SIP Week 10 - May 18 - May 24, 2020

Plan:

Monday - Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili (vFit Recipe Rolodex)
Tuesday - Taco Tuesday - Fish Tacos
Wednesday -Potato, Chickpea, and Chard Curry
Thursday -Snap Peas and Honeyed Shrimp Stir fry
Friday - Pasta with fava beans
Saturday - Burgers/Veggie Burgers, Potato Wedges and Salad
Sunday - Greek leftovers from freezer

December 1 - 7, 2012

In the box:

Apples
Arugula
Beets - F
Cabbage - W
Romanesco cauliflower + - F
Celery - T
Pineapple guavas - Lunches
Lacinato kale - T
Leeks - T
Meyer lemons +
Winter squash + - T
Fruit jam from Happy Girl Kitchen (made with LEF fruit)

In the fridge:

Squash - Su, T

Potatoes - T

carrots - T

yams - T

cabbage - W

Groceries:

dal

yellow dal

garbanzo beans

eggroll wraps

Menu:

Saturday: SUSHI!

Sunday: Butternut Squash Soup, Bread

Monday: Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp

Tuesday: Coconut Curry DAL, make in the afternoon with Logan)

Wednesday: Peanut Noodles and Eggrolls, shred remaining cabbage and make sauerkraut with boys

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Beet and Romanesco Cauliflower Salad

Recipes:

COCONUT CURRY DAL
coconut oil for cooking
1 butternut squash
1 large onion, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 leeks, cleaned well, and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 garnet yam, peeled and cubed
1 fennel bulb, chopped
3 fingerling potatoes, chunked
1 can Thai coconut milk
1-2 tsp. curry powder
1-2 tsp. garam marsala
sea salt and pepper to taste
fresh squeezed lemon juice
 6-8 C chicken or vegetable stock
1 C dal, rinsed well
1 C orange lentils, rinsed well
1 C yellow dal, rinsed well
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can coconut milk
Squeeze of fresh lemon (optional)
1 to 2 bunches leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach, collards), washed, de-stemmed and chopped

1. Cut the butternut squash in half, de-seed, and rub with coconut oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until tender (the cooking time depends on the size of the squash). Remove when tender and set aside to cool. 
2. In a large pot, melt 1 tbsp. coconut oil and start to saute the onion, until  caramelized, about 7- 10 minutes. Add the chopped leeks and continue to saute until very tender, then add the rest the vegetables and saute until all is tender and steamy.
3. Add the spices and saute a bit longer to incorporate and release their oils.
4. Add about 6-8 C stock, then add the lentils and dal. Stir well. 
5. Scoop out the butternut squash and add the flesh to the lentils and dal. Mix well to combine. Simmer, slightly covered, until the mixture is tender to the bite. You will want to stir the dal occasionally while it is cooking. You may also need to add more stock as it cooks. 
6. Add the rinsed, cooked garbanzo beans and the coconut milk. Stir in gently. I like to add a little fresh lemon juice for brightness.
7. Add the chopped kale and other greens if you like and mix incorporating all. Season to your taste with sea salt and pepper and more lemon juice if you so desire.
8. Serve over brown basmati rice and have a side of roasted, whole cashews to sprinkle on top. This fills the house with love! 
9. This makes a large pot of soup so you may want to cut the recipe in half, but don't reduce the quantity of greens.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/peanut-noodles-snap-peas-00100000066749/

http://www.imorganic.com/the_very_next_thing.php/kid-friendly-cabbage/

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/ROASTED-BEET-AND-CAULIFLOWER-SALAD-1268688# 

April 13 - 19, 2012

In the box:

Red beets - W
Golden beets - M
Broccolini - W
Red cabbage - Th
Carrots - Su
Chard - F
Parsley - T
Green garlic - T
Leeks - T
Lettuce - M
Oyster mushrooms (Far West Fungi) - F

In the fridge:

Ham - M, T
Cilantro
Potatoes - Su, T
Red Onions - T
Lettuce - M
Beet Greens - T

Groceries:
Milk
Fruit, Apples
Juice
Sour Cream

Menu:
Friday: Pasta with Chard Oyster Mushroom Lemon Wine Sauce

Sunday: Carrots, Potatoes, Salmon

Monday: Salad with Eggs, Ham, Beets (Soak Beans overnight)

Tuesday: "Stone Soup" with Ham Bone, Beans, Green Garlic, Leeks, Parsley, Potatoes, and Beet Greens

Wednesday: Broccoli, Beet, and Cheddar Pasta

Thursday: Red Cabbage and Pork Casserole

Recipes:

Broccoli, Beet and Feta Pasta [I plan on using cheddar since we have a bunch]
There are no real measured quantities here. This recipe is not that picky!

broccoli or broccolini, cut into bite-sized pieces
a few beets, topped, tailed, peeled, sliced, then cut crosswise into strips
penne pasta
onion, garlic, olive oil
toasted walnuts (optional)
feta cheese
salt and pepper

Cook beet strips in a saucepan of boiling salted water about 10 minutes or until tender. Boil your penne pasta according to package directions, adding the cut up broccoli for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time so it will be done when the pasta is done. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent or even longer, if you like them a little caramelized. When the pasta/broccoli is done, drain well then add to skillet and stir/toss to combine. Add crumbled feta cheese to mixture and stir/heat until feta melts and makes it all creamy. Add salt to taste, and I like to add a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper. Drain and add beets last, stirring just to mix (so the beets’ color doesn’t overpower it all). Stir in optional toasted walnuts and serve.

Variation: as I mentioned above, I made up this recipe in January, when fresh tomatoes were not in the pantry, but since we have lots of them now, I bet it would be good to add diced fresh tomato (or halved cherry tomatoes), or substitute tomatoes for the cooked beets if you don’t like beets.

http://www.recipe4living.com/recipes/red_cabbage_and_pork_casserole_2.htm

March 3-11, 2012

Last week of the Winter Share! What will I do with the next few weeks until we start up again in April?

In the box:

Apples - R
Broccoli or broccolini - R
Red cabbage - T, W
Carrots - T, W
Chard - M
Lettuce - Su
Red onions (Pinnacle Organic)

In the fridge:
Scallions
Leeks - Su
Radishes
Potatoes - Su

Groceries:
pirouette cookies
yogurt
powdered sugar
strawberries
dried cranberries
almonds
brown rice
lasagna noodles
ricotta
Monterrey jack cheese

Menu:
Sunday: Potato Leek Soup and Salad
Monday: Chard lasagna rolls
Tuesday: Garlic Cheese Quinoa Patties and Red Cabbage Saute, with steamed carrots
Wednesday: Vegetable Bean Enchiladas
Thursday: 
Coop: Bean & Cheese Waffles, Pink Yink Ink Drink, Strawberry Truffula Tree cupcakes with lemon buttercream frosting (For Natalie's Birthday).
Dinner: Brown Rice Broccoli Apple Salad
Friday: Leftovers

Recipes:

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=240

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/02/spinach-lasagna-rolls.html

http://www.poorgirleatswell.com/2011/11/recipe-garlic-cheese-quinoa-patties.html

http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/02/dr-seuss-party-ideas-dr-seuss-birthday.html

http://cookingwithamy.blogspot.com/2006/05/strawberry-cupcakes-recipe.html

http://www.sweetney.com/2012/03/easy-the-lorax-truffula-tree-cupcakes.html

http://www.poorgirleatswell.com/2011/11/recipe-creamy-brown-rice-broccoli-apple-salad.html

February 26- March 1, 2012

In the box:
Apples (Fujis) +
De Ciccio Broccoli +
Green Cabbage
Carrots
Chard
Meyer Lemons
Lettuce +
Leeks
Onions, red (Pinnacle Organic)
Fingerling Potatoes
Radishes
Spicy Dry-farmed Tomato Salsa (jar will be inside your box)

Groceries:
Veggie Burgers
Burger Buns
eggs (running out of the csa eggs)
artichoke hearts
cheap white wine for cooking
organic dry onion soup mix (or similar thing)
bell peppers (2)
chicken thighs
spaghetti squash

Menu:

Monday: Broccoli Bites, Veggie Burgers

Tuesday: Greek Chicken Vegetable Ragout

Wednesday: Cabbage Soup

Thursday: Swiss Chard Chicken Nuggets, Spaghetti Squash with lemon & greens

Recipes:

http://www.staceysnacksonline.com/2011/01/broccoli-bites-for-kids.html

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

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cabbage-fat-burning-soup/


http://yummytummycooking.com/2011/05/20/swiss-chard-garlic-chicken-nuggets-13.aspx

http://thegoodbowl.com/2012/02/16/spaghetti-squash-with-lemon-and-greens/

January 29 - February 2, 2012

In the box:

Apples (Pippins and Fujis) + - R
Broccolini - R
Romanesco cauliflower - M
Chard - T
Meyer Lemons - R
Lettuce - M
Potatoes, yellow finn - R
Onions, yellow (Pinnacle Organic)
Strawberry Lemon Mix Master (jar will be inside your box)

In the fridge:

Falafel
Cheese
Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Veggie Tray
2 different varieties of coleslaw

Menu:

Monday: steamed romanesco cauliflower, salad topped with falafel and pita chips, prep Tuesday's meal

Tuesday: Bring Meatball Hoagies for lunch at Erika's; Crock pot yellow pea soup with chard

Wednesday: Hot dogs with coleslaw

Thursday: Juice lemons for lemonade with co-op, Steamed broccolini with apple waffles; Stuffed Baked potatoes; Freeze any leftover broccoli and other veggies

Recipes:

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/10/yellow-split-pea-soup-with-sweet.html

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 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.

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.

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.

Devoured Soup: Cauliflower Curry Soup

It's a good thing there was extra of this soup to can since the whole family completely devoured every last drop of their servings!


CURRY CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Serves 6
Cauliflower is a wonderful vegetable that's full of cancer-fighting enzymes. Roasting cauliflower avoids the sulfur-smell caused when steaming, and also produces an unbelieveably sweet flavor. [I'll second that! Roasted cauliflower is hands-down more delicious than steamed. - Debbie]

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tbsp. olive oil
sea salt
1 C finely diced yellow onion (use leeks)
2 carrots, diced small
2 potatoes, cubed small
1 C finely diced celery
1 tsp. curry powder
1/4 tsp. coriander ground
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 C broth of choice [I used chicken broth since that's what I had]

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the cauliflower with 1 tbsp. of olive oil and 1/4 tsp. of salt, then spread in an even layer on the prepared pan. Bake until the cauliflower is tender, about 25 minutes.
3. While the cauliflower is roasting, heat he remaining olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, then add the onion and a pinch of salt and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and 1/4 tsp. salt and saute until the vegetables begin to brown, about 12 minutes.
4. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and another pinch of salt and and stir until the spices have coated the vegetables. Pour in 1/2 C of the broth to de-glaze the pan, then cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from the heat.
5. Pour 3 C of the remaining broth into a blender, then add half of the vegetables and roasted cauliflower. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into a soup pot and repeat the process with the remaining 2 1/2 C broth and the remaining vegetables and cauliflower. [I actually didn't repeat the process with the remainder as I wanted to leave some chunks of vegetables - I pureed about 2/3 of it.] For a thinner consistency, add another cup of broth.
6. Gently reheat he soup over low heat. You may want to add a spritz of lemon juice, or additional salt, to taste.

Yum!  I used the pressure canner to can a couple of pints after we finished our fill.

August 20-27, 2011

In the box:

Arugula - Th
Asian stir-fry mix (tatsoi/mizuna) - M
Beets (mix of golden and red) - F
Chard - W
Cilantro - Su
Green beans + - M, T
Leeks + - M
Lettuce -T, Th, F
Potatoes (Yellow Finn) - W
Radicchio - Th
Sweet peppers - M
Dry-farmed tomatoes - Sa

In the fridge:
Beets - Sa

Leeks - Su

Lettuce - Sa, T, Th, F

Green Beans - Sa

Radicchio - Th

On the counter:

Tomatoes - Sa

Tomatillos - Su

Menu

Saturday: Salad, Smoked Pork Loin, Steamed Green Beans, Beet Mango Coconut Smoothies

Sunday: Tomatillo Cilantro Sauce Chicken Enchiladas

Monday: Tofu Stir Fry

Tuesday: Smoked Salmon, Green Beans, Salad

Wednesday: Chard Gnocchi, Salad

Thursday: Mixed Greens Calzones, Salad

Friday: Beet Topped Salad

Recipes

Tomatillo Cilantro Sauce

Swiss Chard Gnocchi
serves 6

1 lb. potatoes (sez Russets, but who cares... Fingerlings'll do fine - Debbie)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/4 lb. chard, stems/ribs removed (who knows how much 1 1/4 lbs. is... just use the whole bunch in your box)
1 lg. egg
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 3/4 C (about) flour

Steam potatoes until very tender (about 20 min.). Cool slightly, peel if you like (I don't) and mash thoroughly in a large bowl. Mix in salt & pepper.Meanwhile, steam chard until wilted, about 3 minutes. Drain, cool, and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. Finely chop, then add to potatoes. Stir in egg and oil. Gradually mix in enough flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Dust a baking sheet with flour (I lay out a sheet of waxed paper myself). Working in batches and using floured hands, roll about 1/4 cup of dough on a lightly-floured work surface to form a 12-inch long rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into an oval ball and then using a whisk, gently roll each ball down the length of the wires, making a ribbed impression in the gnocchi (I hold the balls in the palm of my hand and use the tines of a fork). Transfer gnocchi to prepared baking sheet and repeat the above process with rest of dough. (At this point, gnocchi can be frozen right on the baking sheet, then transferred to a ziploc bag for future use. Cooking is the same for fresh as frozen. - Debbie) Working in batches, cook gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, or sauté in butter and sprinkle with fresh parmesan. Or... use your imagination!

Mixed Greens Middle Eastern Style
from 108 Recipes/Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking, from Nyinga Institute
Serves 4 to 6

4 bunches greens, leaves sorted & washed, stems removed (Sue says you can use any kind of green, although she has not tried Asian Greens.)
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. peanut oil
1 lg. onion, chopped medium-fine
8 - 10 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 C fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. sweet paprika
1/8 - 1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional)
1 tsp. salt, or to taste
2 C canned tomatoes, chopped, with their juice


Use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and heavy bottom. Coarsely chop greens. Heat oil and sauté onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, until they are soft. Stir in herbs and spices. After a minute or so, add greens and salt. Stir vigorously to mix the greens with onions and spices. The greens will shrink as they wilt, so you can add them by the handfuls if they do not fit in the pot all at once.

Turn heat to high, stir in tomatoes with their juice. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, let sim-mer, covered, stirring often to prevent sticking. After about 40 minutes, taste for doneness. If the greens are tender, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until they are fairly dry, with only some liquid showing on the bottom of the pot when stirred aside. Do not leave them unattended until they are finished; they scorch easily.

Comments from Sue: This is a very forgiving recipe. I have used all dried herbs when fresh were not at hand. I have used more or less greens and tomatoes. I have used this recipe over rice, in calzones with pine nuts and feta cheese, and on top of pizza. It also freezes well.

In the box: Arugula - F Basil Carrots - Su, W Pickling cucumbers, Su,W Fresh garbanzos, bunched - W Green beans - W Leeks - F Lettuce - M, W Spinach - M Potatoes - W Sweet peppers - Th Strawberries In the fridge/from Sara's Garden: Heirloom Tomatoes - Su, W, F Padrone Peppers - Th Tomatillos - Th Plums/Peaches Green Beans Lettuce - Su, M Sunday: Hot Dogs and Salad Monday: Raviolis with Spinach Tuesday: Dinner Out Wednesday:Garbanzo Edamame Salad, String Beans with Ginger, Oven Fries Thursday: Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, Tomatillo Salsa with Chicken Tacos Friday: Leek Tomato Arugula Frittata

KIM'S STUFFED PADRON PEPPERS
Thanks, Kim, for sharing this great, tasty recipe!

Padron peppers
Cooked quinoa (instructions below)

Seasoning mix
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. tumeric
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp.cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

1. Cook the quinoa: 2-1 ratio liquid to water or stock (always rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove the "bitter" flavor it sometimes has). Bring stock or water to a boil, add the quinoa, stir, and bring back up to a boil. Cover pot and reduce to a low simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You want the quinoa to be light and fluffy. Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 more minutes. Remove lid and "fluff" the quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly. While it is still warm, add the seasoning mix to your desired taste. Nutritional yeast is a great booster, full of vitamin B 12, and it gives the quinoa a nutty, cheesy taste.
2. When the quinoa is seasoned to taste, stuff it into the peppers that have the tops cut off. Place them in a baking dish, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and bake in a pre-heated 400 oven. Keep an eye on them so you can take them out when done to your liking and serve as an appetizer or a delightful snack!


REBECCA'S ADDITIONAL PADRON PEPPER IDEAS
The padron peppers are great just raw - I have been using the in salsa that usually uses a jalapeno or serrano. You can saute (fry) them in a skillet with olive oil, and serve warm with a a sprinkle of good, crunchy salt. They are fantastic grilled, similar to a bell pepper that has been grilled, but, oh, so much tastier! They are great stuffed with a creamy cheese of your choice, or you can even pickle them! 

String Beans with Ginger
from Gardencuisine, by Paul Wenner
serves 4

1/2 lb. fresh green beans
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped*
1 red chili pepper, seeded and minced**
1/2 C reduced-fat coconut milk
1/4 tsp. salt

Trim ends of green beans and cut into 2-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the ginger, lemongrass, and chili pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the green beans, coconut milk, 1/2 cup of water, and salt. Cover and cook over medium heat until the green beans are tender, about 10 minutes.

* Sue didn't have lemongrass, but she did have a lemon verbena bush in her yard. So in place of the lemongrass she stripped the leaves from about 4 good-sized sprigs and finely minced them. And since lemon verbena is a more tender leaf than the strong stem of lemongrass, she only added about 1/4 of it at the beginning, but the rest she added only for the last few minutes, so as not to cook away its delicate the flavor.

** Sue says about 1/8 tsp. of crushed red chili flakes is a perfectly good substitute.

And lastly, she says she once added cubed up potatoes (small cubes, about 1/2"), shelled peas (from the more mature sugar-snap pods), and some green curry paste, and was very pleased with the result! Since the curry paste is quite hot, start with about 1/4 tsp. then taste for heat. You can always add more, but you can't take it away! She says she ended up using about 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. in the end.