Winter Share Two December 5th 2019
Important information:
- This is a bi-weekly share only. The next bi-weekly and monthly share is Dec. 19th.
- Please remember to bring your share boxes to distribution.
Farm News from Jane
Winter is coming – the snow is coming down… My version of “Christmas is coming”! We certainly have had our share of winter weather. It really lends more credence to the Celtic calendar’s November 1st as the first day of winter. Although we did lose a few crops to the first heavy snow the second week of November we were able to harvest lots of yummy vegetables that were insulated under the blanket of snow. After the snow melted, we harvested leeks, Brussel sprouts, carrots. rutabaga, radishes and kohlrabi. We are very thankful for that opportunity. Winter seems to come earlier these last five years. Do you remember Snowvember? That was back in 2014 when both of our high tunnels collapsed under the seven feet of snow. And even though that happened there was still openings and spinach growing underneath! And speaking of spinach we will begin harvesting this year’s crop this month; just wait until you get a taste of the emerald green goodness. Vegetables like carrots and spinach which are grown under cooler conditions make and store more sugars making them extra sweet and also extra nourishing.
We received our refrigerator magnets with winter share dates. We will put them in shares boxes the next distribution when there are both bi-weekly and monthly winter shares. We hope that this will help members have a visual reminder to remember which Thursdays their shares are coming. It has a beautiful picture of the farm which our friend and coworker took as when she found a beautiful rainbow in the eastern sky as she arrived to the farm one morning. We were commenting on that yesterday and talked about perhaps using a winter scene for the magnet and lo and behold the opportunity was before us as yesterday was such a winter wonderland! Teresa snapped a gorgeous photo; the dark colored sky meeting the magical looking snow-frosted woods was just stunning and the perfect picture; at least for next year’s magnet…
We hope that everyone was able to utilize or share some of their produce for their Thanksgiving gatherings. We are so blessed with so much abundance. Until next time; continue to enjoy the feast and please do watch for the full moon next Wednesday/Thursday. If the snow holds it will be doubly spectacular. A work of creation which brings such pleasure and which we enjoy at no cost or efforts from ourselves! Blessings to all, Jane
Produce: French fingerling potatoes Cooking & Spanish onions Garlic Purple Kohlrabi Rutabaga Carrots Leeks Spaghetti squash Delicata squash Red cabbage Brussel sprouts
Produce tips:
– Investing in a vegetable brush is a great tool and option for peel-free prep. It also keeps more nutrients in your veggies and more nutrients end up on your plate!
– Kohlrabi is a member of the cruciferous family and so has all those great antioxidant properties. It must be peeled before using. It is very versatile and can be sliced and used raw for dipping or grated for slaw, boiled and mashed or even roasted. It has a similar taste to a broccoli/cabbage cross.
– Rutabaga is also a member of the cruciferous family. Peel and then enjoy raw or cooked. Serve like mashed potatoes or even cook and mash with any combination of potatoes, carrots or even kohlrabi.
– Spaghetti squash is easily prepared by cutting in half, removing seeds and placing cut side down in a baking dish with about ½ in. water. Bake for about 45- 60 minutes. Remove from oven and turn right side up to cool slightly. To remove flesh “rake’ a fork across the surface to create “strands”. Serve with salt, pepper and butter or use as pasta with sauce or as a bed for other veggies/proteins. Yummy!
– Leeks: to prep; either slice in rings and then rinse under running water in a colander or cut in half lengthwise and “rifle” them under running water.
– Brussel sprouts will keep best if removed from stalk and placed in a plastic bag before refrigerating.
– Rutabaga can be kept in a cold place for short term. Long-term; bag and refrigerate.
– Squash should be kept in a cool spot out of the direct light.
– Onions, garlic although convenient in a kitchen basket they will keep longer in a paper bag in a cool spot out of the direct light.
– Delicata squash; the skin is delicate and tender enough to eat after baking or roasting. Cut in half; scoop out seeds and slice into wedges. Place in a bowl and coat will olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast @ 4250 until tender; 30-40 minutes depending on size of slices.
– Brussel sprouts can be roasted the same way. If you cut them I half they’ll roast up quicker. I roasted the Delicata and Brussel sprouts together for a Thanksgiving dish; it was a big hit!
– Spaghetti squash: Recipes call for the traditional large size. We grow a smaller variety more easily packed in our share boxes. Use two of them for one traditional size one.
Recipes
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 (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
APPLE RUTABAGA SOUP
Melt 4 oz. butter; Add: l cp coarsely chopped onion; l cp peeled, cored, chopped apple; l cp peeled chopped rutabaga; l cp peeled, seeded chopped butternut squash; l cp chopped carrots; l cp peeled, chopped sweet potatoes. Cook until onions are translucent, stir occasionally. Add; l qt chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and cook till vegetables are tender and cooked through. Puree in small batches. Add: l c heavy cream; l cp milk; 1/4 c maple syrup. Return to stove and heat through. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
MASHED RUTABAGA WITH ORANGE
2 pounds rutabaga, peeled and diced; 2 T frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed; 1T butter; salt and pepper; 1 orange (optional for garnish)
Put diced rutabaga in a medium saucepan and add water to about halfway up the rutabagas. Bring to boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender. Drain off the water. For a chunky texture, mash with a potato masher. For a smoother texture, run rutabagas through a food mill or process in a food processor until smooth. Stir in orange juice concentrate and butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh orange zest or thin slices of orange. This can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, then warmed in the oven. It goes well with sage-rubbed pork and mushrooms or ham. Makes 6 servings
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. 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.
CREAM OF WINTER RUTABAGA SOUP WITH CINNAMON
2 T. butter; 1 onion, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cinnamon stick; 1 1/4 pounds rutabaga; 4 T.light cream; salt and freshly ground black pepper; caramelized onion rings to garnish (optional)
Melt the butter in a large saucepan, put in the onion, cover and cook with the cinnamon stick for 10 minutes. Peel the rutabaga and cut it into small dice, then add these to the pan. Stir, cover and cook gently for a further 5 minutes. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rutabaga is very tender. Remove the cinnamon stick, whizz the soup to a smooth puree in a food processor, then pour it through a strainer back into the saucepan. Stir in the cream and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with caramelized onion rings which are made by frying onion rings in a little olive oil or olive oil and butter for 10-15 minutes, 4ntil they are brown and crisp. Drain them on paper towels and float a few on top of each bowlful of soup. Serves 4; Recipe from Vegetarian Four Seasons
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
CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES
1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes, Kosher salt, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon grill seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika, freshly ground black pepper,
Put the potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Add a big pinch of salt, then cover, and put over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncover, and cook just until the potatoes start to soften but are not cooked all the way through, about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the warm pot. Shake the potatoes around to roughen up the sides and to let them dry out. Put them into a bowl. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Put a baking sheet in the oven to preheat. Add the olive oil, grill seasoning, paprika and pepper, to taste, to the potatoes and toss to coat. Spread the potatoes out onto the preheated baking sheet and roast them until they are cooked through and crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the potatoes once halfway through the cooking time. Remove the potatoes from the oven to a serving bowl and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Sandra Le; Food Network
CREAMY LEEK, POTATO, AND SOUR CREAM CHIVE SOUP
3 T butter, 2-3 leeks, thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only, about 4 cups total), 1t. dried tarragon, 1# Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, and thinly sliced, 4 cups chicken stock, ½-1cup sour cream, 4 T. fresh chopped chives, divided, salt and pepper.
Melt butter in pot over medium-low flame. Add leeks and tarragon; cover and cook slowly, 15-20 minutes. Add potatoes and stock; bring to simmer, cover, and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Puree mixture or mash with a potato masher. Return to pot; stir in sour cream and 2 T chives. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle each serving with additional chives. Makes 6 servings
ITALIAN-STYLE SPAGHETTI SQUASH
1/2 medium spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 lbs.), seeded; 2 Tbsp water; 1 (14 1/2-oz) can Italian style stewed tomatoes, drained; 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Place squash, cut side down, in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add water. Cover and microwave on high 10-14 minutes, or until tender. Using a towel or pot holder, hold squash on its side in dish. With other hand, use fork to shred pulp into strands into the dish. Add tomatoes, toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve. Makes 6 servings
WINTER SQUASH WITH CRANBERRIES
1 small winter squash, 1-3 teaspoons butter or olive oil, 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen), 2-3 tablespoons raspberry jam or puree
Peel winter squash, chop flesh into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes, and steam over boiling water until soft but not mushy. Heat butter or olive oil in heavy skillet over medium flame. Toss in cranberries and stir frequently until they soften. Mash in skillet with fork or potato masher. Stir in jam. When squash is done, toss it with the cranberry mixture, Makes 4-8 servings. Recipe from Linda Taylor, Good Earth Farm
SPAGHETTI SQUASH SALAD
1 spaghetti squash, 1 large onion; finely chopped, ½ c sugar, 1 c diced celery, ½ c chopped sweet red pepper. ½ c chopped green pepper, ½ c oil, ¼ c vinegar, ½ t salt
Cut squash in half; scoop out seeds. Place squash cut side down, in a baking pan. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of ½ inch. Bake uncovered, at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until tender. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the squash, separating strand with a fork. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl; add the squash and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon as a salad or as a relish with burgers and hotdogs. Store in the refrigerator. Recipe from Taste of Home
PALEO SPAGHETTI SQUASH
1 whole spaghetti squash, 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped, 2/3 cup walnuts, 3 cloves garlic, peeled ,and quartered, 1/2 teaspoon oregano,1 teaspoon lemon zest; grated, dash crushed red pepper, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth,1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, optional,1/2 cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons fresh parsley; chopped
Place the squash on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 30-45 minutes, or until the squash pierces easily with a butter knife and the interior is fully cooked. Cut the squash in half and let it cool enough to handle. Scrape out the seeds and “goo” with a spoon; discard. Using a fork, scrape out the squash’s “noodles” into a bowl; set aside. Place the carrots, walnuts, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot-nut mixture and the raisins and cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots soften and begin to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the squash, cheese (if using), lemon juice, parsley, and toss. Adjust salt, to taste. Divide among bowls and top with more cheese (if desired).
DELICATA SQUASH WITH ORANGE & PISTACHIOS
1 pound Delicata squash (about 1 large); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 shallots, halved and sliced; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 31/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped salted pistachios
Cut squash in half lengthwise; scoop out the seeds. Thinly slice crosswise. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the squash, orange zest and juice, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook, stirring once, until the squash is almost tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the squash is tender and beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes more. Serve sprinkled with pistachios. MAKES: 4 servings, about 1 cup each
ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH WITH ONIONS
2 pounds Delicata squash (about 2 large), 1 medium red onion, sliced, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut squash in half lengthwise, then crosswise; scoop out the seeds. Cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Toss with onion, 1 tablespoon oil and salt in a large bowl. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast, stirring once or twice, until tender and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, rosemary, syrup and mustard in a small bowl. Toss the vegetables with the dressing. Recipe from Eating Well.com Makes 4 servings, about 1 cup each
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
RED CABBAGE SALAD WITH WARM PANCETTA-BALSAMIC DRESSING
1/4 cup dried currants; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 6 cups thinly sliced red cabbage; 1 3-ounce package thinly sliced pancetta (Italian bacon), finely chopped; 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Place currants in small bowl. Heat vinegar in saucepan over medium heat until hot (do not boil). Pour vinegar over currants; let soak until currants soften, 15 to 20 minutes. Place cabbage in large bowl; set aside. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add pancetta; sauté until brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Add shallot to pancetta and drippings in skillet; sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in currant vinegar mixture and olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour pancetta mixture over cabbage and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Add almonds and parsley; toss to blend. 6 Servings
GERMAN-STYLE SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE SOUP
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 6 slices good quality smoky bacon, chopped or very thinly sliced across, 1 large onion, finely chopped, 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped, 1 1/2 teaspoons caraway or cumin seed, 1 Braeburn, Northern Spy apple or other firm slightly tart variety, finely chopped, 1 small red cabbage, quartered, cored and very thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 pounds), Freshly ground black pepper, Freshly grated nutmeg, Cheesecloth or loose tea teabag filled with: 6 juniper berries, 3 to 4 whole cloves, 2 fresh bay leaves, Curl orange rind, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1/4 cup cider vinegar or wine vinegar, 2 rounded tablespoons dark brown sugar, 6 cups chicken stock, Kosher salt
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and bacon. Brown and crisp bacon and remove to a plate, draining off some fat if you have more than enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pot. Add the onions, carrots, caraway, and apples, and stir a few minutes. Then wilt in the cabbage and season with black pepper and some freshly grated nutmeg. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and wilt cabbage while you prepare the sachet. Fill the cheesecloth with the juniper berries, cloves, bay leaves, orange rind, and cinnamon, and use kitchen twine to tie it to the side of the pot. Drop it into the pot and stir into the cabbage. Add the vinegar, keeping your head back from the hot pot, brown sugar, stock, and water, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until cabbage is very tender and soup has thickened. Stir the bacon bits back in, then adjust the salt to your taste. Cool and store for a make-ahead meal, or serve with grilled cheese sandwiches. Recipe from RachaelRay.com
SWEET AND SOUR CABBAGE
2t minced garlic, 2T olive oil, 1/2C balsamic vinegar, 1-2T brown sugar, 4 C shredded red cabbage, one 14.5 ounce can chopped tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted, kosher salt, black pepper, protein of choice
In a large skillet cook the garlic in the oil over medium heat, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the vinegar and sugar and cook, stirring until the sugar is melted. Add the cabbage, tomatoes and ½ t salt and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover tightly and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very tender, about 30 minutes. If there is still a lot of liquid in the pan, increase the heat to medi8um high and simmer uncovered, until most of the liquid is reduced. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves four.
NUTTY BRUSSEL SPROUTS
3 C Brussels sprouts; 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 3 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp minced onions; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup walnut or olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Remove loose or discolored leaves from sprouts. Cut an X with paring knife through stem end to assure even cooking. Steam in vegetable steamer until just barely tender, about 6 minutes. Combine vinegar, honey, shallots and mustard in jar with tight-fitting lid. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add oil, salt, and pepper. Close lid, and shake well to emulsify. Toss cooked Brussels sprouts with the vinaigrette and walnuts. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUT WITH CRISPED PANCETTA
1 lb. Brussels sprouts; 1/4-pound pancetta, cut into slivers; 1 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic salt
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Halve the large sprouts. Toss with olive oil and garlic salt; arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Bake, shaking pan halfway through roasting time, until tender (15-25 minutes, depending on size of sprouts). Brussels sprouts are done when they’re deep green with several brown caramelized spots. Meanwhile, sauté pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Toss Brussels sprouts with pancetta. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
SWEET & SOUR BRUSSEL SPROUTS
1/4-pound sliced bacon, diced; 2 lb. brussels sprouts; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 1 ½ tbsp sugar;1/4 tsp salt; 1/4tsp ground mustard; 1/8 tsp
In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, sauté brussels sprouts and onion until crisp-tender. Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until sprouts are tender. Stir in bacon. Yield: 8 servings.
SHAVED BRUSSEL SPROUT SALAD
1 t Dijon mustard, 3T olive oil, 1T walnut oil, 1T lemon juice, 1t sherry vinegar, 1T finely chopped parsley, salt and pepper; freshly ground to taste, 1 qt Brussels sprouts; shaved thinly by hand or on a mandolin, 1C roasted peanuts, 1C shaved Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmigiano-Reggiano), ½ C flat leaf parsley
Prepare the vinaigrette: Put the mustard in a heavy bowl. Slowly add olive oil and walnut oil while whisking. Add lemon juice and sherry vinegar. Finish with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper.
To prepare salad: Toss Brussels sprouts, peanuts, cheese and parsley in a salad bowl with the vinaigrette, to taste.
CARROTS WITH SPICED PECANS
1 cup pecan halves; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 4 teaspoons canola oil; 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place nuts in single layer on baking sheet and roast 7 minutes. Meanwhile, mix oil, sugar, salt, and spices. Toss partially roasted nuts in spice mix and roast another 7 minutes. Steam carrots over boiling water until crisp-tender, about 7 minutes. Toss with spiced nuts and serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
RUTABAGA CARROT COLESLAW WITH BUTTERMILK GARLIC DRESSING1 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.
Buttermilk Garlic Dressing: 1-2 medium cloves of garlic, 4T. minced green onion, 3T white wine vinegar, ½ c buttermilk, 1/3 c. sour cream, large pinch sugar, ½ c olive oil. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
PARSLEY POTATO CARROT HASH
2 tablespoons olive oil; 1-2 tablespoons butter; 11/2 pounds potatoes, scrubbed and cut into small cubes; 1 large carrot (about 1/2 pound), scrubbed and cut into small cubes; salt and pepper; 1/4-1/3 cup finely chopped leeks; 1/3-1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley
Heat olive oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium flame. Add potatoes and carrots, season generously with salt and pepper, and toss well. Cook undisturbed 4-5 minutes to brown on one side, then toss and brown again for 4-5 minutes. Lower heat, stir in leeks, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in parsley. Note: You could add chopped ham, chicken, or hard-cooked eggs to the mixture along with the parsley. Makes 4-6 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
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.
BROWN SUGAR OR MAPLE GLAZED CARROT
1 lb. medium carrots, 1T butter, 1T brown sugar or maple syrup
Cut the carrots in half, both crosswise and lengthwise or in bite sized pieces.
In a medium saucepan cook the carrots, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted, water for 8-10 minutes or until crisp tender. Drain; remove from pan. In the same pan combine the butter, brown sugar or maple syrup and dash of salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until combined. Add carrots. Cook, uncovered about 2 minutes or until glazed, stirring frequently. Season to taste with black pepper.
ASIAN PEANUT NOODLE SLAW WITH SHREDDED CHICKEN
Cook 4 oz. spaghetti according to package directions about ten minutes. Drain and rinse to cool. In a large bowl, whisk 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup water, 3 T each seasoned rice vinegar and lime juice, 1 T packed brown sugar, 1T low sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp. (or to taste) siracha until smooth. Add spaghetti, 21/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 6 cups shredded cabbage, 2 cups shredded carrots, 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro or parsley. Toss well. Scatter ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts over the top. Recipe form familycircle.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
COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP
1 1/2-pound whole chicken, rinsed and quartered; 1 quart chicken stock; 1 bay leaf; 5 peppercorns; 2 whole cloves; 2 1/2 cups chopped leeks; 1/2 cup chopped carrots; 1/4 cup pearl barley; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 1/4 cup chopped prunes (optional); salt and pepper
Place chicken in large pot with 1 quart water; add stock, bay leaf, peppercorns, and cloves. Bring to low boil, skimming as needed. Reduce to low simmer and cook about 1 1/2 hours, skimming as needed. Remove chicken; let cool. Remove any fat floating on stock, then strain through a very fine mesh colander lined with cheesecloth. Clean out soup pot and return stock to it. Add leeks and carrots, bring to boil, and add barley. Simmer until barley is cooked, about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, remove skin and bones from chicken; shred the meat. When barley is cooked, stir in chicken, parsley, and prunes, if using. Heat through. Season to taste. Makes 3-4 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
BAKED EGGS WITH CREAMY LEEKS
1 tablespoon butter, plus extra for greasing; 8 ounces leeks, thinly sliced; 5-6 tablespoons whipping cream; freshly grated nutmeg; 4 eggs; salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously butter the bottoms and sides of four ramekins or individual soufflé dishes. Melt the butter in a small frying pan and cook the leeks over medium heat, stirring frequently, until softened but not browned. Add 3 tablespoons of the cream and cook gently for about 5 minutes, until the leeks are very soft and the cream has thickened a little. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Arrange the ramekins in a small roasting pan and divide the leeks among them. Break an egg into each, spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the remaining cream over each egg and season lightly. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the side of the ramekins or soufflé dishes. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft, or a little longer if you prefer them more well done. 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.