This week was an exciting one as all 3 of the farm owners, the owner of farm share (myself), and our littlest sprout were able to take a couple days away at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Niagara Falls. We go to this conference most years, but I especially enjoyed this one. I learned more about Jerusalem artichokes, the funky tubers in your veggie bins this week.
Some fun facts: the are indigenous to North America and one of the first cultivated plants in North America. The First Nations People were already using it in 1605 when it was first recorded by early settlers.
What was even more exciting to discover was that they are rich in inulin, a prebiotic that is stellar for our digestive and immune systems! I’ve learned you can make them into pickles, but for now, a creamy soup is the perfect way to enjoy these tubers.
Here’s a tip from fellow customer, environmentalist, herbalist, and overall awesome person Gloria:
“I made the most delicious sunchoke soup with the first winter veggie delivery. Didn’t peel, only washed well and scrubbed. Added leek, garlic, celery and a half bunch of kale.. Puréed in blender. Very elegant.”
I myself was torn between making butternut squash soup and jerusalem artichoke soup this week, having both items in our shares, so I decided on…both! I was excited to get all these nutrients into my family, from the grown-ups, to the kids, to the baby!
Butternut Squash & Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
After peeling, I slice the butternut squash thickly. The rounded end of the squash will have seeds.I make about 5 angular cuts to separate the seeds from the flesh, creating cubes as I go.All the ingredients in the slow cooker, ready to go!
Cooked, pureed, and ready to enjoy!Ingredients
Ingredients
1 2lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed. (See photo for how I do this)
1lb Jerusalem artichokes, scrubbed (I used a Norwex veggie and fruit cloth. A nylon bristle brush also works) and cubed
2 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups water
1 cube chicken boullion
3/4 tsp stevia
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup coconut milk (optional) (from the carton or can- your choice)
Directions
Place all ingredients except coconut milk in a slow cooker on high. Cook 4-5 hours.
Transfer to blender or blend with immersion blender, being extra cautious with the hot liquid.
Pour in coconut milk and mix. Enjoy!
In your shares this week:
butternut squash 2-4lbs
1.5lbs zucchini
2lbs carrots (Zephyr)
2lbs red beets (Zephyr)
2lbs purple top turnip (Zephyr)
1lbs Jerusalem artichokes (Zephyr)
small package Cremini mushrooms (Ontario organic!)
I’m getting in the Christmas mood, and I don’t think I’m alone: I was admiring the festive decorations I saw at many of your homes. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, I hope you find opportunity to be generous to warm up your surroundings in this cool weather.
Your veggies this week:
-2lbs Zucchini
-head cauliflower
-3lbs yams
-2lbs carrots
-2lbs beets
-1 head red cabbage
-1lb baby bokchoy (the last of the season)
-1lb bunch collard greens (also last of the season from our farm)
-2lbs purple top turnip (instead of the spinach, which was sadly frozen 🙁
Your fruits
3lbs bananas
3 grapefruits
3lbs gala apples (QC)
1/2 pint blueberries
4 oranges
We had to make a couple changes to our original plan due to availability.
I’m guessing I don’t have to tell you what to do with cauliflower or carrots, but I figured red cabbage might be a little out of your comfort zones. To be honest, I generally resort to some sort of slaw with it, which is great, but I was looking to mix it up. I found many similar recipes, but settled on this one due to its quicker cooking time. Check out the recipe for Red Cabbage and Apples
Why don’t people feed babies beets? Maybe this is why (the mess) but he sure liked it!This recipe is quite easy and very tasty!
I also tried making Sweet Potato Pizza Crust (gluten free) with the yams. Here are some pics of making it.
The pizza crust is finally cooked and getting topped up with tomato paste.The finished product. I loved it and found it very satiating compared with regular pizza, but the family was less than enthusiastic and it was a lot of work. I think I’ll stick to my regular pizza crusts and enjoy the yams in a curry or as fries.
Sweet Potato Crust Pizza w/BBQ Chicken from www.bakosweet.com
Ingredients
3lbs sweet potatoes (or yams)
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup pre cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 egg (I used a flax egg)
1 cup almond flour (I used Brown rice flour and had to increase the amount)
are 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce or paste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cook bake sweet potatoes until soft (40 mins or so)
Peel sweet potatoes and add to large mixing bowl with 1 cup almond flour, 1 egg, spices and apple cider vinegar. Mash ingredients together until well combined and dough like.
Use rubber spatula to spread on pizza stone until evenly distributed 1/3 inch thick (I used a fork and spread on parchment paper on a cookie sheet).
Cook dough at 400 degrees for 30 mins.
While dough is baking, shred 1 cup cooked chicken, chop 1 cup spinach, and Sautee on onion until soft.
Remove pizza dough from oven. Let cool 20 mins to harden. Spread bbq and tomato sauce on top. Add cheese on top.
Cover pizza with chicken mixture.
Return pizza to oven and cook another 10-13 minutes. Slice and ebjoy.
Is anyone overwhelmed by 3lbs of bananas? I can’t seem to keep them in my house. Between easy snacks, slicing and adding to breakfasts and making great gluten free vegan pancakes and treats, my dreams of peeling them and throwing them in zip locks in the freezer for smoothies are often dashed. I love the versatility of a banana! If you haven’t tried that yet, they freeze beautiful with the skins off. There is no need to let even one go to waste!
Well that’s it for this delivery. Let the prepping (and eating…) begin!
Well you’ve got your lovely bunch of vegetables (and maybe fruit too). Could you use some inspiration? Maybe a slightly embarrassing story about my ineptitude and sheer ignorance with avocados?
But first, your veggies and fruit baskets for this week Nov 14/15
Vegetables
4lbs russet potatoes
3lbs yellow onions
1lb brussels sprouts
2lb carrots
2lbs rutabaga
1lb red peppers
1 caraflex (sweet) cabbage
1lb baby bokchoy
1 bunch green kale
Fruits
3 grapefruits
4 avocados
2 pomegranates
3lbs bananas
3lbso apples
Well, here come the story and recipes. I was joining this group of farmer ladies for a luncheon, already feeling like a bit of an imposter because many of these women lead their own farms…bottle feed lambs, have kept them in their houses to protect against the cold…know all about livestock and germination and the like, and I married into this gig not knowing a bunch of kale from a head of bok choy. For some reason I thought it was wise to offer to bring the guacamole, a dish I loved but had never made. At least I knew you needed avocados…so I went to the store that same day and brought home my first bag of avocados.
My first challenge was getting into them. I think I used a vegetable peeler which worked ok, managed to wrestle the pits out and then as per the recipe, began to “mash” them. I put all of my might into the mashing and even bent my masher. No results. Then I got out the mixer and gave that a go. Still, nothing was mashed about those avocadoes. Next, I got out the blender and let that sad little thing try to get somewhere, stopping to mix it around. I think at the end I ended up with some half decent guacamole, but let me save you the trouble.
Green skin= not ripe
Rock hard= not ripe (my problem!)
Skin pulling away from insides= too ripe
Blackish skin, a little give or tenderness when lightly felt with your fingers= just right.
Now that I have at least a few hundred avocadoes under my belt, I like to cut mine around the middle, and twist the two halves in opposite direction tovopen. Then I normally cut square shapes right into the half and scoop out. You can also peel away the skin with a properly ripened avocado.
Then, make this pudding!
Avocado Coconut Milk Pudding
Ingredients
-2 – 2 1/2 ripe avocadoes
-3/4 cup pitted dates
-5 bsp. Cocoa powder
-1 1/2 Tbsp. Stevia, or to taste
-1 can full fat coconut milk (go organic if you can. I also like Arroy-D brand because it is free of additives)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
-peel the avocadoes and scoop flesh into blender. Add dates, cocoa powder, coconut milk and vanilla extract and blend on high until texture is smooth and pudding like. Add stevia to taste for added sweetness (plant based and doesn’t spike your blood sugar)
-enjoy! Add some berries or bananas for a delicious snack or dessert full of fruit and healthy fats.
And for the rutabaga…a few people swapped theirs out this week. I don’t think they’ve given these fries a try! While the dietary fibre, potassium, manganese and vitamin C make these a great choice, they really hold up on the taste end too.
They definitely are more filling then their potato counterparts and ended up with a nice tender crisp texture in the oven.
Rutabaga Fries (serves 4 as a side)
Ingredients
-2 lbs rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick fry shapes
-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
-salt and paprika, liberally sprinkled
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss rutabaga fries in olive oil and spread out on large baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and paprika.
2. Cook about 30 minutes, turning part way for even cooking
Simple Steamed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
-1 lb Brussels Sprouts
-1 Tbsp MELT butter alternative
-sprinkle of salt
Directions
1. Put water in the bottom of a sauce pan and place washed brussels sprouts in steaming basket inside.
2. Place lid on. Bring water to boil and cook until slightly tender and bright green. Take off the heat when they seem a little under done as they will continue to cook in the steam. Remove steaming basket and sprouts, pour out water into sink and return sprouts only to pot. Toss in MELT and sprinkle with salt. Serve . (The kids even ate these without drama. Win!)
I can’t believe it’s week 21 and some folks are getting their last veggie boxes this week! It’s been a wonderful year, and full of surprises as always. We hope you’ve loved your bounty of organic goodies and discovered new tastes along the way.
I went out and managed to bring in most of the field of peppers just hours before a heavy frost last week thanks to baby-wearing. It was very tiring but my work paid off! Anything not sheltered by the rest of the plant had cooked!
Here’s your late fall haul:
Half Shares
-black kale
-yellow potatoes
-carrots
-green onions
-baby bokchoy
-red peppers
-chicoga beets
-rapini
-rutabaga
-celery root (super ugly root veg but so yummy in soups or even mashed…also called celeriac)
Whole Shares
-2nd carrots
-red Swiss chard
-red hot peppers *be careful with the seeds…nice and hot. Use gloves to cut and wash hands with dish soap after handling
-Collard greens
-mint
I’ve been going a little crazy with the homemade snacks since falling in love with my dehydrator. A few successful batches of fruit roll ups gave me the courage to take on a gluten free baking recipe (and trust me, Ive had some epic fails in this category). I knew I wanted to include some veggies in my snack and went with the obvious choice of carrots. I found this recipe that fit the vegan and gluten free bill: https://minimalistbaker.com/one-bowl-carrot-apple-muffins-vegan-gf/, but considered how I would actually like to send these to school with the kids. Let the substitutions begin!
Of course I thought I’d add some more good fats to the mix and lure the kids in with some icing.
Lo and behold, it went over great with my sweet-tooth queen, myself and my oh-so-picky-about sweets son. I think we have a win here folks!
GF, Egg and Dairy Free Carrot Muffins with Creamy Goat Cheese Frosting
Makes 12 Muffins
Ingredients
1 1/2 flax eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup mashed very ripe banana
1/4 cup molasses (or honey, agave nectar or maple syrup)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 sweet apple, finely grated
1/2 cup brown sugar (or sub muscavado)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup plain almond milk, unsweetened
1 heaping cup (packed) grated carrot
2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup flax meal (ground flax seed- I do mine in a coffee grinder)
1 cup + 2 Tbsp gluten-free flour blend (I used my favourite blend of tapioca starch, brown rice flour, sorghum and millet mixed with 1 heaping tsp guar gum)
Directions
Prepare flax eggs in a large mixing bowl and preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).Prepare muffin tin with liners or lightly grease them.To flax eggs mashed banana, molasses, agave or maple syrup, olive oil and whisk to combine.Next add applesauce, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and whisk to combine.Add almond milk and stir.Add grated carrot and stir.Add coconut, flax meal, and gluten-free flour blend and stir.Divide evenly among 12 muffin tins, filling them all the way up to the top.Bake for 32-36 minutes, or until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When you press on the top it shouldn’t feel too spongey, so don’t be afraid of over baking! The GF blend just takes longer to bake.Remove from oven and let set in the pan for 15 minutes. Then flip on their sides still in the pan to let cool completely.If you try to unwrap them too quickly, they have a tendency to stick to the wrappers.Once cooled, store in a covered container or bag at room temp to keep fresh. Freeze after that to keep fresh.
Notes
*If baking in a loaf pan or cake pan (8×8), bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour and check every 5 minutes thereafter for doneness.
Hello everyone! Well I think fall is officially here…and it feels a little shocking after Monday’s heat, but it is October after all. Stephanie is fighting off a bug so this is Jennifer with your weekly produce list and your meal ideas.
With the holiday closure on my shop day this week and a busy work week ahead, we’ve been going vegetarian for the week on most meals. In this vegetarian shepherds pie I used more rutabaga than potatoes in the potato part and the kids didn’t even notice! Plus, I used up leftover carrots and mashed rutabaga from thanksgiving dinner!
The heat is here! And that means the growth of many items is accelerated. We are harvesting the asparagus and cucumbers every second day now. Any longer and we would risk letting the asparagus get seedy and the cucumbers get too large. With this combo of heat and rain, the strawberries, redcurrants and peas should be ready soon!
New this week we have cucumbers and mint. They happen to be wonderful- together! See below for a couple super simple ways to enjoy this pair.
More farm share members have been joining up these last couple weeks and we have an abundance of veggies to accommodate them- so if you know anyone that would love our csa, feel free to send them our way! Having trouble identifying items in your box? Many items are listed with pictures in our online store. https://zephyrorganics.com/custom-orders/
collard greens (makes an easy low carb, gluten-free wrap!)
oregano (savory herb excellent in Italian and Greek foods)
turnip greens
Recipes
Cucumber-Mint Water
(makes one 2L pitcher)
Directions.
Fill 2L jug with filtered water. Add 1/3 of a cucumber and 8-10 large leaves of mint to jug. Let sit for a few hours for flavours to mix. Enjoy the refreshing taste!
Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Serves 2-3 as side. Kid-friendly recipe.
Ingredients
1lb cucumber (1 large or 2 smaller)
1 1/2 tbsp. chopped mint (I used kitchen scissors- so easy!)
1 1/2 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Peel and chop cucumber and wash and chop mint.
Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and mix. Let refrigerate for 1 or more hours. Enjoy!
Rhubarb-Blueberry Syrup
This recipe was born out of necessity when (gasp) we ran out of syrup on pancake day. I have a great gluten, dairy and egg free (and other allergen free) pancake recipe if anyone has been searching for such. This syrup was tasty with pancakes and great with yogurt the next day.
Ingredients
2 medium stalks rhubarb
1 cup blueberries (frozen)
4 tbsp. water
1/2 cup white or coconut sugar (or to taste- I am trying to remember the exact measure)
1 tsp. lemon juice
Directions
Wash and chop rhubarb. Add to small pot with lemon juice, water and sugar.
Heat on med-high until it comes to a boil. Lower heat to med-low and simmer until thickened.
Add blueberries and continue to cook and stir until blueberries are soft and cooked.
Enjoy hot with pancakes or chilled on yogurt!
Remember to keep hydrated this week as the temperatures climb!
It’s finally here! The new season of Farm Share, and I can’t believe all the items that are ready! Whether this is your first or 8th season with us, I hope you taste the local organic difference from the first bite. You’ll notice more leafy greens in the first few boxes, but there will be even more variety available as the weeks go by. This year we have cucumbers nice and early- only enough for the whole share boxes this week, but next week we should have quite a few, especially if we get some heat. As you might have guessed, these are coming from the greenhouse. The leeks are “over-wintered” which means they were planted last year and are ready in spring, kept safe by the blanket of snow. We also have lettuce nice and early, and quite substantial in size. Hope you are ready for some refreshing salads! It’s nice to lighten up our food choices along with the weather, and keep our bodies feeling their best.
Someone else is finally here: we are pleased to announce the arrival of our new son Boaz to the Eng family! We’re all doing well and very much in love with this little guy.
Stephanie will be returning to do the blog in a couple weeks, but for now, I (Jennifer) am here to ring in the new season with you.
Remember, you can get all new posts from us sent to your email inbox as soon as it is posted (Tuesday or Wednesday) each week. Enter your email in the box on the right hand side of this blog page. Now, let’s get to identifying the delicious veggies in your box:
Here are the contents from left to right of the HALF SHARES:
-rhubarb (long red and green thick stalks- try in cake, muffins, or cookies, or simply stew with lemon juice and a little sugar to taste and enjoy with yogurt)
-asparagus (green shoots with purple tips – lightly toss in olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and try them roasted at 400 degrees for 10-15 mins, or get creative with a salad. Also great paired with goat or feta cheese)
-baby bok choy (green leafy vegetable with light green, crunchy head- great in stir fries or enjoy it raw in salad)
-red radish (pinky-red roots with green tops- super in potato and egg salads, toss salad, as a crudité, or roast if you are looking for a milder taste)
-rainbow swiss chard (TOP- pink, white, orange and yellow stalks with green tops- delicious simply wilted with your oil or fat of choice, super chopped up and wilted in pastas, or add some colour to salads)
-green leaf lettuce (the perfect lettuce for salads, burgers and tacos)
-green kale (BOTTOM- bluish-green crunchy leafy green, makes great kale chips, great in soups, folded into mashed potatoes, or massage leaves with olive oil and enjoy in salad)
-leeks (add sweet onion flavour to soups or any savoury dish- especially potato leek, or try in dip
-2nd bunch asparagus
-basil pot (potted herb- keep soil moist and do not refrigerate), adds delicious flavour to salads, pastas, dips, etc.
If you have a WHOLE SHARE, you will receive all the above with the addition of:
-cucumber (super as a crudité or in salad)
-spinach (delicious lightly wilted or raw in salad)
-green onions (chop to add some kick to salads, dips, or onion flavour in cooked foods- also makes a great garnish)
-garlic chives (it may look like grass, but it’s full of yummy garlic flavour- skip the powdered stuff and enjoy the fresh taste, full of vitamin C)
-romaine lettuce (delicious in all different salads, and always a favourite in Caesar salad)
CUSTOMER TIP: Or if you have a juicer, anything goes! Experiment and you won’t waste any of the veggie goodness in your box! Apples make a good base for veggie juices if you enjoy a little sweet.
I have had quite an appetite lately, and needed something fresh to balance out all those yummy freezer meals, so this was my first attempt at cooking (or food prep) post baby.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
-1 baby bok choy, washed and chopped
-1 bunch of radish tops, washed
-5 radish, thinly sliced
-5 spears asparagus (I had them raw but roasted would be delish)
-4 eggs, scrambled (optional, goat cheese would also be a nice addition)
-fresh parsley leaves, to taste
-half cup greek yogurt
-juice of half lemon
-salt, pepper and dill to taste
Directions
1. layer ingredients, divided onto 2 plates
2. Serve on it’s own as a meal, or with soup if you are super hungry.
ENJOY your veggies! And feel free to comment or email me if you are wondering what to do with an item. Let the adventures begin!
For both farm share members and the public, we are open every Friday 12-6 and Saturdays 10-5pm in our cash market.Some Pictures from our Farm Store at the Open HouseNew Blackboard and lots of variety at the Open HouseGrowing from seed can be a challenge- let us get your started with a ready-to go herb garden of parsley, basil, mint, and chives
Hi everyone! I (Jennifer) wanted to wake up the blog to provide you with an update from the farm and share a recipe that I think just about everyone will enjoy.
My family and I had the privilege of travelling to central Florida to meet up with some farms we will be shipping produce to in the summer months, when Florida is just too hot to grow certain crops. Along the way we got to pick oranges right from the trees (which I was so excited about), and visit lots of friends and family in Florida and all over Virginia. Road tripping with the family, even *gasp* without a dvd player, went surprisingly well aside from the extra stops we made for our 4 1/2 year old and 2 1/2 year olds’ smaller bladders. We spent most of our trip visiting with people we wished lived a whole lot closer, and taking in the scenery, city by city. We even took a dip in the chilly Atlantic at Daytona Beach!
Picking oranges with family and friends in Clermont, FL.
We also continued our education and planning efforts (one major thing we like to do this time of year) at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Niagara Falls, which is always a great opportunity to learn something and face to face with other growers and people in the agriculture industry.
While on our trip, our son was on an elimination diet of about 12 foods that his body was not processing. What a challenge! Gluten and dairy free seems so simple now by comparison. One of the most difficult foods to avoid was brewer’s yeast, which is in beer of course, but also used for flavour in so many foods including broth and in anything with vinegar (just about all condiments). I know you will tell me to make my own, but I don’t often have whole chickens or bone-on beef to make my own broth, therefore this is something I normally buy in the carton. I could not find a single brand without yeast! I was also instructed to load up my son with extra dark leafy greens.
Enter this soup from “www.gimmesomeoven.com”, which gets much of its flavour from tomatoes, which I was lucky enough to have still frozen from the summer. I managed to pack in a whole bunch of green swiss chard in here. You can also find this recipe on our pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.com/zephyrfarmshare/ .
Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
Serves 4
I wasn’t quite organized enough to have everything defrosted so I put the chicken and tomatoes together as the oven warmed up with a little olive oil, covered with tin foil and baked about an hour and 20 mins at 375 degrees.
All cooked and ready to make some scrumptious stew!
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small white onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
4 cloves garlic
6 assorted whole tomatoes, roasted
1 (14 oz.) can cannelini beans (I used chickpeas due to a food sensitivity)
1 can water (or as needed)
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 bunch green swiss chard, main stems removed
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil (or dried to taste)
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
All ingredients in and simmering on the stove
Directions
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Saute for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute or two until fragrant.
Add in remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Use a long spoon to crush the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer partially-covered for 10 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve with freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.
All served up with some blue cheese for me. Fresh herbs would be lovely too.
Hope this stew warms you up as we wait for spring and that you are having some adventures of your own.
Stephanie is taking a few weeks from the blog as she anticipates the birth of her new baby, so this is Jennifer bringing you the scoop from the farm (and a couple food ideas) this week.
Hello heat wave! It’s been an adventure picking out in the fields in this sweltering weather, and I’ve been so grateful for that sweet time packing the boxes in the ice cool building (not to mention trips to the cooler to grab more items). However, I am thankful that this is great growing weather! Veggies come along in leaps and bounds in this kind of heat. For the whole shares we have some new mid-summer treats like cauliflower, eggplant, and green peppers. I am hoping to get enough cauliflower (or broccoli if I run out) for everyone next week. Grape tomatoes and ground cherries look like they’ll be ready for the eating next week, and the other tomatoes shouldn’t be far behind. I hope you enjoy these last weeks of peas and beans as we trade them for new items.
Here’s the lineup this week:
Half Shares
carrots
zucchini
green swiss chard
turnip (purple and white root) or radish
green beans
Chinese cabbage
sugar snap or snow peas
green leaf lettuce
collard greens
green kale
Whole Shares: same as above with addition of…
baby bok choy
green peppers
eggplant
cauliflower
extra peas
red leaf lettuce Stay Cool this week!
Have you ever tried zucchini as noodles? With a simple spiralizer tool you can sub out the starchy carbs for lean and nutritious zucchini.Sweet but shy kittens entertaining my kids in their own little jungle of tree and vines.Lettuce, peas, radish, roast beef & mayo in a wheat wrap (or use collards for extra health punch). This was even yummier than I expected!
I hope you all enjoyed the yummy produce that you got last week in your boxes-I know we have! We enjoyed steaks from the farm (Howards Farm in Newmarket is where we get our meat/fish)with baked potatoes and grilled asparagus-it was a wonderful way to welcome in the warm weather that we had last weekend.
As promised-this weeks recipe is a bit more adventurous than last weeks. Last night I made pitas and soup (sauteed onions-mushrooms-jerusalem artichokes in a pan and then added chopped cooked bacon and smoked chicken breast-and lastly throwing in chopped bok choy and spinach) we had it with sour cream and another sauce that we get at costco and a little cheese.
The receipe I am sharing is a parsnip and carrot soup. I found it on a lovely blog. http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2012/11/amazing-carrot-and-parsnip-soup/
Now I will I couldn’t find miso paste so I had to omit that-I also forgot the shallots and didn’t do the garnish. Overall it came out pretty well but for me-it had too much cumin-so next go I’ll reduce it by half.
It uses a ton of stuff that you’ll be getting in your box-including fresh sage.
Here is what you can expect to see in your boxes this week-enjoy!
Half Share -baby bok choy
-asparagus
-basil pots
-green leaf lettuce
-kale
-jerusalem artichokes
-rhubarb
-red leaf lettuce
-radish
-double asparagus
Whole shares: same as above but also with:
-leeks
-parsnips
-big bok choy
-garlic chives
-sage
Amazing Carrot and Parsnip Soup (credit to Brittany Mullins-Eating Bird Food)
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
1 shallot, chopped finely
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 lb. carrots, peeled and chopped
½ lb. parsnips, peeled and chopped
5 cups of vegetable broth or water
⅓ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
3 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon turmeric
sprinkle of cayenne pepper
ground black pepper, to taste
1 Tablespoon miso paste, dissolved in 1 Tablespoon warm water
sea salt, to taste
scallions, as garnish
1 ounce gruyere cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large stock pot, heat coconut oil on medium heat. Place onion, shallot and garlic into the pot and sauté for about five to seven minutes or until onions are translucent.
Add herbs and spices (thyme, sage, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper and ground pepper) to the pot and stir.
Add chopped carrots, parsnip and quinoa to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth or water. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for about 20-40 minutes until veggies are tender.
Remove from heat and let stand 3-5 minutes until cooled slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the contents of the pot until a smooth even consistency is reached. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend the soup in your blender in small batches.
Dissolve miso in warm water and stir into the soup. Miso gives the soup a wonderful flavor but if you don’t have miso, simply season the soup with a little sea salt.
Serve immediately garnished with scallions and shredded gruyere cheese. Enjoy!
This week was an exciting one as all 3 of the farm owners, the owner of farm share (myself), and our littlest sprout were able to take a couple days away at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Niagara Falls. We go to this conference most years, but I especially enjoyed this one. I learned more about Jerusalem artichokes, the funky tubers in your veggie bins this week.
