Summer Share Sixteen September 3rd 2024
Important information:
- This is an odd biweekly distribution for the farm and city sites.
- Winter Share enrollment continues through this month. Payments are due Oct. 1st.
- The tomatoes are winding down early this season due to disease brought in by the wind and rains.
– We will have a tomato U-pick this Saturday Sept.7thfrom 9-12 noon; rain or shine.
– Please bring your own containers and please leave pets at home.
– The farm address is 2112 County Line Rd Alden. Parking is accessed from the driveway to the left of the farm sign on the grassy area next to the plantings of beans and corn.
– There is basil and parsley to pick as well as peppers for your recipes. There will also be sweet corn available.
Farm News from Jane
Happy Labor Day! And yes, we did labor this morning to harvest produce for tomorrow’s shares. But with the great help of our dedicated crew, we enjoyed the cool morning by starting out picking tomatoes in the high tunnels. Their volume has dropped off with cooler temperatures and with fewer hours of sunshine. The shadows are getting longer again as the sun is not directly overhead but, on your face or back. It still feels hot regardless so it’s refreshing to have the temperatures a bit cooler. The broccoli has started to mature and we picked the first few shoots today. The first planting is usually not the sweetest or the prettiest. It does not grow well in the heat and wants to produce seeds before a head is fully formed. But as the weather cools down it will grow at a more productive rate and become sweeter. Just like the first collard greens harvested today; they will be sweeter after the first frost. All the cruciferous veggies will be tastier after a frost. Of course we are not anxious for a frost just yet. We like to have all the winter squash in from the field before then. It may be a pretty site with a “frost on the pumpkins” but some of the vegetables do not hold up to a hard frost. We plant early broccoli always hoping it may be a good crop but we usually have to wait till the second planting for a good harvest. Just like planting early beans, you just don’t know how the weather will work for or against them. But the green beans this week are beautiful and are the best yield we’ve had all season. There is one last planting of green beans to harvest before the season is over. We are beginning the transition to cooler season crops like the collards. There will be fall greens, kohlrabi, celeriac, rutabaga, radishes, kales and lots of cauliflowers, cabbages and broccoli. And of course, winter squash (or autumn squash), and more corn and beets. Soup time is here, oh yes, more leeks coming too! So now that school is back in session this week, perhaps the daily schedule will be more predictable for meal planning and veggie prep. Crockpots are a great help now but the planning is key there. However you choose to prepare your veggies; fresh from the farm is best and the most nutritious for us all. Blessings for a safe first week back and into the school routine. Remember that traffic increases considerably, and watch for all those excited kids and frequent bus stoppings. The commute may take a few minutes longer so be sure to have a good breakfast to fuel your day and your patience! Greens go great with eggs in the morning! And look for the bright stars in the clear dark sky during this new moon phase. The upside of nightfall coming earlier, Jane
Produce: Collards Cubanelle peppers Green beans Sweet corn Fennel
Tomatoes Garlic Watermelon; red Sugar baby or yellow New Orchid
Fruit: Peaches and Prune Plums
Produce tips:
– Bag before refrigerating. Collards should be rinsed before cooking; the field was wet and so the stems may have dirt on them. Remove center stalk. Stack the leaves on top of one another. Roll them up tightly, then slice thinly so you have a chiffonade of greens. Saute or pre-cook, (boil or steam). To saute, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat with salt, pepper, and garlic. When oil is hot, add collards and stir often for about 15-20 minutes, until collards are tender.
– Cubanelle peppers are a sweet Italian frying pepper.
– Fennel see recipes for using either fresh or incorporated in a recipe.
– Tomatoes are winding down. Enjoy; only a few weeks left- like summer!
Recipes
WILL’S COLLARD GREENS
1 bunch collard greens, stems cut out and discarded, ¼ cup olive oil, ½ t. salt, ¼ t. pepper, 1t. sugar, 1 t. minced garlic, optional
Wash the collard leaves and stack them (5-10 leaves at a time). Roll them up tightly, and then slice thinly so you have a chiffonade of greens. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat with salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. When the oil is hot, add collards and stir often for 15-20 minutes, until collards are tender, taking care not to burn the greens. Add more oil if necessary. Makes 4 servings.
AROMATIC WILTED GREENS WITH COCONUT MILK
2 T coconut oil, 4 garlic 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
KICKIN’ COLLARD GREENS
1 T olive oil, 3 slices bacon, 1 large onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon salt,1 teaspoon pepper, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, 1-pound fresh collard greens, stems removed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon, and cook until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, crumble and return to the pan. Add onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook until just fragrant. Add collard greens, and fry until they start to wilt. Pour in chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until greens are tender. Pour in chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until greens are tender. Recipe from Ken Adams; Allrecipes.com
LENTIL AND GREEN COLLARD SOUP
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 bunch collard greens – rinsed, stemmed and thinly sliced, 1 large onion, chopped, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained, 6 cups water, 2 tablespoons minced garlic,
1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Heat 1 tablespoon 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
COLLARD GREENS
2 tablespoons canola oil, 1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped, 1 bunch collard greens, rinsed, stems removed, and finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 cup Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, freshly ground black pepper
Heat oil over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet. Add onions, collards, salt, broth, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as desired. Goes with Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Source: Quick & Kosher Meals in Minutes; 15 min cook time; 10min prep time; 4 servings
GREEN BEANS IN DILL AND WALNUT SAUCE
1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed; 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup finely cubed smoked ham (optional garnish); 1/2 cup finely cubed Gruyere cheese (optional garnish); 3/4 cup finely minced green onion; 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon walnut oil; 1/2 cup finely minced fresh dill (do not use dried dill weed); 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (preferably Italian); 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
Bring 3 quarts salted water to boil in large saucepan. Add beans and cook until just tender. Drain well and immediately run under cold water to stop cooking process. Drain again. Transfer to salad bowl and chill well.
Combine next 6 ingredients in blender and puree until smooth (do not use processor or mixture will be too grainy). Pour over beans and toss well. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, garnish as desired. Serves 4 to 6
SWISS CHEESE, EGG AND GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
1 lb. fresh beans; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 onion, grated; 1/2 tablespoon honey; 1/3 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/2 cups yogurt; 4 hard-cooked eggs, sliced; 1/2 lb. Swiss cheese, slivered or grated; 1/4 cup wheat germ; 1 tablespoon oil
Cook green beans according to preferred method. Drain if necessary. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, stirring until blended, and then add milk. Continue to cook, stirring until thickened. Add grated onion, honey, seasonings and yogurt. Mix until smooth. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 350°F. Make a layer of green beans in a casserole, then a layer of sliced hard-cooked eggs and then a layer of cheese. Pour sauce over top, poking casserole with a fork to be sure sauce seeps down into all the layers. Sprinkle with wheat germ which has been mixed with a little oil. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted. Be careful not to overcook because eggs left too long in the oven can become rubbery. Serve hot. Yield: 4 to 6 servings
PORK/LAMB CHOPS WITH LEBANESE GREEN BEANS
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 leek, chopped; 2 tsp dried mint, divided; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp salt, divided; 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste; 3 cups diced tomatoes (4-5 medium) 1/3 cup water; 12 ounces green beans, trimmed; 8 lamb loin chops, trimmed
Preheat oven to 400″F. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and light brown, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tsp dried mint, cinnamon, ½ tsp salt and pepper to taste; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and water and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to breakdown, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in green beans. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender, about 12 minutes. Meanwhile, sprinkle both sides of chops with the remaining salt and pepper. Heat the remaining oil in a large oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Add the chops and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn them over and transfer the pan to the oven. Roast until 140 degrees, 6 to 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining mint in to the green bean mixture. Serve the chops with the green beans. Serves 4.
CHINESE GREEN BEANS
3 c. green beans, cut diagonally in 1/2 slices; 1 c. celery, cut diagonally in 1/4 slices; 2 oz. can slice mushrooms, Drained; 3 tbsps. Salad oil; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 beef bouillon cube
Cook beans in boiling salted water until tender-crisp. Do not overcook. Drain, reserving liquid. Meanwhile, cook celery and mushrooms in oil in skillet until celery is tender-crisp. Blend cornstarch with soy sauce, bean liquid, and bouillon cube. Add to celery mixture along with beans. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and bouillon cube is thoroughly dissolved. Makes 6 servings.
SUPER GREEN BEANS
4 c. fresh green beans; 2 T. butter or bacon drippings; 1/2 tsp. salt; 2 tsp chives; 1/4 c. boiling water; 1/4 c. light cream; 1/8 tsp. pepper
Select tender green beans that snap easily. Wash, trim off ends and remove any strings. Place in bundles on cutting board and cut in 1″ pieces. Heat butter in electric skillet or heavy saucepan with tight-fitting lid; add beans, salt, basil and boiling water. Cover; cook on high heat until steam is produced, then turn as low as possible and cook 25 to 30 minutes, shaking pan occasionally and watching at the last to be sure beans do not burn (they should be barely tender). • Add cream and pepper; serve at once. Makes about 4 servings.
STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
2 pounds ground beef, 6 cups water, 1 can (28 ounces) tomato sauce, 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained, 2 cups chopped green peppers, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules, 1 teaspoon pepper, 2 cups cooked long grain rice, chopped fresh parsley, optional In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook and stir beef until no longer pink; drain. Stir in next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. Add cooked rice; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes longer. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Recipe from TasteofHome.com
CHICKEN-STUFFED CUBANELLE PEPPERS
6 Cubanelle peppers or mild banana peppers, 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, 1 cup salsa, 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs, 1/2 cup cooked long grain rice, 2 cups meatless pasta sauce
Preheat oven to 350°. Cut and discard tops from peppers; remove seeds. In a large bowl, mix eggs, chicken, salsa, bread crumbs and rice. Spoon into peppers. Spread pasta sauce onto bottom of a 13×9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with peppers. Bake, covered, 60-65 minutes or until peppers are tender and a thermometer inserted in stuffing reads at least 165°. Recipe fromTasteofHome.com
POACHED EGGS WITH CUBANELLE PEPPER PUREE
4 Cubanelles or Italian frying peppers, ¼ C plus 1T olive oil, plus more for brushing, ½ lb. mixed mushrooms, thickly sliced, 1 shallot, 1 clove garlic, 1T minced marjoram, salt and freshly ground pepper, 1 tsp. jalapeno hot sauce, 4 large eggs, 4 cubanelle peppers
Preheat the oven to 400°. On a baking sheet, brush the peppers with olive oil and roast for 20 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned and softened. Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, 4 minutes. Stir in the shallot, garlic and marjoram and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm. Peel, core and seed the peppers. Transfer the peppers to a blender and puree. With the machine on, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and the hot sauce and puree. Season with salt and pepper. Bring a large saucepan filled with 3 inches of water to a simmer. Crack each egg into a cup, then slide it into the water. Poach the eggs over low heat until the whites are set and the yolks are runny, 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, lift the eggs out of the water and blot them dry. Spoon the pepper puree onto plates and top with the mushrooms. Set the eggs on the mushrooms, season lightly with salt and pepper and serve.
CROCK POT CHICKEN PHILLY CHEESE STEAK
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 2 tbsp light butter, 1 large onion (sliced), 2 green peppers (thinly sliced), 6 slices reduced fat provolone cheese, 2 garlic cloves (chopped), 2 tbsp steak seasoning, 6 small rolls (I used Trader Joe’s Artisan Rolls), Salt and pepper to taste
Slice chicken into thin strips. Toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning. Place butter in crock pot. Place onions and green peppers on top, then add in the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Divide chicken, onions and peppers evenly amongst rolls. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and place in toaster oven for about 2 minutes on toast setting to melt cheese. Serve immediately.
Recipe from: https://www.laaloosh.com/2013/05/14/crock-pot-chicken-philly-cheese-steak-recipe/
PEPPER PASTA
3 large bell peppers; 3 lbs. chicken breast cut in 2-inch pieces; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 c vegetable oil; 6 green onions, chopped; 4 cloves fresh garlic, pressed; 1 lb. hot, cooked fettuccine; 1/4 c bottled teriyaki sauce; 1/4 c soy sauce
Cut red, orange and yellow bell peppers into strips. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Saute green onions and garlic 1 minute to soften. Add chicken. Stir-fry 5 minutes. Add bell peppers; saute 3 minutes. Add teriyaki sauce and soy sauce; cover, reduce heat to low, and steam 2-3 minutes, until peppers are just tender. Pour mixture over pasta in serving dish. Season with black pepper. Serve hot. Makes 9 servings
HOW SWEET IT IS CORN AND PEPPER SALAD
4 ears sweet com; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 2 tablespoons slivered basil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup olive oil; salt and pepper
Husk com and boil or grill until crisp-tender. Cool and slice off the kernels. Place com in bowl with sweet peppers, onions; and basil. Whisk balsamic vinegar and mustard in a small bowl, then slowly whisk in olive oil a little at a time. Toss with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Makes 4 servings.
CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH TOMATOES AND CORN
1 pkg. (9oz.) refrigerated cheese tortellini, 3 ½ c. fresh corn or 1lb. frozen, 2 cups cherry tomatoes; quartered, ¼ c. thinly sliced green onions, ¼ c. minced fresh basil, 2T. grated Parmesan cheese, 4 t. olive oil, ¼ t. garlic powder, 1/8 t. pepper.
In a Dutch oven, cook tortellini according to pkg directions, adding the corn during the last five minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. In a large serving bowl, combine tortellini mixture and remaining ingredients; toss to coat.
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 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.
CORN CHOWDER
Feel free to add more vegetables or substitute as desired.10 medium ears fresh yellow com, husked; 3 oz., salt pork, trimmed of rind and cut in half; 1 T butter; 1 large onion, preferably Spanish, chopped fine; 2 med. garlic cloves, minced; 3 T all-purpose flour; 3 C chicken broth; 2 med. red potatoes (about 12 oz.), scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces; bay leaf; 1 tsp minced fresh sage; 2 C whole milk; 1C heavy cream; 2 T minced fresh parsley leaves; 1/8 tsp salt; Ground black pepper
Use a chef’s knife to cut the kernels from 4 ears of com. Transfer the kernels to a medium bowl and set aside. (You should have about 3 cups.) Grate the kernels from the remaining 6 ears on the large holes of a box grater, then firmly scrape any pulp remaining on the cobs with the back of a: butter knife. (You should have 2 generous cups of kernels and pulp.) Transfer the grated com and pulp to a separate bowl and set aside. Sauté the salt pork in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, turning with tongs and pressing down on the pieces to render the fat, until the cubes are crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the butter and onion, cover the pot, and cook until softened, about 12 minutes. Remove the salt pork and reserve. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Whisking constantly, gradually add the broth. Add the potatoes, bay leaf, sage, milk, reserved grated com and pulp, and reserved salt pork; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the potatoes are almost tender’ 8 to 10 minutes; Add the reserved com kernels and heavy cream and return to a simmer; simmer until the com kernels are tender yet still slightly crunchy, about 5 minutes longer. Discard the bay leaf and salt pork. (The chowder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm over low heat until hot; do not boil.) Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper to taste and serve immediately. Serves 6
FENNEL SLAW
2 Tbsp cider vinegar; 1/3 c mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp sugar; 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel; Salt, to taste; 1 1/2 lb. fennel bulb
Whisk vinegar, mayonnaise, pepper, sugar, dill, lemon peel and salt together. Cut off and discard fennel stalks. Halve fennel through root end; discard core and any discolored outer leaves. Thinly slice fennel. Toss fennel with enough dressing to coat. Serve. Makes 4 servings Recipe from Farm-Fresh Recipes.
WALNUT-MOZZARELLA SALAD
1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons prepared Dijon, mustard; 1/4 cup walnut oil (can be found in specialty stores); 1/2 cup broken walnut pieces; 2 cups sliced fennel stalk or celery; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped; 2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes; 1 small onion, sliced in rings; 1 cup shredded or cubed Mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup basil, chopped
In a small bowl, combine vinegar and mustard; set aside. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add walnuts, sautéing until they begin to brown. Toss in fennel and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly until fennel begins to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and mix in remaining ingredients. Blend in vinegar mixture and toss gently. Serve immediately on a bed of lettuce for each serving.
Serves 4. Recipe from Especially Herbs.
PEACHES AND SHAVED FENNEL SALAD WITH RED PEPPER
5 large peaches (about 2 lb. total), cut into ½”-thick wedges, 3 Tbsp. Chardonnay vinegar or white wine vinegar, divided, Kosher salt, 1 small fennel bulb, halved, very thinly sliced on a mandoline, plus coarsely chopped fennel fronds, 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling), Aleppo-style or other mild red pepper flakes
Toss peaches in a large bowl with 2 Tbsp. vinegar and pinch of salt to coat. Arrange peaches on a platter and spoon any juices left in bowl over top. Toss fennel in the same bowl with lemon juice and remaining 1 Tbsp. vinegar to coat; season with salt. Scatter dressed fennel and fennel fronds over peaches on platter and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with some red pepper flakes. Recipe from: https://www.bonappetit.com/
GRILLED (OR GRIDDLED) FENNEL AND ONIONS WITH PARMESAN
1/2 large sweet onion (do not cut off root end); 2 fennel bulbs (stalks removed), about 1 pound total; 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Heat large cast-iron griddle (flat side down, ridged side up) on stove top over medium flame, or prepare outdoor grill for medium heat. Place flat surface of onion half on cutting board and cut into slices that are 1/3-inch thick, leaving some of the root end intact on each slice. Brush both sides of onions lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill onions on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 3-5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, slice whole fennel bulbs lengthwise in the same manner as onions. Steam them over boiling water 8-10 minutes; drain well. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 6-8 minutes per side. Arrange onions and fennel on a colorful platter; scatter Parmesan over the top. This is delicious with grilled fish or lamb, or as a side dish with Italian tomato-based pasta dishes. Makes 6 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
FRESH FENNEL BULB SALAD
One large or 2 small fennel bulbs; 2 T frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed; 2 T white wine or red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 T extra-virgin olive oil; salt and pepper
Remove fronds from the fennel bulb(s). Cut away the root and slice fennel into very thin pieces (it can also be grated). Make dressing by combining vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and orange juice concentrate in a bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Pour over fennel and allow to marinate at room temperature 20 minutes or longer. Season to taste with pepper and additional salt.
Recipe from Jenny Bonde and Rink DoVee, Shooting Star Farm
FENNEL EGG SALAD
6 large eggs (not too fresh! they will be difficult to peel if very fresh); 1/3 cup finely chopped fennel stalk; 2-3 tablespoons chopped fennel leaves; 2-4 tablespoons finely chopped sweet red onion; 4 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; salt and pepper to taste
Place eggs in saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to boil. Turn off heat. Cover pan tightly and set timer for 9 minutes. When timer goes off, drain eggs and immerse them in ice water 10-15 minutes. Peel and quarter eggs; place in food processor and, using the pulse button, pulse until finely chopped, 8-12 times. Add remaining ingredients; pulse until ingredients are well blended, 3-6 more times. Use as a sandwich filling, a spread for crackers, a cold sauce for chilled asparagus, or a garnish for tossed green salads. Makes 2 cups. Recipe from MACSAC
PASTA WITH FENNEL
1 bulb fennel, trimmed & quartered; 1/2 lb. fettuccini; 1 Tbsp olive oil; Grated Parmesan cheese; Parsley Simmer fennel in 4 quarts salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Lift fennel from water and slice. Keep warm. In the fennel water, cook the fettuccini until al dente. Drain pasta. Add olive oil and fennel. Serve with sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley. Make 3 servings
BEET AND SHAVED FENNEL SALAD
SALAD: 4 large or 6 small beets; 1 bulb fennel; Cracked black pepper to taste
DRESSING: 1/2 C extra-virgin olive oil; Grated zest of 1 Clementine; Juice of 3 Clementines; 4 tsp rice wine vinegar; 1 T minced fresh rosemary, plus 4 tsp rosemary leaves for garnish; 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
FOR THE SALAD: Rinse the beets; put them in a pan with water to cover, and boil covered until they can be stabbed somewhat easily with a fork. Drain them and cool under cold running water. As the water is running, you can rub off the peels and stems of the beets. This will dye your hands red, but it is quick and easy. Slice the beets very thin and refrigerate them. Trim any discolored outer parts from the fennel. Trim the tops and the base. Using a mandolin, shave the fennel crosswise in almost paper-thin slices. If you don’t have a mandolin cut the fennel lengthwise in half, lay the halves down on their flat sides, and slice crosswise as thin as possible. Soak the fennel in ice water while you prepare the dressing.
FOR THE DRESSING: Whisk together all the ingredients.
To FINISH THE DISH: On 4 salad plates, arrange the beet slices so they are covering the bottom of the plates. Shake the water off a tuft of fennel and place it on top of the beets. Sprinkle about 4 teaspoon fresh rosemary needles on top of each salad. Pour the dressing over the chilled salads. Crack the pepper over each plate at the table. Serves 4. Recipe from The Café Pongo Cookbook.
POTATO FENNEL SOUP
1 tbsp butter or oil; 4 cups thinly sliced onions; 2 tsp salt; 4 medium potatoes, sliced into thin pieces 1-2 inches long; 1 cup minced fennel bulb; ½ tsp caraway seed; 4 cups water; white pepper to taste; sour cream and fennel fronds for garnish
Melt the butter or heat oil in a kettle or Dutch oven. Add the onions and 1 tsp of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are very soft and lightly browned. Add the potatoes, another ½ tsp salt, fennel and caraway seeds. Sauté over medium heat for another 5 minutes, then add the water. Bring to a boil, then partially cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt; add white pepper. Serve hot topped with sour cream and fennel fronds.
Serves 6. Recipe from The Moosewood Cookbook.
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 # 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.
PEACH DUMP CAKE FROM SCRATCH
3 pounds fresh or frozen fruit (like berries, sliced peaches, sliced apples, sliced plums, etc.), 1/2 cup sugar, plus more to taste, 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter, Vanilla ice cream, to serve
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare the fruit: Combine the fruit, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a 9-x-13 baking dish, stirring to coat the fruit in the sugar and cornstarch. Add up to an extra 1/4 cup sugar, as needed, if using very tart fruits. (Frozen fruit is fine; it doesn’t not need to be thawed before baking.)
Spread the mixture into an even layer. Add the cake topping: Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt for the cake layer in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the fruit. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. Bake the cake: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling through the center and the top is golden (frozen fruit might take an extra 10 minutes or so). If you notice a few dry pockets of flour toward the end of cooking, push them down into the fruit with a spoon so they cook. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Leftover cake can covered and refrigerated for a few days.
Recipe from simplyrecipes.com
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.