- Rutabaga
- Winter Carrots: Cashew Carrot Salad
- Watermelon Radish: Watermelon Radish & Carrot Salad
- Beets: Mixed Berry and Beet Smoothie
- Mountain Rose Taters: Spicy Vegan Potato Curry
- Onions, Cipollini: Caramelized Onion Pizza
- Cabbage, Red: Cabbage Noodle Soup, Red Cabbage and Peas with Cumin
- Leeks (use like mild onion)
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Brussel Sprouts: Brussel Sprouts and Mushrooms
- Eggs
The last fall share is upon us and I feel as if the seasonal weather changes have confirmed this as well. It is downright winter out there! Finding the window to pick spinach in our outdoor covered plot was even trickier this delivery, but I managed to tuck myself under the plastic covered low tunnel in the field one sunny afternoon and reap most of the spinach leaves from that plot. Our high tunnel plantings are saved for the depths of winter and are much easier to work in.
The onset of winter does bring its own excitement. The kids have been elated to get on their gear and go shovel outside. They love this brisk task, and our dog Maggie loves to jump at every flying shovel of snow and snowflake which provides hours of entertainment for all of us. I am eagerly waiting some more depth to the snow so that I can enjoy some cross country skiing and sledding.
The morning hours at the farm are often filled with time for research, paperwork, and farm planning for next season. I enjoy having this time built into our seasonal workload as it gives much needed time for reflection and finding creative solutions for next season. Currently, I’ve been intrigued by the health benefits of a plant-based whole foods diet, also known as vegan but without processed items. If you want to look into this concept, the documentary Forks over Knives presents the topic well.
Tomorrow, 100 little baby chicks will arrive in the mail. The chicks will be the start of our new laying flock for next summer. We have to start them now in order to get them to laying age (5-6 months old) by the start of the next CSA season. Lets hope the brooder facilities supplied with heat lamps and deep bedding stay warm and cozy for these little guys. I’m glad to have a bit warmer temps return tomorrow for their arrival.
In the beginning of January, Jason and I will enjoy a honeymoon escape to sand, sun, and warmth. We have chosen to go to St. Lucia and will stay at a small beach house, The Still Beach House, for a week. We are looking forward to snorkeling and enjoying the fresh Creole food. The beach house owners also operate a plantation and provide much of the fruits and flowers for their restaurant/B&B from that plantation. What a fun adventure awaits us!
If you pick up your box at the farm, please be aware of the road conditions before going down the hill to the barn. I try to keep things plowed but wind can blow snow and fill in the drive sometimes. If you are uncertain if you can make it down there and back up, please use a sled by the garage to pull your boxes up from the barn. The empty boxes can be left on the front porch if you decide to sled them up to the garage.
Winter CSA shares will begin Wednesday, January 15th, 2014. They will then occur every 2 weeks thereafter for a total of 6 deliveries.
In the meantime, Happy Holidays! Enjoy the little traditions of the season which makes this time of year so special.
Eat Well. Smile Often.
Your Farmer,
Heather