Winter Share Three December 17th 2020
Important information:
- This is both a biweekly and monthly share. The next winter share for both is January 14th as we take a break over the holidays.
- Summer share memberships are available “on-line” or by mail. Please contact us with any questions.
Farm News from Jane
The morning and evening skies have been so vivid with striking hues of red and orange, pink and lavender against the stark contrast of the barren and trees and landscape. What a glorious site to enjoy during these cold, dark winter days. Only five more days before the daylight begins to “grow” again; that’s something to celebrate! We harvested a great deal of kale before the freezing temperatures outside and we have not only fresh cut salad greens but we had the pleasure of harvesting spinach from the high tunnels as well. It is emerald green, tender, sweet and delicious! The extra-long summer weather made both the lettuces and spinach grow much larger than they would usually be this time of year. So, we are all in the bonus round with lot of fresh greens on our tables. There is also Swiss chard, kale and an experimental bed of celery growing nicely. Ben and I have been pouring over seed catalogs looking at all the pretty pictures and descriptions. We’ll grow lots of our favorites but will trial some new varieties also. It’s amazing to see how many different varieties in one vegetable family there can be. Tomatoes, corn and squash seem to take up a lot of the pages. Sometimes it is difficult to trial a new variety if you are satisfied with what has been working. But we don’t know if there is even something better until we try. I do remember a time many years ago when we farmed conventionally and trialed a new variety of field corn that promised fantastic yields. On Ben’s birthday in June after it was well established, we had seven inches of rain and the field lay under water for a few days. The corn turned purple as it could not take up any nutrients while the soil was so saturated. The corn never quite recovered and needless to say, the yield was not stellar but rather quite minimal. So, knowing that each season presents different growing conditions It is helpful to have varieties bred to grow well in adverse conditions; wet or dry, cold or hot. So, we look forward to another opportunity to grow new plants next spring!
We hope that you will all be able to enjoy some great food and fellowship over the coming holidays. We are so blessed with the abundance of beautiful, nutritious and delicious vegetables in the shares this distribution. I don’t think we have ever had so many things to choose from. We hope that you feel blessed and thankful for this season as difficult as it has been. Someone gave us a plaque which hangs in the kitchen which shares: Being thankful for what we have makes what we have enough. What wisdom there is in being content in all situations. From all of us at Promised Land; may you be blessed richly with peace and joy!
Produce: Spinach Salad greens Red kale Cauliflower/Romanesco Green cabbage
Garlic Onions Garlic Powder Blue potatoes Chioggia beets Kohlrabi
Colored carrots Spaghetti squash Butternut squash Napa cabbage
Produce & Storage tips:
– When removing greens and spinach from the zipper bags please allow some air in the bag before closing. They are still “respiring” or breathing and do best if there is more air left in the bag.
– Please keep potatoes, onions and garlic in brown bags in a cool spot; they will keep longer. If you choose a mesh kitchen basket please keep it out of the direct light.
– Kale will keep best if left on the stem but bagged before refrigerating.
– If you need to temporarily keep veggies which don’t fit in the fridge it would best to keep the winter squash in the house as they don’t like it below 450. The cabbage, carrots and beets can be stored above freezing in a garage or in an enclosed porch with a blanket over them.
– Many of the vegetables are great roasted after chopping and coating with olive oil and salt and pepper; kohlrabi, squash, Cauli/Romanesco, beets, carrots, and potatoes. Easy and delicious; the sugars caramelize for extra sweetness and flavor.
– Chioggia beets are “peppermint” striped, perfect for the holidays. They will be the most beautiful if used fresh rather than cooked. Marinade them briefly after making thin slices or use a mandoline.
Recipes
CHEESY SPINACH
Mix: 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/3 cup brown rice, cooked; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); salt and pepper to taste
Mix separately: 1/2 large bunch of spinach, chopped and steamed; 1/3 cup cottage cheese; 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1egg, plus 1 egg white; salt and pepper to taste; a pinch of cayenne pepper
Spread the ingredients from the first mixture in the bottom of a greased casserole. Spread the spinach mixture over them. Bake at 350 degrees until firm, 45-60 minutes. Makes 3-4 servings. Recipe from Max, the cook at Red Caboose Day Care Center
FRESH GREENS PASTA PIE
3 ounces vermicelli; 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened; 1/6 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 1/2 eggs; 1 teaspoon cooking oil; 1/2 small onion, chopped; 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or other greens; 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/6 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; pinch ground nutmeg
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large pie plate. Cook vermicelli according to package directions; drain. Stir butter and Parmesan cheese into hot vermicelli. Beat 2 of the eggs and stir well into pasta. Spoon mixture into pie plate, and use a spoon to shape vermicelli into a pie shell. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 10 minutes. Set aside. Heat oil in small skillet, add onion and sauté until tender. Beat the remaining 3 eggs and combine with spinach, mozzarella, milk, seasonings, and sautéed onions. Spoon spinach mixture into pasta shell. Cover pie with aluminum foil. Bake 35 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 3 servings. Recipe from Crystal Lake Gardens
GREEN RICE
3 c. cooked rice (l c. uncooked); 1 c. chopped spinach; 2 eggs, well beaten; 1 c. milk; 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/4 tsp. salt; 2 tsp. grated onion; 1/4 c. butter or margarine 1/2 c. grated sharp cheese
Toss rice and spinach together with fork. Add eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt and onion. Toss gently to mix, using care not to mash rice. Pour into greased 2-qt. baking dish; dot with butter and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake in slow oven (325°) 30 to 40 minutes. Makes 8 servings.
SAUSAGE SOUP WITH SPINACH AND RICE
1 lb. hot Italian sausage; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1 tbs. olive oil; 1 tsp. dried basil; 1 cup chopped onion; 3 cups fresh baby spinach, torn; 3 cloves garlic, crushed into 2-3-inch pieces; 9 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked long-grain rice; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, with juice; salt and pepper to taste; 3 tbs. tomato paste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauté sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove from pot and discard drippings. Add olive oil to pot and heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Return sausage to pot. Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and basil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add spinach and rice and simmer until spinach is just wilted. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese. Servings: 6 Recipe from The Best 50 Garlic Recipes.
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.
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.
KOHLRABI SLAW
2 kohlrabi; water to cover; 1/8 cup oil; 1/2 tablespoon wine vinegar; 1/8 teaspoon dill seeds; pinch of pepper; salt to taste; 1 tablespoon yogurt
Cook kohlrabi in water until tender. Drain and reserve liquid for soup. Cool, peel and cut into strips. Combine remaining ingredients, pour over kohlrabi and serve as a salad or side dish. 2 servings
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.
SAUTEED KOHLRABI
Grate kohlrabi, place in colander, and sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes to drain. Heat 2 T. butter over medium heat. Add 1 small onion chopped, and sauté a few minutes. Stir in kohlrabi, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium and cook two more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs. Makes 1-2 servings
ROASTED KOHLRABI
4 kohlrabi bulbs, peeled; 1T olive oil, 1 clove garlic, minced, salt and pepper to taste, 1/3C grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Cut the kohlrabi into 1/4-inch-thick slices, then cut each of the slices in half. Combine olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss kohlrabi slices in the olive oil mixture to coat. Spread kohlrabi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally in order to brown evenly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven to allow the Parmesan cheese to brown, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately. Recipe from AllRecipes.com
REDBOR KALE WITH RED BEANS, CILANTRO, AND FETA CHEESE
1 1/2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked for 4 hours or overnight; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves; sea salt; 1 white onion, finely diced; 1 large bunch kale; 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to finish; 3/4 cup chopped cilantro; 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Drain the beans, cover them with plenty of cold water, and bring to a boil. Remove any scum that rises to the surface, then add the herbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and all but 1/2 cup of the onion. Lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 1 ½ hours. Slice the kale leaves from their stems with a knife. Chop coarsely into 1- or 2-inch pieces and rinse well. Bring a few quarts water to a boil; add salt and the kale. Simmer until tender, 5 to 7 minutes, then pour into a colander to drain. Heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the remaining 1/2 cup onion and 1/2 cup of the cilantro. Cook over medium heat until the onion has softened, about 10 minutes, then add the kale and the beans with enough of the cooking liquid so that there’s plenty of sauce. Simmer together for at least 10 minutes, then serve garnished with crumbled feta cheese and the remaining cilantro.
Serves 4; Recipe from Local Flavors.
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 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
CREAMY POTATO KALE SOUP
5 tablespoons butter, 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped, 3 large potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped, 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 2-3 cups 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.
GOAT CHEESE AND GREEN APPLE BEET SALAD
1 1/2 pounds red beets, tops removed and scrubbed, 8 ounces baby Chioggia beets, tops removed and scrubbed, Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, 2 tablespoons grape seed or safflower oil, 3 tablespoons pure honey, 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 lemon plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided, 1 green apple, 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled (about 3/4 cup), 2 cups greens
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place red beets in a baking dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer and add enough water to come three quarters of the way up sides of beets. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt and drizzle with grape seed oil. Cover with foil and bake until tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Transfer beets to a cutting board. When just cool enough to handle, remove skins, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and transfer to a bowl. Meanwhile, place baby beets in small saucepan and cover with 2 inches cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. Drain beets; when just cool enough to handle, remove skins; cut into halves or wedges, depending on size; and transfer to another bowl. Whisk together honey, olive oil, and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; add 1 teaspoon salt and season with pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup dressing; divide remaining dressing between bowls of warm beets; toss beets to coat. Halve lemon and squeeze juice into a bowl of cold water; drop lemon halves in it. Peel apple, cut into small pieces (you should have about 1 cup), and submerge in lemon water. When ready to serve, drain apple and blot dry. Arrange beets on a serving platter and drizzle with reserved dressing. Top with apple, goat cheese, and sprouts and serve immediately. Recipe from Martha Stewart
BEET CARPACCIO
For salad: 1 lb. beets (preferably Chioggia), trimmed and peeled, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup roasted pistachio nutmeats, 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup greens
For dressing: 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon, 1 teaspoon superfine sugar, 1/3 cup olive oil, salt and white pepper
Thinly slice the beets with a mandolined slicer. Place the slices into a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup lemon juice. Set aside. (The lemon juice will help preserve the color of the beets when you cook them, so let them sit at least 10 minutes while you prep everything else.) Make the dressing: Mix together vinegar, sour cream, tarragon, and sugar with a wire whisk until well-blended. Slowly add the olive oil, while whisking constantly. (This creates an emulsion). Add salt and white pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Bring water to a boil in a large pot that has a steamer tray. If you like, add salt and a splash of lemon juice to the water. Once boiling, place beet slices on the streamer tray (it’s alright if they overlap slightly). Cover and steam for 5-6 minutes, or until tender yet firm. Briefly shock the beets in an ice bath, then drain. Layer the beets and onions on four small plates. Sprinkle with pistachios and feta cheese crumbles. Make sure the dressing is well-stirred, then lightly drizzle over the salad. Top with microgreens. Recipe from Restaurant Widow; Serves 4
GOAT CHEESE AND GREEN APPLE BEET SALAD
1 1/2 pounds red beets, tops removed and scrubbed, 8 ounces baby Chioggia beets, tops removed and scrubbed, Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, 2 tablespoons grape seed or safflower oil, 3 tablespoons pure honey, 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 lemon plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided, 1 green apple, 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled (about 3/4 cup), 2 cups greens
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place red beets in a baking dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer and add enough water to come three quarters of the way up sides of beets. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt and drizzle with grape seed oil. Cover with foil and bake until tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Transfer beets to a cutting board. When just cool enough to handle, remove skins, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and transfer to a bowl. Meanwhile, place baby beets in small saucepan and cover with 2 inches cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. Drain beets; when just cool enough to handle, remove skins; cut into halves or wedges, depending on size; and transfer to another bowl. Whisk together honey, olive oil, and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; add 1 teaspoon salt and season with pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup dressing; divide remaining dressing between bowls of warm beets; toss beets to coat. Halve lemon and squeeze juice into a bowl of cold water; drop lemon halves in it. Peel apple, cut into small pieces (you should have about 1 cup), and submerge in lemon water. When ready to serve, drain apple and blot dry. Arrange beets on a serving platter and drizzle with reserved dressing. Top with apple, goat cheese, and sprouts and serve immediately. Recipe from Martha Stewart
SAVORY BEET SOUP
1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 cup chopped onion, 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 3 medium beets, peeled and halved, 1 medium potato, peeled and halved crosswise, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 8 tsps. reduced-fat sour cream
Preparation: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and next 6 ingredients (through bay leaf). Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes or until beets and potato are tender. Discard bay leaf. Place one-third broth mixture in blender or food processor; process until smooth. Place puréed mixture in a large bowl. Repeat procedure twice with remaining broth mixture. Return pureed mixture to pan. Warm soup over low heat for 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Combine 1/2 cup soup and the sour cream, stirring with a whisk. Divide soup evenly among each of 8 bowls. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon sour cream mixture; swirl sour cream mixture using the tip of a knife.
Recipe from: Kathryn Conrad, Cooking Light OCTOBER 2004
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
1 head (about 2 1/4 pound) cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets, 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced, ¼ cup olive, 2 T lemon juice
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Pour on enough olive oil to coat (a few tablespoons). Lay cauliflower pieces out on a baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining oil from the bowl on top. Bake, turning once, until caramelized on edges and tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
CAULIFLOWER SOUP
1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets, 1 medium carrot, shredded, 1/4 cup chopped celery, 2-1/2 cups water, 2 teaspoons chicken or 1 vegetable bouillon cube, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 2 cups 2% milk, 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional
In a Dutch oven, combine the cauliflower, carrot, celery, water and bouillon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender (do not drain). In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in the cheese until melted, adding hot pepper sauce if desired. Stir into the cauliflower mixture.
BRAISED CAULIFLOWER & SQUASH PENNE PASTA
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 3 large cloves garlic, 1 tsp. dried thyme, ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper, 4 C. “no-chicken broth”, 8 oz. whole wheat penne, (about 3 cups), 2 C. cauliflower florets, 2 C. 1/in. pieces peeled butternut squash, freshly ground pepper to taste, ¼ C Pecorino Romano cheese
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, thyme and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add broth, penne, cauliflower and squash. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a lively simmer and cook, uncovered, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thickened and greatly reduced, 14 to 16 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in pepper and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve topped with cheese.
Recipe form www.eatingwell.com
CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE
Cauliflower, 1 Tbsp. of sesame oil, 1 Tbsp. of garlic, 8 oz beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of frozen peas, 2 eggs, White pepper to taste, 3 Tbsp. of soy sauce, chopped green onions for garnish
Break down a head of cauliflower in a food processor until it’s the size of rice. Heat sesame oil over high. Add garlic and fry until fragrant. Add the beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu and cook until 80% done. Add carrots and peas, stir until thoroughly incorporated. Push ingredients to the sides of the pan to create a well. Pour in 2 whisked eggs and let it set for 15 seconds. Scramble eggs and fold into the cauliflower rice. Season with white pepper and stir in soy sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.
CHINESE CABBAGE SALAD
5 cups chopped Chinese 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
STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS
12 cabbage leaves*; 1-pound hamburger; 1/2 cup uncooked instant rice; 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup); 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water
Cover cabbage leaves with boiling water. Cover and let stand until leaves are limp, about 10 minutes. Remove leaves; drain. Sauté hamburger, rice, onion, mushrooms (with liquid), salt, pepper, garlic salt and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce. Place about 1/3 cup hamburger mixture at stem end of each leaf. Roll leaf around hamburger mixture, tucking in sides. Place cabbage rolls seam sides down in ungreased square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches. Mix remaining tomato sauce, the sugar and lemon juice; pour over cabbage rolls. Cover and cook in 3500 oven until hamburger is done, about 45 minutes. Mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in saucepan. Stir in liquid from cabbage rolls. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Serve sauce with cabbage rolls. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serves 4-5
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 Chinese 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.
STIR-FRIED CABBAGE
2 tbsp oil; 1 medium-size onion, sliced; 8 cups coarsely shredded cabbage; 1 tsp celery seed; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp coriander 1/4 tsp salt. Heat oil to medium-hot in large skillet or wok. Stir-fry onion in oil for a minute or two, then add cabbage and seasonings. Stir-fry for 5 to 10 minutes until cabbage is tender but firm. Pan may be covered briefly toward the end of the cooking process to hasten tenderizing. Serve immediately.
Yield: 4 servings
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.
CREAM CHEESE PUMPKIN SQUARES *Great for a bit of leftover butternut squash!
1 cup flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 5 tbsp butter; 8 oz cream cheese; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/2 cup pumpkin, 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp allspice
Blend flour, brown sugar and butter into small crumbs. Set aside1/2 cup for topping; place remainder in 8×8 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cream together cream cheese and sugar, bend in pumpkin and eggs and beat until smooth. Add vanilla and spices. Pour over baked bottom and sprinkle crumbs on top. Bake for another 35 minutes at 350 degrees.
EASY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
2 T butter or olive oil, 3-4 cloves garlic, mashed with side of thick knife, 1/2-1 C chopped onion, 2 1/2-3 lbs. butternut squash, halved, seeded, and baked until soft, 4 C chicken stock or 2 bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 cups hot water, 1 bay leaf, pinch of sugar, 1/2 t or more curry powder, pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cups milk (low-fat or skim)
Heat butter or olive oil in large saucepan over medium flame. Add garlic and onions; cook, stirring often, 7-10 minutes. Puree the cooked squash in a food processor and stir into onion mixture. Stir in stock, bay leaf, sugar, curry powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20-30 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add the milk; heat but don’t boil. This is adapted from The Complete Book of Soups and Stews, by Bernard Clayton. Serves 6; Recipe from Linda Taylor, Good Earth Farm
PENNE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BACON
3 cups fresh butternut squash or Pumpkin, peeled and cubed; 1 onion, cubed; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4-pound bacon, cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Fresh rosemary; 1 box (13 ounces) whole grain or regular penne; Fresh parsley; 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Cook in boiling salted water to cover until it is just tender. Drain and place half of the squash into a food processor with a little salt and pepper. Puree. Cook bacon in a large skillet until it’s just golden. Remove from skillet and drain. Wipe out the skillet and add a few drops of olive oil. Place onion and remaining ‘squash in the skillet and cook just until the onion turns golden. Add garlic and rosemary. Heat through. Add the squash puree. In the meantime, cook the penne until it is tender. Drain, reserving some of the water, add penne to the squash mixture adding a little of the reserved water if the sauce seems too thick.
Serve immediately, drizzling a little of the balsamic vinegar over the top. Garnish with parsley. Recipe adapted from Barilla chef Nicola Bindini.
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD
1 medium red
onion, 1 (1 ¾ lb.) squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 4 cups, 3T. olive oil, ½ tsp. salt, 1 (5oz.) pkg. baby spinach (about 3C), 1/3 C fried cranberries, 1/3 C coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
Preheat oven to 4500. Cut onion in 1-inch wedges, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Toss together onion, squash, oil, and salt in a bowl; transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring and turning vegetables once halfway through roasting, until squash is tender and lightly browned, 30-35 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl. Toss immediately with spinach, cranberries, and pecans (if using).
SPAGHETTI SQUASH SALAD
1 spaghetti squash, 1 large onion; finely chopped, ½ c sugar, 1 c diced celery, ½ c chopped sweet red pepper. ½ c chopped green pepper, ½ c oil, ¼ c vinegar, ½ t salt
Cut squash in half; scoop out seeds. Place squash cut side down, in a baking pan. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of ½ inch. Bake uncovered, at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until tender. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the squash, separating strand with a fork. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl; add the squash and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon as a salad or as a relish with burgers and hotdogs. Store in the refrigerator. Recipe from Taste of Home
SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH MUSHROOMS AND SAGE
Split the squash in half and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in the oven. Feel free to do this ahead and keep in the fridge. Alternatively, you can microwave, cut sides down for about 12 minutes. Place in a 400 F oven and roast for 40-50 minutes, until tender. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and then scoop out the squash, setting it aside. In a heavy-bottom skillet saute the onions, garlic and mushrooms, then add the spaghetti squash and fresh sage and season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese if you like. If feeling decadent, drizzle a little truffle oil over the top before serving.
STUFFED SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH SAUSAGE AND SPINACH
1 large spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeded (4 1/2 lb.), 2 T olive oil, 1 lb. bulk mild Italian sausage, 1 cup chopped onions, 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 bag (5 oz) baby spinach, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz), ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (3 oz), ½ cup plain panko crispy bread crumbs
Heat oven to 400°F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with cooking parchment paper; spray with cooking spray. Place both squash halves cut side down on baking sheet. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until tender. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onions and garlic; cook and stir 5 to 7 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium; add flour, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and nutmeg. Cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually add spinach. Cook and stir just until spinach is wilted. Stir in whipping cream. Heat to boiling; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or just until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted. When squash is cool enough to handle, use fork to remove squash strands from shells, leaving shells intact. Mix squash strands into sausage mixture. Spoon filling into both squash shell halves. Arrange filled squash halves on same baking sheet. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly around edges and heated through. Let stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in 8-inch skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; stir to coat. Cook and stir about 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to small bowl; mix with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over squash halves, and serve.