped walnuts; 3 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled; 1/4 c balsamic vinegar-based salad dressing; 1 tsp orange zest
Combine spinach, pears, bell pepper, walnuts and bacon in a salad bowl. Whisk orange zest into dressing and drizzle over salad. Toss, and serve immediately. Makes 6 servings; Recipe from Farm-Fresh Recipes.
SCALLOPED POTATOES, HAM AND LIMA BEANS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Arrange in alternate layers in buttered 1+1/2qt. casserole: 2 1/2 cups thinly sliced potatoes (sprinkle 1 Tbsp flour over each layer), 1/2 minced leeks, 1 cup lima beans, and 1 cup flaked cooked ham slices. Season layers with salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Then pour over the top: 2 to 21/2 cups hot milk (to just cover). Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and bake 1 hour or until potatoes are tender, removing cover last 1/2 hr.
SPICY POTATO, SAUSAGE AND GREENS SOUP
1 # bulk hot Italian sausage; 1/2 cup chopped onion, or more to taste; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (slice them with skins on); 4 cups water; 2 packed cups torn or chopped fresh greens; 1/3 cup whipping cream; salt and pepper
Heat soup pot over medium flame. Add sausage and onions and cook until meat is no longer pink. Add broth, potatoes, and 4 cups water. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Stir in greens; cook 1-2 minutes. Stir in whipping cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve right away, or, for more developed flavor, let cool, then chill and reheat later or the next day. This recipe was inspired by a soup at Olive Garden restaurant. Add some buttered biscuits and it’s a perfect winter meal. Makes 8-12 servings. Recipe from JoAnn Hoffman, Vermont Valley Farm member
FRENCH FRIES
Potatoes; oil; salt
Heat oil to 350 degrees in a deep fryer or pot on the stove. Cut potatoes into desired shape (we usually use wedges). Place in oil and fry until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Salt and enjoy!
OVEN FRIED POTATOES
8 potatoes; 1 stick butter; 1/2 lb. chopped bacon (fried); Parmesan cheese; 1/2 lb. Longhorn Cheddar (grated); garlic; salt Cut potatoes into 8 sections. Melt 1/2 stick margarine on 2 cookie sheets in oven. Coat potatoes (with skins) with margarine. Sprinkle with garlic salt, Parmesan cheese and bacon. Bake at 4250 for 25 minutes. Pour off extra grease. Sprinkle Cheddar over potatoes and place in oven until melted. Serve with Ranch dressing. Recipe from Terri Noble
SPINACH SALAD WITH HONEY DRESSING AND HONEYED PECANS
1 (6-oz.) package baby spinach, 1 cup quartered fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, Honey Dressing, 3 to 4 cooked bacon slices, crumbled, 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, Honeyed Pecans
Toss together first 4 ingredients and 1/3 cup dressing. Sprinkle with bacon, cheese, and pecans. Serve with remaining dressing.
Honey Dressing: 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil ~ Whisk together vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth.
Honeyed Pecans~1/4 cup honey, 1 cup pecan halves, Parchment paper, Cooking spray, 1 T sugar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, Pinch of ground red pepper Preheat oven to 325°. Microwave honey in a bowl at HIGH 20 seconds. Stir in pecan halves. Coat a parchment paper-lined jelly-roll pan with cooking spray; spread pecans in a single layer on pan. Combine sugar, salt, and a pinch of ground red pepper; sprinkle over pecans. Bake 15 minutes or until toasted, stirring after 8 minutes. Cool completely; break into pieces.
HONEY-APPLE CAKE
1 cup chopped pecans, divided, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup honey, 3 large eggs, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 cups chopped Golden Delicious apple, Honey Sauce
Honey Sauce: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter or margarine, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup milk
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes.
Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan; sprinkle bottom of pan with 1/4 cup pecans. Set aside. Beat sugar, oil, and honey at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla, remaining 3/4 cup pecans, and apple. Spoon over pecans in pan.
Bake at 350° for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes; remove from pan, and place on a wire rack over wax paper. Pour 1/2 cup Honey Sauce over warm cake. Cool. Heat remaining Honey Sauce; serve with cake and, if desired, ice cream. Recipe from MyRecipes.com
HONEY FLANS
1/2 cup sugar, 7 tablespoons honey, divided, 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened, condensed milk, 1 cup milk, 3 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350°. Sprinkle sugar in a 3-qt. saucepan; place over medium heat, and cook, gently shaking pan, 4 minutes or until sugar melts and turns a light golden brown. Slowly stir in 3 Tbsp. honey. (Mixture will clump a little; gently stir just until melted.) Remove from heat; immediately pour hot caramelized sugar into 6 (6-oz.) ramekins. Process condensed milk, next 4 ingredients, and remaining 4 Tbsp. honey in a blender 10 to 15 seconds or until smooth; pour evenly over sugar in each ramekin. Place ramekins in a 13- x 9-inch pan. Add hot tap water to pan to a depth of 1 inch. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.