Winter Share Four January 11th 2024
Important information:
- This is a monthly as well as biweekly winter share. The next monthly share is Feb. 8th and the next biweekly is Jan. 25th.
- Please locate and return all share boxes to your distribution site.
- Thanks to all you have signed-up for a summer share. Enrollment continues by mail or on-line @
https://promisedlandcsa.com/csa/sign-up/ We conclude enrollment April 1st so we are able to spend our time preparing for spring and summer cultivation of produce!
Farm News from Jane
What windy winter weather we’ve had. Lots of limbs down and a section of barn roof peeled off. But we are thankful that the greenhouses are all standing fine. However, it does sound a bit unnerving when working in them when the winds are so strong! A couple of us enjoyed the short time of snow coverage and went cross country skiing at Darien State Park. The conditions were great until Sunday. The temperature dropped and the snow was so sticky that I had a three-inch coating of snow build up under my skis and had to walk out on them rather than ski. No complaints though it was great exercise! We did have some sun accompany us one day for a while. We really haven’t had any clear skies with sunshine for a few weeks. I am missing those unique and spectacular winter colors as the sun is setting. There are so beautiful hues of pink and peach and lavender and gray. But winter has really just begun, so there’s lots of time yet to enjoy the winter sunsets. And because they are earlier in the evening one is able to enjoy them on the drive home, (if you work day shift that is)! Morning skies are just as spectacular!
We hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays. We enjoyed lots of family time sharing good food and a few presents! And the best news is that our numbers have increased since the holidays. We welcomed Ben & Crystal’s new baby girl, Emma Ruth to our family yesterday. Mom and babe are both doing well. What a wonderful time to have a baby; when the weather is cold and snowy or blowy and you are happy to snuggle in at home. Long nights to rest and lots of warm oven meals to enjoy…
We were happy that the weather cooperated this week and we were able to harvest spinach, Swiss chard and kale. It’s so nice to have fresh greens to enjoy this time of year. And hopefully you’ll have time to try out a favorite soup or a new recipe with a different combination of veggies. I love a good hearty stew this time of year; yummy comfort food! I hope that you will enjoy some too. Nothing says “I love you” like a home-made meal! Blessings for health and contentment in the start of a new year, Jane
Produce: Adirondack Red potatoes Butternut squash Acorn squash
Golden beets orange Carrots Napa cabbage Garlic Red onions
White Daikon radishes Rutabaga Spinach Swiss Chard Green Kale
Produce tips:
– Adirondack red potatoes are a most creamy variety that make great mashed potatoes or German potato salad if you don’t mind pink!
– Remember that Napa cabbage adds a great crunch to your fresh salad or tacos or is wonderful in a stir fry!
– Black radishes are a hearty variety and take a little more time to peel. Check out the recipe section for ideas.
– Both the white daikon and black radishes just beg for a good stir fry!
– Try a soup with the Golden beets for something pretty and yummy.
– Enjoy the winter squash as it is winding down; hopefully we’ll have one or two more distributions to share it. The butternut is a bit dehydrated from being in storage since October but it will be even sweeter!
– And don’t forget to make a pot of that delicious apple rutabaga soup that uses the butternut squash!
– Swiss chard is a small bunch. Chiffonade it into ribbons and add it to a salad or stir fry!
Recipes
DIJON ROASTED BEETS
3 lbs. beets, uniform in size (about 2 inches); 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; Juice of one orange; 1 tsp sugar; 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp fresh minced rosemary
Trim beets of all but 1/2-inch stem and root. Place beets in roasting pan; add 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast at 400 degrees 45 minutes or until beets are tender. Whisk mustard, orange juice, sugar, and vinegar in bowl. Whisk in remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil and rosemary. Set aside. When beets are cool enough to handle, rub to remove skin cut into quarters. Add warm beets to bowl and toss with dressing. Let stand 30 minutes while beets absorb dressing. Makes 8 servings
FRIED BEETS AND CARROTS
2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 2 medium beets, quartered, sliced 1/4-inch thick; 2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick; tamari sauce; greens
Heat olive oil in skillet. Add cumin; cook about 1 minute. Add beets and carrots; fry until tender. Remove from heat, sprinkle on a little tamari, and serve. Variation: If using young beets save the tops. When the beets and carrots are tender, add chopped greens, cover, and cook until soft. Toss mixture, sprinkle with tamari, and serve. Makes 2-4 servings. Recipe from Linda Derrickson, Sunporch Cafe
ORANGE-GINGER BEETS
1/2-pound beets, cooked; 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1/2 tsp grated orange rind or 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/3 cup orange juice; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice to taste; 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tbsp butter or margarine; 1 tsp sugar; Grated orange rind for garnish
Cut cooked beets in julienne strips; set aside. In small bowl mix orange rind and juice, lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, ginger, salt, and pepper to taste. Melt butter or margarine in saucepan; add orange juice mixture. Stir over medium heat until mixture boils; reduce heat. Add beets and return to boil again. Remove and serve with sprinkling of grated orange rind for an extra touch. Serves 2
ORANGE BORSCHT
4 medium-size beets peeled and coarsely grated; 5 cups beef stock; salt; freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 cups tomato juice; 2 1/2 cups orange juice; yogurt; chopped chives
Bring grated beets to a boil in beef stock which has been seasoned to taste with salt and pepper. Turn down heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Add tomato juice. Puree mixture in electric blender, then add orange juice, mixing well to combine. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and chopped chives. Yield: approximately 10 cups
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
WARM GOLDEN BEET SALAD WITH GREENS AND ALMONDS 1 bunch beets, both tops and roots, olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled, 2/3 cup toasted almond slivers.
Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan or cake tin with a big square of foil, large enough to complete enclose the beet roots. Lightly rinse the beet roots to remove any really clumpy dirt and pat them dry. Place them in the foil square and lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Fold up the foil and crease to seal. Bake the beets for 60 minutes or until they can be just pierced with a fork. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, chop the beet greens into bite-size ribbons. Discard the stalks between the roots and where the leaves start, but chop the leaf ribs along with the leaves. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt and grit. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook on low for about 5 minutes or until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Add the chopped leaves and stir to coat with the garlic. Cook on medium-low for about 10 minutes or until the leaves are soft and tender. Remove from the heat. When the beets are cool, rub them with a paper towel to remove the skin. Then chop into bite sized pieces and toss with the cooked greens, goat cheese, and almonds. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or cold. (This also makes an excellent pressed sandwich filling, especially with some extra goat cheese.)
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
RADISH AU GRATIN
1/2 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
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
BLACK RADISH CHIPS
2 pounds black radishes, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400. Using a mandolin, slice the radishes 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Place in a large mixing bowl and toss with the oil, salt and pepper. Arrange the radishes on a single layer on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400 10 to 15 minutes, turn once, until lightly browned and slightly crisp. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with your favorite dip.
BLACK RADISH AND POTATO SALAD
1-lb. small waxy potatoes, 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed with the side of the knife blade, 1 medium black radish, about ½-pound, 2 teaspoons honey vinegar or other mild vinegar, 4 teaspoons olive oil, 1 tsp. smoked paprika, a small bunch of chives, finely snipped, a few sprigs of parsley, leaves roughly chopped, the meat from 10 walnuts, crumbled, sea salt, freshly ground pepper
Scrub the potatoes (no need to peel them) and cut them into small chunks. Place them with the garlic clove in a steamer, sprinkle with salt, and steam for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just cooked through (the tip of a knife should meet no resistance). Scrub the black radish (no need to peel it, unless it is old and its skin is really tough) and carve out any crack or hole that may harbor dirt. Grate using the large holes of a box grater. Go through the pile of grated radish and check for any brown bits, which may taste unpleasantly earthy. Place them in a medium salad bowl, sprinkle with salt, toss to coat, and set aside while the potatoes are cooking; the salt will take the edge off the radish. When the potatoes are cooked, set aside to cool until just slightly warm. Chop the steamed garlic clove finely and add it to the salad bowl. Add the vinegar, oil, and paprika, and toss to combine. Add the potatoes and the herbs to the bowl, sprinkle with pepper, and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Top with the crumbled walnuts, and serve. Leftovers keep well until the next day.
BLACK RADISH SALAD
4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard, 2 black radishes (weighing about one-half pound each) peeled and trimmed, one small shallot, sliced paper-thin, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, fine sea salt
In a medium sized bowl whisk together the lemon juice and the mustard, then slowly whisk in the olive oil into the mixture until it emulsifies. Grate the radish on a grater with small holes. Add the grated radish and the shallot to the vinaigrette and toss so that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt. Serve immediately.
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
QUICK MEAL CABBAGE WITH HAM AND SESAME SEEDS
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil; 6-8 cups shredded cabbage; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock or water; 1+1/4-1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup thin strips of ham; lemon juice; toasted sesame seeds Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in large skillet. Add ham; sauté 1 minute. Add cabbage. Stir in stock. Cover, and simmer hard until most of the stock is absorbed and cabbage is wilted and tender, 5-10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with sesame seeds. Inspired by a recipe by Pam Anderson with Karen Tack in Cook s Illustrated January 1995. Serves 4
GADO GADO
9 ounces Chinese cabbage, shredded; 4 carrots, cut into matchsticks; 4 bok choy ribs, cut into matchsticks; 9 ounces (4 cups) bean sprouts; fried onion, salted peanuts and sliced fresh hot pepper, to garnish
For the peanut sauce: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove; crushed; 1 small piece galangal, peeled and grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon tamarind paste or lime juice; 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Steam the cabbage, carrots and bok choy for 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Let cool. Spread out the bean sprouts on a large serving dish. Arrange the cabbage, carrots, bok choy on top. To make the sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and garlic and cook gently for 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in the galangal and spices and cook for 1 minute. Add the tamarind paste or lime juice, peanut butter and sugar. Mix well. COOK’S TIP ~ As long as the sauce remains the same, the vegetables can be altered at the whim of the cook and reflect the contents a/the vegetable bin. Heat the sauce gently, stirring occasionally and adding a little hot water, if necessary, to make the sauce runny enough to coat the vegetables when poured. Spoon a little of the sauce over the vegetables and toss lightly together. Garnish with fried onion, peanuts and sliced hot pepper. Serve the rest of the sauce separately in a bowl. Serves 4
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
Mix all ingredients (except greens); toss with greens. This is also good with Napa cabbage, bok choy, snow peas, or cucumbers. Makes 1/2 cup dressing. Recipe from Oak Ridge Farm
SCANDINAVIAN CABBAGE SOUP
2 C. cabbage, chopped; l C. onion, sliced; l C. celery slices; 1 C. peas; l C. thin sliced carrots; 2 C. creamed corn; 1 stick butter; 21/2-3cps milk; 1 tsp salt; 1/4tsp pepper; 1 tsp thyme; 1/4tsp garlic powder or fresh garlic to taste; 11/2-2cps shredded cheddar cheese.
Sauté cabbage, onions, celery, peas, and carrots in butter until tender, stirring frequently. Add milk and seasonings. Heat over low; add cheese, stirring until melted.
SPICY POTATO, SAUSAGE AND GREENS SOUP 1 # bulk hot Italian sausage; 1/2 cup chopped onion, or more to taste; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (slice them with skins on); 4 cups water; 2 packed cups torn or chopped fresh greens; 1/3 cup whipping cream; salt and pepper
Heat soup pot over medium flame. Add sausage and onions and cook until meat is no longer pink. Add broth, potatoes, and 4 cups water. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Stir in greens; cook 1-2 minutes. Stir in whipping cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve right away, or, for more developed flavor, let cool, then chill and reheat later or the next day. This recipe was inspired by a soup at Olive Garden restaurant. Add some buttered biscuits and it’s a perfect winter meal. Makes 8-12 servings. Recipe from JoAnn Hoffman, Vermont Valley Farm member
HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD
1 ½ lb. of potatoes, (about 4 medium), cut into halves, 3 slices of bacon, 1 medium onion, 1T. flour, 1T. sugar, 1 t. salt, ¼ t. celery seed, dash of pepper, ½ c. water, ¼ c. vinegar
Heat one-inch salted water (1/2 t. salt to 1 cup water) to boiling. Add potatoes. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook until tender, 20-25, minutes, drain and cool. Fry bacon in 8-inch skillet until crisp; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir onion in bacon fat until tender. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, celery seed and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Crumble bacon into hot mixture, then slice in warm potatoes. Cook, stirring gently to coat potato slices, until hot and bubbly. Serves 5-6; recipe from the Betty Crocker Cookbook. A family favorite of ours!
FABULOUS GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
2 1/2 # potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 in. chunks, 3 garlic cloves peeled, 1 t. salt. plus, additional to taste, 2/3 C chicken broth, ¼ C sour cream, ¼ t freshly ground pepper, 1/8 t grated nutmeg
Place potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and add 1 t salt. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, return then to a pot, and place over low heat for about 1 minute until thoroughly dry. Transfer to a large bowl, or leave them in the saucepan to mash. Add the broth to the potatoes, and mash with a potato masher or handheld electric mixer to make a smooth puree. Add the sour cream and continue to mash until the potatoes are light and fluffy. Season with pepper, nutmeg and salt to taste. Makes four side dish servings; recipe form AMA’s Family Health Cookbook
VEGAN PINK MASHED POTATOES WITH GINGER AND CARDAMOM
2 Adirondack Red potatoes, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1/2 cup hemp (or soy) milk, 1/8 teaspoon cardamom, 1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger, finely chopped, salt to taste
Scrub potatoes and cut into chunks. (I always leave the nutrient-rich peel on.) Place them in a pot of boiling water and boil until tender, then drain. Add all other ingredients and mash with a potato masher until smooth and perfectly lavender.
GARLIC MASHED-RUTABAGA AND POTATO
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups), 2 medium rutabagas, peeled and cubed (about 5 cups), 2 garlic cloves, peeled, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 to 1/3 cup warm buttermilk
Place potatoes, rutabagas and garlic in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain; return to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding butter, salt, pepper and enough buttermilk to reach desired consistency.
RUTABAGA CARROT COLESLAW WITH BUTTERMILK GARLIC DRESSING
1 large or 2 medium rutabagas (about 1 pound); 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 large carrot (about 1/4 pound); salt and pepper to taste; 6-8 tablespoons Buttermilk Garlic dressing (recipe follows)
Peel rutabagas and carrot; cut into large chunks and shred in food processor or on very large grate holes of hand-held grater. Toss with remaining ingredients and chill hour. Makes 4 servings; Recipe from MACSAC
APPLE RUTABAGA SOUP
Melt 4 oz. butter; Add: l cp coarsely chopped onion; l cp peeled, cored, chopped apple; l cp peeled chopped rutabaga; l cp peeled, seeded chopped butternut squash; l cp chopped carrots; l cp peeled, chopped sweet potatoes. Cook until onions are translucent, stir occasionally. Add; l qt chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and cook till vegetables are tender and cooked through. Puree in small batches. Add: l c heavy cream; l cp milk; 1/4 c maple syrup. Return to stove and heat through. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
ROOT VEGETABLE STEW WITH HERBED DUMPLINGS STEW
4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 8 ounces Italian sausage links, hot or sweet; 2 # assorted root vegetables, peeled and diced; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or rosemary; 4 cups 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.
CHILI ROASTED RUTABAGA
2T vegetable oil, 1½t chili powder. 1t onion powder, 1t garlic salt, 1/2t sugar, 1/2t paprika, ½ t cayenne, 1½ # 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. Serves 4-6
RUTABAGA & POTATO PUREE
1 1/2 pounds rutabaga, peeled and cut into small chunks, 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks, 4 cloves garlic, peeled, Salt, to taste, 1/3 cup nonfat milk, scaled, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, freshly ground white or black pepper, to taste
Place rutabagas and potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add garlic and season with salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the vegetables are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return the vegetables to the pan. Place the pan over low heat and toss for about 1 minute to dry the vegetables slightly. Mash the rutabagas, potatoes and garlic with a hand mixer or potato masher. Add enough milk to make a smooth puree. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper. Serves 8; Recipe from Eating Well Magazine
CARROT AND RUTABAGA MASH
1# carrots peeled, and 1# rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, 3T. butter, salt and pepper
Boil carrots and rutabaga until just soft. Smash together with a potato masher or food processor until it looks like a puree. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired. Recipe courtesy of Robert Irvine; Food Network
RUTABAGA “POTATO” SALAD
2 medium to large rutabaga, 1/4 -1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/4 to 1/2 an onion, diced, 1-2 T sweet relish, garlic powder, salt, pepper
Other fun ingredients to try: salad greens, celeriac, celery salt, hard-boiled eggs, dill, dill seed, chopped dill pickle, raw bok choy, diced carrots, even some cooked potatoes mixed in! Clean, peel, and chop the rutabaga into cubes. Put into a pot, just cover with water, and boil until soft and edible, when a fork goes through easily. Drain water out. Rinse the rutabaga in cold water if you want to get it to be a cold salad. Mix in all other ingredients. You can soak the diced onions in warm water (or the rutabaga boiling water) to mellow them if you want. Adjust flavorings to taste. Chill in the fridge, or eat warm. Recipe from Red Fire farm
RUTABAGA AND CARROT SOUP
2 tablespoons of butter, 1 medium rutabaga diced, 2 large carrots sliced, 1 onion, chopped, 6 cups of chicken stock, black pepper, salt to season, 1/4 cup of fresh whipping cream (optional)
Melt the butter in the bottom of a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the carrots, turnips and onion, stirring them well to completely coat them in butter. Cover the pot and sweat the vegetables for 10 minutes to soften them. Shake the pan every 3 minutes to prevent any sticking, but resist the temptation to lift the lid. Trapping the steam in the pot is key to building up a good vegetable sweat. Add the stock and season well with salt and pepper. I like plenty of freshly ground black pepper in this soup. Bring the soup to boiling point, lower the heat. then cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are nice and tender. Turn the heat off and let the soup cool a little before blending it. I use my hand-held blender to blitz the vegetables, but a regular stand-up blender can also be used. Complete the process in batches if using a regular blender. And finally, add the cream. This step is optional, but I love the extra depth of flavor cream lends to this soup. You can add the cream in the pot and blitz the soup again, or do as I do, and add a spoon of cream to each bowl before serving. Recipe from IrishAmericanmom.com
VEGAN KALE AND RUTABAGA LASAGNA
1 large rutabaga or 2 small rutabagas peeled, and spiralized or shredded, 3.5 cups tomato basil sauce, 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 8 cups chopped kale, 3 cloves of garlic minced, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 large shallot minced, salt and pepper to taste, Cashew cheese or substitute of 2 C other cheese
For the cashew cheese:1.5 cups cashews soaked in water for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) and drained, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 cup vegetable broth
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Slice halfway through the rutabaga, just to the center (careful not to go further.) Spiralize the rutabaga, using Blade A. Place a medium pot over medium-high heat, add in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, lower heat to low to keep warm on the stovetop.
Place all of the ingredients for the cheese into a high-speed blender or food processor and process until creamy. Taste and adjust with more salt, if needed. Set aside. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Once oil is shimmering, add in the kale, garlic, red pepper flakes, shallots and season with salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes or until kale is wilted. Gather all of your prepared ingredients to build the lasagna. Take out a casserole dish (I use 4.2 quart) and add about 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of the rutabaga on top. Then, add a layer of the cheese mixture. Then, add in a layer of the kale mixture. Top with tomato basil sauce and spread it around with the back of a spatula or otherwise. Top with a layer of rutabaga. Then, add the cashew cheese. Then, add a layer of kale mixture. Then, add in a layer of the tomato basil sauce. Top with a layer of the rutabaga and then, top with the remaining tomato sauce. Cover the casserole dish and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. After 40 minutes, poke the top layer and if you can easily pierce through the rutabaga, it’s done. If you can’t, bake another 5 minutes. Once the lasagna is done, carefully cut into 4 very large pieces or 6 medium pieces.
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
ASIAN PEANUT NOODLE SLAW WITH SHREDDED CHICKEN
Cook 4 oz. spaghetti according to package directions about ten minutes. Drain and rinse to cool. In a large bowl, whisk 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup water, 3 T each seasoned rice vinegar and lime juice, 1 T packed brown sugar, 1T low sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp. (or to taste) siracha until smooth. Add spaghetti, 21/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 6 cups shredded cabbage, 2 cups shredded carrots, 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro or parsley. Toss well. Scatter ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts over the top. Recipe form FAMILYCIRCLE.COM
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
HEIRLOOM CARROT SALAD WITH SWEET ORANGE AND THYME VINAIGRETTE
6 Tbs. olive oil, ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish, 1 Tbs. finely chopped shallot, 1 tsp. honey, 1 ½ lbs. heirloom carrots, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Whisk together oil, vinegar, orange juice, thyme, shallot, and honey in large bowl. Hold each carrot over bowl containing vinaigrette and, using a vegetable peeler or spiral slicer, peel long, thin strips into bowl. Toss to mix. Toast pine nuts in skillet over low heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and tossing frequently to prevent burning. Add pine nuts to carrots, and toss to mix. Sprinkle with parsley, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Recipe from Vegatariantimes.com
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
SPINACH SALAD WITH HONEY-BACON DRESSING RECIPE
8 C torn fresh spinach, 1C sliced fresh mushrooms, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, 1 medium tomato, chopped, 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, 1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped, 1 C shredded Parmesan cheese
Honey-bacon dressing:2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon yellow or spicy brown mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Combine the first seven ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; pour over salad. Serve immediately. Yield: 8-10 servings. Recipe from TasteofHome.com
WHITE BEAN, SAUSAGE AND SPINACH CASSEROLE
3 T olive oil, 1 lb. bulk mild Italian sausage, 1 medium onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 T all-purpose flour, 5 oz fresh baby spinach, 1 can (14.5 oz) roasted diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (14.5 oz) rushed tomatoes, undrained, 1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, drained, rinsed, ¾ cup plain panko crispy bread crumbs. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink. Add onion, garlic, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes; continue to cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables have softened slightly. Sprinkle flour over top, and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add half of the spinach to sausage mixture; cook and stir about 1 minute or until wilted. Add remaining half of the spinach; continue to cook and stir about 1 minute or until wilted. Add tomatoes and beans; cook about 1 minute, stirring and scraping bottom of pan, until combined. Remove from heat; transfer to baking dish. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle over top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly around edges and brown on top. Recipe from Bettycrocker.com
CHEESY SPINACH RAMEN FRITTATA RECIPE
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 bunch green onions, chopped, 2 (5 ounce) packages fresh baby spinach, 3 tablespoons water, divided, 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles (flavor packets discarded), 7 large eggs, 3/4 cup garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Heat oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet (with lid) over medium heat. Cook green onions, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add 1 package spinach and 2 tablespoons water and cook, covered, until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir spinach with tongs, then add remaining package spinach and remaining tablespoon water. Cook, covered, stirring once or twice, until tender, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Break each ramen noodle block into 4 pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 minutes. Drain noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water. Toss noodles with spinach mixture in skillet and spread mixture evenly over bottom of pan. Blend eggs, spreadable cheese, and salt in a blender until smooth. Pour egg mixture evenly over spinach mixture. Stir spinach mixture gently with a fork to allow egg mixture to flow underneath. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until puffed slightly and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cut into 4 wedges and serve from skillet. Allrecipes.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.
SPINACH & HERB POTATO CASSEROLE
6 large potatoes, peeled and boiled; approximately 3#, 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup butter, softened, 2 teaspoons salt, 1-1/2 teaspoons dill weed, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained
In a large bowl, whip potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream and butter until smooth. Add all remaining ingredients and continue to beat until well mixed. Spoon into a greased 2-qt. casserole. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
Recipe form Tasteofhome.com
SQUASH-NUT PANCAKES
1 C Best Winter Squash Puree; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 C all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp. baking powder; 1 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. sugar; 1/4 tsp. cinnamon; pinch of cloves; 3/4 C finely chopped pecans; 3/4 C bread crumbs; Vegetable oil for frying
Beat together the puree and eggs. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and spices. Stir the dry ingredients into the squash mixture. Mix the nuts and bread crumbs, and spread them over a sheet of waxed paper. Spoon a tablespoon of the batter onto the nuts and bread crumbs, turn to coat the other side and flatten the pancake slightly. Fry in 1-inch hot (375 degrees F.) oil until golden on both sides.
BEST WINTER SQUASH PUREE
3-4 lbs. winter squash; Butter; Pinch each salt and ground cloves (if desired)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Scoop out and discard seeds and stringy fibers. Set the cleaned pieces in a large roasting pan. Add hot water to a depth of 1-2 inch and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the pulp is tender. Scrape out pulp and puree it in a food processor or blender, or force through a fine strainer or food mill. Stir in butter, salt and cloves to taste. Refrigerate, freeze or reheat and serve hot.
QUICK SWEET WINTER SQUASH SOUP
3 ½ Cups Best Winter Squash Puree; 4 1/2 Cups light cream; 5 Tablespoons honey; 2 Tablespoons butter; 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 Teaspoon salt; 1/4 Teaspoon each ground cinnamon, mace and nutmeg; 1 Orange, juice and zest; Whipped cream (optional)
Combine the squash puree, 2 cups of the cream, the honey and butter, and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until warm. Mix together the spices and sugar; add to the squash mixture and simmer gently without allowing to boil. Grate the orange zest and squeeze and strain the juice, then add both a bit at a time to the hot soup, blending well. Allow the soup to simmer for minutes, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Stir in the remaining cream and chill well. Serve cold, with dollops of whipped cream if desired. Serves six
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel and cube one butternut squash. Add 1-2 Tbsp olive oil to coat. Put squash on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. This is also a great cooking method for potatoes, carrots, rutabagas and garlic.
THAI SQUASH
Oil or butter; 1 cup diced onions; 1 Tbsp grated gingerroot; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 hot pepper (fresh or dried), minced; 1/3 can (14 ounces) coconut milk; 1 T minced fresh basil; 2 c peeled squash, in 3/4-inch cubes
Heat oil in large skillet; add onions, gingerroot, garlic, and peppers. Cook over low heat until tender. Add coconut milk and basil; cook until thickened. Meanwhile, boil squash in 4 cups water for 12-15 minutes. Drain. Combine with other. ingredients and serve. Makes 4 Servings. Recipe from Dave French, Madison CSA supporter
ACORN SQUASH STUFFED WITH KALE & WHITE BEANS
1 medium acorn squash, halved; and seeded; 1/2 tsp plus 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp water; 1/2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cups chopped kale leaves; 1/2 15 ounce can white beans, rinsed; 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives; 1/4 cup coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cut a small slice off the bottom of each squash half so it rests flat. Brush the insides with 1 teaspoon oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Place in a 9-by-13-inch (or similar-size) microwave-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on High until the squash is fork-tender, about 12 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring, until starting to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in water, tomato paste and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in kale, cover and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in white beans and olives; cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat. Position rack in center of oven; preheat broiler. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a bowl. Fill each squash half with about 1 cup of the chard mixture. Place in a baking pan or on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Broil in the center of the oven until the breadcrumbs are browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
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
RAMEN KALE CRUNCHY SLAW
4 C kale (about ½ bunch), stripped from stalk, rinsed, cut into ¼ in. ribbons, rinsed and dried, 2 t olive oil, 2 pinches of kosher salt, 4 C thinly shredded cabbage (a mix of red and green cabbages looks great), 2 carrots, peeled and shredded, 1 packet of ramen noodles, 3T sesame seeds, toasted, ¼ C almond slices, toasted
Dressing: 3 T seasoned rice vinegar, 2 T sugar, ½ t kosher salt, 1-2 t tamari or soy sauce, ¼ t freshly ground black pepper, ¼ C olive oil, 2 T dark sesame oil, toasted
Place kale in a large serving bowl or dish and add the olive oil and salt. Massage the kale with your hands to soften and tenderize, about 2 minutes. Add the cabbage and carrots. Crush the ramen noodles in the package and toss with the salad.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, tamari, pepper, olive oil and sesame oil and mix well. Add the dressing to the salad 30-60 minutes before serving. Toss the dressing evenly to coat and mix in half of the seeds and nuts. Top with the remaining nuts when ready to serve. Variation: Add shredded chicken.
Recipe from Kale, Glorious Kale by Catherine Walthers
BERRY KALICIOUS
1c frozen blueberries, 1/2 c frozen strawberries, 1/2c frozen raspberries, 7 pitted dates, 1+1/2 C kale, or baby kale (stripped from stalks, chopped and rinsed)
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend from low to high speed until smooth. Add an additional ¼ C of water if too thick. Recipe from Kale, Glorious Kale by Catherine Walthers
KALE & CHEESE QUESADILLAS
½ bunch kale, stripped from stalk, chopped into bite sized pieces and rinsed (about 4 cups), 2 c shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack or a combination), 1/4 C chopped green chiles (optional), 1t ground cumin, 1/T chili powder, 1 (8-10 count) package flour tortillas, 4 t canola or olive oil
Bring 3 to 4 C of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add kale and cook on high heat, covered for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander; shake several times to help cool. When cool, squeeze out any excess water, and then break any clumps apart. In a large bowl, combine the cheese, green chiles, cumin, and chili powder with the kale. Heat an 11-12-inch skillet on medium heat and pour about 1 t of oil to coat pan. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Put a generous 1/2C of the cheese mixture in the idle of the tortilla. Place another tortilla on top. When the tortilla is lightly browned, flip over. The quesadilla is done when the cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes. Repeat for the other quesadillas. Cut into wedges and serve – a pizza cutter works great to cut quesadillas. Recipe from Kale, Glorious Kale by Catherine Walthers
CREAMY POTATO KALE SOUP
5 T butter, 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped, 3 large potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped, 8 C chicken or vegetable broth, 2-3 C chopped kale, stems removed, 2 cups milk, salt and pepper to taste
Heat the butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onions and potatoes and sauté until golden brown, 5-8 minutes, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Add 6 cups of the broth and the kale; simmer for 5-10 minutes until the kale softens and becomes a darker green. Transfer the soup to a heavy-duty blender. Puree for 2-3 minutes or until the soup is completely smooth. Transfer the pureed soup back the pan and stir in the milk and the remaining 2 cups broth depending on how thick you want the soup to be. Season with salt and pepper and serve with yummy paninis, toasted wheat bread, or crackers, cheese, and hummus.
Notes: This recipe is very adaptable – add more herbs, use more potatoes, more kale, more broth, etc. Also note: the more kale you add, the brighter green your soup will be! Also, the longer you cook the onions and potatoes the more it “dulls” the flavor. You want them to be sautéed and golden, but not totally mushy.
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 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
SWISS CHARD OMELET WITH MIDDLE EASTERN SAVOR
For each omelet: 1-2 tsp olive oil; 3 eggs, beaten; 1/2C chopped, cooked chard leaves and/or stems, warm or at room temperature; 1 T currants; 1 T finely chopped kalamata olives; I T toasted pine nuts; lemon juice; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; herb sprig (rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.)
Heat olive oil in small nonstick skillet over high flame. Add beaten eggs-they will immediately begin to set on bottom of pan. With a spatula or nonstick egg lifter, pull the cooked egg from outer edges of pan toward center. The uncooked egg will spread and cook. Use spatula to help spread the liquid egg off top of cooked egg and onto exposed sections of pan bottom. Continue to do this until nearly all the liquid egg is set. Reduce heat to very low. The egg will continue to cook as you layer the following across the omelet: chard, currants, olives, and pine nuts. Sprinkle with a few drops of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, hold a plate close to the edge of skillet and, shaking skillet slightly, slip omelet onto the plate, either rolling it into a cigar shape or folding it over into a half-moon. Serve immediately. (Or, since this entire process takes only 2-3 minutes, you can keep the omelet warm in the oven while you make more of them.) Garnish with an herb sprig. Makes 1 serving. *This is best if the chard has been cooked with garlic and onions. Recipe from MACSAC
CHARD WRAPPED CHICKEN
1/4 cup olive oil; 2 Tbsp fresh dill, oregano or sage; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 6 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts; 6 Swiss chard leaves, stems trimmed
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl combine olive oil, 1 tbsp herbs, garlic and pepper. In another small bowl combine feta cheese and one tablespoon of the olive oil mixture. Mash mixture together with the back of a spoon to forma paste. Top each chicken breast with some of the feta mixture pressing firmly. Wrap center portion of each chicken breast with a Swiss chard leaf, leaving ends exposed. Place wrapped chicken in a 3 quart (9 x 13) rectangular baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 – 30 minutes or until done. If desired, sprinkle chicken with remaining tablespoon of herbs.