Winter Share One November 5th 2014
WINTER DISTRIBUTION ONE NOVEMBER 5TH 2014
Important information:
- Please take the time to read the “Important information” section of the biweekly newsletter as that is where we will communicate any necessary updates for each distribution.
- Newsletters are also archived on our website to see past recipes or information @ http://promisedlandcsa.com/news/news-archives
- Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Farm News from Jane
Welcome to all our new CSA winter share members; those who are brand new to our CSA and those of you who are trying a winter share for the first time! There are still lots of veggies to be harvested out in the field. We will have crucifers until the weather is severely cold such as Brussel sprouts, cabbage, Romanesco and even a bit more broccoli. We have lots of winter squash, onions, garlic, and shallots in storage and will be working these next two weeks to harvest potatoes, carrots, rutabaga, kohlrabi, leeks, celeriac and beets. There is also head lettuce growing in one of the high tunnels which we hope will mature by early December. The other high tunnel will soon be full of spinach which will be harvested later this winter/early spring. A high tunnel is like a greenhouse but instead of the plants growing in containers they grow right in the soil. They are enclosed in a large plastic covered frame to keep the soil and air temperature warmer. We also utilize “row cover” which is a light weight ”blanket” of sorts to add extra layers of warmth/protection during the coldest months. It’s a wonderful place to work on a cold and damp day!
We will also be offering meat shares as they become available; turkeys will be the first. There will be separate mailings for the meat offerings. Please respond to meat share emails directly. They are a first come first serve basis at present. We are still continuing to “grow” or expand our meat offerings each season. The limiting factors are man power and feed. We are expanding the acres we plant to include more animal feed crops especially field corn. Although our animals are all rotationally grazed they still need a good deal of supplemental feed; except for the cows of course as they graze and ruminate and grow happily on pasture except for a few winter months when we provide them our own hay. The laying hens and pigs have greenhouse structures to enjoy when the weather is cold. The pigs however usually prefer to stay outside all day and “sleep” indoors at night!
There will be recipes supplied with each distribution in the newsletter. We have also started an archive of recipes on our website which I hope to expand this winter when I get to stay inside a bit more!
We hope that you enjoy the “first fruits” of the winter share. Stay warm and eat well, Jane & family
Produce: Romanesco Fennel Purple Kohlrabi Spaghetti squash Broccoli Kale
Acorn squash Purple carrots Brussel sprouts Potatoes Red onions
Produce tips:
– Information for cooking and storage of most produce is available on our website. Click on the name of the vegetable on our webpage @ http://promisedlandcsa.com/products/produce
– Brussel sprouts will store longer if removed from stalk refrigerated in a plastic bag.
– Kale should be refrigerated in a plastic bag. To prepare: remove stems from mature kale by folding in half lengthwise and stripping or slicing away thick stems. Steam mature leaves 4-5 minutes; it is ready when limp but still retaining some texture. Add steamed or sautéed kale to omelets, quiches, eggs, casseroles, or mashed potatoes. Add raw kale to hearty soups or stews toward the end of cooking time.
– Romanesco is a type of cauliflower.
– Kohlrabi is a cousin to the broccoli but is really more a cross between cabbage and turnip. It is actually a swollen stem not a root vegetable. The leaves are also edible. Store leaves (in Plastic bag) and globe in refrigerator. It does not have to be peeled after cooking. But do peel if eating raw as an apple or grated for a slaw or salad. Try slicing and eating with a dip. You may also steam for 25030 minutes or boil and mash like a potato. I prefer to peel then grate and add the dressing I use for my coleslaw: 1/2 mayo or sour cream, 2T. sugar and 1T. vinegar stirred well together; then add to grated kohlrabi.
Recipes
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
HERBED BROCCOLI AND RICE FRITTATA
2 tsp olive oil; 1 cup thinly sliced scapes; garlic clove finely chopped; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 1/2 cups cooked broccoli; 4 eggs; 4 egg whites; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 Tbsp oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; y., tsp cayenne pepper; 3 Tbsp grated mozzarella cheese
Heat oil in large oven proof skillet. Add the scapes and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring, for 2 m minutes. Add the rice and broccoli and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Whisk the eggs and egg whites with the ricotta cheese, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper until well blended. Pour eggs mixture over the rice mixture in the pan, stir gently to combine, and cover. Cook over low heat until eggs are almost set, 7-10 minutes. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle cheese over frittata. Place under the broiler, about 5 inches from the heat source, and broil until the cheese melts and the top of the frittata is flecked golden brown, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cut into wedges and serve.
ROASTED BROCCOLI
I head broccoli, large stem and medium stems; removed and reserved for another use; 11/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Break broccoli head into medium florets and toss with remaining ingredients. Arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 18-22 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through the cooking time. Remove from oven when broccoli is a deep green color with some darkened spots. Makes 4 servings. Recipe from MACSAC
BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASSEROLE
2 qts. Brussels sprouts; 5 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced; 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/4 c. milk;
1 c. grated sharp process cheese; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 1/2 c. slivered toasted almonds
Cook Brussels sprouts in boiling salted water until tender; drain. Place in 1 1/2-qt. casserole; top with water chestnuts. Meanwhile, combine soup and milk. Add cheese, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until cheese melts. Pour over Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake in moderate oven (350°) until bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Serves 8
Recipe from America’s Best Vegetable Recipes.
GRILLED (OR GRIDDLED) FENNEL AND ONIONS WITH PARMESAN
1/2 large sweet onion (do not cut off root end); 2 fennel bulbs (stalks removed), about 1 pound total; 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Heat large cast-iron griddle (flat side down, ridged side up) on stove top over medium flame, or prepare outdoor grill for medium heat. Place flat surface of onion half on cutting board and cut into slices that are 1/3-inch thick, leaving some of the root end intact on each slice. Brush both sides of onions lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill onions on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 3-5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, slice whole fennel bulbs lengthwise in the same manner as onions. Steam them over boiling water 8-10 minutes; drain well. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until tender and lightly charred, 6-8 minutes per side. Arrange onions and fennel on a colorful platter; scatter Parmesan over the top. This is delicious with grilled fish or lamb, or as a side dish with Italian tomato-based pasta dishes. Makes 6 servings.
CARROT FENNEL ORANGE SOUP
2 tablespoons butter or butter-flavored cooking spray; 4 cups water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth (or more for a thinner soup); 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve a few of the fronds); 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste; 4 cups sliced carrots (approximately 1 1/2 pounds) ; 1/3 cup orange juice; 1 garlic clove, sliced thin (you can add a couple of garlic scapes, if available); 1/4 cup sour cream
Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced fennel and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to turn golden. Add carrots and garlic; cook and stir for a minute or two. Add water or broth and salt; bring to simmer, cover, and cook until carrots and fennel are tender, about 20 minutes. Puree mixture in a food processor or blender, or with an immersion blender. Stir in orange juice and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Reheat on low heat, but do not boil. Serve each bowl garnished with fennel fronds. Serves 4; Recipe from Edith Thayer, Vermont Valley Farm member
FRESH FENNEL BULB SALAD
One large or 2 small fennel bulbs; 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed; 2 tablespoons white wine or red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; salt and pepper
Remove fronds from the fennel bulb(s). Cut away the root and slice fennel into very thin pieces (it can also be grated). Make dressing by combining vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and orange juice concentrate in a bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Pour over fennel and allow to marinate at room temperature 20 minutes or longer. Season to taste with pepper and additional salt. Recipe from Jenny Bonde and Rink DaVee, Shooting Star Farm
PASTA WITH FENNEL
1 bulb fennel, trimmed & quartered; 1/2 lb fettuccini; 1 Tbsp olive oil; Grated Parmesan cheese; Parsley (garnish)
Simmer fennel in 4 quarts salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Lift fennel from water and slice. Keep warm. In the fennel water, cook the fettuccini until al dente. Drain pasta. Add olive oil and fennel. Serve with sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley. Make 3 servings
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
KALE & BRUSSEL SPROUT SALAD
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2T Dijon mustard, 1T minced shallot, 1sm.garlic clove, finely grated, 1/4 t. kosher salt, Freshly gr. pepper, 2 large bunches of Tuscan kale (about 1 1/2 lbs), center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced, 12 oz. Brussel sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife, 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil, 1/3 c. almonds with skins, coarsely chopped, 1 c. finely grated Pecorino. Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded Brussel sprouts in a large bowl. Slowly whisk olive oil into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Dressing and kale mixture can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds.
ITALIAN-STYLE SPAGHETTI SQUASH (Will take two small spaghetti squash)
1/2 medium spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 lbs), seeded; 2 Tbsp water; 1 (14 1/2-oz) can Italian style stewed tomatoes, drained; 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Place squash, cut side down, in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add water. Cover and microwave on high 10-14 minutes, or until tender. Using a towel or pot holder, hold squash on its side in dish. With other hand, use fork to shred pulp into strands into the dish. Add tomatoes, toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve. Makes 6 serving
ARABIAN SQUASH CHEESE CASSEROLE
2 medium-large Acorn or carnival squash; 1 cup onion; 2-3 cloves crushed garlic; 1 cup red or green pepper, chopped; 3 Tbsp butter; 1 tsp salt; 2 beaten eggs; 1 cup buttermilk or yogurt; lf4 cup sunflower seeds; 1 cup crumbled feta
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook squash for 35 minutes or until soft. Scoop out and mash squash. Sauté onion and garlic in butter and salt, when the onion is translucent add the chopped peppers. Sauté until just done. Beat eggs with buttermilk. Crumble in the feta cheese. Combine everything and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread in butter casserole or baking pan. Top with sunflower seeds. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes covered and then 10 minutes uncovered.
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.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
2 large cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 large head cauliflower, separated into florets; 113 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped Combine garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a casserole dish. Add cauliflower, and toss to coat well. Bake 25 minutes at 425 degrees, stirring halfway through. Sprinkle top with Parmesan and parsley, and broil 335 minutes, until golden brown. Makes 6 servings
CAULIFLOWER WITH ALMONDS
Trim leaves from stalk of 1 medium head cauliflower, leaving 1″ of stem for support. Steam, tightly covered, using enough boiling salted water to cover stem but not touching head, until tender, about 25 minutes. To at serve, cut off stalk and place cauliflower in serving dish. Stick 3 cup slivered blanched almonds into cauliflower, then pour 1 cup Cheese Sauce over top. Sprinkle with paprika or chopped parsley. Makes 6 servings.
CHEESE SAUCE
2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup grated cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Paprika
Melt butter; blend in flour. Remove from heat and add milk slowly, stirring constantly, until smooth and blended. Return to heat and cook and stir until thick. Turn off heat; add cheese and let stand until cheese is melted. Stir enough to blend; add salt, pepper and a little paprika. Makes 1 cup.
CURRIED RICE SALAD
1 1/2 cups long-grain or basmati rice; 2 ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp peanut oil; 1/2 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 2 cups); 1 tbsp curry powder; 1/2 cup currants; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup raw cashews, toasted and chopped; 3 tbsp finely chopped chives or green onion tops; 1/2 tsp black pepper
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to boil. Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and toast, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add 11/2 teaspoons of the salt to the boiling water and stir in the toasted rice. Return to a boil and cook, uncovered, until the rice is tender but not soft, 8 to 10 minutes for long-grain rice or about 15 minutes for basmati. Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Drain the rice in a strainer, and then spread it on the prepared baking sheet. Let cool while preparing the salad ingredients. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the cauliflower, curry powder, and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Add the currants and 1 cup water. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the cauliflower is tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the rice, cashews, chives, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and toss to combine thoroughly. Let stand for 20 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve at room temperature. Serves 6 to 8
KOHLRABI-POTATO CUSTARD
2 c. cubed peeled kohlrabi bulbs (2 medium); 3 medium potatoes 1/4 tsp. paprika; 6 drops Worcestershire sauce; 3 to 4 slices bacon; 3 eggs, separated; 1/3 c. milk; 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
Cook kohlrabi in boiling salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Peel and halve potatoes; cook in boiling salted water until tender. Drain vegetables; combine and mash, or put through ricer. Add paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Broil or fry bacon until crisp; crumble into the vegetables along with 1/4 c. drippings. Beat egg yolks; add milk and red pepper; thoroughly mix with vegetables, whipping as for mashed potatoes. Let cool slightly. Beat egg whites stiff and fold into vegetables. Heap lightly into greased 2-qt. baking dish, set in pan of hot water, and bake in slow oven (325°) 40 to 50 minutes, or until risen and delicately browned. Makes 8 servings.