Author Archives: olystephanie

CSA Week 5

Sugar snaps are one of the highlights of the season, so crisp and sweet! Typically eaten out of hand, or chopped to top The Salad, we forget sometimes that they can also be cooked. While ours is the sesame version, another classic pairing is with mint.

Collards are making an appearance in your boxes this week! Often cooked down for hours with a ham hock, collards have the reputation of being tough and unyielding. Not so! Scroll down to find our favorite version of this super-nutritious superfood.

CSA Week 4

Welcome summer! The season perfectly captured in the aroma and flavor of a ripe strawberry. If yours actually make it into your house, we have some tips for an easy treat. We’ve dropped a few springs of fresh mint into your box as well this week. Simply core and slice your berries, folding a tiny bit of sugar (if desired), and leave to macerate on your counter while you chop your mint. If you’d to get a little fancy, stack your washed mint leaves, roll into a cigar, and slice across to create thin strips. Otherwise, chop finely, and gently mix into your strawberries. Put into some pretty bowls (I use teacups) and serve plain or as you like with cream. Or you can whip up some buttermilk shortbread. I like to freeze leftover shortbread to be ready for any other summer fruit that comes rolling in. Enjoy!

CSA Week 3

This weekend, we joined the nation in celebrating Fathers! We marked the occasion with grilled Thai Chicken from our partners at Riverbird Farm, and French Sauteed Greens, featuring Pac Choi, Mustard and Kale. Really, you can use any leafy green you have on hand, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and red pepper flakes. Comes together in about 10 minutes. That and brown rice made a satisfying and nourishing meal. Plus pie, because you know, Father’s Day 🙂

CSA Week 2

Those of you who have been following for a while no doubt remember The Salad. A dinner entree so yummy and versatile that it’s a weekly mainstay in our house from the first spring greens to the last gasp of summer. Constantly changing and beautiful to behold, it’s part celebration, part creativity and nourishing in every respect.

Last week’s version had all the greens, asparagus (blanched with the noodles), leftover chicken, the last overwintered carrot, mint, lemon balm, chives. The week before included chopped mushrooms. Raid the fridge, use what you like and make it your own.

Dressing (serves 2-3):

1/4 cup peanut oil

2 tsp dark sesame oil

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp mirin

2 Tbsp lime juice

Gather a bunch of salad greens: lettuces, spinach, mustard, Tatsoi, Pac Choi, turnip and radish greens, etc. Tear a healthy amount and toss with a few Tbsps of the dressing. Make a base of the salad on your plate. Top with a handful of cooked soba noodles. Layer chopped radish, turnip, snap peas, asparagus, or crunchy goodness of your choice. Garnish with cooked chicken, pork, steak, fish, egg or vegan protein (leftovers from weekend grilling!). Dust with a healthy amount of chopped herbs: chives, basil, mint, cilantro, etc. Chopped nuts or seeds are welcome. Chive or borage flowers a decorative plus. Spoon more dressing on top. Take a picture. Enjoy!

CSA Week 1

Spring is the season for greens! In addition to lettuce, you’ll find your box has Pac Choi, Radicchio, Tatsoi, and Mustard Greens. If these are unfamiliar to you – don’t despair! The internet is full of tips and recipes, and we’ve got a few here. Spring greens are a tonic to the body following the winter – bursting with flavor and nutrition! One way to use them is to add them to whatever else you happen to be eating: spun in your smoothie (Tatsoi), burrowed into burritos (Pac Choi), or layered in your lasagne (Mustard Greens). One of my favorite ways to start the day includes sauteed greens with an egg on top.

L to R – Mustard, Pac Choi, Radicchio, Tatsoi

Some people love the little bite Radicchio brings as an addition to their salads, others not so much. If you’re not a fan of assertive flavors – fear not! Cook’s Magazine suggests soaking shredded leaves for 30 minutes in water while you’re prepping the rest of your meal, et viola!

This weekend we made 10 minute Pac Choi which was an immediate hit – so delicious and instagram-worthy gorgeous! With just a few pantry ingredients, it’s a keeper for us, and hopefully for you!

Bring on the Cucurbits!

cu·cur·bit – /kyo͞oˈkərbət/ – plural noun: cucurbits

  1. a plant of the gourd family ( Cucurbitaceae ), which includes melon, pumpkin, squash, and cucumber.

All of our cucurbits are ready to go home with you in 4″ pots! Check out this week’s plant list and stop by the farm this Saturday and Sunday, 9am-2pm. Cash or check only please. 928 Wilson St. NE.