Winter Share Eight March 9th 2023

Posted by on Mar 8, 2023 in Uncategorized

Important Information:

  • This is a biweekly and monthly share. The next and final monthly share is April 6th but there are four more biweekly shares.
  • Please return all share boxes.
  • Final Summer Share payments are due April 1st. There are still shares available.

Farm News from Jane
Spring is upon us as Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. For those of us who rise early, it is disappointing to have to again wait that extra hour for the sun to rise.  Some of us don’t really have to “watch” the clock because our schedule is more determined by daylight. Although we can’t use outdoor lighting for all our tasks; even though tractors do have lights! I wonder if the beginning of Daylight Savings Time was coordinated with the full moon in mind which was Tuesday. The official first day of spring doesn’t come until Monday March 20th. It used to begin the last Sunday in April and end the first Sunday in November. The season of D.S.T. was increased by six weeks back in 2007; more time in the early evening for light-filled activities. Perhaps it helps with kids’ sports; I guess that I’m looking for the positive side…
In the “hot” house, our toasty warm germinating greenhouse, the green of spring is already quite evident and on a sunny day it is almost exhilarating when you walk in. Next week we will need to open the next and larger greenhouse for the growing seedlings to make room for new vegetable seedings. It is cooler in that house which helps the plants become hardier for the eventual transplanting to the field. In the last few years we seem to have our plants mature and ready to go “outside’ to the fields, but the weather and/or field conditions have not been accommodating. So, this year we have pushed up our start date for seeding. It will be interesting to see how/when spring is “sprung” this year.  It seems everywhere I go people are talking anxiously about spring coming. As Easter and Passover are later this year, maybe the weather will be more spring-like by then. The fields have alternated between frozen and soft and muddy. It will be very interesting to see how the field that was plowed back in February when it was quite dry looks when it dries out again. It was an extremely early “spring plowing”! Hopefully it will give us a head start preparing seedbeds. We just never know what mother nature will send our way. It definitely was a surprise to me last Friday morning to find four inches of very heavy wet snow. Somehow, I thought that it was warm enough that it wouldn’t have accumulated but melted overnight. It was so nice that the ice had finally softened enough to clear off the porch and sidewalk from the ice storm. Because of that the snow shoveled off quickly and easily. It’s a surprise each day; we never know what awaits us… And there’s a special bonus “ingredient” in our share this week, maple syrup. We hope that you’ll all enjoy the sweetness of the season regardless of the weather or “what’s for dinner”. Many blessings, Jane

Produce:   Orange Carrots   Keuka Gold potatoes   Rutabaga   Chioggia beets   Garlic
White Daikon radishes   Red Cabbage   Green Kale   Spinach   Maple syrup  

Produce tips:
– Rutabaga should be refrigerated. Bagging helps to keep it hydrated but not necessary.
– Kale should be bagged before refrigerating.
– Daikon radishes have various ways of preparing; check out the recipe section.

Recipes
ROASTED RADISHES WITH GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
1 # radishes, cut in half, 2 tsp. olive oil, ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper
Green Goddess Dressing: ½ C Greek yogurt, 1T lemon juice, 1 tsp. olive oil, ¼ C chopped green onion, ¼ tsp. minced fresh garlic (about ½ clove garlic), ¼ C roughly chopped fresh parsley, 1T fresh dill (or 1 tsp. dried), ¼ tsp. salt
Preheat the oven to 4000. Place the halved radishes, olive oil and salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir to coat. Pour the radishes onto a parchment lined baking sheet and roast until tender, about twenty minutes. (no need to flip). Meanwhile, place all the dressing ingredients into a blender and blend just until mixed, but a few green flecks remain, about 20 seconds. (The recipe makes extra dressing.) Serve the radishes warm or room temperature with about half of the sauce – either drizzled on top, or served in a small bowl.

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


RADISH AU GRATIN1/2 cup milk; 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger; 1 1/2 pounds radishes, peeled and cut into I-inch cubes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp oil, or pan spray as needed; 1/3 cup half-and-half; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup cottage cheese, drained; 1 tbsp butter; 4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 T flour
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Cook radish in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Heat oil in skillet; add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in butter and flour and stir over low heat, 3-4 minutes. Slowly add milk, stirring, and cook until sauce is thickened. Stir in ginger, salt, pepper, and half-and-half. Add drained cottage cheese and stir until cheese is somewhat melted. (It will finish melting while it bakes with the vegetables.) Spread radish mixture into prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and slightly brown on top, 45-60 minutes. Makes 3-4 servings. Recipe from Edith Thayer, Vermont Valley Farm member

COUSCOUS AND RADISH SALAD
1/2 c water; 1/8 tsp salt; pinch of pepper; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 T olive oil; 1/2 clove garlic, crushed; 1 T onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 c couscous; 1 c radishes, quartered; 1/4 c parsley; 2 tbsp mint; 1/4 tsp lemon rind, grated
Bring water to a boil in saucepan; stir in couscous. Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes; fluff with a fork. Set aside. Mince radishes by hand or in food processor. Place in large bowl. Mince parsley and mint. Add to radishes and stir in couscous. Whisk together lemon rind, salt, pepper, lemon juice, oil and garlic. Add to couscous mixture, toss. Top with onions. Makes 2 servings

BEET AND DAIKON SLAW
2 beets, peeled and cut into l/8-inch julienne (matchsticks); 1 6-inch daikon radish, peeled and cut into l/8-inch julienne; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tsp canola oil; 1 tsp unsalted rice vinegar; 1 tsp sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl, cover, and let stand at least 1/2 hour. Season to taste and serve. Recipe from Bill Maddex, member of Drumlin Community Farm

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

RED CABBAGE SALAD WITH WARM PANCETTA-BALSAMIC DRESSING
1/4 cup dried currants; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 6 cups thinly sliced red cabbage; 1 3-ounce package thinly sliced pancetta (Italian bacon), finely chopped; 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Place currants in small bowl. Heat vinegar in saucepan over medium heat until hot (do not boil). Pour vinegar over currants; let soak until currants soften, 15 to 20 minutes. Place cabbage in large bowl; set aside. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add pancetta; sauté until brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Add shallot to pancetta and drippings in skillet; sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in currant vinegar mixture and olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour pancetta mixture over cabbage and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Add almonds and parsley; toss to blend. 6 Servings

GERMAN-STYLE SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE SOUP
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 6 slices good quality smoky bacon, chopped or very thinly sliced across1 large onion, finely chopped, 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped, 1 1/2 teaspoons caraway or cumin seed, 1 Braeburn, Northern Spy apple or other firm slightly tart variety, finely chopped, 1 small red cabbage, quartered, cored and very thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 pounds), Freshly ground black pepper, Freshly grated nutmeg, Cheesecloth or loose tea teabag filled with: 6 juniper berries, 3 to 4 whole cloves, 2 fresh bay leaves, Curl orange rind, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1/4 cup cider vinegar or wine vinegar, 2 rounded tablespoons dark brown sugar, 6 cups chicken stock, Kosher salt
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and bacon. Brown and crisp bacon and remove to a plate, draining off some fat if you have more than enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pot. Add the onions, carrots, caraway, and apples, and stir a few minutes. Then wilt in the cabbage and season with black pepper and some freshly grated nutmeg. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and wilt cabbage while you prepare the sachet. Fill the cheesecloth with the juniper berries, cloves, bay leaves, orange rind, and cinnamon, and use kitchen twine to tie it to the side of the pot. Drop it into the pot and stir into the cabbage. Add the vinegar, keeping your head back from the hot pot, brown sugar, stock, and water, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until cabbage is very tender and soup has thickened. Stir the bacon bits back in, then adjust the salt to your taste. Cool and store for a make-ahead meal, or serve with grilled cheese sandwiches. Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray

ROSY COLESLAW WITH APPLE AND ONION
4 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 tablespoon sorghum syrup or maple syrup; 1/2 cup shredded or chopped carrot; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 tablespoons finely chopped onion; 1 large tart apple, peeled and finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; salt and pepper
Toss all ingredients except salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve. Makes 6 Servings; Recipe from MACSAC

RED CABBAGE AND APPLE CASSEROLE
1 1/2 pounds red cabbage; 3 onions, chopped; 2 fennel bulbs, roughly chopped; 2 tbsp caraway seeds; 3 large, tart eating apples or 1 large cooking apple; 11/4 cups plain yogurt; 1 tbsp creamed horseradish; salt and freshly ground black pepper; crusty rye bread, to serve
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Shred the cabbage finely, discarding any tough stalks. Mix with the onions, fennel and caraway seeds in a large bowl. Peel, core and chop the apples, then stir them into the cabbage mixture. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Mix the yogurt with the creamed horseradish. Stir the yogurt and horseradish mixture into the casserole, season with salt and pepper and cover tightly.  Bake for 1 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking. Serve hot, with rye bread. Serves 6

MAPLE MUSTARD SALMON
2 ½ tablespoons stone-ground mustard, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon minced fresh thyme, 6 (6 ounce) frozen salmon fillets, thawed and patted dry, 1 teaspoon kosher salt., ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with foil. Whisk together mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme in a small bowl. Season salmon on both sides with salt and pepper and brush with oil. Arrange salmon on prepared baking sheet. Brush with mustard mixture. Bake in the preheated oven until salmon flakes easily with a fork, 8 to 10 minutes.

RUTABAGA SOUP WITH BACON AND SAGE
2 T unsalted butter, 1 medium-large onion, diced, salt, 1 medium-large rutabaga, 6 to 7 ounces, peeled and diced, 2 cloves garlic, sliced, 1 C heavy cream, 1 C whole milk, 3 ½ C vegetable stock, white pepper, 3 T maple syrup, 4 ounces smoked slab bacon, diced fine, 20 fresh sage leaves
Melt butter in a large saucepan on low. Add onion, sprinkle with salt, cover and cook until onion is soft but not brown. Add rutabaga and garlic and cook, covered, about 20 minutes, until rutabaga can be pierced with a knife. Meanwhile, in a 3-quart saucepan, bring cream, milk and stock to a simmer. Season rutabaga with pepper and stir in maple syrup. Cook for a few minutes, then add cream mixture. Simmer uncovered until rutabaga is soft, another 15 minutes or so. Purée in a blender and return to a clean saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook bacon in a small skillet until lightly browned. Remove to a couple of sheets of paper towel. Add sage leaves to bacon fat and cook on high heat a minute or so, until crisp. Drain on paper towel. Reheat soup, check seasonings and serve with bacon and fried sage scattered on top. Recipe from Guillaume Delaune, the chef at Kingsbrae Arms in St. Andrews, New Brunswick; cooking.nytimes.com

MAPLED BEETS
¼ cup maple syrup; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 lb. cooked, sliced beets; 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
In a saucepan blend honey, vinegar and 1 tbsp water. Add butter, beets and onion rings. Simmer until heated through, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook as onion rings should remain crisp. Serves 4.

RUSSIAN CABBAGE BORSCHT
1+1/2 c. thinly sliced potato, 1 c. thinly sliced beets, 4 c. water, 1-2 T butter 11/2c chopped onion, 1 scant tsp. caraway seeds, 11/2 t sp. salt (or more to taste), 1 stalk celery, chopped, 1 medium-sizes carrot, sliced, 3-4 cups shredded cabbage, freshly ground pepper, 1 t. dill (plus extra for garnish), 1-2 T cider vinegar, 1-2 T brown sugar or maple syrup, 1 c tomato puree Toppings: sour cream or yogurt and extra dill
Place potatoes, beets, and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender (20-30 minutes). Meanwhile melt the butter in a kettle or Dutch oven. Add onion, caraway seeds, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent. (8-10 minutes). Add celery, carrots, and cabbage plus 2 cups of the cooking water from the potatoes and beets. Cover and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender (another 8-10 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients (including all the potato and beet water), cover, and simmer for at least 15 more minutes. Taste to correct seasonings, and serve hot, topped with sour cream or yogurt and a light dusting of dill.
Recipe for the New Moosewood Cookbook

MAPLE-GLAZED RADISHES WITH CRUNCHY SEEDS
1 # medium radishes, trimmed and halved, ¼ C water, 3 T butter, 3 T maple syrup, 1 T balsamic vinegar, 1 clove garlic, ½ t salt, 3 T, toasted poppy, sesame and/or sunflower seeds, divided
Combine radishes, water, butter, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the radishes are tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy glaze, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir 2 tablespoons seeds into the radishes. Top with the remaining 1 tablespoon seeds. Recipe from: https://www.eatingwell.com

BAKED RADISHES
1/2 lb. radishes, trimmed and halved; 1 T Maple syrup; 1 T butter; 1 tsp cinnamon
Steam radishes 5 minutes. Drain and arrange in a shallow baking dish. Combine maple syrup, 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

ROOT VEGETABLE STEW WITH HERBED DUMPLINGS STEW
4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 8 ounces Italian sausage links, hot or sweet; 2 pounds assorted root vegetables, peeled and diced; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 T chopped fresh sage or rosemary; 4 C reduced-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups chopped dark, leafy greens, such as beet, turnip or kale
Dumplings: 1 1/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour; 1/2 cup cake flour; 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage or rosemary; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup low-fat milk
To prepare stew: Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and cook until browned on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a clean cutting board. Let cool slightly and cut into 1-inch pieces. If using parsnips, quarter lengthwise and remove the woody core before dicing. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until barely tender, about 4 minutes. Add root vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and sage (or rosemary) and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a simmer, stirring often. To prepare dumplings: Meanwhile, whisk whole-wheat flour, cake flour, sage (or rosemary), baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add egg and milk and stir until a stiff batter forms. When the stew reaches a simmer, stir in greens and the sausage and return to a simmer. Drop the dough, about 1 tablespoon at a time, over the stew, making about 18 dumplings. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook undisturbed until the dumplings are puffed, the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

CREAM OF CARROT AND RUTABAGA SOUP WITH MAPLE SYRUP
4 cups carrots, peeled and sliced, 4 c rutabaga, peeled and chopped, 2 onions chopped, 3 t. butter, 8 c. chicken broth, 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed, 3 t. maple syrup, ¼ c. cream, salt and pepper
In a saucepan, cook the carrots, rutabaga, and onions in the butter for about 5 minutes, without browning. Add the broth, potatoes, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. In a blender, purée the soup until smooth. Add the cream. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Recipe from Ricardocuisine.com

SMOKED PAPRIKA AND RUTABAGA BISQUE
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped, 2 medium celery stalks, coarsely chopped, 1 1/2 pounds rutabaga, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 4 1/4 cups), 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 cups half-and-half, 2 1/2 teaspoons high-quality smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once butter foams, add onion and celery, and season generously with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add rutabaga and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until rutabaga is tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes. Add half-and-half, paprika, and white pepper and stir to combine. Allow soup to cool slightly, then purée in a blender until smooth. (You will have to do this in batches.) Taste and season with more salt and white pepper as needed. Recipe from Chowhound.com

CHILI ROASTED RUTABAGA
2T vegetable oil, 1½ t chili powder. 1t onion powder, 1t garlic salt, ½ t sugar, ½ t 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. Makes 4-6 servings

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

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 POMEGRANATE AND MAPLE PECANS
Salad
: 12 oz Tuscan kale, deveined and sliced into ½ in. ribbons (8c.), 1 large red apple, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced (1+1/4 c), ½ pomegranate seeds, 1+1/2 OZ. Gouda, thinly shaved with vegetable peeler. To assemble salad: place kale in large bowl; gently massage 3 T vinaigrette into leaves to ensure even coverage. Gently toss with apple and pomegranate seeds, and transfer to serving bowl. Top with maple pecans and shaved Gouda.
Maple pecans: ½ c. pecan pieces, 1T maple syrup, 2 t. olive oil, ½ t. salt, ¼ t. cayenne pepper. Preheat oven to 350o. Combine all ingredients in small bowl, and toss until well coated. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 12 minutes, or until toasted and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Let cool to room temperature.
Vinaigrette: 2T. Balsamic vinegar, 2T olive oil, 1 small shallot, peeled and finely minced (1+1/2 T.) To make vinaigrette: whisk together ingredients, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

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

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

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

ROASTED CARROTS
12 carrots, 3 tablespoons good olive oil, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or parsley

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. If the carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise; if not, leave whole. Slice the carrots diagonally in 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. (The carrots will shrink while cooking so make the slices big.) Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a sheet pan in 1 layer and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until browned and tender. Toss the carrots with minced dill or parsley, season to taste, and serve. Recipe from Ina Garten Foodnetwork.com

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 & CINNAMON1 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.

MOROCCAN GRATED CARROT AND BEET SALAD RECIPE

2 cups of grated carrots (from about 3 carrots), 1 cup of grated fresh beets (from about 1 medium sized peeled beet), 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet, not hot), 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, small pinch of salt, small pinch of cayenne, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 teaspoons honey, 2 Tbsp sliced fresh mint leaves
Place the grated carrots in a medium sized serving bowl. Place the grated beets into a sieve and briefly rinse with cold water. This will rinse away a little of the excess beet juice that may otherwise color the whole salad beet red.  Pat dry with a paper towel. Then add to the bowl with the carrots.  Add the raisins.  Stir to gently combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne. Then add the lemon juice and honey and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the carrots and beets, then gently fold until the carrots and beets are lightly coated.  Let sit for an hour before serving, either chilled or at room temperature, for the dressing to seep into the carrots and beets. Right before serving, stir in a couple tablespoons of sliced fresh mint leaves. Garnish with fresh mint. Recipe from simplyrecipes.com

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

GOLDEN HARVEST POTATO BAKE
5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed, 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, 5 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper
Place the potatoes, carrots, garlic and tarragon in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. In a large bowl, mash the vegetables. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, milk, eggs, vinegar, butter, salt, parsley and pepper until blended. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.

WARM BAVARIAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD WITH SAUSAGE
2 pounds Yukon Gold or large fingerling potatoes, scrubbed; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon prepared hot mustard; 3/4 cup chopped onion; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken stock; 3/4-pound pork sausage links; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
Cook potatoes in salted water until barely tender. Drain, cool slightly, peel, and slice 1/3-inch thick. Meanwhile, make sauce: Combine remaining ingredients (except parsley) in saucepan, bring to simmer, and cook 5-7 minutes. Gently toss with potatoes. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange sausages on baking sheet; bake 8-10 minutes. Cut each link into 4 pieces. Add sausages and parsley to potatoes; mix gently. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 6 servings. Recipe from MACSAC

SMASHED YUKON GOLD POTATOES WITH BLUE CHEESE AND TOASTED NUTS
2 pounds young Yukon Gold potatoes (unpeeled); 4 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk or cream; salt and pepper; 1/2-pound blue cheese, crumbled; 1/4-pound (about 1 cup) nuts
Cook potatoes and place in large bowl. Add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper (or to taste). Smash with fork, leaving some large pieces. Lightly toss in blue cheese. Sprinkle with nuts. Makes 6 servings.

SPICY OVEN FRIES
3 # potatoes, 2-3 Tbsp olive oil; spice mix; 4 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
Spice Mix: 1 tsp. salt, 1/2tsp oregano, 1/2tsp garlic powder, 1/4tsp chili powder, 1/4tsp pepper Hint; when mixing spices, I multiply by 8 so that I have the spice mix on hand for quicker do ahead preparation. If doing smaller quantity of potatoes try using a scant tsp of spice mix with 1 T of cheese to each pound of potatoes. Chop or slice potatoes as desired. Toss with olive oil to coat. Mix spices and parmesan cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

BEET CARPACCIO

For salad: 1 lb. beets (preferably Chioggia), trimmed and peeled, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup roasted pistachio nutmeats, 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup greens

For dressing: 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon, 1 teaspoon superfine sugar, 1/3 cup olive oil, salt and white pepper

Thinly slice the beets with a mandolined slicer.  Place the slices into a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup lemon juice.  Set aside. (The lemon juice will help preserve the color of the beets when you cook them, so let them sit at least 10 minutes while you prep everything else.) Make the dressing: Mix together vinegar, sour cream, tarragon, and sugar with a wire whisk until well-blended.  Slowly add the olive oil, while whisking constantly.  (This creates an emulsion).  Add salt and white pepper to taste.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Bring water to a boil in a large pot that has a steamer tray.  If you like, add salt and a splash of lemon juice to the water.  Once boiling, place beet slices on the streamer tray (it’s alright if they overlap slightly).  Cover and steam for 5-6 minutes, or until tender yet firm.  Briefly shock the beets in an ice bath, then drain.  Layer the beets and onions on four small plates.  Sprinkle with pistachios and feta cheese crumbles.  Make sure the dressing is well-stirred, then lightly drizzle over the salad. Top with microgreens. Recipe from Restaurant Widow; Serves 4

QUICK BEET SALAD
¼ C sour cream, 1T horseradish, 1T chopped fresh dill, 2t olive plus 1T live oil divided, ¼ t ground pepper, 1/8 t salt, 1# precooked beets cut into ¼ “slices or wedges, 1t white wine vinegar
Combine sour cream, horse radish, dill, 2 t oil, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Toss beets with vinegar and the remaining 1T oil. Serve the beets topped with the sauce. Recipe from Eating Well magazine

BEET & GOAT CHEESE HUMMUS
1 large beet, 1 can chickpeas, 2 lemons, 1/4 C tahini paste, 1 tsp salt, 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese,
1/4 C olive oil
First scrub the beet and chop into large cubes. Bake in aluminum foil or on a baking tray at 400°F until soft enough to pierce with a fork (about 25-30 minutes). Allow the beet to cool. In a food processor combine the beet (and any juices you were able to reserve), the rinsed *chickpeas, juice from two lemons, tahini paste, salt and goat cheese. Pulse until well blended. Now while the food processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until smooth. Crumble a little more goat cheese on top for a pretty presentation. Recipe from simplyrecipes.com

WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH GREENS & BEETS
3 medium beets, 6 tablespoons olive oil, Salt and Freshly ground pepper, 2 cups whole wheat berries
1 bunch kale or 2 cups spinach, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or other vinegar, 1⁄2 cup minced shallots, 1 tablespoon finely chopped sage, or 1 tsp if dried, 2 garlic gloves, 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and roast chopped beets until tender. Bring wheat berries, 5 cups water, and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Cook over medium heat until tender. About 25-30 minutes. Remove stems from kale, slice leaves, and add to pot with wheat berries (or chop and add spinach or other greens if using). Cover and remove from heat. Steam until wilted, about 5 minutes. Drain and mix in a bowl with beets, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Use salt and pepper to taste, toss.
In a medium skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, add shallots and a pinch of salt and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes or until brown. Add the sage and cook for one minute, add garlic and cook for an additional minute while stirring. And wine and simmer, while continuing to stir, until evaporated. Add to salad, toss, and serve. Can be made ahead and refrigerated. Recipe form red Fire farm

SUNNY-SIDE-UP EGGS ON MUSTARD-CREAMED SPINACH WITH CRISPY CRUMBS

1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless country-style bread; 5 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided; 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 9-ounce package fresh spinach leaves; 3 tablespoons half and half; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; 2 large eggs; Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss crumbs with 2 teaspoons mustard, 2 teaspoons oil, and mustard seeds in medium bowl to coat. Scatter on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, add enough water to deep large nonstick skillet to cover bottom. Add spinach; toss over high heat to wilt, about 2 minutes. Scrape into sieve set over bowl; press out liquid. Wipe out skillet; reserve. Transfer spinach to medium saucepan. Add 3 teaspoons mustard, half and half, and chopped thyme. Stir over medium heat until thick, about 3 minutes. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in reserved skillet over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into skillet, spacing apart. Fry until whites are cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Divide spinach between 2 plates, spreading out as base for eggs. Top with eggs, crumps, and thyme sprigs. 2 Servings

POTATO AND YAM SOUP WITH BACON AND SPINACH
6 slices apple wood-smoked bacon (about 6 ounces), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, pressed; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice; 1 10-ounce yam (red-skinned sweet potato), peeled, quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices; 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 10 ounces), quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/3- inch-thick slices; 2 medium red-skinned potatoes (about 10 ounces), quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices; 4 to 5 cups low-salt chicken broth; 1 5- to 6-ounce package baby spinach
Sauté bacon in large pot over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Add onion to drippings in pot; increase heat to medium-high and sauté until beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice. Stir until almost all liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add all potatoes; stir to coat. Add 4 cups broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar. Simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes. Add spinach and bacon; stir until spinach wilts, about 1 minute, adding broth by 1/2 cupfuls if too thick. Season with salt and pepper; 4- 6 main-course servings

GRILLED CHICKEN AND SPINACH SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 oz each), 7 oz bag baby spinach, few thin slices of red onion,  1/2 sweet red bell pepper, sliced into strips, 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes sliced in half, 1 carrot, sliced into ribbons, For the Marinade: 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice,  tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic, crushed, , kosher salt to taste, fresh ground black pepper to taste, For the White Balsamic Vinaigrette:, 1/4 cup basil leaves, 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp chopped shallots, 1 tbsp water, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper
Combine the marinade ingredients – lemon juice, oregano, garlic puree, salt and black pepper and pour over chicken, let it marinade in the refrigerator a minimum of two hours, but preferably 4-6 hours or longer.
Read more at http://www.skinnytaste.com/grilled-chicken-spinach-salad-with/#ah5uXySYI0J5wOE4.99 Place all the vinaigrette ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside. Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high, make sure your grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. When the grill is hot, lay the chicken on the grill. Cook the chicken until well browned on both sides and firm, but not hard to the touch. Transfer to a plate when done. Divide spinach, onions, carrots, tomatoes and peppers on 4 plates. Top with the chicken and drizzle with balsamic dressing over each. Skinnytaste.com

WILTED SPINACH SALAD
6 cups torn spinach (5 oz), 1 C sliced fresh mushrooms, ¼ C thinly sliced green onions, dash of pepper, 3 slices of bacon, ¼ C vinegar, 2 t. sugar, ½ t. dry mustard 1 hard cooked egg, chopped
In a large bowl combine spinach, mushrooms, and green onions. If desired, sprinkle with pepper; set aside. For dressing, in a 12-inch skillet cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving 2 T drippings in skillet (add oil if necessary). Or, if desire, substitute 2 T vegetable oil for the bacon drippings. Crumble bacon; set aside. Stir vinegar, sugar, and dry mustard into drippings. Bring to a boiling; remove from heat. Add the spinach mixture. Toss mixture in skillet 30-60 seconds or until spinach is just wilted. Transfer spinach mixture into a serving dish. Add chopped egg and crumbled bacon; toss to combine. Serve salad immediately; serves 4.
Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook

PROSCIUTTO, SPINACH, AND PASTA CASSEROLE
8 oz. dried orecchiette, mostaccioli, or ziti, 2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges, or 5 medium leeks, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 T butter, ¼ C all-purpose flour, ½ t. anise seeds, crushed, 13/4 C milk, 11/2 C chicken broth, ¼ C parmesan cheese, 1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach thawed and well drained, 2 oz. prosciutto, ctr into thin bite size strips, 1 medium tomato seeded and chopped
Cook pasta according to pkg. directions, drain, rinse pasta with cold water. Drain again. In a large saucepan Cook onions and garlic, covered, in hot butter about 5 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and anise seeds. Add milk and chicken broth all at once. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Stir in the cooked pasta, spinach, and prosciutto. Spoon mixture into a 2-qt. casserole. Bake, covered, in a 3500 oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand about 5 minutes. To serve, stir gently and top with chopped tomato.