“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg”. -C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Farm News: This is the time of year when the hens are happy!! Hunting bugs and worms and scratch scratch scratching around. I heard a shot the other morning and usually that means a fox or coyote has decided to take his chances on grabbing one of our happy hens for himself. When Curtis appeared, he was carrying the hen, obviously maimed and put out of her misery. I asked what it was, “hawk? fox”? “No, it was your horse”.
Not the first time I have been disappointed in what one of my animals has chosen for an activity – pawing a chicken for fun. Or maybe she’s just an angry horse. Maybe I should sign her up for therapy.
The garden is slow!! I have planted a new spot and have high hopes, but I am still patiently waiting. But don’t worry – I have plenty of greens and lettuce planted in the high tunnels – enough for you to get plenty of nutrition!!
So – kale in your bucket? Kale has the HIGHEST ORAC rating. What the hell is ORAC you ask? ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. That means it is a great cancer fighter – it zaps all those free radicals floating around in your body. So eat your greens and enjoy!!
What’s In The Bucket? Kale, Mustard or Collard greens, red leaf lettuce, NAPA cabbage, mixed baby lettuces, radishes or spring onions, and perhaps a handful of the sugar snap peas which are just getting started.
If you just can’t get excited about Kale (or your family doesn’t like it) try making pesto out of it.
Kale and Walnut Pesto
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 T plus 1/2 t salt, divided
1/2 pound Kale, coarsely chopped (about 1 bunch)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
freshly ground black pepper
1. Toast chopped walnuts in a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat stirring constantly until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn. Put in dish to cool.
2. Bring 2 quarts of water and 1 T salt to a boil. Cook Kale until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain
3. Put garlic, walnuts and kale in blender or food processor; pulse until well combined. With food processor running, pour in olive oil in a steady pencil thin stream.
When ingredients are thoroughly combined, transfer to a bowl. Stir in Parmesan, remaining 1/2 t salt and lots of black pepper. Serve hot.
Great over pasta or roasted potatoes!!
If you need a good recipe for NAPA cabbage, see Asian slaw recipe from last week’s post.
Happy Eating and thanks for buying local food from our farm!!
Letty