Summer Share Twenty-three October 26th 2021
Important information:
- This is the final odd biweekly distribution; there is one more even biweekly and weekly distribution.
- Please return all boxes. If you would like to return tomorrow’s share box you may bring it the following week or at the first winter share distribution, Thursday November 4th. All winter shares are distributed on Thursdays.
- There are still winter shares available.
Farm News from Jane
The final odd biweekly share; I hope that makes a few of you just a bit sad… It has been a wonderful growing season overall. Lots of diversity of flavor, color and nutrition. I think that we have shared all the different fall crops at least once. There are a few that we save for winter shares like parsnips. They are actually better after a frost which sweetens them. As yet, we have not had even a light frost! This is really late for our region. Last fall we had some frosty mornings in September and then it warmed up again. Although we have had some chilly mornings, no frost except for a few rooftops. This morning wasn’t cold but was misty and very muddy. No matter how hard you try to keep your hands or gloves clean the mud gets everywhere! Most of the crops are still continuing to grow, not minding the rainy days. I hope that the cabbages don’t get too big before we harvest them…
The seedlings in the high tunnels are growing rapidly and in one week’s time it looks as if the first planting of spinach doubled in size. That’s great news for winter share members. It will be ready to harvest earlier in the winter share this season. As long as the temperature is above freezing in the high tunnel we can harvest away! The spinach will also sweeten with colder temperatures that will eventually come our way. There are lots of winter crops to harvest now and that will be the priority after we complete summer shares next week.
For those of you receiving your final share this week, we are very grateful for your support. We hope that you have enjoyed eating it as much as we do growing it. Please consider securing your membership for next summer by enrolling early so you don’t forget come next spring! I will be sending out the 2022 summer membership form with a link to the online enrollment page for those who prefer that method.
Blessings for a healthy and joy-filled winter season; eat healthy and consider all the bounty we have available to us, Jane
Produce: Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Dino Kale Daikon radishes Orange carrots
Napa Cabbage Chieftain potatoes Spaghetti squash Garlic Leeks
Fruit: Crispin apples Ruby Frost apples
– Ruby frost is another Cornell research apple that is perfect balance of sweet and tart with a hearty crunch and ideal crisp texture. Excellent for eating, RubyFrost is the ultimate baking apple. Great for recipes both savory and sweet. RubyFrost is very high in Vitamin C and slow to brown, making it ideal for pies and tarts.
– Crispin apples are also a sweet/tart variety and very good for baking.
Produce tips:
– Brussels sprouts will need to have the outer leaves removed. The wet weather has caused the outer leaves to yellow a bit. You can remove them by “popping” them off with your thumb or carefully remove them with a paring knife. Refrigerate them once dry, in a plastic bag.
– Spaghetti squash prep: cut in have, remove seeds and place cut side down in a casserole or baking sheet with a shallow layer of water. Or you can roast them cut side up oiled with olive oil or butter.
– Daikon radishes are a winter radish which can be sliced and used raw or incorporated int a variety of dishes. See recipe section for ideas.
– Dino kale is great raw if “massaged” with oil or sliced thin and allowed to meld with a vinaigrette.
Recipes
ROASTED CARROT GREEN GODDESS SALAD
1 lb. carrots, peeled, 1 to 2T olive oil, ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, 6 C butter lettuce greens, or whatever greens you have
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel the carrots and place them on the baking sheet. I like to keep them whole, but it depends on how large they are. If they are really big or thick carrots, slice them in half either lengthwise or width wise. You can also use baby carrots here too! Drizzle the carrots with the olive oil and toss week. Cover with the salt, pepper and garlic powder. Roast the carrots for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. While the carrots are roasting, place the greens in a large bowl or plate. Toss them well with salt and pepper. Make the green goddess dressing and drizzle the greens with it, lightly tossing. Top with the roasted carrots. Add more green goddess if you’d like and serve.
Green goddess dressing: 1/2 avocado, 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt I like full fat or 2%, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 garlic cloves, 1/3 cup baby arugula or spinach greens, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon snipped chives, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, pinch of salt and pepper, pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until combined.
ROASTED CARROTS WITH TURMERIC COUSCOUS
1 1/4 lbs. medium carrots, halved lengthwise, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1/2 tsp. curry powder, 2 3/4 cups chicken stock, 2 cups Israeli couscous, 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, thinned with 3 tbsp. water, Torn fresh mint, 4 lemon wedges
On baking sheet, toss carrots, oil and curry powder; season with salt and pepper. Roast at 500° until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. In saucepan, boil stock. Add couscous and turmeric. Cover and simmer until tender, about 7 minutes; season. Top couscous with carrots, yogurt and mint. Serve with lemon wedges. Recipe from rachaelraymag.com
ROASTED CARROTS WITH CUMIN & CINNAMON
1 bunch carrots, halved lengthwise then crosswise into 3-inch pieces, Orange juice, EVOO, Pinch salt, Pinch ground cumin, Pinch ground cinnamon, Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss carrots with orange juice, EVOO, salt, ground cumin and ground cinnamon. Roast, tossing halfway through cooking, until carrots are soft and browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
GINGER BEER GLAZED CARROTS
1 cup strong ginger beer, such as Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew, 1 cup chicken stock, 2 1/4 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch segments, 2 tsp. butter, 4 tsp. chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp. chopped garlic, 1 tsp. chopped orange zest
In large skillet, boil ginger beer and stock until reduced to 1 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. Add carrots and butter; season. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until tender and glazed, about 15 minutes; season. Chop together parsley, garlic and zest. Sprinkle over carrots.
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
HERBED CARROT SOUP
2 lbs. carrots, 1 medium potato, 4 c. water, 1T butter or oil, 1 c chopped onion, 11/2 t salt, 2 medium cloves garlic; minced, ½ t marjoram or oregano, 1 t basil, 1-2 T lemon juice (or to taste), optional: small amounts of finely minced fresh mint, chives and or parsley for the top.
Peel and chop the carrots and potato, and place them in a medium-large saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender (10-15 minutes). Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet. Add onions and salt, and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and dried herbs and sauté about 5 minutes more, or until the onions are soft. Stir in lemon juice. Purée everything together in a blender or food processor and transfer to a kettle or Dutch oven. Simmer gently 8-10 minutes. Serve hot, topped with a light sprinkling of fresh herbs if desired. Recipe from The New Moosewood Cookbook
KALE CHIPS
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes. May be oiled or sprayed with cooking oil and sprinkled with garlic salt.
KALE & BRUSSEL SPROUT SOUP
1tablespoon olive oil, 1onion, 1lb kale, 10 Brussels sprouts, 3carrots, 1sprig fresh rosemary, 14ounces cannellini , beans (1 can), 2pints vegetable stock, salt, pepper
Sauté the chopped onion in the olive oil until golden. Add chopped kale, carrot and shredded Brussel sprout and allow to soften a little. Pour over the stock and bring to the boil, adding the sprig of rosemary. Simmer for 45 minutes adding more stock if required. At this stage the soup will be very watery. Drain the can of beans, rinse in a colander and then mash with a fork or blend. Add the mashed beans to the soup. This will make the broth a little thicker and give it an interesting texture and flavor. Recipe from Food.com
SAUSAGE, POTATO AND KALE SOUP
1 pound bulk Italian sausage 4 C half-and-half, 3 C cubed potatoes, 2 C chicken broth, 2 C whole milk, 1 onion chopped, ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. red pepper flakes, ½ tsp. black pepper, 2 cups torn kale leaves (bite size pieces).
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into pot; cook and stir until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Stir half-and-half, potatoes, chicken broth, milk, onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes into sausage, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with black pepper; stir kale into soup. Simmer until kale is tender, 10 to 15 more minutes. Recipe form Allrecipes.com
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.
KALE & BRUSSEL SPROUT SALAD
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2T Dijon mustard, 1T minced shallot, 1sm.garlic clove, finely grated, 1/4 t. kosher salt, Freshly gr. pepper, 2 large bunches of Tuscan kale (about 1 1/2 lbs.), center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced, 12 oz. Brussel sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife, 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil, 1/3 c. almonds with skins, coarsely chopped, 1 c. finely grated Pecorino. Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded Brussel sprouts in a large bowl. Slowly whisk olive oil into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Dressing and kale mixture can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH AMERICANA
1 large spaghetti squash; 4 ounces butter; 4 ounces Parmesan cheese grated; 4 ounces Monterey jack or cheddar cheese shredded; 3-4 sprigs basil chopped; Salt; Freshly ground black pepper
Split and seed squash. Bake cut side down in half inch of water in baking dish in preheated 3500 F. oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until soft. Melt butter and mix with cheeses. When squash is cooked, remove spaghetti like strands with a fork. Mix in bowl with cheese mixture. Sprinkle chopped basil on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH SALAD
1 spaghetti squash, 1 large onion; finely chopped, ½ c sugar, 1 c diced celery, ½ c chopped sweet red pepper. ½ c chopped green pepper, ½ c oil, ¼ c vinegar, ½ t salt
Cut squash in half; scoop out seeds. Place squash cut side down, in a baking pan. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of ½ inch. Bake uncovered, at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until tender. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the squash, separating strand with a fork. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl; add the squash and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon as a salad or as a relish with burgers and hotdogs. Store in the refrigerator. Recipe from Taste of Home
PALEO SPAGHETTI SQUASH
1 whole spaghetti squash, 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped, 2/3 cup walnuts, 3 cloves garlic, peeled ,and quartered, 1/2 teaspoon oregano,1 teaspoon lemon zest; grated, dash crushed red pepper, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth,1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, optional,1/2 cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons fresh parsley; chopped
Place the squash on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 30-45 minutes, or until the squash pierces easily with a butter knife and the interior is fully cooked. Cut the squash in half and let it cool enough to handle. Scrape out the seeds and “goo” with a spoon; discard. Using a fork, scrape out the squash’s “noodles” into a bowl; set aside. Place the carrots, walnuts, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot-nut mixture and the raisins and cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots soften and begin to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the squash, cheese (if using), lemon juice, parsley, and toss. Adjust salt, to taste. Divide among bowls and top with more cheese (if desired).
FAJITA-STUFFED SPAGHETTI SQUASH
1 medium spaghetti squash (2 to 2 1/2 lb.), 1 teaspoon vegetable or olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ lb. extra-lean ground beef (at least 90% lean), 1 medium serrano Chile, seeded and finely chopped (about 2 teaspoons), 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic, ¾ cup sliced red, yellow or orange bell pepper, ¾ cup sliced onions, 1package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix, 2/3 cup water, ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 oz) ½ cup chopped tomato, ½ cup diced avocado
CREAMY BROCCOLI AND LEEK BISQUE
1 T oil; 4 leeks thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 4cps broth plus 2cps; 2 1bs. potatoes; 1 lb. broccoli;
l tsp sugar; 1/3 parsley; 1/4tsp nutmeg 1 cp milk; 1 T lemon juice; 1/2tsp hot pepper sauce; salt and pepper to taste
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. 2) 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. 3) Return to it to saucepan, whisk in the remaining broth and milk, and reheat gently, stirring frequently. 4) Season with the lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper, and serve topped with a lemon slice if desired.
CREAMY LEEK, POTATO, AND SOUR CREAM CHIVE SOUP
3 T butter, 2-3 leeks, thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only, about 4 cups total), 1t. dried tarragon, 1# Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, and thinly sliced, 4 cups chicken stock, ½-1cup sour cream, 4 T. fresh chopped chives, divided, salt and pepper.
Melt butter in pot over medium-low flame. Add leeks and tarragon; cover and cook slowly, 15-20 minutes. Add potatoes and stock; bring to simmer, cover, and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Puree mixture or mash with a potato masher. Return to pot; stir in sour cream and 2 T CHIVES. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle each serving with additional chives. Makes 6 servings.
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 1f4 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 1f4 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 tithe 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. Serves 4
BAKED RADISHES
1/2 lb. radishes, trimmed and halved; 1 Tbsp Honey; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 tsp cinnamon
Steam radishes 5 minutes. Drain and arrange in a shallow baking dish. Combine honey, butter and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Warm and stir until butter is melted. Pour over radishes. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees until tender, about 30 minutes. Makes 4 servings
CONFETTI OF RADISHES AND CARROTS
3 large radishes (or that equivalent), peeled; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint; 4-6 medium carrots, peeled; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 8 ounces feta cheese (or substitute fresh chevre); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 2-3 tablespoons wine vinegar
Shred radishes and carrots using hand-held cheese grater. Toss with remaining ingredients. Chill and serve. Makes 8 servings
DAIKON CARROT SALAD
3/4# daikon radish, 1/2# carrots, 1T grated peeled ginger, 1.5T unseasoned rice vinegar, 1t lime juice, 2T vegetable oil, 1/2 t toasted sesame seed oil, 1t white sesame seeds, 1t black sesame seed
Shave the daikon into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Toss with 1/8 t salt in a colander, let drain in the sink, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile shave the carrots into ribbons with the peeler.
Make the dressing: Whisk the ginger, vinegar, lime juice and 1/4t salt in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the vegetable oil and sesame oil until blended. Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until the white seeds are golden, about 5 minutes. Add 1T seeds to dressing.
Toss the daikon and carrots with the dressing and season with salt. Top with the remaining sesame seeds.
Serves 4; Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine
BRAISED RADISHES
1# daikon radishes trimmed of tops and roots and cut into 1-inch slices, 1.5 C chicken stock, 2T butter cut into bits, 1 large shallot, thinly sliced, 2T sugar, 1T red wine vinegar, salt and pepper
Place the sliced radishes in a skillet with the stock, butter bits, shallots, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Uncover the pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook radishes 10-12 minutes. If the stock has not cooked away remove the radishes and cook down until 1/2 cup, about 2 minutes. Serve the radishes with any remaining stock. Recipe from Rachel Ray
ROASTED RADISHES
Radishes, olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper, lemon juice
Toss radishes with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 450 degrees, stirring once, until slightly tender and charred, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt. Drizzle with lemon juice.
HERBED BROCCOLI AND RICE FRITTATA
2 tsp olive oil; 1 cup thinly sliced scapes; garlic clove finely chopped; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 1/2 cups cooked broccoli; 4 eggs; 4 egg whites; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 Tbsp oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; y., tsp cayenne pepper; 3 Tbsp grated mozzarella cheese
Heat oil in large oven proof skillet. Add the scapes and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring, for 2 m minutes. Add the rice and broccoli and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Whisk the eggs and egg whites with the ricotta cheese, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper until well blended. Pour eggs mixture over the rice mixture in the pan, stir gently to combine, and cover. Cook over low heat until eggs are almost set, 7-10 minutes. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle cheese over frittata. Place under the broiler, about 5 inches from the heat source, and broil until the cheese melts and the top of the frittata is flecked golden brown, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cut into wedges and serve. 4 main dish servings.
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
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
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.
SEARED BRUSSEL SPROUTS BRAISED WITH APPLE CIDER
12 large Brussel sprouts; cooking oil; salt; 1/4 cup apple cider
Trim Brussel sprouts and cut in half. Heat a cast-iron pan over medium flame. Add some oil. Sprinkle salt evenly over bottom of pan. Lay Brussels sprouts cut side down in the pan. Cook until deep brown or almost black in some places, about 5 minutes. Add apple cider, cover pan, and turn off heat. Let them continue cooking off the heat another 5 minutes. Serve with grilled chicken or black-eyed peas. Makes 2 servings. Recipe from Ben Hunter, Catacombs Coffeehouse
NUTTY BRUSSEL SPROUTS
3 C Brussels sprouts; 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 3 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp minced onions; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup walnut or olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Remove loose or discolored leaves from sprouts. Cut an X with paring knife through stem end to assure even cooking. Steam in vegetable steamer until just barely tender, about 6 minutes. Combine vinegar, honey, shallots and mustard in jar with tight-fitting lid. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add oil, salt, and pepper. Close lid, and shake well to emulsify. Toss cooked Brussels sprouts with the vinaigrette and walnuts. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUT WITH CRISPED PANCETTA
1 lb. Brussels sprouts; 1/4-pound pancetta, cut into slivers; 1 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic salt
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Halve the large sprouts. Toss with olive oil and garlic salt; arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Bake, shaking pan halfway through roasting time, until tender (15-25 minutes, depending on size of sprouts). Brussels sprouts are done when they’re deep green with several brown caramelized spots. Meanwhile, sauté pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Toss Brussels sprouts with pancetta. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
JAPANESE CABBAGE PANCAKES
3 scallions, 4 C shredded green cabbage (from ½ small head), ¾ C all-purpose flour, ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger, 4 large eggs, lightly beaten, 2 T tamari, divided, 2T canola oil, ¼ C mayonnaise, 1 tsp. sriracha,
¼ C ketchup, 1 T Worcestershire sauce
Slice scallions, separating white and green parts. Stir together cabbage, sliced white scallion, flour, ginger, eggs, and 1 tablespoon tamari in a large bowl until well combined. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add cabbage mixture; press to flatten and cover bottom of pan. Cover and cook until bottom is golden, about 8 minutes. Carefully flip pancake; cook, uncovered, until bottom is golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and 2 teaspoons water in a small bowl. Stir together ketchup, Worcestershire, and remaining 1 tablespoon tamari in a separate small bowl. Drizzle sauces over pancake and sprinkle with sliced green scallion. Recipe from realsimple.com
NAPA CABBAGE SALAD
5 cups chopped Napa cabbage; 3/4 c. sliced or shredded radishes, 11/2 cups chow Mein noodles (the crunchy ones); 1 cup crushed peanuts; 1/4 cup sesame seeds (black, if available); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 tablespoons sesame oil; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2-1 teaspoon dry mustard
Combine cabbage, radishes, chow Mein noodles, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Mix remaining ingredients. Toss with cabbage, using just enough dressing to suit your taste. Makes 6-8 servings.
Recipe from Dog Hollow Farm
PORTUGUESE STONE SOUP
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 spicy smoked sausages, (10-12 oz.) sliced; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced carrot; 1/2 cup diced celery; 3 tablespoons minced garlic; 8 cups chicken stock; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; 4 cups (about 2/3 pound) very thinly sliced cabbage; 2 cups diced potatoes; 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; bottled hot pepper sauce; salt and pepper
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high flame. Add the sliced sausage and brown it well. Remove sausages from pot add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. When it is hot, add the onions, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 1 minute longer. Stir in chicken stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and the sausage. Bring to a simmer and cook about 10 minutes. Add cabbage and potatoes; simmer 10 minutes longer. Add beans and simmer another 10 minutes. Season with hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Makes 8 or more servings. Recipe from MACSAC
SALAD GREENS WITH CHINESE SALAD DRESSING
1/3 cup sesame or olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic, pressed to a paste; 1-2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot or 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger; dash of cayenne; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, salad greens or Napa cabbage
NAPA WASABI SLAW
1 tablespoon wasabi paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/4 cup sesame oil; 1 cup orange juice; 1 head Napa cabbage, very thinly sliced; 6 carrots, shredded; 1 chopped onion; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Whisk wasabi, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and orange juice until thoroughly combined. Toss with vegetables and sesame “”seeds. Makes 6-8 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
STEAMED NAPA CABBAGE WITH GREEN PEPPER
One 2-lb. Napa cabbage, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper; 1/4tsp. salt; 1 green pepper, seeded, deribbed and thinly sliced
Combine the vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper, salt and 1/4 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, and cook it rapidly to reduce it by half – four to five minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside. Pour enough water into a large pot to fill it about 1 inch deep. Set a vegetable steamer in the pot and bring the water to a boil. Put the sliced cabbage and green pepper in the steamer, cover the pot tightly, and steam the vegetables until the cabbage is just barely wilted €about three minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a serving bowl and pour the sauce through a strainer onto them. Toss the vegetables well to distribute the dressing evenly, and let them stand for five minutes before serving. Serves 6
STIR-FRIED CABBAGE
2 tbsp oil; 1 medium-size onion, sliced; 8 cups coarsely shredded cabbage; 1 tsp celery seed; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp coriander 1/4 tsp salt. Heat oil to medium-hot in large skillet or wok. Stir-fry onion in oil for a minute or two, then add cabbage and seasonings. Stir-fry for 5 to 10 minutes until cabbage is tender but firm. Pan may be covered briefly toward the end of the cooking process to hasten tenderizing. Serve immediately.
Yield: 4 servings
NAPA CABBAGE SALAD WITH PEANUTS AND CILANTRO
The Salad: 1/2 C skinned raw peanuts; 1 tsp peanut oil; 1 large carrot; 4 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage; 2 cups slivered lettuce leaves; 3 thin scallions, including some of the greens, finely sliced diagonally; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves; 2 tablespoons torn basil leaves, preferably Thai basil
The Dressing: 1/2 jalapeno Chile, finely diced; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup roasted peanut oil
Heat the peanuts in the oil over medium-low heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly browned after a few minutes. Blot with paper towels and set aside. Peel the carrot with a vegetable peeler and discard the skins. Then, with the vegetable peeler, continue removing long strips of the carrot until you’ve reached the core. Combine the cabbage, lettuce, and carrot with everything except the nuts.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together and toss with the greens. Add the peanuts just before serving.
Serves 4-6 Recipe from Local Flavors.