December 16 - 23, 2011

In the box:

Apples
Green cabbage - F
Carrots - T, W
Romanesco cauliflower - T
Collards or kale - T
Parsnips - F
Radicchio - R
Daikon radish - W
Tatsoi - W

In the house:

Shredded Cabbage (Green and Red) - mix into tuna for sandwiches

Grocery List:
Tofu

pineapple juice

coconut milk

ginger

ricotta cheese

Menu:
Friday: Salmon, Mashed Parsnips, leftover carrot slaw

Saturday: Baked Chicken, Green Beans (Frozen), Pasta with Tomatoes and cheese

Sunday: McCormick & Kuleto's (San Francisco)

Monday: Beans, Rice, mixed veggies

Tuesday: Veggie Pasta with Green Smoothies

Wednesday: Daikon Carrot Tatsoi Tofu Stir Fry 

Thursday: radicchio raviolis, make kluski

Friday: Cabbage Parathas, Chicken Tikka Masala

Recipes:

From http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/kale.htm:

Pasta with Vegetables and Pine Nuts
This is a lovely light dinner full of colorful vegetables that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day.

1 pound penne pasta, cooked and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large carrot, sliced (1/4 inch)
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped kale
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 teaspoons dried basil or 2 tablespoons minced fresh
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

While pasta is cooking, place 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet with garlic, carrot, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale. Stir gently and cover pan. Steam 10 to 15 minutes, or until vegetables are just tender. Add a little water if necessary to prevent vegetables from scorching. Drain pasta and place in large bowl. Add cooked vegetables, pine nuts, basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Toss gently.

Makes 8 servings

Creamy Greens Smoothie
This smoothie surprises everyone because it tastes so good. You really don't taste the kale at all. This is an excellent snack while breastfeeding because the greens help to increase milk production. Use nutritional yeast flakes fortified with vitamin B12.

1 cup pineapple-coconut juice
1 banana, sliced and frozen
2 to 3 kale leaves
2 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes (optional)

Place ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

Makes 1 to 2 servings

Note: 1/2 cup pineapple juice and 1/2 cup light coconut milk can be substituted for pineapple-coconut juice.

Recipes adapted from The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook copyright © 2005 and Simply Natural Baby Food copyright © 2003 by Cathe Olson.

From http://www.mariquita.com/recipes/radicchio.html:

RAVIOLI WITH RADICCHIO FILLING

1 lb radicchio, chopped
5 ounces grated parmigiano
3 oz ricotta or cream cheese
2 oz bacon, cut in small pieces
1 big handful pinenuts
1 shallot, chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper
1 pack Asian dumpling wrappers (or home-made dough, if you really feel like spending a couple extra hours in the kitchen)

Sautee bacon and shallot in oil for a few minutes. Add radicchio, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and cook until wilted. Let it cool down and mix in ricotta, parmigiano and pinenuts. Stuff the dumpling wrappers with a small amount of radicchio mixture, sealing the edges with your wet fingers. Cook for about 5 minutesi n boiling salted water with 1 tsp oil, drain and season with your favorite sauce (tomato sauce, mushroom sauce, or just browned butter and sage).

http://palakkadcooking.blogspot.com/2011/11/cabbage-paratha.html

December 9-15, 2011

In the box:

Apples - x
Arugula - F,
Red Express Cabbage - x
Carrots - x
Romanesco cauliflower - x
Fennel - x
Leeks - wherever onions are called for
Parsnips - x
Radicchio - x
Crushed Dry-farmed Tomatoes (jar will be inside your box) - pantry

In the house:

Cabbage - x
Beets - x

Grocery List:
Garlic
Bananas
Talapia
shallots
sour cream

Menu:
Friday: Spaghetti with minced arugula in the sauce
Saturday: Mexican
Sunday: Something easy from the fridge/freezer

Monday: Fish and Shredded Cabbage/Radicchio Tacos
Tuesday: Romanesco Cauliflower and Garlic Pasta
Wednesday: Parsnip and Beet Soup
Thursday: Carrot Raisin Salad and Baked Chicken

Recipes:

Parsnip and Beet Soup with Dill Cream
from "Your Organic Kitchen" by Jesse Cool
Serves 6
Jesse says, "The flavors and appearance of this passionately purple soup are balanced beautifully by the tart creaminess of the sour cream. In my restaurant we serve this soup on Valentine's Day accompanied by heart-shaped biscuits."

6 C vegetable or chicken broth
1 lb. parsnips, cut into small cubes
6 beets, trimmed and scrubbed [sure, use some red and some yellow!]
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 whole cloves
3 whole peppercorns
3 tbsp. sugar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 C sour cream
1 green onion, finely chopped [leeks instead]
2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill [or 2 tsp. dried]

Bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the parsnips. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove the parsnips to a bowl.

Add the beets, shallot, cloves, and peppercorns to the simmering broth. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the beets are tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beets to the cutting board, reserving the liquid. When the beets are cool, slip off the skins. Cut into small cubes.

Strain the broth through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large bowl. Return the broth to the pot. Add the parsnips, beets, and sugar. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, green onion, and dill.

Ladle soup into 6 bowls and top each with a dollop of the sour cream mixture.

Apple Fennel Puree for lunch "Applesauce"

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/baja_battered_fish.html

From : http://www.vegkitchen.com/kid-friendly-recipes/easy-healthy-recipes/salads-your-kids-just-might-eat/

Classic Carrot-Raisin Salad
Here’s a simple salad that might just be the first your kids will enjoy. A food processor is a must for preparing this salad quickly.

Serves: 4 to 6
8 ounces carrots, peeled (or use baby carrots)
2/3 cup raisins
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more, to taste
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise or Cashew Cream
Generous pinch of ground cinnamon
[Add some red cabbage too]

Grate the carrots in a food processor, then transfer to a serving bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, and mix together thoroughly.

Let the salad stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then serve.


For later:

http://mytastyhandbook.com/tasty-food-and-drink/spicy-red-lentil-soup-with-magic-potion/

December 2- 8, 2011

First week of the Winter Share!

In the box:

Apples - lunches, snacks
Beets - M
Brussels sprouts - T
Romanesco cauliflower - F
Kale - R
Fennel - R
Leeks - R
Lettuce - M
Potatoes - T
Daikon radish - W
Strawberry lavendar jam - Store for breakfasts, lunches, snacks

In the house:

Turkey - F, M, W, Freeze
Stuffing - Freeze
Radicchio Risotto - F, Freeze
Gravy - Freeze
Cranberry Sauce - M, then can
Sweet Potatoes - R

Carrots - R
Celery - R

Cabbage - ?

Menu:

Friday: Cauliflower, Turkey, Risotto
Saturday: Taking appetizer to Jamie's /Pizza
Sunday: Sushi!
Monday: Salad with Beets, Cranberry Sauce, and Turkey
Tuesday: Salmon, Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts
Wednesday: Braised Daikon, Stuffing, Turkey
Thursday: Kale, Fennel, & Leek Soup

Recipes:

http://missfiggy.com/2011/07/19/braised-daikon/


Soup - Veggie Stock, Kale, Fennel, Leeks, Celery, Carrots, White Beans, Potatoes

Lovely Lentil Soup

RJ loved this, Lance couldn't taste the beets (which is a good thing for him), and Logan ate it up.  I will have to make this one again. 


LENTIL SOUP with BEETS and COCONUT MILK
Makes 2 to 2 1/2 quarts
This gorgeous fuchsia soup has a delicate flavor. Packed with nutrition, the spices aid digestion.

1 1/2 C French green lentils
5 C broth [i actually ended up using 6, adding more after the lentils plumped up and soaked up a lot of it]
one 4-inch piece of kombu seaweed (optional) [I didn't have this, but threw in a sheet of nori ripped up for fun]
1 small sweet potato or yam or potato, grated [I had a potato]
1 medium beet, grated
1 can coconut milk
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 C minced onions or leeks [i used a leek]
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced or grated [i actually used a big pile of ginger powder instead]
1 tbsp. ground coriander [omitted because my magic bullet (which is my spice grinder) kicked the bucket]
1 tbsp. ground fennel seeds [omitted for the same reason as the coriander]
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. sea salt
3-4 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish [garnish was not necessary]

1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a saucepan with the kombu and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Add the yam, beets, and coconut milk and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the beets and yams are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. While the lentils are cooking, saute the onion and ginger until the onion is translucent and tender. Add the spices and sea salt and cook over low heat, stirring, for 3 more minutes.
4. Add the onion mixture to the lentils and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Taste and add sea salt if needed.
5. Garnish the soup with cilantro and serve.

November 19 - 25, 2011

In the box:

Gala apples
Arugula - W
Brussels sprouts - Sa
Beets - Su
Cabbage- M2
Fennel - Su2
Green beans - R/F
Leeks - Su2
Lettuce - T
Onions (Pinnacle Organic Farm) - R/F
Radicchio - M

Groceries:
Turkey (pickup at counter)
Yams
Potatoes
Pumpkin for Pies
Sausage for Stuffing
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Ricotta Cheese
Eggs
Carrots
smoked mozzarella
garlic
mozzarella

Menu:
Saturday: Chinese Food (day off from cooking!)
Sunday: Lentil Soup with Beets and Coconut Milk
Monday: Radicchio Risotto
Tuesday:  Salad with Chicken
Wednesday: Arugula and Ricotta Calzones
Thursday: THANKSGIVING OFFERING - Dinner at the Reichguts
Friday: THANKSGIVING FOOD - PARTY
Saturday: Leftovers with Steamed Brussels Sprouts
Sunday: Fennel & Leek Soup with Bread
Monday: Cabbage "Sushi" with Leftover mashed potatoes
Tuesday: Random leftovers from the freezer
Wednesday: Random leftovers from the freezer
Thursday: Random leftovers from the freezer

The week after Thanksgiving is leftovers week since we don't get our next share until Dec 1.

Recipes:

LENTIL SOUP with BEETS and COCONUT MILK
Makes 2 to 2 1/2 quarts
This gorgeous fuchsia soup has a delicate flavor. Packed with nutrition, the spices aid digestion.

1 1/2 C French green lentils
5 C broth
one 4-inch piece of kombu seaweed (optional)
1 small sweet potato or yam or potato, grated
1 medium beet, grated
1 can coconut milk
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 C minced onions or leeks
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tbsp. ground coriander
1 tbsp. ground fennel seeds
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. sea salt
3-4 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a saucepan with the kombu and water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Add the yam, beets, and coconut milk and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the beets and yams are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. While the lentils are cooking, saute the onion and ginger until the onion is translucent and tender. Add the spices and sea salt and cook over low heat, stirring, for 3 more minutes.
4. Add the onion mixture to the lentils and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Taste and add sea salt if needed.
5. Garnish the soup with cilantro and serve.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Smoky-Radicchio-Risotto-Michu-351292

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Arugula-and-Ricotta-Calzones-233791

FENNEL and LEEK SOUPServes 4-6

2 fennel bulbs
6 C stock (recipe follows)
2 medium leeks, white parts plus 1 inch of the green, chopped
1 small potato, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil or butter
1 onion, chopped
sea salt and pepper to taste
1/3 C cream, optional

1. Remove the tough layers of the fennel and use them in the stock, along with the 1 C chopped leek greens and the leek roots. Chop half of the fennel green and reserve.
2. Quarter the fennel bulbs, remove the core if tough, and thinly slice crosswise. Warm the oil in the soup pot and add the onion, fennel, leek, potato and 1 tsp. salt, plus 1 C of the strained stock.
3. Cover and stew over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the remaining stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the fennel is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in the cream and the reserved fennel greens. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if needed.

SAVORY "MAKI-SUSHI"-STYLE CABBAGE ROLL
Serves 4-6

For the roll:
1 small cabbage
4 large potatoes
3 pats* butter (about 1 tbsp.)
8 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 lb. spinach or other greens of choice
1 large carrot
nutmeg
sea salt
For the sauce:
half a lemon
4 tbsp. olive oil

*[a pat is about a teaspoon of butter sez Rebecca; I'm not capable of using butter in such small amounts, so I'd use a tablespoon per 'pat' myself, but Rebecca and I both agree: either way is fine ;-) - Debbie]

1. Remove the tougher outer leaves from the cabbage, if necessary, then wash and blanch the remaining leaves in boiling water. Drain well and arrange them in layers, forming a rectangle.
2. Boil the potatoes, press them through a potato ricer (or mash them), then put in a saucepan with 1 1/2 pats of butter. Season with salt and reduce the puree over low heat. Add some parmesan, a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg and an egg and stir until well blended.
3. Blanch the spinach or other greens for a few minutes, until tender. Dry out over a gentle heat with the remaining butter.
4. Boil the carrot whole in a little water (or steam) until al-dente but pierce-able with a sharp knife tip, then set aside.
5. Spread the potato puree evenly over the rectangle of cabbage leaves leaving a margin exposed; spread the greens on top of the potatoes, then finish off with the whole carrot. Wrap the cabbage leaves around the filling in the shape of a log roll like you would when making maki-style sushi, then wrap in a sheet of plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to become firm.
6. Remove the roll from the refrigerator, remove the plastic, and slice crosswise into 1-inch (or so) thick slices; dress with lemon juice and salt.
7. Sometimes I roast garlic and mash it into the potatoes for extra flavor.

November 11 - 17

In the box:

Gala apples - R
Beets - R
Brussels sprouts - F
Cabbage - R
Collard greens - M
Green beans - T
Kale - Su
Leeks - Su
Onions (Pinnacle Organic Farm) - T
Yellow Finn potatoes - Su
Winter (butternut) squash - T

In the house:

Chard - Sa
cilantro - W

Menu
Friday: Steamed brussel sprouts, noodles with peanut sauce
Saturday: Chard Dhal with Brown Rice
Sunday: Green Potato Leek Soup with Homemade Bread
Monday: Spaghetti with Collard filled meatballs
Tuesday: Butternut Squash Gratin with steamed green beans
Wednesday:Thai Cilantro Soba Pesto pasta with chicken

Thursday: Cabbage with Apples and Beets

Plan: 

Saturday: make dinner, make Sunday Soup, Make Meatballs

Sunday: put bread in bread maker

Tuesday: Make Squash Gratin during nap, make Thursday's meal ahead.

Recipes:

http://naturemoms.com/blog/2011/03/16/potato-leek-soup/

CHARD DHAL
This is a recipe that uses two kinds of lentils and both the chard leaf and stalk; it comes out unexpectedly creamy. Orange lentils are much smaller than regular brown lentils, and cook more quickly; this is why they are added later.

1/4 C (2 oz.) brown lentils
1 tbsp. tumeric
1 lb. chard, washed and chopped - both stems and leaves
1/2 C (4 oz.) orange lentils
sea salt and pepper

1. Lentils do not have to be soaked. Rinse them thoroughly and place the brown lentils in a pint of boiling water with the turmeric. Let them simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
2. Now add the chard and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
3. Now add the orange lentils and simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. The mixture should have soaked up all the water and can be served at once. The dhal should have an amazingly creamy texture and creamy flavor. This is lovely served with aromatic brown Basmati rice.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH GRATIN with ONIONS and SAGE
Serves 4
Serve this with a salad of slightly bitter, robust greens. [A nice massaged kale saladwould be perfect!] Good for a Fall supper for either family or company.

1/4 C olive oil
4 C thinly sliced onions
4 sprigs thyme
2 tbsp. chopped sage or 2 tsp. dried
sea salt and pepper to taste
6 C butternut squash, cut into half-inch cubes
1/2 C flour
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1/2 C grated Gruyere or fontina cheese
1/2 C plus 2 tbsp. heated whole milk or broth
1 C fresh bread crumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil or butter a 2-quart gratin dish or casserole dish.
2. Heat half the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, thyme and sage and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly caramelized, about 15 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and plenty of pepper to taste. Spread this mixture in the gratin dish, return the skillet to medium heat, and add the remaining oil.
3. Toss the squash with the flour, letting any excess fall away. [Put squash and flour in a ziploc or other bag, add some air, close it tight and shake briskly; this works nicely! Then fish 'em out, leaving the excess flour behind. - Debbie] Add floured squash to the pan and cook until brown on both sides, about 7 minutes. Add the parsley, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute more. Layer this squash over the onion mixture, cover with cheese, then add the milk (or a milk substitute). Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake until the top is browned and the liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes more.


THAI CILANTRO PESTO
Makes about 1 cup
The flavors of the Orient come alive in this brightly flavored pesto infused with lemon grass, kaffir lime, and creamy cashews. Raw macadamia nuts can be substituted for the cashews for a tropical twist. Cilantro is a powerful green food and a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants - vital elements for good health. Current research shows that if eaten in large enough quantities, cilantro helps the body to release toxins, especially heavy metals that can effect our well-being. This recipe packs a lot of wonderful green food into each serving and the exotic flavors of this pesto makes it easy to eat a healthy helping. Toss a good dollop with rice or buckwheat noodles smothered with steamed fresh vegetables; add a sprinkling of tamari-toasted sunflower seeds for a quick family meal everyone will enjoy.

1/2 C raw or lightly toasted unsalted cashews
1 tbsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. minced lemongrass
2 tbsp. minced ginger root
1 large kaffir lime leaf or 1/2 tsp. lime zest
4 C (packed) chopped fresh cilantro, large stems removed [I chop cilantro up stems and all; stems have as much flavor as the leaves. If you're shy of your 4 cup quantity 'cuz you left out the stems, chop 'em finely and add 'em. - Debbie]
1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 C unrefined sesame oil, not toasted

1. In a food processor, bowl fitted with the S-blade, process the cashews until finely ground. Add the garlic, lemon grass, lime juice, zest or kaffir leaf, and toasted sesame oil ands process for 5 seconds. Add the cilantro in batches as you continue processing the mixture into a smooth paste, scraping the side of the bowl as you go. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

http://www.babybites.info/2009/07/13/cabbage-apples/

November 4 - 10, 2011

In the box:

Gala apples - Lunches, Apple Butter
Basil or cilantro - W
Beets - R
Cabbage - T
Collard greens - M
summer squash - Sa
Green beans - R
Kale - Kale Chips
Leeks - T,
Dry-farmed tomatoes - F, Su

In the house:

Leeks - Su
potatoes - Su

pomegranates - Pomegranate jelly, pomegranate juice, pomegranate syrup

Grocery list:
unsweetened coconut
quinoa
ground turkey
low or no sugar pectin
lemon

Menu:
Friday: Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes

Saturday: Zucchini Latkes, Applesauce, Sausage (if we have it in the freezer)

Sunday: Homemade Bread, Tuscan Tomato Basil soup

Monday: Toasted Collards and Coconut Salad

Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage

Wednesday: Carribean Black Beans with Plantains

Thursday: Roasted Beets, Steamed Green Beans, and Baked Fish

Plan:
Saturday - cook dinner, pick pomegranates
Sunday - Morning: start bread, Prepare Apple Butter; Afternoon: juice pomegranates & make syrup, Cook Soup
Monday - Cook dinner
Tuesday - Afternoon, make pomegranate jelly and can, Make dinner
Wed & Thursday - cook dinner

Recipes:

Tuscan Tomato-Basil Soup
(modified slightly from a recipe in my Bon Appetit clipping file)
serves 4

3 tbsp. olive oil
2 C chopped onions
3 or 4 small potatoes (about 14 oz.), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 lbs. tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3 C (or more) water
1 C (loosely packed) fresh basil leaves
4 tsp. chopped fresh basil

Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 15 minutes. Add potato and sauté until light brown, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and stir until juices form, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Thin with additional water, if desired. Stir in the cup of whole basil leaves. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into 4 bowls and sprinkle each with a teaspoon of chopped fresh basil.

TOASTED COLLARD GREENS and COCONUT SALAD
Serves 6

1/2 C olive oil
2 tsp. sesame oil
3 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
2 bunches collard greens, large stems removed, cut in chiffonade
(about 6 cups packed lightly)
1 1/2 C large flake coconut
2 C cooked quinoa, still warm
sea salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil sesame oil, and soy sauce. Toss half the greens with the dressing and spread evenly across 2 baking sheets.
3. Spread the coconut on another baking sheet, evenly.
4. Bake the coconut until golden brown, (about 10 minutes). Bake the collards until they start to crisp (about 15 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from the oven and transfer the collards to a medium bowl. Toss with the quinoa. Taste and add the dressing, if desired. Mix in the coconut. Serve warm.

Deconstructed Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage
Also from Odile Wolf, who says, “I got it from a friend, who got it from a friend who teaches cooking classes.”

Olive oil to sauté everything
1 large onion, diced
1 pound ground beef or turkey (or well seasoned baked tofu, shredded)
1 pound cabbage, chopped
1 28-ounce can ground tomatoes
1 cup raisins
Juice of about 1 ½ large lemons (or to taste), added a little at a time
About ¼ cup brown sugar (or to taste) added a little at a time
Salt to taste

Sauté the onion in the oil until it becomes translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until it begins to brown, chopping it up with a spatula as it cooks. If you’re using tofu rather than meat, just let it cook with the onion for a minute until it heats through and has absorbed some of the onion flavor.

Add the cabbage, and stir the mixture until the cabbage begins to wilt. Add the tomatoes and the raisins, and let the stew cook for about five minutes or so at a medium-low heat.

Give the stew a stir and a pinch or two of salt. Now add some of the lemon juice, then some of the brown sugar. Taste the stew after each addition, then continue to add more of each ingredient as necessary—you want a balance of sweet and sour that you find appealing. You may need to add more salt somewhere in here as well in order to really find the right flavor balance.

Allow the stew to cook down for ten or fifteen minutes, stirring it occasionally, then serve it over rice.

Caribbean Black Beans with Sautéed Plantains Serves 4 as a main course. 2 large ripe plantains (mostly or all black) [okay, I'll go out on a limb here and say if I couldn't find plantains I would substitute organic bananas! really!!] 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil salt 4 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 small jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced [if you're like me, you still have some of these in your fridge from last week!] 2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained 2/3 C orange juice 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tbsp. minced fresh cilantro leaves [the stems have at least as much flavor as the leaves... chop up both!] 1. Trim the pointed ends from the plantains. Cut them into 2-inch chunks. Using a pairing knife, slit the skin lengthwise in several places on each piece. Carefully remove the skin with your fingers and discard it. Cut each 2-inch chunk in half lengthwise. [Wouldn't it be easier to peel the plantains first, before cutting off the skin? Maybe you need to do it this way because the plantains are ripe and fragile.] 2. Heat 2 tbsp. of the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the plantains and cook, turning once, until quite browned but not burned, about 8 minutes. Transfer plantains to a plate and sprinkle with salt to taste. Cover to keep warm. 3. Add remaining 1 tbsp. oil, garlic, and minced jalapeño to the skillet. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, orange juice, and lime juice and cook, stirring often, until the beans are heated through and have absorbed most of the juices, about 4 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with salt to taste. 4. Spoon the beans into individual bowls. Top each portion with some sautéed plantains and serve.

Apple Butter

4 lbs. apples

1 C apple cider vinegar

2 C water

1/2 C raw sugar

1/2 C brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

Grated rind and juice of 1 (meyer) lemon

Cut the apples into quarters, without peeling or coring them (much of the pectin is in the cores and flavor in the peels), cut out damaged parts.

Put them into large pot, add the vinegar and water, cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cook until apples are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.

Pass the apples through a food mill and add the remaining ingredients.

Pour 3/4 of the mixture back into the pot and cook, uncovered in the oven 8 - 10 hours, occasionally adding the rest of the apple puree.

Sterilize your jars and lids for canning.

Pack the hot apple butter into hot pint or half-pint jars.  Leave 1/4 inch head-space and process for 10 minutes.

If sterilized and processed properly, does not need to be refrigerated until opened. 

http://www.pickyourown.org/pomegranatejelly.htm

October 29 - November 3, 2011

In the box:

Gala apples
cilantro - W
Beets - M
Bok choi - W
Broccolini - W
Green beans - R
Red Russian kale -T
Leeks - W
Lettuce - Su
Radishes
Rutabagas (with their fresh green tops) - M
Summer squash - W


In the house:


potatoes - T, R
peppers - R
carrots - S, 

Groceries:
ginger, 
stew beef


Menu:


Sunday: Make veggie broth, Baked Chicken Salad,


Monday: Beef Root Vegetable Stew (in the Crock Pot, prepare ingredients Sunday night)


Tuesday:  Loaded Baked Potatoes, Kale Chips


Wednesday: broccolini, bok choi, zucchini, tofu stir fry


Thursday: Green Bean Potato Curry


Recipes:
Beef and root vegetable stew
from member Mary Lyn Azar

Since we got a number of root vegetables last week, I thought I'd share a recipe I've been using a lot this winter. This comes from my sister-in-law's method of cooking potatoes, carrots, onions, and stew beef but I've expanded it to include whatever made sense from that week's box.  This week, I took the rutabagas, beets (both peeled and cut into chunks), half the carrots (washed well and cut into 1/2 inch segments), and two of the green garlics (cut in half lengthwise and sliced up to where the leaves split off).  All of that goes into an oven safe pot with a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper and is tossed.  Then I put about a pound and a half of stew beef on the top, drizzle on a bit more oil and a little more salt and pepper and put it in the oven at 350 (beef still on top).  When the beef browns, I flip it, when it's browned on the other side I give the whole pot a good stir and then stir it every 15-20 minutes until it is done (vegetables are easy to pierce with a fork, roughly 1 1/2 hours total cooking time).  Over the winter I've also used winter squash, potatoes, and parsnips.  When I don't have green garlic I do half an onion and several cloves of garlic.  The recipe is really flexible and I use it with whatever I have available.

GREEN BEAN and POTATO CURRY
Recipe from the Live Earth Farms Recipe Database This is a simple curry to be served with rice, pickles, and chutney if so desired. [we served it with brown basmati rice]

2 medium potatoes (about 1/2 lb.), cut into 3/4 inch dice
1/2 tsp. turmeric 
3 tbsp. oil of choice
15 basil leaves
1 C very finely chopped leeks, mostly the white part (I also use the tender green part)
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. finely chopped ginger
3 green chilis cut into fine rings [I used the padrone peppers in our share, but I sauteed them separate and added as a garnish to mix in to the adult dishes, so the majority of the dish was kid-friendly]
3/4 lbs. green beans, cut on a diagonal at 1/4" intervals
4 tsp. curry powder (or to taste)
1 can coconut milk
1 stick cinnamon
1 1/4 - 1/2 tsp.sea salt
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice [oops...forgot this step - it was still good!]

1. In a medium pot, combine the potatoes, enough water to cover them well, and 1/4 tsp. turmeric. Bring to a boil. Cover partially, turn the heat down a bit, and cook until the potatoes are almost tender, but still hold their shape well. Drain.
2.Put the oil in a large saute pan or frying pan, and set over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, ginger, garlic, and green peppers. Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add the basil leaves. Add the green beans and saute for another minute. Add in the curry powder and stir at once. 
3. Pour in the coconut milk, 1C water, the remaining tumeric, the cinnamon stick, salt, and potatoes. Stir and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to low, cover and cook about 15 minutes, or until the beans are just tender. (I like my beans on the crunchy side, so I don't cook them for the whole 15 minutes).
4. Add the lime juice and stir in.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve. 

RJ asked for SECONDS!!! Kale, Black-Eyed Pea & Lentil Soup

RJ has been entertaining a greens aversion lately, so imagine my surprise when he not only ate the soup, greens and all, but then after eating his lollipop treat, claimed that he was still hungry and asked for seconds (which I was happy to dole out!).

Kale, Black-eyed Pea & Lentil Soup
from a SF Chron. clipping
serves 6 – 8

2 tbsp. olive oil
2 yellow onions (or equivalent in young onions), chopped [I used leeks because I had them]
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. mild Italian sausage 
1 bunch kale, washed
1 qt. water [I only used a pint - I meant to refill the measuring cup and put in the other pint but I got distracted and forgot, it was a bit more stew-like, which works better with the messy kids anyway]
1 qt. chicken broth
1 14.5 oz. can chopped tomatoes and juice [I used 6 small fresh tomatoes chopped up because I had them]
2 C black-eyed peas fresh, frozen or canned
1 C lentils
1 lb. waxy potatoes, cut into 3/4" cubes
1 tsp. dried thyme (or 1 tbsp. fresh)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
Pinch of black pepper
2 tsp. sherry vinegar or to taste

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat; add onions and garlic and sweat until translucent. Meanwhile, remove sausage from their casings and brown in a separate skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces. [I used pre-cooked Full Circle brand italian chicken sausage, so I just sliced it and tossed it in where it said to below - I didn't have to brown it because it was cooked already] De-stem the kale [my favorite way to do this is to hold the stem in one hand and 'strip' the greens off with the other - Debbie] and chop into bite-sized pieces, discarding stems. Once onions and garlic are sweated, add water, broth, tomatoes and their juice to stockpot. Bring to a simmer. Add sausage, kale, black-eyed peas, lentils, potatoes, thyme and bay leaves. If using canned black-eyed peas, rinse and drain them, but add them about 30 minutes later. Continue to simmer until the kale is tender and the lentils, peas and potatoes are cooked through, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper and sherry vinegar. If desired, add a touch of cayenne or Tabasco. [I forgot to add the heat for my bowl, but it was good without it it too]

The newspaper clipping indicated that this soup goes well with Merlot (if you don’t add too much cayenne or Tabasco), and cheese toasts: Split baguette or foccacia in half, brush with olive oil, sprinkle w/grated Gruyere or Parmesan and bake at 375 degrees until cheese melts, about 10 minutes.

October 15-20

In the box:

Gala apples
Beets - R
Red Russian kale - T
Green beans
Leeks - T
Lettuce - Su
Chard - R
Sweet peppers & Hot Peppers
Summer squash - M
Dry-farmed tomatoes

In the house:

Basil - Su
Napa cabbage - W
Hot peppers (Hungarian yellow/red; Padrons) - Su, W
Yellow Finn potatoes - T
Sweet peppers - Su
Summer squash - M
Dry-farmed tomatoes - Su, M, T

Menu:

Sunday: Fresh tomato pizza with salad

Monday: Squash Spaghetti, make bread

Tuesday: Black Eyed Pea and Lentil Soup

Wednesday: Cabbage and chicken burritos

Thursday: Roasted Red Pepper Chili with Green Beans

Co-op: Pumpkin Zucchini Bread (Snack), Beet & Chard Waffles with Apples and smoothies.

Other cooking tasks: Throw leftover veggies in stock pot to make veggie broth, skin and puree the rest of the tomatoes to can, roast all peppers and freeze leftovers.

Groceries:

Italian Sausage
mozzarella
tortillas
nutritional yeast
organic black eyed peas (if they have them)

Recipes:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/summersquash/r/Summer-Squash-Pasta-Recipe.htm

Kale, Black-eyed Pea & Lentil Soup
from a SF Chron. clipping!
serves 6 – 8

2 tbsp. olive oil
2 yellow onions (or equivalent in young onions), chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced (or equivalent in green garlic)
1 lb. mild Italian sausage
1 bunch kale, washed
1 qt. water
1 qt. chicken broth
1 14.5 oz. can chopped tomatoes and juice
2 C black-eyed peas fresh, frozen or canned
1 C lentils
1 lb. waxy potatoes, cut into 3/4" cubes
1 tsp. dried thyme (or 1 tbsp. fresh)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
Pinch of black pepper
2 tsp. sherry vinegar or to taste

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat; add onions and garlic and sweat until translucent. Meanwhile, remove sausage from their casings and brown in a separate skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces. De-stem the kale [my favorite way to do this is to hold the stem in one hand and 'strip' the greens off with the other - Debbie] and chop into bite-sized pieces, discarding stems. Once onions and garlic are sweated, add water, broth, tomatoes and their juice to stockpot. Bring to a simmer. Add sausage, kale, black-eyed peas, lentils, potatoes, thyme and bay leaves. If using canned black-eyed peas, rinse and drain them, but add them about 30 minutes later. Continue to simmer until the kale is tender and the lentils, peas and potatoes are cooked through, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper and sherry vinegar. If desired, add a touch of cayenne or Tabasco.

The newspaper clipping indicated that this soup goes well with Merlot (if you don’t add too much cayenne or Tabasco), and cheese toasts: Split baguette or foccacia in half, brush with olive oil, sprinkle w/grated Gruyere or Parmesan and bake at 375 degrees until cheese melts, about 10 minutes.

Janet’s Sautéed Cabbage Burritos
from member Portia Halbert, who says, “I was reading your cabbage section [from the last newsletter] and thought I'd send along the recipe I use for almost all of the cabbage I get from you. It's from ‘The Farm Vegetarian Cookbook.’ I know this recipe by heart, and it can be made in about 15 minutes; it's always surprising how good cabbage can be.”

1 onion chopped
4 tbsp. oil
One head of cabbage cut into eighths, then sliced crosswise
2 tbsp. soy sauce or Braggs [a kind of soy sauce]
½ tsp. vinegar (I use white wine vinegar, but any other vinegar will work)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1-2 tbs. Sriracha depending on how spicy you like it - this is my addition and I think it's essential. [Sriracha is a Thai hot sauce made from chile peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt. I had to look it up because I hadn’t heard of it before! - Debbie]
2 cloves of garlic or 1 tsp. garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp. additional oil (optional)

In large pot, sauté onion in oil until transparent. Add remaining ingredients and cook until cabbage is soft and golden. Wrap in warm tortilla and enjoy.

Debbie’s Ground Beef and Roasted Farm Peppers Chili
Onion, chopped (medium sized, or half a big one)
Ground beef (I used a 1lb. pkg. of my Morris Grassfed Beef)
Salt
Garlic, minced or crushed (as much as you like!)
Some ground cumin
Some ground red chili pepper
Half a dozen or more peeled farm tomatoes, chopped [dont’ know how to peel a tomato? See end of recipe]
A can of cooked pinto beans (or cook your own)
A bunch of chopped up roasted peppers [see above for how to roast them, if you’re jumping to this recipe from the database]
A generous handful of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Pat ground beef dry, break apart with your hands a bit, sprinkle with salt and set aside. In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in some olive oil, until starting to brown. Crumble ground beef over this and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is also starting to brown (this way you kinda continue to caramelize the onions while the beef is cooking). Add garlic, stir and cook another minute or so. Sprinkle on some cumin (maybe ¼ tsp), and chili powder (less if you just want that ‘chili’ flavor, more if you like more heat). Add chopped peeled tomatoes and any accumulated juice and cook awhile (covered, if you like) until the tomatoes start to disintegrate. Add the can of pinto beans, bean liquor and all (i.e. the liquid in the can). Add the chopped roasted peppers. Cook and stir until heated through and bubbling. Turn off the heat and add the optional chopped cilantro at this point. Serve with a bunch of corn tortilla chips, which can be used to scoop and eat the chili with! This also would freeze well for later use.

Martha was a Hit

I'm not a Martha Stewart fan by any definition.  However, this recipe was really yummy.

http://www.marthastewart.com/312966/stuffed-tex-mex-yellow-squash?czone=food/produce-guide-cnt/summer-produce-recipes&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/zucchini#slide_13

We had some pale green squash and it was delicious.  I used Monterrey jack cheese instead of the parmesan though.

October 1 - 6

In the box:

Gala apples - M, Lunches
Arugula - T
Napa cabbage - M
Carrots - Sa
Green beans - Su
Red Russian kale - W
Leeks - M
Lettuce - Sa
Purslane - Su
Sweet peppers - Sa, M, T
Summer squash - W
Dry-farmed tomatoes - Sa, T, W, Th

In the house:

Pac Choi - Su
dill - Su

Grocery List:
Garbanzo beans

feta
caraway seeds
orzo
shrimp

Menu:
Saturday: Meat and Salad and Bread
Sunday: Potato Salad, Green Beans,
Monday: Bread and Sweet and Sour Beef Cabbage Soup
Tuesday: Greek Orzo Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Wednesday: Squash Pasta
Thursday: Roasted Prawns with Romesco Sauce

Recipes:

Debbie's Potato Salad with Mei Qing Choi, Purslane and Dill
This is a variation on the salad I made last week, and I'm including it just to show you how easy it is to play with and modify recipes to suit the ingredients you have (I know we're not getting the choi, purslane or dill this week, but again, if you're like me, sometimes your veggies last more than one week. We ARE getting celery, cucumbers and basil though, so see below how you could change the recipe to use these instead). I highlighted the differences in purple.

4 medium-sized potatoes (red or yellow, doesn't matter)
4 stems of mei qing choi, with leaves
Several stems of purslane
2-3 tbsp. finely minced fresh dill fronds
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed and/or finely minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 tbsp. olive oil
finely diced red onion (optional)
kalamata olives
feta cheese

Put washed whole potatoes, with skins, in a pot; cover with cold water, add some salt, bring to a boil, then turn down heat to medium and cover/boil 15 - 18 minutes or so, until they pierce easily with a sharp knife.

While potatoes are boiling, wash any dirt away from choi leaves, and chop into small dice (like you would celery for tuna salad, say). Chop up the darker green leaves too.Pinch off purslane leaf clusters and/or chop coarsely, until you have a small pile - maybe a cupful or more, and mince your dill (or basil).

Combine vinegar, garlic, salt, sugar, oil and dill and whisk together.

Drain potatoes when done (save the water for soup-stock making, along with that bag of veggie trimmings in your freezer I told you about earlier), and when cool enough to handle (but still warm!), slice as carefully as you can (to keep the skins intact; do the best you can - sometimes it works better than others but don't worry about it, it still tastes good!), and then dice the slices. Toss warm* diced potatoes into a bowl with choi, purslane, optional red onion and olives. Crumble in some feta cheese. Re-whisk the dressing and pour over the warm potatoes and veggies. Stir well to mix, then refrigerate until completely cooled.

*the dressing seems to be absorbed better when the potatoes are warm.

SWEET and SOUR BEEF CABBAGE SOUP
Serves 6
This wholesome sweet and sour soup combines beef, caraway seeds, sweet paprika and cabbage - ingredients that star in a number of German dishes. It is particularly nice with a crusty rye bread. For an even heartier soup add potatoes along with the cabbage. I am not a meat eater, but this is a comforting, delicious soup on a cold evening; the flavors are amazing! Remember to use only organic, grass-fed meat!

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. organic, grass-fed ground beef
1 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds
1 tsp. dried thyme
2 1/2 C sweet peppers and onions, chopped
1 medium apple, diced
6 C broth
1 1/2 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. sweet paprika
3 C coarsely chopped Napa cabbage
1-2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat ( any large pot will work). Add beef, caraway seeds, and thyme and cook, stirring and breaking up the beef with a spoon, until mostly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in the onion-pepper mix and apple; cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes more.


2. Stir in the broth, honey, tomatoes, and paprika and adjust the heat so the mixture gently boils. Cook for about 8-10 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in the cabbage and cook until barely tender, 3-4 minutes more. Season with vinegar, salt and pepper, to taste.

GREEK ORZO STUFFED SWEET PEPPERS
Serves 4
This basic recipe will work with just about any filling. Try substituting different types of cheese, herbs, or beans.

4 sweet peppers
1/2 C whole-wheat orzo
1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 mediums onion, chopped
6 ounces arugula, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried
3/4 C crumbled feta cheese
1/4 C oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (or 1/2 C fresh tomatoes), chopped
1 tbsp. red-wine or sherry vinegar
1/4 tsp. sea salt

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Halve the peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving the stems attached. Remove the seeds and the white membranous veins. Place peppers cut-side down in in a large baking pan and roast for about 7 minutes, or until just barely soft (you want the peppers to still be firm, but somewhat pliable). Let cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until just tender, about 8-10 minutes, or according to package. Drain and rinse with cold water
4. Mash the garbanzos into a chunky paste with a fork, leaving some whole.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the arugula and oregano and cook until the arugula is wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo, chickpeas (garbanzos), 1/2 C of the feta cheese, the tomatoes, vinegar, and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Divide the filling among the peppers and sprinkle each with the remaining feta cheese.

Stephanie's Secret Squash Creamy Pasta Sauce

Puree 2 zucchini [or any other summer squash] and half an onion to a slightly runny paste-like consistency.

Sautee the other half of the onion, finely diced, with 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic in 2 tbsp. of butter until garlic is brown and onions are translucent. If you like, add a handful of coarsely chopped basil.

Add a couple of handfuls of small fresh mushrooms, whole - you can also add some coarsely chopped peppers, squash, kale, etc. [all of which we have this week!]. Stir in the zucchini-onion puree and let it come to a simmer.

Sprinkle in red pepper (to taste-depending on how hot you like it).

Add 2 cups of whole milk, stir to mix and let come back to a simmer.

In a small cup, pour 1/4 cup of milk and add 2-3 tbsp. of cornstarch. Mix well. Gradually stir this into the simmering sauce by pouring from the cup while straining out any lumps with a fork.

After sauce thickens, add your favorite cooked pasta and toss. Sprinkle the top with chopped tomatoes and parmesan cheese.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/oven-roasted-prawns-with-romesco-sauce-recipe/index.html

September 23 - 29

In the box:

Gala apples
Basil - Sa, W
Napa cabbage - M
Carrots - Sa
Green beans
Red Russian kale - W
Lettuce - Sa
Pac choi - T
Sweet peppers - Sa, canning
tomatillos - Sa
potatoes - Sa
Summer squash + - R
Dry-farmed tomatoes +

In the house:
Dill - R
peppers - T
padrone peppers
heirloom tomatoes - Sa

Grocery List:

Bleu Cheese
Bacon
Chinese Egg Noodles
Garlic
Shallots
Kuzu or Arrowroot
Shitake Mushrooms
Organic Shortening
Organic Cream
Wine
Limes
Cocoa

Menu

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday:
Bruchetta
Salad (lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, carrots)
Scalloped Potatoes with Tomatillo Sauce
Smoked Meat
Birthday Cake and Ice Cream

Sunday: Leftovers from Saturday, canning peppers, drying tomatoes
Monday: Warm Napa Cabbage with Bacon and Bleu Cheese, Dilled Salmon
Tuesday: Noodle Soup
Wednesday: Fusilli with Basil and Kale
Thursday: Stuffed Tex-Mex Squash
       Co-op: Apple, Carrot, Peanut Butter Waffles, Cheddar Dill Scones, Steamed Green Beans

Recipes

Warm Napa Cabbage with Bacon, Blue Cheese and Apple
from Franklin Cafe, in Boston (adapted for farm goodies)
serves 4

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
5 thick applewood-smoked bacon slices (about 5 oz.), chopped
One 1 ½ lb. head of Napa cabbage, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced (about 12 C)
One 8-oz. head of radicchio
1 large tart apple (or a couple small farm ones), peeled, coarsely grated
1 C (4 oz.) crumbled Maytag blue cheese [I like Cowgirl Creamery blue cheese - it's more local!]
Thinly sliced fresh sage leaves

Whisk Dijon mustard and vinegar in small bowl for dressing. Heat vegetable oil in heavy large pot. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Add Napa cabbage and radicchio [or collards or kale], stir until wilted, about 1 minute [yeah, I know I said above not to stir-fry collards, but this is a little different... here, you're just wilting it, and you want that 'bitter' flavor in this case, like that which you'd get from radicchio]. Transfer cabbage mixture to large bowl. Add mustard dressing, apple, and cheese to bowl and toss. Sprinkle with thinly sliced sage and serve.

Mei Qing Noodle Soup
from the website for Abundant Harvest Organics, a CSA in Central California
Serves 2-3 (May be doubled)

1 qt. chicken or veggie stock
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. sherry
6 dried wood ear or shitake mushrooms
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 C onion, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3-1/2 lb. Chinese egg noodles
2 tsp. dark sesame oil
1 C cooked chicken
1 Mei Qing Choi, chopped
1 sweet red pepper, julienned [use the sweet yellow Hungarian peppers]

Combine stock, soy sauce sherry, mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and onions in a large saucepan. Season to taste with salt and pepper [if you use packaged stock, check saltiness before adding more; you might not need more, since you're already adding soy sauce]. Simmer for 25 minutes. Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add noodles, cook until just barely tender, drain. Toss noodles with sesame oil and keep warm. Add chicken, mei qing, and sweet pepper to broth. Simmer another 6-8 minutes. Place a nest of noodles in each bowl, ladle broth and vegetables over nest and serve hot. Chinese chili paste may be served on the side as a condiment. 

FUSILLI with BASIL AND KALE
Serves 4
This fun-shaped pasta with long spiraling curls makes a festive dish. Dotted with vegetables and tossed in garlicky sauce, Roman-style, this recipe is a real attention-grabber.

1 lb. fusilli
2 tsp. olive oil
7-8 cloves garlic, minced
2-4 shallots, minced
sea salt
1/2 C sun-dried tomatoes
1 C vegetable stock
1 bunch kale, finely diced
2 tsp. kuzu or arrowroot, dissolved in 1 tbsp. cold water
12-18 basil leaves, minced

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add the fusilli. Cook until just tender to the bite, about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the fusilli is cooking, heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. Add the shallots, and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring until the shallots are translucent. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and season lightly with salt. Add the stock and simmer until the tomatoes are soft, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the kale and coolk until the kale is wilted and turns a deep green, about 8 minutes. Stir in the thickener until a thin sauce forms, about 3 minutes.
4. Drain the fusilli, do not rinse. Add the fusilli and sauce to the pasta cooking pot and stir until the fusilli is well-coated with the sauce. Gently fold in the basil. Transfer to a pasta bowl and serve immediately, garnished with basil leaves.

September 16-22

In the box:

Gala apples - lunches Asian stir-fry mix - R Dill - M Green beans - T Red Russian kale - W Leeks - M, T Lettuce - Sa Padron peppers - R Sweet peppers - Sa, T Radishes Spinach - T Dry-farmed tomatoes (3 lbs!) - M, T

In the house:
potatoes - T
leeks - M, T
carrots - Sa
summer squash - Su
scallions - R
heirloom tomatoes - Sa

Menu:
Friday: Baked Fish with Dill, Green Beans, Rice
Saturday: Steak Salad
Sunday: Raita and Dhal
Monday: Tomato Soup with Cheese Dill Scones
Tuesday: Rasedar, Saag Gosht, Naan
Wednesday: Pasta with Greens and Feta
Thursday: Veggie Broth
Thursday Dinner: Steamed Asian Greens with Eggrolls and scallion pancakes

Other cooking tasks:
Make vegetable broth with leftover veggies to freeze or can.

Groceries:
Lamb shoulder or leg
ginger
feta
sesame oil
mangos

Recipes:

Deb's quick zucchini 'raita' or tsatziki

zucchini
red onion (white or yellow will do too)
plain yogurt
seasoned rice vinegar
salt

Grate a medium zucchini into a bowl. Coarsely grate in about a tbsp. of fresh onion. Splash in a little rice vinegar, and stir in a heaping spoonful or two of plain yogurt and a pinch of salt. Serve in small bowls rather than on plates as it is a touch soupy. But it tastes good! Serve it nice and cold.

Indian Dhal with Pita (the essential vegetarian cookbook, p. 141)

Cheddar and Dill Scones http://simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com/2011/04/mini-cheddar-dill-saffron-scones-and.html

Potage aux tomates
from Denise Lapierre

"My sister, member Nicole Pullman, insisted that I send in this recipe of mine. I've been picking up her share every week for her, and with the recent bounty of beautiful tomatoes, thought other shareholders might like to try this recipe for tomato soup."

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
5 tbsp. cold pressed olive oil
4 tbsp. flour
4 C soy milk
4 C chopped tomatoes
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
few tbsp. chopped thyme (optional)

Sauté onion and garlic in the oil until translucent, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stir in, and let that cook for a couple of minutes. Add soy milk and let cook a few minutes more, until it thickens a little. Then add the chopped tomatoes, salt and sugar, and optional thyme. Let that cook until the tomatoes are well done, then put mixture in a blender and puree, and voila! A succulent "potage aux tomates."

Rasedar (Savoring India p. 95)

Saag Gosht (Savoring India p. 113)

Pasta with Greens and Feta

6 tbsp. olive oil
4 C chopped onion
7-8 cups (packed) bitter greens (kale, chard, spinach or any combination thereof), coarsely chopped
3/4 - 1 lb. pasta (penne, shells)
1/2 - 3/4 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
pepper, salt and parmesan cheese to taste

Steamed Asian Greens with Sweet and Spicy Sesame Dressing
1 - 2 lbs. combination of Asian greens (can include bok choy, and while broccolini is not an Asian green, it would be delicious included here too, as would the cabbage)
3 tbsp. tamari or Bragg's Amino Acid
2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp. honey or raw agave nectar
1-2 tsp. dark sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or mashed
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, finely chopped (if you can find Thai chilis or any of the other hot red peppers, they add a nice bit of color as well as heat)
1 tsp. sesame seeds

Steam the greens for about 5 minutes or until they are tender. In a small bowl, combine the other ingredients. Combine the greens with the dressing, and toss well. Garnish with additional sesame seeds. Serve right away or this is delicious chilled as well.

Some people find the taste of mizuna similar to arugula, so here is a recipe where you could easily use one or the other.

Sept 8 - 15

In the box:

Gala apples - lunches
Asian stir-fry mix - T
Carrots - T
Chard - W
Green beans - T, R
Lettuce - Su
Radishes
Summer squash - M
Sweet peppers -
Heirloom tomatoes - Su
Dry-farmed tomatoes (lots!) - canning

In the house:

Beets - R
Leeks
Peppers
scallions - W
heirloom tomatoes
Tomatoes - M, canning

Dinners:

Sunday: Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes

Monday: Enchilada Pie, Steamed Summer Squash

Tuesday: Stir Fry

Wednesday: Chard and Feta Pie with Heirloom tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

Thursday: Beet Gnocchi with steamed green beans

Recipes:

Chard and Feta Pie
from "Your Organic Kitchen" by Jesse Cool

2 C shredded potatoes (I used more!)
2 green onions, minced (I chopped up the light green stalk of the fresh onions)
3/4 tsp. salt
6 eggs (I only used 4)
1/4 C unbleached all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bunches green or red chard or spinach, coarsely chopped (I used mixed mustards and beet greens, but would also easily substitute kale or other dark-leafys)
1 1/2 C (8 oz) crumbled feta cheese
1 C milk (I used much less)
2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano (I didn't have fresh and so used dried; you could've used the marjoram we got last week!)
1/2 C toasted bread crumbs (I toasted 'em in a toaster oven -- worked fine!)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9" deep-dish pie plate (I just used a regular glass 10" pie-plate). Place potatoes and green onions in a colander and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of the salt. Drain for 5 minutes, gently squeezing out any excess liquid. Place in a medium bowl and add 1 of the eggs, the flour, and pepper. Stir until well blended. Press into the prepared pie plate to form a crust. Brush with 1 tbsp. of the oil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is browned. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tbsp. oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and cook for 4 minutes, or until soft. Add the garlic and chard or spinach (or other greens) and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, or until the greens have wilted. Remove from heat, drain off excess liquid, and cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the remaining 5 (or in my case, 3) eggs, 1 C of the cheese, the milk, oregano, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and greens mixture. Pour into the baked crust. Sprinkle the top with the bread crumbs and remaining 1/2 C cheese. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Beet Gnocchi with Rosemary
[that’s pronounced “NYO-kee”]
from another Bon Appetit clipping; serves 8 as a first course; 4 as a main course

3 small beets, trimmed
1 lb. fresh ricotta cheese
1 large egg
¾ C freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ C flour, divided
½ C (one stick) unsalted butter
8 3-inch long fresh rosemary sprigs
Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Wrap beets in foil and roast until tender, about 1 hour. [Note from Debbie: because we tend to keep our beets in the fridge, this adds to their baking time. If you think of it, take ‘em out so they can come to room temperature first. They may cook a little quicker. Of course I always forget to do this, but I thought if I wrote it down I might remember!] [Beets are done when they pierce easily with the tip of a sharp knife.]

Allow beets to cool enough to handle, then slip off skins; discard [compost] skins.

Coarsely grate beets. Place ¾ C grated beets in large bowl (reserving any remaining beets for another use [i.e. in one of those ‘beet sandwiches’ from last week!]. Stir in ricotta, egg, and ¾ C parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix in 1 C of the flour.

Lightly dust baking sheet with flour. Place remaining ½ C flour in a small bowl. Using a tablespoon measure as an aid, scoop dough into rounds; transfer to bowl with flour. Coat rounds with flour, then roll each into little oblong footballs in the palms of your hands. Hold each gnocchi in the palm of one hand and gently press centers with fingertips to make slight indentations [the better to hold sauce or butter with!!]. Transfer gnocchi to prepared baking sheet.

Melt butter with rosemary sprigs in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Working in batches, cook gnocchi in a large pot of simmering salted water until gnocchi float to the surface, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook 1 ½ minutes longer. Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi to skillet with butter and rosemary. Heat butter and gnocchi over medium heat, stirring gently to coat. Transfer to plate; sprinkle generously with additional Parmesan cheese and serve.

September 3 - 9, 2011

In the box:

Basil - R
Beets - Su
Chard - T
Fennel - M
Leeks - Su, M
Potatoes (Yellow Finn) - Su, M
Radicchio - Sa
Scallions - T, R
Spinach - Sa
Sweet peppers - T
Dry-farmed tomatoes (lots!)- M, W,
Strawberries

In the house:
potatoes
leeks - Su, M
tomatoes - M, W
carrots - M
sweet peppers - Sa, M, T
padrone peppers - M
celery - M
cilantro - M

Menu:
Saturday - Casa McCauley's
Sunday - Ethiopian Beet-Potato Salad with Lemon, lemon baked chicken
Monday- Gazpacho, Potato and Fennel Bake, Smoked Meat?
Tuesday - Chard and Pepper Frittata
Wednesday - Alfredo with Tomatoes
Thursday Co-op - Truffles as a project, Sweet pepper, cottage cheese "boats", Savory Waffles
Thursday Dinner -leftovers

Groceries:
Cucumbers (3)
feta
red onion

Recipes:

Ethiopian Beet-Potato Salad with Lemon
from Meskerem Restaurant, Wash. D.C.
serves 4

1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 C fresh lemon juice (1 med. lemon)
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 jalapeno chili, seeded, minced
1 lb. beets (appx. four 2" diameter),
tops & roots trimmed, gently washed
1 lb. potatoes (match beet volume),
scrubbed, skins left on

Combine onion, lemon juice, jalapeno & oil in a large bowl. Set aside. Cook potatoes & beets in separate large pans of boiling salted water until just tender: about 30 min. for the potatoes, 45 min. for the beets. Drain. Cool slightly. Peel & cube beets, cube potatoes and add both to lemon mixture, tossing to coat. Season generously w/salt & pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

LAYERED POTATO and FENNEL BAKE

4-6 potatoes
1 large fennel bulb
1 medium onion (use the fresh onions from your CSA box if you have any left; they are perfect for this dish!)
1/2 C finely grated cheese of choice
1 C cream (I sometimes use almond milk)
1/4. tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
freshly groung black pepper

1. Pregheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a large, shallow, ovenproof dish with melted butter or oil. Cut the potatoes into thin slices. Cut the tops off the fennel and thinly slice the bulb. Peel and thinly slice the onion.
2. In prepared dish. alternately layer the potatoes, fennel and onions, ending with a layer of potatoes on top. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese. Pour the cream over everything as evenly as possible.
3. Sprinkle with nutmeg and pepper, to taste.
4. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: To prevent the cut potatoes from browning before assembling the dish, place them in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice. Drain and pat dry before using.

OPTIONS: When I have them, I also like to include a layer of thinly sliced apples in this dish. If you don't like fennel, you can substitute apple, although the fennel adds a wonderful flavor and texture, so I always use it!

REBECCA'S GAZPACHO
about 4-5 tomatoes (more if they are small), small dice
1 hot pepper, padron if you have it, diced (you can substitute jalapeno or serrano if you like, or simply omit if you don't want it hot)
2-3 sweet peppers, small dice
1 small red onion, small dice
1/2 bunch cilantro or parsley, chopped finely
1 stalk celery, small dice (optional - I love the crunch it adds)
2-3 cucumbers, diced
1 small carrot, small dice
juice of 1 lemon (or to taste)
1-2 squirts of worchestshire sauce
sea salt and pepper to taste
2-3 extra tomatoes to puree, scored on the bottom (cut an X across the bottom with your knife)

1. Boil water in a sauce pan and drop (carefully) the extra scored tomatoes in for about a minute, just until the skins start to split and pull away from the tomato. Take out of the water and let cool. When they are cooled, peel the skins off and puree in a blender. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix all of the other ingredients together, adjusting the flavors as you blend.
3. Add the pureed tomatoes to moisten the mixture. (You may like more puree; I like mine thick, so I don't add very much of the puree)
4. You may need to add bit more acidic flavor; I sometimes use red wine vinegar with the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
5. This is good served at room temperature so that all the flavors shine.

Spinach and Roasted Pepper Frittata

from Fields of Greens, a great cookbook by Annie Somerville of Greens Restaurant, in San Francisco:
serves eight to ten

"Roasted peppers add a lively twist to this savory Greek frittata. A hint of fresh rosemary permeates the eggs and wilted spinach, while the tangy feta cheese picks up all the flavors. Take it on a picnic or serve for a light supper with a salad of vine-ripened tomatoes tossed with fruity olive oil, red wine vinegar, Kalamata olives, and chopped garden mint."

1 1/2 tbsp. light olive oil
2 bunches spinach, stems removed and leaves washed, about 16 cups packed
Salt and pepper
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 yellow or red bell pepper, roasted, peeled and diced [use any of the farm's sweet peppers, and since they tend to be small, I'd use 2 or 3. Click here if you don't know how to roast and peel peppers]
2 scallions, both white and green parts, thinly sliced on a diagonal [alternatively, use very thinly sliced onion]
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated, about 1/3 C
3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled, about 3/4 C
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
8 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp. Reduced Balsamic Vinegar (optional) [see below]

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Heat 1/2 tbsp. of the oil in a large skillet. Wilt the spinach over high heat with 1/4 tsp. salt, a few pinches of pepper, and the garlic. Drain and cool the spinach. Squeeze out the excess moisture a handful at a time and coarsely chop. Place the spinach in a bowl with the peppers, scallions, Parmesan, feta, rosemary and lemon juice. Stir the eggs into the mixture and add 1/4 tsp. salt and a few pinches of pepper.

In a 9-inch saute pan with an ovenproof handle, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil to just below the smoking point. Swirl the oil around the sides of the pan to coat it, turn the heat down to low, then immediately pour the frittata mixture into the pan. The pan should be hot enough so that the eggs sizzle when they touch the oil. Cook the frittata over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sides begin to set; transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the frittata is golden and firm.

Loosen the frittata gently with a rubber spatula; the bottom will tend to stick to the pan. Place a plate over the pan, flip it over, and turn the frittata out. Brush with the vinegar if you like. Serve warm or cool to room temperature. Cut into wedges and serve.

The frittata can also be cooked entirely in the oven. Pour into a lightly oiled baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, until the eggs are golden and set.

Tropical Basil Chocolate Truffles
found online here http://www.wineandfoodtravel.com/food/basil-does-dessert-how-sweet-it-is/

16 ounces semisweet chocolate chips [or equivalent; if you use bars like Bakers Semi-Sweet, you need to grate or chop it up into fairly small bits]
3/4 C coconut milk
1/4 C packed basil leaves [I used more, just 'cuz I could!]
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1/2 C cocoa powder

1. Place chocolate in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Place coconut milk and basil in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and steep 30 minutes.

3. Remove basil and return milk to a gentle simmer over medium. Pour over reserved chocolate chips and stir vigorously to melt and blend. Add butter and zest; stir until smooth. Place in refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, until firm enough to hold shape.

4. Scoop out a teaspoonful and form into a ball in your hands. Roll into cocoa powder to coat, gently re-roll with your hands to adhere cocoa, then roll again in cocoa. [See my notes about this, below.] Place on parchment-covered baking sheet and repeat with remaining balls. Chill until firm and serve.

Savory Waffles
http://eatplaylove.blogspot.com/2009/07/kitchen-sink-meal-savory-waffles-and.html with Jen's Modifications: 1 cup of shredded sharp cheese, about 1/3rd a cup of wilted spinach, 1/2 a cup of black beans and maybe 1/3rd a cup of chopped scallions. We used a little sour cream and ketchup on top. I've also used ketchup and maple syrup mixed before for an interesting combo.