Winter Share Four January 12th 2017
Important information:
- The next distribution is Thursday January 26th
- Please remember to bring your share boxes to distribution.
Farm News form Jane
What a beautiful sunny morning we had today. The warmth of the sun felt great; even the birds were singing their joy. We welcomed the warm temperatures as it allowed us to harvest spinach from the high tunnel. This can only be done if it the temperature gets above freezing to thaw the spinach. The cows were also happy to “make their rounds” of all the open pastures after there “hunkering down” from the wind and cold over the last week. Our winter seems to be a fickle season this year vacillating from warm to very cold. But we could be experiencing the enormous snowfall in the west where feet rather than inches are accumulating. Why do we always have the worst reputation for snow?
The seeds have been arriving almost daily at our house; with boxes piling up quickly. In just another few weeks we will begin the process of planting seeds for transplanting outside in late April or early May. Some seeds need quite a bit of time to germinate (sprout). And some veggies need lots of time to grow large and become hardy before they are ready for the harsh reality of outdoor life. Onions are planted early so that they can be trimmed several times to produce lots of roots to encourage them to grow quickly and large when they are transplanted in the spring. Some plants such as the lettuces, chard are planted just as early as possible because they can tolerate or even do best with cooler temperatures and actually “bolt” or go to seed if they experience too much heat. Others like the onion or allium family grow based on the amount of hours of sunlight. Once we reach the summer solstice and the amount of sunlight begins to decrease they reach full maturity and regardless of size have completed their growth cycle. If they are left unharvested in the ground over the winter they will actually send up a seed stalk the following summer as they are a biennial plant. Many vegetables are in the biennial family like beets, carrots, chard, parsley and all the crucifers or “Cole crops”. If gives a greater understanding to the rigors of biennial seed production. Artichokes are seeded early and then when the plants are mature enough they are placed in a cold environment tricking them into dormancy so that they will flower and produce a bulb. This is because they too are a biennial or actually a perennial. Isn’t Mother Nature amazing!
Ben and Daniel have been very busy working in the shop repairing machinery and fabricating for the upcoming season. It’s wonderful that we are able to benefit from all their creativity and talent in the designing and construction of equipment as well as all the necessary maintenance and repairs. Life during the winter season is still full but the pace is slower and we enjoy that the sun gives us few less working hours!
We hope that you utilize and enjoy all your produce so that you get a boost for health and vigor.
Until next distribution, Jane
Produce: French Fingerling potatoes Carrots Chioggia beets Kohlrabi Celeriac Butternut squash Green cabbage Spinach Cooking onions Garlic
Produce tips:
– Kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways after it is peeled. There are also some soup suggestions in this week’s recipe section.
– French Fingerling potatoes are very moist and creamy and are great just boiled with the skins on and served with butter or sour cream as you would baked potatoes.
– Butternut squash is not only delicious but one serving is packed with 6 grams of fiber. It’s also as well as an excellent source of vitamins A and C
– Celeriac; feel free to substitute the celeriac for stalk celery in any recipe. It works especially nice is soups!
Recipes
CURRIED CARROT AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
2 tablespoons olive oil; 3-4 carrots, peeled, ends removed, and cut into small pieces; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 small onion, peeled and chopped; 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced; 2 tablespoons sweet curry powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water, or as needed; 1/4 cup orange juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Chopped chives
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender and onions are translucent, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the curry powder and continue to cook for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the carrots and potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and puree the mixture with a handheld blender, or transfer mixture to a blender or food processor in batches if necessary, and puree until texture is smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more broth or water. Transfer puree back to stock pot if necessary, and slowly whisk in orange juice. Heat through, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into soup bowls, and garnish with chives to taste. Note: If you want to serve the soup cold, chill and top with crème fraiche or yogurt.
Recipe from Kristina Creighton; 4-6 servings
HOT BEET & CARROT SLAW
2 T butter, 1 large clove garlic, 2 beets; fist sized, 1 medium carrot, ¾ C orange juice, salt and pepper
Prepare beets and carrots by peeling and grating. Crush and finely chop garlic. Sauté garlic in butter for 2 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook 5-8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
DILLY SLAW
4 cups shredded veggies (carrots, Hakurei turnips, radish, kohlrabi), 5 scallions chopped
Dressing: 3⁄4 cup yogurt or 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbs. lime juice , 2 Tbs. cider vinegar, 1 Tbs. honey , 1⁄4 cup dill
1 tsp. salt, 3 garlic scapes or cloves of garlic, minced
Blend dressing and toss with veggies. If time, let chill and stir occasionally so the dressing can soak into the veggies.
Recipe from Red Fire Farm, Granby MA
BEET AND CELERIAC CASSEROLE
12 ounces raw beets; 12 ounces raw celeriac; 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped; 6 juniper berries, crushed; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1/2 cup vegetable stock; salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and slice the beets very finely. Quarter and peel the celeriac and slice very finely. Fill a l0-inch cast-iron ovenproof or flameproof frying pan with alternate layers of beet and celeriac slices, sprinkling with thyme, juniper and salt and pepper between each layer. Mix the orange juice and stock together and pour over the gratin. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil and raise the oven temperature to 400°F. Cook for another 10 minutes.
Serves 6 Recipe from Vegetarian the best ever recipe collection.
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 honey, 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
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 mandolin 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 micro greens if desired. Recipe from Restaurant Widow; Serves 4
GERMAN-STYLE APPLES AND CABBAGE
4 packed cups thinly sliced red or green cabbage, (3/4-1 pound); 3 cups peeled, sliced tart apples; 1 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup apple cider or beer; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; coarsely ground black pepper to taste
Place cabbage, apples, red onion, and cider or beer in heavy saucepan or skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat until vegetables become slightly tender, about 8 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; cook another 7-8 minutes. Add more cider if necessary to keep vegetables from sticking. Serve with ring bologna, bratwurst, kielbasa, or sautéed mushrooms. Makes 6 servings Recipe from MACSAC
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
FRUITED CABBAGE SLAW
1/2 pound green cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup pineapple tidbits; 1/2 cup raisins; 1 red apple, cored and cubed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tsp cider vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp celery seed; 1 banana, sliced
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, pineapple, raisins, and apple; set aside. Mix together yogurt, vinegar, sugar, salt, and celery seed. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss until well mixed. Refrigerate 1 hour or more. Just before serving, add sliced banana and toss. Serves 6 to 8
INDONESIAN CURRIED CABBAGE
1 large cabbage; 1 large bay leaf; 3 whole cloves; 1 clove garlic; 2 cups beef broth; 3 tbs. grated onion; 4 tbs. butter; 1 tbs. curry powder; 6 tbs. flour; salt and cayenne pepper; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup grated Gouda cheese
Shred cabbage. Rinse in a colander with lukewarm water. Make a bouquet garni of bay leaf, whole cloves and garlic. Place cabbage, broth and bouquet garni (in a spice bag if available) in a large kettle. Bring to boil. Cook gently 10 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Melt butter in another saucepan. Add curry powder and cook gently 1 minute. Remove pan from heat. Stir in flour and season to taste with salt and cayenne. Carefully blend in milk. Return to heat and stir constantly until sauce boils. Drain cabbage well and discard spices. Combine cabbage and sauce. Pour into buttered casserole. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in 475°F oven 15 minutes or until top bubbles and is nicely browned.
Makes 6 to 8 servings
SMASHED CELERY ROOT WITH HORSERADISH
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to mash; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 6 scallions, trimmed and chopped; 3 1/4 cups peeled and finely diced celery root; 3 1/4 cups peeled and finely diced potatoes; 2 inch piece of horseradish, peeled and finely grated (or 3 tablespoons ready-grated); 1 1/4 cups vegetable stock; 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaved parsley; salt and freshly ground black pepper
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the garlic and onion and sauté slowly for 5 minutes. Remove with a draining spoon and set aside. Add the celery root, potatoes, and horseradish to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour the stock into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove the lid and boil until the liquid is reduced to the point where almost nothing remains and the mixture is sticky. Stir in the reserved garlic and onion. Add the parsley, salt, and pepper and mash coarsely with a fork, beating in more olive oil to taste.
Serves 4; Recipe from a handful of herbs
CELERIAC (CELERY ROOT) SALAD
2 medium firm celeriacs; 2 tbsps. lemon juice; 4 hard-cooked eggs; 1/4 c. chopped onion; 1 tbsps. minced parsley; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 4 to 5 tbsps. mayonnaise or salad dressing; Salt to taste; Pimiento-stuffed olives; Paprika
Peel celery roots, cutting away fibrous roots at bottom and any adhering top growth. Cut in halves; cook in boiling salted water to cover, with 1 tsp. lemon juice added, until tender, 20 to 30 minutes for halves, about 40 to 60 minutes for whole roots. Drain; cut in cubes, place in bowl and add remaining lemon juice (or French salad dressing) to help keep it white instead of turning gray. When celery roots are cool, add 3 diced hard-cooked eggs, onion, parsley, pepper and mayonnaise. Add more salt, if needed. Mix well; turn into serving bowl. Garnish with slices of hard-cooked egg and olives and sprinkle with paprika. Chill 1 hour, or several hours, before serving.
Makes 6 to 8 servings; Recipe from America’s Best Vegetable Recipes
CELERIAC IN CREAM SAUCE
2 celery roots; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup instant-blending flour
Peel celery roots and cut into strips or wedges. Steam until just soft. Melt butter and slowly add milk. Lower heat. Add flour 1 teaspoon at a time, stirring instantly. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens. Drain celery root. Pour on cream sauce. Serves 2 to 4; Recipe from The Fruit and Vegetable Stand
KOHLRABI OR CELERIAC AND APPLE SALAD WITH CARAWAY
1 t. caraway seeds, T olive oil, 2T white wine vinegar, 1Tdijon mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, 2 medium kohlrabi or 1 medium celeriac, peeled, thinly sliced on a mandolin, 2 small heads frisee, torn into bite sized pieces (about 6 c.), 1 crisp red apple, thinly sliced, 4T chopped fresh chives, divided Toast caraway seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, tossing often until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop. Whisk caraway, oil, vinegar and mustard in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add kohlrabi, frisee, apple, and 2 T chives to bowl with dressing and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Top salad with remaining 2 T chives just before serving.
Serves 4; Recipe from Bonappetit
KOHLRABI PARMESAN
3 medium kohlrabi, trimmed of stalks and leaves; 2 T unsalted butter; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; salt and pepper, to taste; 1 T minced parsley
Peel kohlrabi 1/8 in deep. Shred with grater or food processor. Cook kohlrabi in butter over medium heat, stirring often, until tender, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with the cheese, salt and pepper. Toss and cook just until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Garnish with the parsley and serve immediately. 4 servings
MARKET RAGOUT OF KOHLRABI AND PEAS
1 tbsp butter; 6 spring onions, halved; 1 large kohlrabi, peeled and chunked; 1 marjoram or thyme sprig; sea salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 pound pod peas, shelled; a few handfuls baby spinach; dollop crème fraiche; 4 large basil leaves, slivered
Melt the butter in a skillet and add the onions, kohlrabi, and marjoram or thyme. Add water to cover halfway and a teaspoon of salt. Simmer while you shuck the peas. As soon as the vegetables are tender, after 12 to 15 minutes, add the peas and spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted down, a few minutes more. Stir in the crème fraiche and add the basil. Taste for salt and season with pepper. Serve this as a side dish or a course by itself. With a starch (puff pastry, ravioli, even buttered toast), it can be offered as a vegetarian main dish. SERVES 2
CREAMED KOHLRABI
3 lbs. kohlrabi; 2 cups beef stock; 1 cup reserved cooking liquid; 1 cup milk; 6 tbs. butter; 6 tbs. flour; salt and cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup whipping cream; 3 tbs. chopped parsley
Peel and slice kohlrabi knobs. Strip away the tenderest leaves and mince them. Place leaves and slices in a small saucepan. Barely cover with beef stock. Cook 20 minutes, or until the slices are tender. Drain and reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Mix with milk. Drain the kohlrabi thoroughly. In another saucepan melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Season to taste with salt and cayenne. Blend in liquid. Return to heat and stir until sauce boils. Blend in whipping cream. Add well-drained kohlrabi to the sauce and reheat. Serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Makes 6 servings; Recipe from the Fresh Vegetable Cookbook
CREAMY KOHLRABI SOUP
2T butter, 1 onion; chopped, 1# kohlrabi; peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice, 2.5 C. vegetable broth, 2.5 C. milk, 1 bay leaf, 1 pinch of salt, grated black pepper to taste
Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Cook and stir onion in melted butter until soft, about 10 minutes. Add kohlrabi; cook and stir another 2 minutes. Pour vegetable broth and milk over the onion mixture. Add bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, place a cover on the pot, and reduce heat to low; cook at a simmer until kohlrabi is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf; allow the soup to cool slightly. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway. Pulse the blender a few times before leaving on to puree. Work in batches until all soup is blended. Return pureed soup to stockpot; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle orzo pasta into the soup; cover the stockpot and simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes. Allrecipe.com
HERB-ROASTED RED POTATOES
1 pound red potatoes, cut in 11/2- inch pieces; 1-4 cloves garlic, chopped; 3-4 tablespoons of your favorite fresh herb: Chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, fennel, dill, etc; 3-4 tablespoons olive oil; salt and pepper to taste
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat potatoes with other ingredients and spread out on a shallow baking dish. Roast until tender, 40-45 minutes. Makes 2-4 servings; Recipe from Patricia Schindler
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
CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES
1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes, Kosher salt, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon grill seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika, Freshly ground black pepper,
Put the potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Add a big pinch of salt, then cover, and put over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncover, and cook just until the potatoes start to soften but are not cooked all the way through, about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the warm pot. Shake the potatoes around to roughen up the sides and to let them dry out. Put them into a bowl. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat. Add the olive oil, grill seasoning, paprika and pepper, to taste, to the potatoes and toss to coat. Spread the potatoes out onto the preheated baking sheet and roast them until they are cooked through and crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the potatoes once halfway through the cooking time. Remove the potatoes from the oven to a serving bowl and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Sandra Le; Food Network
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 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 servings
BALSAMIC BRAISED ONIONS
2 pounds small onions, peeled, ends trimmed off; 1 1/3-1 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup extra virgin; olive oil; freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
Stack the onions tightly in a single layer in a large skillet or saucepan. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over onions. Bring to low simmer and cook, uncovered, until onions are tender, turning them over about halfway through the cooking. This will take about 15 minutes. Raise heat to high and boil, carefully turning the onions occasionally to prevent sticking, until liquid is reduced to a glaze, 15-20 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or cold. This recipe is adapted from one that carne with a purchase of balsamic vinegar. It’s important to use high quality balsamic vinegar or the flavor will be harsh. Recipe from Jenny Bonde and Rink Davee, Shooting Star Farm
ROASTED GARLIC AND SPINACH QUICHE
1 bulb roasted garlic; 1 tbs. butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/4 tsp. chili powder; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; 1 cup cooked spinach, fresh or frozen drained well; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 tsp. vegetable oil for oiling pan
Heat oven to 350°. Separate roasted garlic cloves, peel and mash in a small bowl to form a paste. Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and sauté until soft; about 6 minutes. Add garlic paste and sauté for 4 minutes. Blend together and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, chili powder, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine garlic-onion mixture with spinach and cheese. Mix well. Spread spinach mixture firmly in a lightly oiled 99inch quiche or pie pan. Pour egg mixture evenly over spinach.
Bake for 40 minutes. Quiche is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Servings: 6; Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes.
HEAVENLY RICE AND SPINACH
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; 11/2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups chopped fresh spinach, packed; 5 tbs. butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; 3/4 cup chicken stock; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp. salt
Roast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown. Set aside. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and spinach and sauté for 3 minutes, or until spinach becomes limp.
Add chicken stock and cooked rice. Sauté for 5 minutes or until rice is steaming hot. Stir in Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Remove from heat. Keep covered and serve warm. Servings: 4-6; Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes.
NUTMEG AND THYME SPINACH
½ pound fresh spinach leaves; 2-3 T water; Butter; Salt; Nutmeg, ground; Thyme, ground
In large saucepan, combine spinach leaves and water. Cover saucepan with lid, leaving a crack for steam to escape. Cook over moderately low heat about 10 minutes. Drain and season with butter and salt. Sprinkle with ground nutmeg and thyme. Serves 2; Recipe from Especially Herbs
GARLIC, CHICKPEA AND SPINACH SOUP
2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 onion, roughly chopped; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 5 cups vegetable stock; 12 ounces potatoes, peeled and finely chopped; I5-ounce can chickpeas, drained; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons light tahini (sesame seed paste); 7 ounces spinach, shredded; cayenne pepper; salt and freshly ground black pepper
Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the garlic and onion for 5 minutes, or until they are softened and golden brown. Stir in the cumin and coriander and cook for another minute. Pour in the stock and add the chopped potatoes to the pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chickpeas and simmer for 5 minutes more, or until the potatoes and chickpeas are just tender. Blend together the cornstarch, cream, tahini and plenty of seasoning. Stir into the soup with the spinach. Bring to a boil, stirring, and simmer for another 2 minutes. Season with cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, sprinkled with a little cayenne pepper.
Serves 4 Recipe; from Vegetarian the best ever recipe collection.
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.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH CREAM CHEESE
6T chopped onion,4T butter, 6C peeled and cubed butternut squash (or 2 large left whole), 3C water, 4 cubes chicken bouillon, 1/2t dried marjoram, 1/4t black pepper, 1/8t cayenne pepper, 8oz cream cheese
Cut squash in half. Remove seeds. Roast at 3500 cut side down for 45 minutes or until tender or peel cube and roast. Sauté onions and butter until soft. Add water, bouillon, marjoram, and peppers. Bring to boil and simmer. When squash is done scoop out pulp and puree in blender or food processor until well blended*. Add cream cheese last in batches and blend until smooth. Return to saucepan and heat through; do not boil. *Can be kept overnight at this point for flavors to blend. Add cream cheese the day you serve soup. Recipe form Karen Blackford
BUTTERNUT HARVEST STEW
2 T butter, 1+1/2 lbs. boneless pork, cut into small cubes, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic.
Melt butter in large saucepan. Add pork, onion, and garlic and sauté until meat is no longer pink.
3 C chicken broth, ¾ t salt, 1 bay leaf, ¼ t rosemary, ¼ t sage.
Add, cover, and simmer 20 min.
1 medium butternut squash, peeled & chopped, 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
Add and simmer uncovered until squash and apples are tender, 20 min. Discard bay leaf.