Summer Share Twenty-One October 10th 2023
Important information:
- This is an odd numbered biweekly distribution for the suburban sites. The final odd biweekly Summer Share is Tuesday Oct. 24th.
- There are three more summer shares remaining after this week. The final dates for weekly summer distribution are Tues. Oct.31st and Thurs. Nov. 2nd.
- There are still Winter Shares available; please don’t delay; enroll today!
Farm News from Jane
The farm field walk and potluck was as always, GREAT! We really enjoy having the opportunity to walk and talk as we circle around the fields allowing members to pick and taste and share the experience with all the kiddos. It’s amazing how when they pick something, how much more willing they are to eat it! There were pumpkins and herbs and flowers and FOOD! The potluck dishes are one of the best parts of the event. Thank you to whomever brought the golumpki as I am enjoying the last serving for supper! For those of you who have no Polish heritage it is stuffed cabbages. This dish was actually a “mock” one and so was served with the cabbage shredded in casserole style which I enjoy more. It usually has more cabbage! Thanks to all of you who attended braving the weather forecasted. It really only sprinkled for a short while. The wind was sharp but it seemed as if everyone was dressed appropriately. Going from August weather to the feel of November weather is quite an abrupt change! Shorts and tank tops last week and winter hats, gloves and boots the next. But autumn is here and although this is a little colder than seasonable, we have certainly had quite an extension of beautiful summer weather. The skies look more like November this afternoon with the greyish blue clouds sweeping across the sky. The evening comes so early now and having the cooler temperatures surely puts you in the mood for turning on the oven to bake something and warm up the kitchen! If you are fortunate enough to have a wood stove or fireplace, I’m sure that you got a fire started yesterday…
The weeks of summer shares are winding down even as we prepare for winter shares. One high tunnel is already filled with salad greens, celery, spinach, kale and Swiss chard. The second one has a few summer veggies remaining which are slated to be removed very soon. There’s more salad greens, spinach and kale to transplant into it so we’ll have lots of fresh greens for shares through the winter months. We hear from our winter share members that’s one of the best things about the winter share; Fresh greens! So, if you haven’t secured your winter shares, sign up soon; they’re only five weeks away. And now it’s time to have some leftover noodle kugel from the gracious member who shared the remainder with me; my favorite dessert of the shared evening meal yesterday. It’s wonderful when people share their best recipes! Enjoy the hearty autumn veggies; it’s soup time! Blessings on your yummy creations, Jane
Produce: Broccoli Cauliflower Rutabaga Colorful carrots Leeks Eggplant Garlic
Red Kale Adirondack Red potatoes Butternut squash
Hot peppers: Tues. Banana; Thurs. Hungarian
Fruit: Concord grapes Snapdragon apples
SnapDragon is a variety with Honeycrisp parentage that was developed through Cornell University’s apple breeding program. It has very sweet, extremely juicy flesh with a crispy texture and is best for eating fresh.
Produce tips:
– Rutabaga is also a crucifer, a member of the Brassica family. It can be used like a potato and even combined with potatoes to make a delicious “mash”. It is delicious roasted with other roots. There are lots of yummy recipes, especially the Apple Rutabaga soup. Everyone seems to love that one.
– Red kale is very tender; sauté lightly. See recipe section.
– Cauliflower may be white, orange or purple. Try grilling or roasting to mellow it and caramelize the sugars for extra flavor.
– Hot peppers are only medium hot. Frying or stuffing are the most commonly found recipes. The heat varies from pepper to pepper even in the same row! Taste for yourself… The Banana pepper is considered an Anaheim pepper for recipe sourcing.
– Eggplant- the last harvest; enjoy!
– ADK Red potatoes are very creamy and make great mashed potatoes if you don’t mind pink mashed potatoes! They are also great for German potato salad.
Recipes
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.
CREAM OF WINTER RUTABAGA SOUP WITH CINNAMON
2 T butter; 1 onion, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cinnamon stick; 1 1/4 lbs. 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
MASHED RUTABAGA WITH ORANGE
2 lbs. 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
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: Soup: Stir in the remaining ingredients
Side dish: Drain off stock and stir in remaining ingredients or 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
RUTABAGA-POTATO CASSEROLE
2 medium potatoes; 2 medium rutabagas; 1/2 c. flour; 1 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. salt; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 4 eggs, well beaten; 1/4 c. milk; 1/4 c. melted butter
Peel potatoes and rutabagas; cover with cold water and let stand. Sift together flour, baking powder and seasonings. Blend half of dry ingredients with eggs. Stir in milk and butter; mix. • Drain vegetables; grate fine or use blender. With wooden spoon, quickly mix remaining dry ingredients with vegetables. Work quickly to avoid dark potatoes. Place in greased 1-qt. casserole. Set in pan of hot water with level at least 2/3 up side of casserole. Bake in slow oven (325°) 1 hour. Makes 6 servings; Recipe from America’s Best Vegetable Recipes
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.
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
CREAM OF RUTABAGA SOUP
4slices bacon; 2medium onions, chopped; 2celery ribs, chopped; 2garlic cloves, minced; 2cups rutabagas, diced; 1medium potato, diced; 3cups chicken stock; 1tablespoon sugar; 1⁄4teaspoon pepper; 1⁄2teaspoon salt; 1cup milk (or 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream)
Cook bacon until crisp in a large pot. Remove bacon from pot, crumble and set aside. Saute onions, celery and garlic in bacon grease for 5 minutes. Add rutabaga, potato, chicken stock, sugar, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Blend using hand blender in pot or blend in blender in batches. Return to pot if blended in blender. Stir in milk. Heat gently to serving temperature, do not boil. Garnish with bacon and enjoy. Recipe from Genius Kitchen.com
RUTABAGA AND CARROT SOUP
2 tablespoons of butter, 1 medium rutabaga diced, 2 large carrots sliced, 1 onion, chopped, 6 cups of chicken stock, black pepper, salt to season, 1/4 cup of fresh whipping cream (optional)
Melt the butter in the bottom of a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the carrots, turnips and onion, stirring them well to completely coat them in butter. Cover the pot and sweat the vegetables for 10 minutes to soften them. Shake the pan every 3 minutes to prevent any sticking, but resist the temptation to lift the lid. Trapping the steam in the pot is key to building up a good vegetable sweat. Add the stock and season well with salt and pepper. I like plenty of freshly ground black pepper in this soup. Bring the soup to boiling point, lower the heat. then cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are nice and tender. Turn the heat off and let the soup cool a little before blending it. I use my hand-held blender to blitz the vegetables, but a regular stand-up blender can also be used. Complete the process in batches if using a regular blender. And finally, add the cream. This step is optional, but I love the extra depth of flavor cream lends to this soup. You can add the cream in the pot and blitz the soup again, or do as I do, and add a spoon of cream to each bowl before serving. Recipe from IrishAmericanmom.com
ROASTED CHEESE-STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS
sweet peppers; low-fat cheese
Using tongs or long-handled fork, hold whole pepper over open flame, turning occasionally, until skin blisters all around. Cool and peel off skin. Open pepper from top carefully; remove seeds and core. Fill with low-fat cheese, and pop in low oven until cheese melts and conforms to shape of pepper. Chill overnight. Slice pepper; serve with other vegetables or use in a sandwich. Makes any number of servings.
CHILES RELLENOS
6- 12 whole or halved hot or semi-hot chiles (Hungarian wax, Poblanos, Anaheim, jalapenos.), 1/4 cup flour; enough to cover bottom of a 9×13-inch pan; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, cut into thin strips; 1/2-pound grated cheddar cheese; 5 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Seed the chiles. Slip strips of Monterey Jack cheese inside chiles. Beat eggs and gradually add flour, milk, and salt. Arrange chiles in well-greased pan. Sprinkle on the cheddar. Pour on egg mixture. Sprinkle on the paprika. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees 45 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings. Recipe from MACSAC and Jose Nancy Crabb, Zephyr Community Farm member
CROSTINI WITH LEEKS AND SWEET PEPPERS
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 leeks (about 2/3 pound), sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds; 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into small diamonds; 1/2 cup Greek olives, pitted and chopped; 3-4 tablespoons vinaigrette; salt and pepper to taste; sourdough bread, thinly sliced and toasted
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium flame. Add leeks; cook 3-5 minutes. Add sweet peppers; cook, stirring, until mostly tender, 3-5 minutes. Add olives and vinaigrette; cool. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature on toasted bread. Makes 2-3 cups leek mixture.
CHILI CHEDDAR SAGE CORN BREAD
1 cup oil; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 eggs; 1 can creamed com, or 2 cups corn with cream sauce; 1/3 cup hot peppers; 1/2 cup milk; 4 cups yellow cornmeal; 2 cups flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; 1 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a very large, heavy baking pan. Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Combine last 6 ingredients in another bowl. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined (don’t over mix). Spread batter in pan. Bake until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Makes 24 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
APPLE SALSA WITH GRILLED CHICKEN
2 c chopped apples; 3/4 c chopped Anaheim or Poblano pepper; 1/2 c chopped onion; 1/4 c lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 c dry white wine; 1/4 c apple juice; 1/2 tsp grated lime peel; 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Combine apples, chili peppers, onion, lime juice, salt and pepper; mix well. Set aside about 1/2 hour for flavors to blend. Combine wine, apple juice and lime peel. Pour over chicken breasts in glass dish or sealable plastic bag. Marinate 20-30 minutes. Drain chicken; discard marinade. Grill over medium-hot coals, turning once, until chicken is done. Serve with salsa on the side. Makes 4 servings with salsa to spare
TUNA-STUFFED PEPPERS
2 banana peppers; 1/2 6-ounce can chunk light tuna packed in water, drained well; 1/2 tbsp lemon juice; ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; ½ tbsp capers, rinsed and finely chopped; 1 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional); Freshly ground pepper to taste; 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
Cut off and discard the pepper stems. Scoop out the seeds with a small spoon (a measuring teaspoon works well). Rinse the peppers to remove any residual seeds, and set in a colander to drain. Combine tuna, lemon juice, oil, capers and anchovies (if using) in a medium bowl. Fill each pepper with the tuna mixture and place them on a serving plate. Grind some pepper over the stuffed peppers. Bring vinegar to a boil in a very small saucepan and simmer until syrupy and reduced to about 2 teaspoons, 3 to 31/2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate stuffed peppers and balsamic syrup separately for up to 4 hours. Drizzle the peppers with the syrup just before serving.
SPANISH POTATO PEPPER STEW
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup chopped onion; 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and thick-sliced; 6 ounces andouille or other smoked spicy sausage, chopped; 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth; 1 pepper, quartered and thick-sliced; 3 tbsp; chopped parsley; 2 tbsp sweet paprika; 1/2 oz. dried ancho or Anaheim chiles, soaked in hot water (optional); salt
Heat olive oil in large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until limp. Stir in potatoes and sausage; cook 10 minutes, stirring often. Add 1 cup chicken broth; cook, stirring often, 10 minutes. Add remaining broth, peppers, parsley, paprika, and 1/2 cup water. If you are using chiles, drain, remove seeds, mince, and add to potatoes. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened, 15-20 minutes. Season to taste with salt. This recipe is adapted from one in The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook, by Nancy Harmon Jenkins. Serve it as main course or side dish, or even for brunch.
Makes 6-8 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
CARROT AND KALE VEGETABLE SAUTE
8 bacon strips, coarsely chopped, 4 large carrots, sliced, 2 cups peeled cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch pieces), 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 plum tomatoes, chopped, 2 cups chopped fresh kale
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add carrots and squash to drippings; cook, covered over medium heat 5 minutes. Add poblano pepper and onion; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in seasonings. Add tomatoes and kale; cook, covered, until kale is wilted, 2-3 minutes. Top with bacon. Recipe from https://www.tasteofhome.com/
REDBOR KALE WITH RED BEANS, CILANTRO, AND FETA CHEESE
1 1/2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked for 4 hours or overnight; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves; sea salt; 1 white onion, finely diced; 1 large bunch kale; 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to finish; 3/4 cup chopped cilantro; 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Drain the beans, cover them with plenty of cold water, and bring to a boil. Remove any scum that rises to the surface, then add the herbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and all but 1/2 cup of the onion. Lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 1 ½ hours. Slice the kale leaves from their stems with a knife. Chop coarsely into 1- or 2-inch pieces and rinse well. Bring a few quarts water to a boil; add salt and the kale. Simmer until tender, 5 to 7 minutes, then pour into a colander to drain. Heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the remaining 1/2 cup onion and 1/2 cup of the cilantro. Cook over medium heat until the onion has softened, about 10 minutes, then add the kale and the beans with enough of the cooking liquid so that there’s plenty of sauce. Simmer together for at least 10 minutes, then serve garnished with crumbled feta cheese and the remaining cilantro.
Serves 4 Recipe from Local Flavors.
KALE AND POTATO TARRAGON SALAD
2 pounds small potatoes, scrubbed, 7 T. olive oil, 1 medium onion, diced, 1 bunch kale, large stems removed, leaves chopped into 1 in. pieces, 1 clove garlic, minced, 2 T. lemon juice, 1/4-1/2 t. tarragon, divided, salt and pepper to taste
Steam or boil potatoes until fork tender. Drain, cut into large bite sized pieces, place in large bowl, and cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, heat 1 T. olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add onions; sauté until translucent. Add kale and garlic; cook until kale is tender, about 5 minutes more (you can cover pan to help wilt kale). Combine vinegar, lemon juice, ¼ t. dried tarragon, remaining 6 T. olive oil, and salt and pepper. Add kale mixture to potatoes and pour dressing over everything. (It’s important to toss the dressing while the mixture is hot, to soak in the flavors.) Add more salt and pepper, or tarragon if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 6 servings. Recipe from Jenny Bonde and Rick DaVee, Shooting Star Farm
SESAME KALE SALAD
1# fresh kale, 2T soy sauce, 2T toasted sesame oil, 1T toasted sesame seeds, 1 clove garlic, 2 t honey or other sweetener, 1T apple cider vinegar, dash of black or red ground pepper to taste.
Separate kale leaves from stems. Chop stems and greens. Steam stems a couple of minutes, then add the greens and steam until just tender. Drain; let kale cool enough to handle it. Squeeze out as much water as possible. Place in a serving bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl; add to greens. Mix, chill, and serve. Serves 4-6.
Adapted from the Extending the Table; A World Community Cookbook, by Joetta Hendrich Schlabach.
KALE SALAD WITH APPLES & CHEDDAR
4 cups very finely chopped or slivered curly kale or Russian kale (about 6 ounces on the stem, or half of a 3/4-pound bunch, stemmed and washed in two rinses of water), 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted almonds, 1 apple, sweet, like a Fuji, or a sweet-tart, like a Gala, cored and cut in 1/4-inch dice, 1 ounce sharp Cheddar cheese, cut in 1/4-inch dice, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, Salt to taste, 1 very small garlic clove, puréed, 5 tablespoons extra Combine the kale, almonds, apple and Cheddar in a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, salt, garlic and olive oil. Add to the salad, and toss well. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top, and serve. Tip: This salad benefits from tossing with the dressing about 15 minutes before you serve it. The kale will soften in the dressing. Recipe from Martha Rose Shulman
MASSAGED KALE SALAD
2 bunches kale, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 large cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 minced anchovy fillet or 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional), 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Strip leaves from the stems (discard stems). Wash and dry the leaves. Tear the leaves into small pieces and place in a large bowl. Add Parmesan, oil, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, anchovy (if using), pepper and salt. With clean hands, firmly massage and crush the greens to work in the flavoring. Stop when the volume of greens is reduced by about half. The greens should look a little darker and somewhat shiny. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce and/or pepper, if desired.
CREAMY POTATO KALE SOUP
5 T butter, 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped, 3 large potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped, 8 C chicken or vegetable broth, 2-3 C chopped kale, stems removed, 2 cups milk, salt and pepper to taste
Heat the butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onions and potatoes and sauté until golden brown, 5-8 minutes, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Add 6 cups of the broth and the kale; simmer for 5-10 minutes until the kale softens and becomes a darker green. Transfer the soup to a heavy-duty blender. Puree for 2-3 minutes or until the soup is completely smooth. Transfer the pureed soup back the pan and stir in the milk and the remaining 2 cups broth depending on how thick you want the soup to be. Season with salt and pepper and serve with yummy paninis, toasted wheat bread, or crackers, cheese, and hummus.
Notes: This recipe is very adaptable – add more herbs, use more potatoes, more kale, more broth, etc. Also note: the more kale you add, the brighter green your soup will be! Also, the longer you cook the onions and potatoes the more it “dulls” the flavor. You want them to be sautéed and golden, but not totally mushy.
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel and cube one butternut squash. Add 1-2 Tbsp olive oil to coat. Put squash on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. This is also a great cooking method for potatoes, carrots, rutabagas and garlic.
PENNE ALIA ZUCCO (ROMAN PASTA WITH PUMPKIN SAUCE)
3 T extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 2 onions, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg; 4 C peeled and chopped winter squash or pumpkin flesh; 2 T chopped fresh sage; 1# penne pasta or gnocchi; 1 garlic clove; 1/3 C grated Parmesan; 1/4 tsp crushed red Chile pepper
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame; add onions and cook, stirring often, until very soft and translucent. Meanwhile, in a food processor fitted with a knife blade, pulse the squash and garlic together in 2 batches until very fine. Add to onions with Chile, salt, nutmeg, and 1 cup water. Cover and simmer until squash is soft and of a sauce like consistency, 10-20 minutes. Stir in sage. Cook pasta in lots of boiling, salted water until just tender. Strain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid. Add pasta to hot sauce in pan, stir, and cook over high heat, adding cooking liquid, if necessary, until pasta is coated. Stir in Parmesan and serve. Makes 4-6 servings. Recipe from Leah Coplon, The Washington Hotel
EASY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
2 T butter or olive oil, 3-4 cloves garlic, mashed with side of thick knife, 1/2-1 C chopped onion, 2 1/2-3 lbs. butternut squash, halved, seeded, and baked until soft, 4 C chicken stock or 2 bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 cups hot water, 1 bay leaf, pinch of sugar, 1/2 t or more curry powder, pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cups milk (low-fat or skim)
Heat butter or olive oil in large saucepan over medium flame. Add garlic and onions; cook, stirring often, 7-10 minutes. Puree the cooked squash in a food processor and stir into onion mixture. Stir in stock, bay leaf, sugar, curry powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20-30 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add the milk; heat but don’t boil. This is adapted from The Complete Book of Soups and Stews, by Bernard Clayton.
Serves 6; Recipe from Linda Taylor, Good Earth Farm
CURRIED BUTTERNUT APPLE SOUP
1/4 c butter; 2 c chopped onion; 1 rib celery, chopped; 4 tsp curry powder; 2 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed; 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped; 3 c water; 1 c cider; Salt and pepper, to taste.
Melt better in heavy pot; add onions, celery, and curry powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until vegetables are tender. Add squash, apples, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20-30 minutes, or until squash and apples are tender. Drain and reserve liquid. Puree apple-squash mixture with one cup of cooking liquid. Return to pot. Add cider and as much of cooking liquid as needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Reheat if necessary, and serve. Makes 8-10 servings
PENNE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BACON
3 cups fresh butternut squash or Pumpkin, peeled and cubed; 1 onion, cubed; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4-pound bacon, cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Fresh rosemary; 1 box (13 ounces) whole grain or regular penne; Fresh parsley; 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Cook in boiling salted water to cover until it is just tender. Drain and place half of the squash into a food processor with a little salt and pepper. Puree. Cook bacon in a large skillet until it’s just golden. Remove from skillet and drain. Wipe out the skillet and add a few drops of olive oil. Place onion and remaining ‘squash in the skillet and cook just until the onion turns golden. Add garlic and rosemary. Heat through. Add the squash puree. In the meantime, cook the penne until it is tender. Drain, reserving some of the water, add penne to the squash mixture adding a little of the reserved water if the sauce seems too thick. Serve immediately, drizzling a little of the balsamic vinegar over the top. Garnish with parsley.
Recipe adapted from Barilla chef Nicola Bindini.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PANCAKES
1 small butternut or buttercup squash, cooked and mashed or creamed; 1 egg; 1 egg white; ½ cup milk; 2cps whole wheat pastry flour; 2tsp powder; 1tsp salt; ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp cloves.
Blend all ingredients and fry 1/2cp of batter at a time for 3 min each side, in an oiled skillet at med-high heat.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASANGNA
1T olive oil, 1+1/2-2 lbs. butternut squash; peeled, seeded and cut in 1-inch cubes, salt and pepper, ½ c. water, ¼ c. butter, 1/3 c. flour, 4 c. whole milk, ¼ t. nutmeg, 12 lasagna noodles, 21/2 c. shredded mozzarella, ½ parmesan cheese
Heat oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet; cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer the squash to a mixing bowl or food processor and mash. Season the squash puree to taste with more salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for one minute. Gradually whisk the milk into the flour. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until thickens slightly whisking often about 5 minutes. Add the nutmeg. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 3750. Lightly butter a 9x13x2 inch glass baking dish. Spread ¾ c. of the sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cover the bottom of the dish with one layer of lasagna noodles. Spread half the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with ½ c. mozzarella cheese. Drizzle ½ c. sauce over the cheese. Repeat layering once more, finishing with a layer of noodles covered only by white sauce. Tightly cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and continue baking until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden about 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Serves 8; Recipe from Mother Earth News
CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP
5 tablespoons butter, divided, 1 onion, chopped, 1 stalk celery, chopped; 3 cups chicken broth; 8 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; ground black pepper to taste
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium sized stock pot, and saute onion and celery until tender. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot. In small saucepan, over medium-heat melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly, and add to soup. Season with pepper and serve.
BROCCOLI SOUP WITH LEEKS AND THYME
3 tablespoons butter; 3 cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 3 large); 6 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided; 11/4 pounds broccoli crowns, chopped (about 8 generous cups); 4 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and 4 teaspoons thyme; sauté until leeks are almost soft, reducing heat if needed to prevent rapid browning, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer 1/2 cup leeks to small bowl; reserve. Add broccoli and 4 cups broth to pot; bring to boil. Cover; boil until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Puree soup in blender until smooth. Thin soup with more broth, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons chopped thyme and reserved leeks. 4 servings
CREAMY BROCCOLI AND LEEK BISQUE
1 T. oil; 4 leeks thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 4cps broth plus 2cps; 2 # potatoes; 1 lb. broccoli; l tsp sugar; 1/3 C parsley; 1/4tsp nutmeg 1 cp milk; 1 T lemon juice; 1/2tsp hot pepper sauce; salt and pepper
Heat oil in a large saucepan or soup pot. Add the leeks and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring, for one minute. Add 2 T water, cover, and cook over low heat for 5 minutes until somewhat softened. Add the 4 cups broth, potatoes, broccoli, and sugar. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. In a food processor or blender, puree the vegetable mixture along with the parsley, in batches if necessary, pulsing until smooth. Stir in the nutmeg. Return to it to saucepan, whisk in the remaining broth and milk, and reheat gently, stirring frequently. Season with the lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper, and serve topped with a lemon slice if desired.
BROCCOLI SALAD
1 head broccoli, flower and stems chopped; 1/2 lb. fried bacon, crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Dressing: Stir together:1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2T sugar; 1 T vinegar
Mix all salad ingredients and stir in dressing. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
ROASTED BROCCOLI
1 head broccoli, large stem and medium stems; removed and reserved for another use; 11/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Break broccoli head into medium florets and toss with remaining ingredients. Arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 18-22 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through the cooking time. Remove from oven when broccoli is a deep green color with some darkened spots. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
SICHUAN CARROT SOUP
1 medium onion, chopped, 1 celery rib, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, 1 lb. carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces, 3/4 inch fresh gingerroot, peeled and sliced thin; 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 cup milk
Garnish, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1/4 cup sour cream, mixed with the cream
In a large heavy saucepan cook onion, celery, and garlic in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until onion is softened. Add carrots, ginger root, red pepper flakes, and broth and simmer, covered, until carrots are very tender, about 20-30 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and, in a blender or food processor, puree mixture in batches (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return soup to pan and heat over low heat until hot, being careful not to let boil. Serve soup drizzled decoratively with sour cream mixture.
Serves 6; Recipe from Eating Well in Season
CARROT SALAD
1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley, 1 teaspoon, Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 bag (10 ounces) shredded carrots, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1 small red onion, chopped, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, mustard, salt and sugar in small bowl.
Combine carrots, cranberries, onion and almonds in large bowl. Add dressing. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Recipe courtesy Family Circle Magazine
CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE
Cauliflower, 1 Tbsp. of sesame oil, 1 Tbsp. of garlic, 8 oz beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of frozen peas, 2 eggs, White pepper to taste, 3 Tbsp. of soy sauce, chopped green onions for garnish
Break down a head of cauliflower in a food processor until it’s the size of rice. Heat sesame oil over high. Add garlic and fry until fragrant. Add the beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu and cook until 80% done. Add carrots and peas, stir until thoroughly incorporated. Push ingredients to the sides of the pan to create a well. Pour in 2 whisked eggs and let it set for 15 seconds. Scramble eggs and fold into the cauliflower rice. Season with white pepper and stir in soy sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.
BRAISED WINTER VEGETABLE PASTA
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried rubbed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup dry white wine; 8 ounces whole-wheat medium pasta shells or other small pasta; 2 cups bite-size cauliflower florets; 2 cups bite-size butternut squash cubes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground pepper to taste; 10-ounce bag frozen lima beans, thawed
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and sage and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broth and wine; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta, cauliflower, squash, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is not quite tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in lima beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lima beans and pasta are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes more.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
1 head (about 2 1/4 pound) cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets, 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced, ¼ cup olive, 2 T lemon juice
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Pour on enough olive oil to coat (a few tablespoons). Lay cauliflower pieces out on a baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining oil from the bowl on top. Bake, turning once, until caramelized on edges and tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
CAULIFLOWER SOUP
1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets, 1 medium carrot, shredded, 1/4 cup chopped celery, 2-1/2 cups water, 2 teaspoons chicken or 1 vegetable bouillon cube, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 2 cups 2% milk, 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional
In a Dutch oven, combine the cauliflower, carrot, celery, water and bouillon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender (do not drain). In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in the cheese until melted, adding hot pepper sauce if desired. Stir into the cauliflower mixture.
BRAISED CAULIFLOWER & SQUASH PENNE PASTA
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 3 large cloves garlic, 1 tsp. dried thyme, ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper, 4 C. “no-chicken broth”, 8 oz. whole wheat penne, (about 3 cups), 2 C. cauliflower florets, 2 C. 1/in. pieces peeled butternut squash, freshly ground pepper to taste, ¼ C Pecorino Romano cheese
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, thyme and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add broth, penne, cauliflower and squash. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a lively simmer and cook, uncovered, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thickened and greatly reduced, 14 to 16 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in pepper and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve topped with cheese.
Recipe form www.eatingwell.com
BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD WITH CURRIED DRESSING
4 slices bacon, ½ C mayonnaise, ¼ C sugar, 1 T cider vinegar, ¼ tsp curry powder or more, to taste, salt,
2 C broccoli florets, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces, ¼ C sliced celery, 2 cups cauliflower florets, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces, ⅓ Cp plus one tablespoon raisins, ⅓ Cp plus 1 T toasted slivered almonds
In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, about 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool enough to handle. Reserve the fat for another use. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, curry powder, and salt to taste. In a serving bowl, layer the broccoli florets, celery, and cauliflower. Pour on all the dressing. Add a layer of raisins, then almonds, then top with the bacon. Cover with a tightfitting lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Toss before serving. Recipe from: Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking,” by Toni Tipton-Martin
BROILED CAULIFLOWER IN GARLIC BUTTER
1 large head cauliflower; 1/4 lb. butter, softened; 2-3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped; 6-8 sprigs flat leaf parsley, finely chopped; ground black pepper; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 4 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Remove all leaves from cauliflower. Break into large florets. Blanch in boiling water until slightly soft. Drain. Mix butter with garlic, parsley, and pepper. Place blanched cauliflower florets in baking dish. Spread butter mixture over florets. Sprinkle bread crumbs and cheese over entire surface. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until top becomes crisp. Serves 4. Recipe from The Fruit and Vegetable Stand.
SATYAMMA’S FAMOUS CAULIFLOWER CURRY
2 medium potatoes, cut into small chinks; ½ cup shredded coconut; 1 tbsp mustard seed; 3 medium cloves garlic, peeled; 1 ½ tbsp minced fresh ginger; ½ cup toasted peanuts; 1 tsp turmeric; ½ tsp ground cloves or allspice; 2 tbsp toasted cumin seeds; 1-2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ cup water; 1-2 tbsp peanut oil; 1 ½ cup chopped onion; 1 tsp salt; 1 large cauliflower, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced; 1 cup cooked chick peas; 3-4 tbsp lemon juice
Boil the potatoes until just tender. Drain and set aside. Place the next 11 ingredients in a blender and puree until fairly homogeneous. Add extra water, as needed, to form a soft workable paste. Heat oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven and add onion and salt. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat, then add cauliflower and carrot and mix well. Cover and cook about 10 minutes, add the paste. Mix well. Cook, covered, over low heat until the cauliflower is tender, stirring every few minutes. Add more water, if necessary, to prevent sticking. Add the cooked potatoes, chick peas and lemon juice and cook a few minutes more. Taste to adjust salt and serve hot with rice. Serves 6; Recipe from The Moosewood Cookbook
CAULIFLOWER SALAD
3 c. shredded lettuce; 1 c. grated raw cauliflower; l/2 c. grated carrot; 3 tbsps. sweet pickle relish; 1/4 c. vinegar; 1/4 c. salad oil; 3 tbsps. Sugar; 1/2 tsp. onion salt; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 1/8 tsp. paprika
Combine lettuce, cauliflower, carrot and pickle relish in salad bowl. Shake together the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad and toss. Makes 6 servings. Recipe from America’s Best Vegetable Recipes.
EGGPLANT ROASTED WITH GARLIC AND HERBS
Olive or vegetable oil spray; 2 pounds eggplant, stems trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengthwise slices (see note); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley; 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh winter savory or 1 1/2 teaspoons crumbled dried rosemary; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with oil spray. Arrange the eggplant slices on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the oil with the garlic, parsley, rosemary, and salt. Brush the top sides of the eggplant with the mixture, making sure that the garlic and herbs are distributed evenly over the surface. Roast the eggplant on the top oven rack until the flesh is golden brown and very soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, grind a generous amount of pepper over the eggplant slices, and drizzle with the vinegar. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. Note: You can also use slender, pale purple Japanese eggplant. Remove the stems, cut in half lengthwise, and make crosshatches in the cut sides of the eggplant, cutting almost down to the skin. Arrange on the baking sheet cut sides up and follow the rest of the recipe as written. Makes 4 side-dish servings
EASY EGGPLANT CHEESE CASSEROLE
olive oil; 2 small eggplants (about 1 pound total), sliced into 1/3-inch-thick rounds; salt and pepper; 1 onion, sliced into rounds; 1 red or green pepper, cut into strips; 2 cups tomato sauce or chopped fresh tomatoes; 3-4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 cup grated mozzarella and/or Parmesan
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in nonstick skillet; add eggplant and cook (in batches if necessary) on both sides until barely tender. lay eggplant in a baking dish and season well with salt and pepper. Saute onions and pepper strips until barely tender in a bit more oil. (Alternatively, you may brush vegetables with oil and grill them.) Layer onions and peppers over eggplant. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with tomato sauce (or tomatoes) and basil. Top with cheese. Bake at 375 degrees,45 minutes. This can easily be increased to feed a crowd. Summer squash can be substituted or used with eggplant. Serve with a big salad, fresh bread, and goat cheese. Makes 4 servings.
GRILLED EGGPLANT
4 eggplants (l lb. each), with peel, cut lengthwise into 1 in. thick slices; 2 tsp kosher salt, divided; 4 Tbsp extra virgin Olive oil; 1/4-1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Layer several paper towels on baking sheet. Place half of eggplant on top in single layer. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and cover with paper towels. Arrange second layer of eggplant, sprinkle with remaining salt, and cover with paper towels. Let eggplant stand 30 minutes, then rinse each piece and blot dry. (This helps extract excess water, reducing bitterness and preventing eggplant from absorbing excess oil during cooking.) Brush both sides of an eggplant slice with oil to coat and transfer to large bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and eggplant slices. Season with pepper. Heat grill to medium. Grill eggplant, with cover closed, 16-20 minutes, turning once, until browned and tender. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 1-2 days.
ONE-DISH BABA GHANOUJ
2 c finely chopped grilled eggplant (about 4 large slices); 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro; 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp tahini paste; 2 cloves garlic, smashed to a paste with a pinch of kosher salt; 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil; ‘/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or longer to blend flavors. Serve as a dip with pita crisps and bell peppers or pair with soft goat cheese as a spread for crostini.
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
3 eggs; 1 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 c bread crumbs; Olive oil for frying; 2 large eggplants, peeled & sliced 1/2-inch thick; Prepared marinara sauce; 16 oz mozzarella, sliced
In a shallow bowl, beat eggs with 1/4 c cheese. Place bread crumbs in a bowl or pie plate. Heat 1/2-inch oil in skillet. One at a time, dip eggplant slices in egg mixture to coat, then in bread crumbs to coat. Lay on waxed paper. When oil is very hot, but not smoking, fry eggplant, working in batches, about 30 seconds per side till lightly browned. Remove to paper towels. In a 9- by 13-inch baking pan, place layers of eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan until pan is full, ending with Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees 40-45 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted. Makes 6 servings
EGGPLANT POTATO MOUSSAKA
2 pounds eggplant; salt; 1 1/2 pounds large potatoes; 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups chopped onions; 2 1/2 cups spaghetti (Italian tomato) sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 5-6 tablespoons chopped fresh “”parsley, divided; pepper; 4 tablespoons butter; scant 1/2 cup flour; 2 1/4 cups milk; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks. Sprinkle both sides with 1-2 tablespoons salt; drain in colander 30 minutes. Rinse, squeeze out liquid, and place on oiled baking sheet. Bake in 400-degree oven, turning once, until tender (about 20 minutes). Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch slices. Boil in salted water until not quite tender. Drain. Heat olive oil in skillet, add onions, and sauté until tender. Stir in spaghetti sauce, oregano, cinnamon, half of the parsley, and pepper to taste. Simmer low until very thick, about 30 minutes. Melt butter in saucepan, stir in flour, and cook over low heat a few minutes. Meanwhile, heat milk with nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk hot milk into flour mixture; cook until thickened. Beat eggs in small bowl; whisk a few tablespoons of the white sauce into eggs, then whisk egg mixture into sauce. Stir and cook over low heat until thick; do not boil. Stir in Parmesan, a little at a time, until sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Layer half the eggplant, half the potatoes, and half the tomato sauce in a deep baking dish. Repeat these layers. Pour white sauce over all. Bake in 3500degree oven until topping is set and lightly browned, 45-60 minutes. Let stand at least 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with remaining chopped parsley. Makes 12 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
CHINESE STEAMED EGGPLANT
1 large eggplant, cut into 6 wedges; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 onion, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; pinch of black pepper
Steam eggplant until tender, about 30 minutes. Heat oil in wok or large skillet. Stir-fry onion 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients. Stir-fry 3 more minutes. Makes 3-4 servings. Recipe from Dog Hollow Farm
GRILLED EGGPLANT SANDWICH
1 large eggplant; 1/4 c olive oil; 1 long loaf crusty French bread; 1/4 c prepared basil pesto; 1/4 lb. provolone cheese, thinly sliced; 6 sliced mild peppers, such as banana peppers; 1 fresh tomato, sliced (optional)
Slice eggplant 1/4-inch thick. Brush with olive oil on both sides. Grill over low to medium coals, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, 5-7 minutes total. Cut bread in half lengthwise. Spread pesto on cut faces of bread. Place eggplant, cheese, peppers and optional tomato in layers on one half of loaf. Top with other half of loaf. If desired, wrap loaf in foil and heat at 350 degrees 20 minutes. Cut crosswise into 4 sandwiches and serve. Makes 4 servings
ROASTED EGGPLANT & FETA DIP
½ pound eggplant; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped leeks; ½ small bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Pinch of sugar (optional)
Position oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source; preheat broiler. Line a baking pan with foil. Place eggplant in the pan and poke a few holes all over it to vent steam. Broil the eggplant, turning with tongs every 5 minutes, until the skin is charred and a knife inserted into the dense flesh near the stem goes in easily, 14 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board until cool enough to handle. Put lemon juice in a medium bowl. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scrape the flesh into the bowl, tossing with the lemon juice to help prevent discoloring. Add oil and stir with a fork until the oil is absorbed. (It should be little chunky.) Stir in feta, onion, bell pepper, Chile pepper (if using), basil, parsley, cayenne and salt. Taste and add sugar if needed. Makes 6 servings, about 1/4 cup each. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
VEGAN PINK MASHED POTATOES WITH GINGER AND CARDAMOM
2 Adirondack Red potatoes, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1/2 cup hemp (or soy) milk, 1/8 teaspoon cardamom, 1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger, finely chopped, salt to taste
Scrub potatoes and cut into chunks. (I always leave the nutrient-rich peel on.) Place them in a pot of boiling water and boil until tender, then drain. Add all other ingredients and mash with a potato masher until smooth and perfectly lavender.
HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD
1 ½ lb. of potatoes, (about 4 medium), cut into halves, 3 slices of bacon, 1 medium onion, 1T. flour, 1T. sugar, 1 t. salt, ¼ t. celery seed, dash of pepper, ½ c. water, ¼ c. vinegar
Heat one-inch salted water (1/2 t. salt to 1 cup water) to boiling. Add potatoes. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook until tender, 20-25, minutes, drain and cool. Fry bacon in 8-inch skillet until crisp; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir onion in bacon fat until tender. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, celery seed and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Crumble bacon into hot mixture, then slice in warm potatoes. Cook, stirring gently to coat potato slices, until hot and bubbly. Serves 5-6; recipe from the Betty Crocker Cookbook. A family favorite of ours!
GRAPE PIE
3 C. Concord-type grapes, skins removed and saved.
In saucepan simmer pulp for 5 min. Press through a sieve to remove the skins.
1 C sugar; 1 T lemon juice; 3 T flour; 9 in. pastry shell.
Add sugar, flour, and lemon juice to grapes. Pour into pastry shell.
1 C flour, 2T butter, ½ C sugar, 2T oil.
Combine and sprinkle over the grape mixture. Bake in preheated oven at 425 for 10 min. Reduce heat to 350 and bake for 30 min. Recipe from Farming Magazine- Fall 2005
CONCORD GRAPE JELLY
4 Cups Grape Juice, 3 Cups Sugar
Wash grapes. Place grapes in a pan and add ½ – 1 cup water. Crush grapes. Bring grapes to a boil. Boil approximately 5 minutes. Pour grapes into a jelly strainer and let strain overnight. Take 4 cups of grape juice and place in a pan. Add 3 cups of sugar and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Boil until mixture reaches 220 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 40-45 minutes). Ladle jelly into hot jars. Wipe rims of jars. Add lids and rings. Place jars in a boiling water bath canner. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove jars from canner and place on a towel to cool. Allow jars to sit for 24 hours. Label and store jars.
CHICKEN THIGHS WITH PEAR & LEEK SAUCE
1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced; 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 11/2 pounds), trimmed; 3/4 tsp salt, divided; 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper, divided; 1 large firm ripe pear, peeled and diced; 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp currant jelly; 1 ¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Place sliced leek in a colander; rinse and drain well. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with 1f4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add the leek and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown and soften, about 2 minutes. Add pear and 1/4 cup broth; simmer until the pear is soft and the broth is evaporated, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1f2 cup broth and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add currant jelly to the pan and cook, stirring, until melted. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring, and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan and turn to coat with sauce. Serve sprinkled with walnuts. Makes four servings.
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
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
WINTER SQUASH, LEEK AND SAFFRON RISOTTO
5-6 C. chicken stock; ½ t. saffron threads, pulverized; 3 T olive oil; ½-1 C. chopped leeks (white and pale green sections only, 1 1/2 C. Arborio rice; 2/3 C. dry white wine; 2-3 C. cooked, pureed winter squash; ¾-1 C. grated parmesan, Romano, or asiago cheese
Bring stock and saffron to a simmer is saucepan. Heat olive oil in large, heavy saucepan. Add leeks; cook over medium-low heat until softened, several minutes. Raise heat to medium high and stir in rice. Keep stirring rice 1-2 minutes, then add wine. Stir and cook until nearly all the wine has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add two ladleful’s hot stock (enough to barely cover the rice.); stir frequently until most is absorbed. Risotto is done when rice is barely tender and mixture is creamy; this should take 25-35 minutes. (Adjust heat if rice is absorbing liquid too quickly). Stir in squash during last 10 minutes. Fold in most of the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, with a little more cheese on top of each swerving. Serves 6-8.
APPLE CHEDDAR SCONES
2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp cracked pepper; 1/4 cup butter or margarine; chilled, diced; 1 apple; cored, cut into 1/4″ pieces; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup milk; 1 egg, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. In bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, thyme, and pepper. With pastry blender cut in butter until coarse crumbs form with some pea-sized pieces. Stir in apple, cheese and milk until ingredients are moistened and dough starts to form. On lightly floured surface gently knead dough until it comes together. Shape into 7″-wide disk. Brush with egg. Cut into 8 wedges. Arrange wedges 2″ apart on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes or until golden. Cool on pan one minute. Remove from pan; cool on rack. Makes 8 servings
APPLE SALSA WITH GRILLED CHICKEN 2 c chopped apples; 3/4 c chopped Anaheim or green pepper; 1/2 c chopped onion; 1/4 c lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 c dry white wine; 1/4 c apple juice; 1/2 tsp grated lime peel; 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Combine apples, chili peppers, onion, lime juice, salt and pepper; mix well. Set aside about 1/2 hour for flavors to blend. Combine wine, apple juice and lime peel. Pour over chicken breasts in glass dish or sealable plastic bag. Marinate 20-30 minutes. Drain chicken; discard marinade. Grill over medium-hot coals, turning once, until chicken is done. Serve with salsa on the side. Makes 4 servings with salsa to spare