Week Twenty-One Sept. 29th 2014
Important Information:
- Winter and Annual share membership forms and payments are due tomorrow. Any remaining memberships are now open to the public and we have triple the amount of interest for available shares. If for some reason you have not sent yours in please do so ASAP if you want one.
- Please do not forget to pick up your meat shares this week; all checks payable to Oles Family Farm.
- Our annual potluck with educational field walk is Sunday October 12th from 2-5. Please bring a dish to pass that will feed your family plus at least two more. You will also need to bring your own chairs, plates and table service. We will provide the beverages and meat. Dress weather appropriate and families with little ones might consider bringing a wagon. More details next week…
Farm News from Jane
The word this week is WARM!!! How often do you hear the cicadas singing on a September morning? Perhaps even the animal kingdom is a few weeks behind this season due to the late spring. The birds continue to flock and practice their “maneuvers” on a daily basis. There was also a pheasant in our back yard at lunchtime today preening himself under the shade and shelter of our immense forsythia bushes. The males are just so striking with their “ringed necks”. We were able to enjoy his company for quite a while. Usually they are “on the go” and you just get a passing glimpse from a distance. This was like a personal viewing; quite delightful. And what else is happening on the farm as the season is winding down? Lots of fields that have been harvested are getting nourished with compost and then renovated for a new cover crop. We are still attempting to remove the late blooming weeds from the new strawberry planting. We would also like to weed the blueberries one more time from those competing perennial weeds. Perhaps I’ll even find time to trim the dead branches from the bushes that were killed this past winter. It is so much easier to see when the foliage is on. And speaking of foliage did you know that the blueberry leaves turn a vivid red as the weather turns colder? The surrounding woods have begun to show more color this past week. You may even see “peak” foliage at the farm potluck as long as the weather holds and we don’t have any high winds. I don’t think that there is ever a time when this farm isn’t beautiful.
This week we have an interesting cabbage to share; conical cabbage. It is very unique looking and taste just like traditional cabbage. Perhaps I should have said that its tastes incredibly better and then those in the crowd who are not cabbage lovers will be tempted to try it! Fresh cabbage is always sweeter and more palate pleasing than older cabbage. Did you ever eat coleslaw or cabbage salad at a favorite restaurant and find that sometimes it tastes really bitter? That’s because it is either old cabbage from storage or prepared ahead and held for a few days. The best cabbage is always fresh cabbage. Try frying it with onions for a real treat if you are not interested in it raw. I always wondered why in the south it is called “cabbage salad” and in the north it is called coleslaw. Maybe years ago in the north where Cole crops are grown well they would “slaw” many types of “Cole” crops but in the south where they weren’t grown they would ship them in and only cabbage was the mainstay for storage then. Just my rambling thoughts on the subject; I’m open for any insights… I particularly like to slaw the kohlrabi as one or two is enough for one meal and no soggy leftovers. But broccoli salad is our family’s favorite and I think that I could make that for every gathering when it’s in season. So many Cole crops; so many choices. Perhaps I should try rutabaga slaw when they are ready! I’ve also had recipes for raw cauliflower salad made like potato salad. Well so much for the crucifer family for today. But there is still Romanesco and rutabaga coming before the season is over. And next week I hear there are carrots in the forecast; orange on the horizon or perhaps purple or red… Until next week enjoy the stars with the first quarter moon. I happened to be up at 3am and was able to go outside and enjoy a star filled night sky. (Usually I’m in bed too early to enjoy the darkness!) Eat well, sleep well, Jane
Produce: Collards Cipollini onions Garlic Adirondack Blue potatoes Conical cabbage
Broccoli or Cauliflower Spicy greens Fennel Acorn squash Spaghetti squash
Fruit Share: McIntosh apples Asian pears Niagara grapes
Produce tips
– Fennel can be eaten raw and is a great addition to salads; slice or mandolin extra thin. It is also very tasty roasted with or without meat. (I prefer it with pork). Try adding it to a cabbage salad/coleslaw.
– Acorn, carnival or spaghetti squash can be sliced into thin wedges or rings and oven baked/roasted or grilled. Although they are already sweet enough one can always embellish them with a bit of honey or maple syrup; just baste it on with a pastry brush!
– Greens may be lightly braised or used fresh in salads; they have a pleasant spicy kick. A nice addition to a stir fry.
– If you are patient enough to remove a leaf of cabbage one at a time it will make for an interesting wrap. I have read that if you place the head in the freezer for a short time that when it warms it is easier to peel off the leaves; I’ve never tried this however!
– Because the Cipollini onions are flat they are great for making beautiful little slices for lovely presentation.
– The greens this week are not washed as they are too large and would be bruised/broken in the process. Soak in cold water and then spin them out a small amount at a time. They will also be more flavorful due to their mature size.
– Although the squash does not need refrigeration please do refrigerate the cabbage.
Recipes
ACORN SQUASH WITH HAM AND APPLES
1 acorn squash; 1/4 tsp salt; 2/3 cup diced cooked ham; 1/3 cup diced, peeled tart apples; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ¼ tsp dry mustard; pinch of pepper; 2 tsp butter
Wash and cut squash in halves lengthwise. Remove seeds. Place, cut side down, in 15~ X 10~ X 1″ jelly roll pan. Pour in 1/2″ boiling water; bake in hot oven (400°) 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn squash halves cut side up. Sprinkle with salt. Combine ham, apples, brown sugar, mustard and pepper. Spoon into squash cavities. Top each with 1 tsp. butter. Return to oven and bake until apples are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 2 servings.
APPLE AND WINE-BRAISED CABBAGE
2 tablespoons canola oil; 1/2 large head cabbage, shredded or sliced as thinly as possible; 1 onion, halved and cut as thinly as possible; salt and pepper; 1/2 cup red wine; 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 apples, cored and cut into eighths; 1/2 cup raisins
Heat oil in large braiser or wok over medium-high flame. Add cabbage and onions; season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Cover, reduce heat, and allow mixture to wilt slightly, about S minutes. Stir in wine, vinegar, and brown sugar. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in apples and raisins; cook another 20-30 minutes. I’ve also used water instead of the wine and omitted the apples and raisins and it’s still yummy! Add additional salt and
pepper to taste. Makes 6 servings.
*This recipe originally called for red cabbage but other than missing the lovely color any cabbage can be used.
INDONESIAN CURRIED CABBAGE
1 large cabbage; 1 large bay leaf; 3 whole cloves; 1 clove garlic; 2 cups beef broth; 3 tbs. grated onion; 4 tbs. butter; 1 tbs. curry powder; 6 tbs. flour; salt and cayenne pepper; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup grated Gouda cheese
Shred cabbage. Rinse in a colander with lukewarm water. Make a bouquet garni of bay leaf, whole cloves and garlic. Place cabbage, broth and bouquet garni in large kettle. Bring to boil. Cook gently 10 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Melt butter in another saucepan. Add curry powder and cook gently 1 minute. Remove pan from heat. Stir in flour and season to taste with salt and cayenne. Carefully blend in milk. Return to heat and stir constantly until sauce boils. Drain cabbage well and discard spices. Combine cabbage and sauce. Pour into buttered casserole. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in 475°F oven 15 minutes or until top bubbles and is nicely browned. Makes 6 to 8 servings
CHUNKY SPICED APPLESAUCE
10 cups cubed, peeled apples (about 3 pounds); 1/2 lemon; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/3 cup water; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Place apple in a large bowl; cover with cold water. Squeeze juice from lemon half into bowl; place lemon half in bowl. Set aside. Combine cranberries and remaining ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook 3 minutes or until cranberries pop. Drain apple; discard lemon. Add apple to pan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until apple is soft Uncover, bring to a boil, and cook 15 minutes. Mash apple mixture with a potato masher. Pour into serving dish; cover and chill at least 2 hours. Yield 7 cups; serving size about 1/2 cup. Makes 12 servings
STUFFED SQUASH
1 squash, cut in half and cooked; 1 cup cooked rice; ½ tbsp butter; ¾ cup minced onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 medium apple, diced; 1 ½ orange, sectioned; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp allspice or cloves; ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp honey; ½ chopped almonds
Melt butter in a medium skillet. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic, apples, oranges and spices, and sauté over medium heat about 5 minutes more. The orange sections may fall apart, but that’s okay. Add the sauté to the rice and mix well. Season to taste with salt and honey. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill the prebaked squash halves and top with chopped nuts. Bake uncovered until heated through- about 20 to 30 minutes.
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.
BRAISED CABBAGE AND VEGETABLES
1/4 c. olive oil or peanut oil; 4 green onions, chopped; 1 medium bell pepper, diced; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1head cabbage, shredded; 1 c water or chicken stock; Salt and pepper to taste
Heat large, heavy, non-reactive pot or skillet over medium high heat; add oil to hot pan, immediately add onions and bell peppers and stir-fry 1 minute. Add crushed red pepper and garlic, stir 15 seconds. Do not allow garlic to brown. Add two handfuls of cabbage; stir 30 seconds. Repeat until all of the cabbage is in pot. Add water or stock, cover and cook 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep from sticking. Add more water if necessary. When cabbage is tender, almost all the liquid will have cooked away. Makes 6 servings
FRUITED CABBAGE SLAW
1/2 pound green cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup pineapple tidbits; 1/2 cup raisins; 1 red apple, cored and cubed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tsp cider vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp celery seed; 1 banana, sliced
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, pineapple, raisins, and apple; set aside. Mix together yogurt, vinegar, sugar, salt, and celery seed. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss until well mixed. Refrigerate 1 hour or more. Just before serving, add sliced banana and toss. Serves 6 to 8
GRILLED (OR GRIDDLED) FENNEL AND ONIONS WITH PARMESAN
1/2 large sweet onion (do not cut off root end); 2 fennel bulbs (stalks removed), about 1 pound total; 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Heat large cast-iron griddle (flat side down, ridged side up) on stove top over medium flame, or prepare outdoor grill for medium heat. Place flat surface of onion half on cutting board and cut into slices that are 1/3-inch thick, leaving some of the root end intact on each slice. Brush both sides of onions lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill onions on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 3-5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, slice whole fennel bulbs lengthwise in the same manner as onions. Steam them over boiling water 8-10 minutes; drain well. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 6-8 minutes per side. Arrange onions and fennel on a colorful platter; scatter Parmesan over the top. This is delicious with grilled fish or lamb, or as a side dish with Italian tomato-based pasta dishes. Makes 6 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
FRESH FENNEL BULB SALAD
One large or 2 small fennel bulbs; 2 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
SPICY POTATO AND CAULIFLOWER
8 ounces potatoes; 5 tablespoons peanut oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 fresh red chile, seeded and finely chopped; 1 medium cauliflower, broken up into small florets; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 2 garlic cloves, cut into shreds; 1-2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped; salt
Cook the potatoes in their skins in boiling salted water for about 20 minutes, until just tender. Drain and let cool. When cool enough to handle, peel and cut into I-inch cubes. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a frying pan or wok. When hot, add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper and chile. Let the spices sizzle for a few seconds. Add the cauliflower and about 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 6-8 minutes. Add the potatoes and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, then remove from the heat. Heat the remaining oil in a small frying pan. When hot, add the cumin seeds and garlic and cook until lightly browned. Pour the mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and serve at once. Serves 2
CABBAGE AND FENNEL WITH PARSLEY-LEMON BUTTER
1/2 small cabbage; 1 large fennel bulb, quartered; 1 large leek, white part only; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; sea salt and freshly ground pepper; juice and zest of 1 lemon; 3 tbsp chervil or parsley leaves
Cut the cabbage, fennel, and leek into very thin slices and wash. Don’t dry, though. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large, wide skillet. Add the vegetables and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and cook gently for 10 minutes. Check after 5 minutes and make sure there’s a little moisture so that the vegetables steam and don’t brown. Meanwhile, simmer the lemon juice in a small skillet until only 1 tablespoon remains. Remove from the heat and whisk in the remaining butter. Finely chop the lemon zest with the chervil. Stir half into the butter and add the other half to the vegetables. Toss well, taste for salt, and season with pepper. Serves 4
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.
WILL”S COLLARD GREENS
1 bunch collard greens, stems cut out and discarded, ¼ cup olive oil, ½ t. salt, ¼ t. pepper, 1t. sugar, 1 t. minced garlic, optional
Wash the collard leaves and stack them (5-10 leaves at a time). Roll them up tightly, and then slice thinly so you have a chiffonade of greens. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat with salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. When the oil is hot, add collards and stir often for 15-20 minutes, until collards are tender, taking care not to burn the greens. Add more oil if necessary. Makes 4 servings.
COLLARDS WITH POTATOES
2 bunches collard greens or a mixture of collards and kale; sea salt and freshly ground pepper; 3 medium yellow-fleshed potatoes, scrubbed and coarsely diced; 3 or 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces, optional; 2 tablespoons peanut or olive oil; 1/2 onion, finely diced; 2 plump garlic cloves, finely chopped; good pinch red pepper flakes; hot pepper sauce or vinegar for the table
Strip the collard leaves from the stems and wash the greens. Bring a few quarts of water to a boil. Add salt and the greens, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Scoop them into a bowl. Add the potatoes to the cooking water and simmer until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned. Set it on paper towels to drain, discard the fat, and wipe out the pan. Return the pan to the heat, add the oil, and when it’s hot, add the onion. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Coarsely chop the cooked greens, and then add them to the pan along with the garlic and pepper flakes. Scoop some of the potato water into the pan as well so that everything cooks in a little moisture, adding more water as needed. When the potatoes are tender, scoop them out and add them to the greens. Add the bacon, and then toss everything together. Taste for salt and season with pepper. Keep everything distinct or mash the potatoes into the greens. It’s messy-looking this way but especially good. Season with pepper sauce or vinegar to taste.
AWESOME PEAR OR APPLE PANCAKE
3 eggs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1\4 tsp salt; 1 tsp almond or pure vanilla extract; 2 ripe pears or 2 tart peeled apples, cored and thinly sliced; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp butter; Confectioners’ sugar or pure maple syrup to taste
Warm an iron skillet in a 425 degree F oven. With a handheld blender, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, toss together pears, sugar, and cinnamon. Melt butter in the warm skillet. Arrange the pears in a single layer on the bottom of the skillet. Carefully pour the batter over the fruit. Bake for 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. To serve, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. 2-4 servings