Suumer Share Three June 8th/10thy 2021

SUMMER SHARE THREE JUNE 8^TH/10^TH 2021

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Farm News from Jane
You know it’s June when the peas are blossoming and we’re picking garlic scapes. The garlic scapes are really early this season; they are the seed stalk containing the seed pod that develops from the top of the plant. We remove them so that all the plant’s energy goes into the bulb, making it larger and maturing earlier. It is so interesting that plants can regenerate in several ways. We plant the garlic cloves in the ground in early November.
The Swiss chard and beans are growing quickly. The first planting of beans this season will be yellow beans. That of course won’t come until the several plantings of peas are harvested. We have shelling peas and sugar snaps. The potatoes are leafing out in their rows and the onions are finally “taking off”. They like the  hot weather and moisture to grow big bulbs. Ben continues to irrigate the vegetable blocks sequentially. The newly planted seedlings are always a priority but then everything needs a “drink” to reach optimal potential. Hopefully we’ll get some “real” rain this week. Irrigation helps plants to keep growing but there is nothing like a good rain shower to saturate the ground and plants. We have caught up with transplanting the many groups of plants that had been waiting for the right conditions and all look fairly good except for the eggplant. We had a cold night right after they went out and then the flea beetles and Colorado potato beetle found them! We walk the rows and hand pick the bugs and eggs off. It isn’t a pleasant job but because we do not use pesticides it is necessary. Every year is unique and some crops thrive and others just “make it”. The tomatoes and sweet corn look good too. We actually transplant sweet corn seedlings so that we have a uniform stand and population. Corn that is directly seeded in the ground germinates does not grow as uniformly. When we go to pick a block of corn, we are able to pick an ear off of almost every plant at the same time instead of repicking the same block multiple times and not knowing ahead how much there will be.
It’s hard to believe that we are already through the first week of June. A few more weeks and school will be out for summer. We seem to have those extremely hot and humid days during those final weeks of exams. But I was reminded that we’ve been waiting for this weather! So, we’ll say yes; and enjoy all the fruits which will follow. Enjoy the heat while staying cool. Until next time, enjoy the harvest, Jane

Produce:   Fennel   Asparagus   Salad Greens   Green Garlic   Scallions   Carrots

Produce tips:
– Fennel has the flavor of anise, but before you say “I don’t know if I like that flavor”, here are some tips so you can really enjoy it.
How to use fennel: Though the stalks and leaves are edible, fennel recipes most often call for the bulb. When raw, it has a crisp texture similar to celery and a fresh licorice flavor. It caramelizes as it cooks, taking on a sweeter flavor and tender, melt-in-your mouth texture. One of the unique things about fennel is that its character changes depending on how you cut it. And with this vegetable, how you cut it and how you cook it go hand in hand. If desiring to use it raw, thinly shave the bulb on a mandoline, removing any tough core pieces. Then, marinate it in lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. This crisp, thinly sliced fennel is delicious on its own or in a larger salad. Dress it up with herbs, nuts, and shaved Parmesan cheese, toss it with greens and simple vinaigrette, or use it in a salad recipe. To roast it; slice it 1/2-inch wedges. First, clip off the stalks so that you are left with the white bulb. Cut it in half vertically and then cut each half into several wedges. Check out the recipe section for more ideas! Try substituting fennel fronds for dill or parsley in recipes.

Storage tips:
– Fennel should be bagged before refrigerating. You can separate the fronds from the bulb and use them in a salad or on top of a roast.

Recipes
GRILLED (OR GRIDDLED) FENNEL AND ONIONS WITH PARMESAN
1/2 large sweet onion (do not cut off root end); 2 fennel bulbs (stalks removed), about 1 pound total; 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Heat large cast-iron griddle (flat side down, ridged side up) on stove top over medium flame, or prepare outdoor grill for medium heat. Place flat surface of onion half on cutting board and cut into slices that are 1/3-inch thick, leaving some of the root end intact on each slice. Brush both sides of onions lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill onions on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 3-5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, slice whole fennel bulbs lengthwise in the same manner as onions. Steam them over boiling water 8-10 minutes; drain well. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 6-8 minutes per side. Arrange onions and fennel on a colorful platter; scatter Parmesan over the top. This is delicious with grilled fish or lamb, or as a side dish with Italian tomato-based pasta dishes. Makes 6 servings. Recipe from MACSAC

CARROT FENNEL ORANGE SOUP
2 tablespoons butter or butter-flavored cooking spray; 4 cups water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth (or more for a thinner soup); 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve a few of the fronds); 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste; 4 cups sliced carrots (approximately 1 1/2 pounds); 1/3 cup orange juice; 1 garlic clove, sliced thin (you can add a couple of garlic scapes, if available); 1/4 cup sour cream
Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced fennel and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to turn golden. Add carrots and garlic; cook and stir for a minute or two. Add water or broth and salt; bring to simmer, cover, and cook until carrots and fennel are tender, about 20 minutes. Puree mixture in a food processor or blender, or with an immersion blender. Stir in orange juice and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Reheat on low heat, but do not boil. Serve each bowl garnished with fennel fronds. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from Edith Thayer, Vermont Valley Farm member

FRESH FENNEL BULB SALAD
One large or 2 small fennel bulbs; 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed; 2 tablespoons white wine or red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; salt and pepper
Remove fronds from the fennel bulb(s). Cut away the root and slice fennel into very thin pieces (it can also be grated). Make dressing by combining vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and orange juice concentrate in a bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Pour over fennel and allow to marinate at room temperature 20 minutes or longer. Season to taste with pepper and additional salt.
Recipe from Jenny Bonde and Rink DoVee, Shooting Star Farm

PASTA WITH FENNEL
1 bulb fennel, trimmed & quartered; 1/2 lb. fettuccini; 1 Tbsp olive oil; Grated Parmesan cheese; Parsley (garnish)
Simmer fennel in 4 quarts salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Lift fennel from water and slice. Keep warm. In the fennel water, cook the fettuccini until al dente. Drain pasta. Add olive oil and fennel. Serve with sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley. Make 3 servings

POTATO FENNEL SOUP
1 tbsp butter or oil; 4 cups thinly sliced onions; 2 tsp salt; 4 medium potatoes, sliced into thin pieces 1-2 inches long; 1 cup minced fennel bulb; ½ tsp caraway seed; 4 cups water; white pepper to taste; sour cream and fennel fronds for garnish
Melt the butter or heat oil in a kettle or Dutch oven. Add the onions and 1 tsp of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are very soft and lightly browned. Add the potatoes, another ½ tsp salt, fennel and caraway seeds. Sauté over medium heat for another 5 minutes, then add the water. Bring to a boil, then partially cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt; add white pepper. Serve hot topped with sour cream and fennel fronds. Serves 6. Recipe from The Moosewood Cookbook.

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA
1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 cup finely chopped celery; 1/2 cup finely chopped peeled carrot; 1 cup finely chopped fennel bulb; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 1/2 cups water; 1/2 cup finely chopped black olives; Salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer over medium-low heat until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the olives, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Serves 6-8 Recipe from The Big Book of Vegetarian

FENNEL SLAW
2 Tbsp cider vinegar; 1/3 c mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp sugar; 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel; Salt, to taste; one 1/2 lb. fennel bulb or two smaller ones
Whisk vinegar, mayonnaise, pepper, sugar, dill, lemon peel and salt together. Cut off and discard fennel stalks. Halve fennel through root end; discard core and any discolored outer leaves. Thinly slice fennel. Toss fennel with enough dressing to coat. Serve. Makes 4 servings Recipe from Farm-Fresh Recipes.

SPRING ORZO SALAD
8 oz. orzo pasta; 1/2 cup bunching onions, finely chopped; 8 oz. mushrooms, quartered; 1 lb. asparagus, tips trimmed, stems cut into ‘/2-inch rounds; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts, optional
Vinaigrette: 3 Tbs. red wine vinegar; 2 Tbs. olive oil; 2 tsp. whole-grain mustard; 1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water, and drain. Set aside.  Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Add onions, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until onions are soft. Raise heat to medium-high, stir in mushrooms, and cook 5 minutes. Add asparagus, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until asparagus are crisp-tender. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat. To make Vinaigrette: Whisk together all ingredients in small bowl until emulsified. Place pasta, vegetables, and vinaigrette in large bowl, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.

SAVORY GREEN ONION NOODLE CAKE
4 eggs, ½ C chopped green onions, 2 T chopped cilantro or parsley, ½ t grated ginger, 8 oz. spaghettini (thin spaghetti), cooked, rinsed, drained well and tossed with 2-3 t sesame oil, salt and ground black pepper, 3 T peanut oil, divided, sprigs or cilantro or parsley
Beat eggs, stir in green onions, cilantro or parsley, and ginger. Add spaghetti and salt and pepper to taste; mix well with your hands. Heat half the peanut oil in an 8–10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high flame. Spread pasta mixture into pan, press it down. And even with a spatula. Cook until the bottom is golden and cake is “set”. 6-10 minutes. Wearing oven mitts, place a platter over the skillet and flip the noodle cake back onto platter. Heat remaining oil in skillet, slide cake back in and cook until the second side is golden. Slide the noodle cake back onto the platter and garnish with the herb sprigs. Makes 4-6 servings. Recipe form MACSAC

STEAM GRILLED GREEN ONIONS
12 green onions, rinsed, ends trimmed, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons butter, cut, 2 T butter, cut into small pieces, salt and ground black pepper to taste (optional)
Preheat a grill for medium-low heat. Cut a sheet of aluminum foil to about 12×15 inches. Arrange the green onions side by side in the center of the foil sheet. Sprinkle the onions evenly with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange butter over the onions. Keeping the green onions flat, fold the foil to make a sealed cooking pouch. Place the foil packet on the preheated grill away from the main heat source. Allow the green onions to steam 5 to 7 minutes. Recipe from Allrecipes.com

CHICKEN WITH GREEN ONION SAUCE
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, Cooking spray, 4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 1/3 cup finely chopped green onions, divided, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Combine 1/4 cup broth and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add remaining broth, garlic, and thyme; set aside. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn chicken; add 2 tablespoons green onions. Pour broth mixture over chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is done, basting often. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat. Scrape bottom and sides of pan, using a rubber spatula. Cook 2 minutes or until sauce is reduced to 3/4 cup. Pour sauce evenly over chicken, and top with remaining green onions. Recipe from myrecipes.com

PANROASTED ASPARAGUS
1 T. olive oil or 1/2 T. oil and 1/2 T. butter 1-pound asparagus spears salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil and/or butter over medium-high heat until melted. Roll asparagus in oil until they are well coated. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until asparagus is bright green and still crisp. Uncover and increase heat to high; season with salt and pepper if desired. Cook until spears are tender and well browned along one side, using tongs to move spears from center to outside of pan to ensure all are browned and evenly done. The same may be accomplished in the oven at 450 or on the grill in foil or a foil pan. This is when you recycle your Chinese take-out pans! You may also cook them directly on the grill provided they are well-coated in olive oil first. Watch carefully.

ASPARAGUS CHICKEN SALAD
1T olive oil; 4 Chicken breasts; ½ t salt; ½ t pepper; 2c mushrooms; 2t minced garlic; ½ t thyme; 1lb asparagus (1″ pieces); ¾ c chicken broth; 1t cornstarch; 3T balsamic vinegar; 1T lemon juice; 1T honey
Heat 2 t oil med-hi, add pounded chicken breasts, cook with salt and pepper 3min per side. Heat remaining oil med-hi, add mushrooms, garlic, thyme, asparagus, cook 3 min. Combine broth and cornstarch, add to vinegar, juice and honey, then add to pan.  Boil to thicken.  Serve over chicken.

ASPARAGUS WITH CREAM SAUCE
Asparagus, chopped and lightly cooked; 1 cup milk; ½ tbsp butter; ½ tbsp cornstarch; fresh oregano; salt and pepper
Dissolve cornstarch in ¼ cup milk; set aside. Melt butter in small saucepan; add milk stir well. Heat mixture till very hot, but do not boil. Add cornstarch and milk, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Stir until thickened. Adjust seasonings. Pour cream sauce over asparagus and serve.

OPEN-FACE ASPARAGUS-EGG SANDWICHES
2 tbsp butter or margarine; 2 tbsp flour; 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cups chicken broth; 3 hard-cooked eggs, sliced; 1/2 tbsp minced onion; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp pepper; 2 cups cooked asparagus, cut in 1 1/2″ pieces; 3 hamburger buns, split and toasted; 4 slices bacon, chopped, fried crisp and drained
Melt butter in saucepan; blend in flour. Add milk and broth; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and bubbly. Add eggs, onion, salt, pepper and asparagus. Heat thoroughly. Serve on toasted bun halves. Sprinkle bacon over top. Makes 3 servings.

SPANISH ASPARAGUS AND ORANGE SALAD

8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 large oranges; 3-4 romaine lettuce leaves, shredded (2 ounces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon sherry vinegar; salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cook the asparagus in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain and refresh under cold water. Grate the zest from half an orange and reserve. Peel both the oranges and cut into segments. Squeeze out the juice from the membrane and reserve the juice. Put the asparagus, orange segments and lettuce into a salad bowl. Mix together the oil and vinegar and add 1 tablespoon of the reserved orange juice and 1 teaspoon of the zest. Season the dressing with salt and pepper. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat. Serves 4 Recipe from Vegetarian the best ever recipe collection.

BACON & ASPARAGUS FRITTATA
12 ounces bacon, 2 cups sliced fresh asparagus (cut in 1/2-inch pieces), 1 cup chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 10 large eggs, beaten, 1/4 cup minced parsley, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 large tomato, thinly sliced, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. In a 9- or 10-in. ovenproof skillet, heat reserved drippings on medium-high. Add asparagus, onion and garlic; sauté until onion is tender. Crumble bacon; set aside a third. In a large bowl, combine remaining bacon, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into skillet; stir. Top with tomato, cheese and reserved bacon. Cover and cook over medium-low until eggs are nearly set, 10-15 minutes. Preheat broiler; place skillet 6 in. from heat. Broil until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings. Recipe form tasteofhome.com

CARROT DILL SOUP *Substitute fennel fronds for dill
3 tablespoons butter; 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon chopped dill, or more to taste; salt and pepper to taste
Sauté carrots and onions in butter over medium flame. Add chicken broth, bay leaf, sugar, and nutmeg. Cover; cook until carrots are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add dill and puree mixture.
Makes 6 servings Recipe from MACSAC

CURRIED CARROTS AND RAISINS
½ lb. carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick pieces; 1/2 tbsp. honey; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard; 3/4 tsp. curry powder; 1/2 tbsp. safflower oil; 1 tsp. unsalted butter; 1 tsp. brown sugar; 3 T. raisins
Pour enough water into a saucepan to fill it 1 inch deep. Set a vegetable steamer in the pan and bring the water to a boil. Put the carrots in the steamer, cover the pan, and steam the carrots until they are tender about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover it and set it aside. While the carrots are steaming, combine the honey, lemon juice, mustard and curry powder in a bowl. Put the oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter bubbles, add the carrots and sauté them, stirring often, for two minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots, add the raisins, and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for two minutes more. Stir in the honey mixture and continue cooking, stirring constantly and scraping down the sides of the skillet, until the carrots are well glazed – two or three minutes more. Serve at once. Serves 3

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

DILLY SLAW
4 cups shredded veggies (carrots, Hakurei turnips, radish, kohlrabi), 5 scallions chopped
Dressing: 3⁄4 cup yogurt or 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbs. lime juice, 2 Tbs. cider vinegar, 1 Tbs. honey, 1⁄4 cup dill, 1 tsp. salt, 3 garlic scapes or cloves of garlic, minced
Blend dressing and toss with veggies. If time, let chill and stir occasionally so the dressing can soak into the veggies. Recipe from Red Fire Farm, Granby MA

BALSAMIC ROASTED CARROTS
1 T olive oil, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ½# carrots, 2T balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and carrots in a bag or bowl; toss to coat. Pour the carrots into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the balsamic vinegar over the carrots; shake the pan to coat evenly. Return to oven and bake until the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Recipe from Allrecipe.com

LAYERED SALAD
Layered salad is pretty self-explanatory; the idea of layering whatever veggies over greens and topping with cheese or even julienne strips of meat garnish with olives or hard-boiled eggs. So be creative and if you’re also entertaining start with a glass bowl. Start with your greens then layer with shelled raw peas, zucchini, and celery if it’s on hand, and green onions. Add a layer of Swiss cheese or meat julienne or finely chopped. Sprinkle with 2 tsp of sugar. Mix together 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sour cream and 1 T. of horseradish if desired until well blended. Spread evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of Romano cheese. Cover and chill overnight. Serve with the following Vinaigrette dressing if desired. 1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil 3 T wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt. Pepper to taste (freshly ground is always a nice touch), and 1/2 tsp. of dry mustard. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend well. Serve over layered salad. Garnish with black olives and sieved hard-boiled eggs. You may always substitute yogurt for some of the mayo or sour cream if you’re watching your fat intake.

CASHEW SALAD
Makes about 3 servings
3 c mixture of three kinds of lettuce, such as red leaf, romaine and Boston, washed and torn into bite-size pieces; 1/2 c cashews
For dressing: 1/4 small red onion, grated; 1/8 c vinegar; 1/4 c sugar; pinch of ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp celery seed; 1 tsp prepared mustard; 3/8 c olive oil

Toss lettuce with cashews.  Place onion, vinegar, sugar, pepper, celery seed, mustard and oil in jar with tight lid. Shake vigorously to emulsify, or blend in blender. When ready to serve, toss salad with half the dressing, then add more, to taste, or serve dressing on side.

GARLIC HUMMUS
1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste); 2 tbs. water; 1 tbs. olive oil; juice and pulp of 2 lemons, seeds removed; 6 cloves garlic, pressed; 1 tsp. chili powder; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; l/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. paprika
Combine all ingredients, except paprika, with a food processor. Process for 4 minutes, or until smooth. Scoop into a serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve chilled.
Servings 8-12; Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes