| Important information:
· This is a biweekly share distribution only.
· Please bring your empty boxes to distribution.
· Please reserve your summer share now, either on-line or snail mail.
Farm News from Jane
Greetings from the sunny south!
Although the weather has been cold in WNY, it has been mostly sunny here where we are staying. I am foolish enough, however, to be missing the beauty of the snow and the fun of enjoying it, sledding or skiing… As Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow I’m sure most people are rejoicing that spring will be here sooner rather than later! The Celtic calendar marks February first as the first day of spring and we are already in the spring mode as we have begun seeding in the greenhouse.
If anyone has been tracking the length of daylight, we are now above ten hours of “sunshine” a day (whether we can see it or not)! We actually gained almost thirty minutes in the last two weeks alone. Our little helpers filled seeding trays and then we seeded Dinosaur kale and lettuces to be transplanted into one of the high tunnels in a few weeks; we want to keep those greens a-coming! The kale has already germinated and “pushed up” through the potting soil. We do however have a “seed thief” in the heated greenhouse that wants to dig up those tiny little seeds for food. So far Ben hasn’t been able to catch and relocate him; everyone wants a share of the harvest this time of year. Teresa who planted the first spring seeds shared that it was quite exciting to get started. We’ll need to hang onto that excitement when the trays start numbering in the hundreds; especially with those successive seedings of vegetables like beets or the massive seedings of onions and winter squashes. It is however very warm and cozy on a cold winter’s day when the sun is shining into the greenhouse. A great pace to be if you need a bit of a sunshine pick-me-up!
And just a reminder that you can enroll for a summer share at any time if you haven’ already done so. There is an online payment system on our website or you can enroll the old-fashioned way via a membership form sent with a check through snail mail. Whichever works the best for you is just fine. If you need a membership form please email us and we’ll send you one.
Enjoy your first week of Celtic spring or one of those last of six weeks of winter. Blessings, Jane
Produce: Yukon Gold potatoes Red onions Garlic Leeks Orange carrots
Red cabbage Rutabaga Radishes Spinach Salad greens
Recipes
ROASTED GARLIC DIP
1 head of garlic, 1/2 T plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Heat oven to 275 or 300 degrees. Cut 1-l/2 inch off the top of garlic head to expose the tips of the cloves. Lay garlic head cut side up in small baking dish. Drizzle 1/2 T of oil over the top; sprinkle on some pepper. Roast until soft, fragrant, and lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Cool completely. Squeeze cloves form the base and use a fork to dislodge the flesh from the skin. Mash garlic with a fork on small plate. Stir in Parmesan cheese, additional 1/4 olive oil, and pepper to taste. Serve with baguette or crusty bread. Makes 2-4 appetizer servings. I love this recipe and I made a large batch and refrigerated it and used it as a condiment on potatoes and other veggies after we had enjoyed our fill as an appetizer. Recipe from Family Health Cookbook published by the American Health Association
GARLIC SALSA
6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; 1 can (1 lb. 12 oz.) crushed tomatoes in puree; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped scallions; 1 tsp. fresh lime juice; 2 tbs. chopped jalapeno peppers; 1 tbs. chili powder
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Servings: 6-8 Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes
GARLIC HUMMUS
1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste); 2 tbs. water; 1 tbs. olive oil; juice and pulp of 2 lemons, seeds removed; 6 cloves garlic, pressed; 1 tsp. chili powder; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; l/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. paprika
Combine all ingredients, except paprika, with a food processor. Process for 4 minutes, or until smooth. Scoop into a serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve chilled.
Servings 8-12; Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes
ROASTED GARLIC AND SPINACH QUICHE
1 bulb roasted garlic; 1 tbs. butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/4 tsp. chili powder; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; 1 cup cooked spinach, fresh or frozen drained well; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 tsp. vegetable oil for oiling pan
Heat oven to 350°. Separate roasted garlic cloves, peel and mash in a small bowl to form a paste. Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and sauté until soft; about 6 minutes. Add garlic paste and sauté for 4 minutes. Blend together and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, chili powder, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine garlic-onion mixture with spinach and cheese. Mix well. Spread spinach mixture firmly in a lightly oiled 99inch quiche or pie pan. Pour egg mixture evenly over spinach. Bake for 40 minutes. Quiche is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Servings: 6 Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes
HEAVENLY RICE AND SPINACH
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; 11/2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups chopped fresh spinach, packed; 5 tbs. butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; 3/4 cup chicken stock; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp. salt
Roast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown. Set aside. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and spinach and sauté for 3 minutes, or until spinach becomes limp. Add chicken stock and cooked rice. Sauté for 5 minutes or until rice is steaming hot. Stir in Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Remove from heat. Keep covered and serve warm. Servings: 4-6; Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes
FABULOUS GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
2 1/2 # potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 in. chunks, 3 garlic cloves peeled, 1 t. salt. Plus, additional to taste, 2/3 C chicken broth, ¼ C sour cream, ¼ t freshly ground pepper, 1/8 t grated nutmeg
Place potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and add 1 t salt. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, return then to a pot, and place over low heat for about 1 minute until thoroughly dry. Transfer to a large bowl, or leave them in the saucepan to mash. Add the broth to the potatoes, and mash with a potato masher or handheld electric mixer to make a smooth puree. Add the sour cream and continue to mash until the potatoes are light and fluffy. Season with pepper, nutmeg and salt to taste. Makes four side dish servings; recipe form AMA’s Family Health Cookbook
PUREED SPINACH-POTATO SOUP
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 1/2 pounds (about 5 small), Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, ¼ C dry sherry or white wine, 2 15 0z cans chicken broth, ½ lb. spinach. Tough stems removed, salt and freshly ground pepper
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and potatoes; stir to coat. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Pour sherry, chicken broth, and 2 cups water into pan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes. Stir spinach into pan, and cook until wilted and bright green, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth. (Alternatively, use a regular blender, working in batches so as not to fill jar more than halfway. Return mixture to saucepan.) Season with salt and pepper, and serve. Recipe form MarthaSteward.com
CHEESY SPINACH
Mix: 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/3 cup brown rice, cooked; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); salt and pepper to taste
Mix separately: 1/2 large bunch of spinach, chopped and steamed; 1/3 cup cottage cheese; 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1egg, plus 1 egg white; salt and pepper to taste; a pinch of cayenne pepper
Spread the ingredients from the first mixture in the bottom of a greased casserole. Spread the spinach mixture over them. Bake at 350 degrees until firm, 45-60 minutes. Makes 3-4 servings. Recipe from Max, the cook at Red Caboose Day Care Center
SPINACH PESTO DIP
10 ounces frozen spinach, chopped; 1/4 cup walnuts; 1 teaspoon basil; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; Dash of salt; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup mayonnaise
Thaw spinach and drain. Blend all ingredients in blender. Cover; chill. Yields 2 cups.
Recipe from Especially Herbs.
BRAISED ROOT VEGETABLES
1 tablespoon butter; 3 tablespoons dry white wine or Vegetable Broth; 1-pound celery root (sometimes called celeriac), peeled and cut into 1 l/2-inch pieces;4 large carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally 1 inch thick; 8 large shallots or onions, quartered; 3/4 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 8 ounces green beans, trimmed In a large, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the wine. Add the celery root, carrots, shallots, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to coat the vegetables, Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add the beans to the vegetables, stirring to coat. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until all of the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Serve hot. Serves 4 Recipe from The Big Book of Vegetarian
SALAD GREENS WITH CHINESE SALAD DRESSING
1/3 cup sesame or olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic, pressed to a paste; 1-2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot or 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger; dash of cayenne; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, salad greens or Chinese cabbage
Mix all ingredients (except greens); toss with greens. This is also good with Napa cabbage, bok choy, snow peas, or cucumbers. Makes 1/2 cup dressing. Recipe from Oak Ridge Farm
CARROT YOGURT SALAD
1 lb. carrots; peeled and coarsely chopped, 2 medium- sized tart apples; grated, 1-2 T lemon juice, 1-2 T honey, (optional), pinch of celery seed, salt and pepper to taste, 1 c. firm yogurt.
Optional additions: 1T poppy seeds or toasted sesame seeds, ¼ c. minced almonds or cashews; lightly toasted, ½ c. very finely minced celery, a handful of raisins or currants, ¼ c. shredded unsweetened coconut, lightly toasted, ½ c. finely chopped pineapple (or crushed canned in juice).
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Chill. (This preparation goes fast if you use a food processor with a grater attachment.) Yield 4-5 main dishes for lunch; more if serving as a side dish.
Recipe from The New Moosewood Cookbook.
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
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. |
ULTIMATE ROOT SOUP: BORSCHT
1/3 cup (1 ounce) dried porcini, 2 large leeks, 3 or 4 small russet potatoes, peeled, 1 1/4 pounds beets, peeled, 3 celery ribs, 1 carrot, finely chopped parsley or dill, 3 bay leaves, 7 garlic cloves, chopped, sea salt and freshly ground pepper, 1 large onion, 1 rutabaga, about 1/2 pound, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup fresh or canned diced tomatoes (in puree or water), 1 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp white or red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup sour cream mixed with 1 tbsp prepared horseradish.
Cover the mushrooms with 2 cups warm water and set them aside while you make a vegetable stock. Wash all the soup vegetables thoroughly since you’ll be using the trimmings. These include 4 inches of leeks past the white part of their roots, if available; potato peels; beet stems and peels; celery tips; carrot ends; and parsley stems. Put the trimmings in a pot with 2 bay leaves, 4 garlic cloves, and 2 teaspoons salt. Cover with 10 cups water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer while you chop the vegetables for the soup. Finely chop the white parts of the leeks. Finely dice the onion. Chop the celery into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice the carrot into 1/4-inch piece. Peel the rutabaga and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice the peeled potatoes. Cut the peeled beets into julienne strips. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven. Add the leeks, onion, celery, carrot, rutabaga, potatoes, cabbage and remaining garlic. Toss with 1 tablespoon salt, cover, and cook over medium heat until the vegetables have wilted, about 20 minutes. Add the beets, tomatoes, remaining bay leaf, and sugar. Chop the soaked mushrooms and add them, along with their soaking liquid, to the pot. Strain the stock, then add it (or 2 quarts water) and simmer until the beets are tender, about 25 minutes. Taste for salt and season with pepper. Stir in the vinegar. Serve hot or cold, with a spoonful of sour cream and horseradish in each bowl and a scattering of fresh green parsley or dill. SERVES 8 TO 10
INDONESIAN CURRIED CABBAGE
1 large cabbage, 1 large bay leaf, whole cloves, 1 clove garlic, 2 cups beef broth, 3 tbs. grated onion, 4 tbs. butter, 1 tbs. curry powder, 6 tbs. flour, salt and cayenne pepper, 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup grated Gouda cheese
Shred cabbage. Rinse in a colander with lukewarm water. Make a bouquet garni of bay leaf, whole cloves and garlic. Place cabbage, broth and bouquet garni in large kettle. Bring to boil. Cook gently 10 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Melt butter in another saucepan. Add curry powder and cook gently 1 minute. Remove pan from heat. Stir in flour and season to taste with salt and cayenne. Carefully blend in milk. Return to heat and stir constantly until sauce boils. Drain cabbage well and discard spices. Combine cabbage and sauce. Pour into buttered casserole. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in 475°F oven 15 minutes or until top bubbles and is nicely browned. Makes 6 to 8 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
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 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 (recipe follows) 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
LEEK, MUSHROOM AND LEMON RISOTTO
8 ounces trimmed leeks; 8 ounces mushrooms; 2 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 6 tbsp butter; 1 large onion, roughly chopped scant 1 3/4 cups rice; 5 cups hot vegetable stock; grated zest and juice of l lemon; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup mixed chopped fresh chives and flat-leaf parsley; salt and freshly ground black pepper; lemon wedges and sprigs of flat-leaf parsley, to serve
Wash the leeks well. Slice in half lengthwise and roughly chop. Wipe the mushrooms with paper towels and roughly chop. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the garlic for 1 minute. Add the leeks, mushrooms and plenty of seasoning and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until softened and browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the pan and cook the onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute. Add a ladleful of stock to the pan and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is absorbed. Stir in more liquid as each ladleful is absorbed; this should take 20-25 minutes. The risotto will turn thick and creamy, and the rice should be tender but not sticky. Just before serving, stir in the leeks, mushrooms, remaining butter, grated lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of the juice, half the Parmesan and the herbs. Adjust the seasoning and serve, sprinkled with the remaining Parmesan and herbs. Serve with lemon wedges and sprigs of flat -leaf parsley. Serves 4
BACON-CHEESE BROILED LEEKS
3-4 medium leeks; 6 strips bacon; 6 ounces cheddar, Monterey jack, or Havarti cheese, grated
Split leeks lengthwise and blanch in boiling water. Fry bacon strips. Drain on paper towel. Crumble when cool. Place drippings in bottom of shallow baking pan. Place leeks in pan. Cover with cheese. Bake in preheated 3500 F. oven until cheese melts. Place in broiler briefly until cheese just begins to brown. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Serves 4. Recipe from The Fruit and Vegetable Stand.
CONFETTI OF RADISHES AND CARROTS
3 large radishes (or that equivalent), peeled; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint; 4-6 medium carrots, peeled; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 8 ounces feta cheese (or substitute fresh chevre); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 2-3 tablespoons wine vinegar
Shred radishes and carrots using hand-held cheese grater. Toss with remaining ingredients. Chill and serve. Makes 8 servings.
RADISH AU GRATIN
1/2 cup milk; 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger; 1 1/2 pounds radishes, peeled and cut into I-inch cubes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp oil, or pan spray as needed; 1/3 cup half-and-half; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup cottage cheese, drained; 1 tbsp butter; 4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 T flour
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Cook radish in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Heat oil in skillet; add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in butter and flour and stir over low heat, 3-4 minutes. Slowly add milk, stirring, and cook until sauce is thickened. Stir in ginger, salt, pepper, and half-and-half. Add drained cottage cheese and stir until cheese is somewhat melted. (It will finish melting while it bakes with the vegetables.) Spread radish mixture into prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and slightly brown on top, 45-60 minutes. Makes 3-4 servings. Recipe from Edith Thayer, Vermont Valley Farm member
COUSCOUS AND RADISH SALAD
1/2 c water; 1/8 tsp salt; pinch of pepper; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 T olive oil; 1/2 clove garlic, crushed; 1 T onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 c couscous; 1 c radishes, quartered; 1/4 c parsley; 2 tbsp mint; 1/4 tsp lemon rind, grated
Bring water to a boil in saucepan; stir in couscous. Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes; fluff with a fork. Set aside. Mince radishes by hand or in food processor. Place in large bowl. Mince parsley and mint. Add to radishes and stir in couscous. Whisk together lemon rind, salt, pepper, lemon juice, oil and garlic. Add to couscous mixture, toss. Top with onions. Makes 2 servings
|
|
|
