Circle S CSA Delivery Monday, August 21 and MSFM pick-up Wednesday, August 23, 2023

“We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work”
― Thomas A. Edison

Continuing on with the Dog Days strategy.  The lovely cool weather has been wonderful, and I got all my fall plant starts in….broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, cabbage, turnip greens, kalebration kale mix, arugula.  But Temps are creeping up and I’m feeling back into Dog Days.

So the pups and I made time for some paddle boarding yesterday.

Not that we missed any work.  These guys take chickens and egg gathering pretty seriously.

Farm News:  rabbits are eating my plants.  Started with a beautiful row of green beans.  Covered them.  Now they are eating my broccoli starts.  Rats!….  No Rabbits!  But I did feel kinda bad when I hit one of them with the mower:(  A rabbit, that is.

What’s in the bucket?  Spaghetti squash, basil, a summer squash, a few tomatoes….end of the season….yay!  poblano peppers, daikon radish with greens, and lovely first cutting arugula.

This recipe takes some time.  I’m usually not excited about that….but I multi-tasked.  Put the spaghetti squash in and did some bookwork…housework.   It’s in the oven now.   So I can’t tell you how it turned out but I think it will be delicious.  AND…..the wine pairing is….

Zlatan Otok ‘Bilo Idro’ Marina Cuvée Croatia

You can pick it up at Scenic City Wines in St. Elmo (closed on Monday)

This is a NY Times (highly rated) recipe

Yield:Serves six as a main dish, eight as a side
  • 1spaghetti squash, about 3 pounds
  • 1tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 3large eggs
  • ½cup low-fat milk
  • 2tablespoons chopped fresh basil (¼ cup basil leaves)
  • 2ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (½ cup)
  • 2tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano

PREPARATION

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Pierce the squash in several places with a sharp knife. Cover a baking sheet with foil, and place the squash on top. Bake for one hour, turning the squash every 20 minutes until it is soft and easy to cut into with a knife. Remove from the heat, and allow the squash to cool until you can handle it. Cut in half lengthwise, and allow to cool further. Remove the seeds and discard. Scoop out the flesh, and place in a bowl. Run a fork through the flesh to separate the spaghetti-like strands, then chop coarsely. Measure out 4 cups squash. (Use whatever remains for another dish, or freeze.)

  2. Step 2

    Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, for another 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Add the squash. Cook, stirring often, for five minutes until the strands of squash are a little more tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat.

  3. Step 3

    Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add the milk, salt (about ½ teaspoon), pepper and basil. Stir in the squash mixture and the Gruyère, and combine well. Scrape into the baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan or pecorino over the top, and gently press down to moisten.

  4. Step 4

    Bake 40 to 45 minutes until nicely browned and sizzling. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot, warm or room temperature.

Happy Eating, Happy Wine drinking, and thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S CSA Delivery Monday, August 21 and MSFM pick-up Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Circle S CSA delivery Monday, August 14 and MSFM pick-up Wednesday, August 16,2023

In ancient Greece and Rome, the Dog Days were believed to be a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat!  -Farmer’s Almanac

Well I’ve been mad most of my life, but the heat doesn’t help.  However, I can’t tell that it makes the dogs grumpy.  They take dips in the pond, drink lots of water, and keep right up.

Farm News:  Too hot to move very fast.  Horses sweaty by 9 AM.   They come to the water trough and let me spray them down with cool water.  Everything looking for shade (including me).   But the dogs, Diamond and Tip seem to be handling it OK.  Dog Days!

Ok, after coming clean about my lack of love for tomatoes last week, I have something new to talk about.  Green tomatoes.  I kind of love them.  I just read this week….you shouldn’t eat them raw.   Kind of like the green on potatoes, they have a toxin.   However, I have come to love them cooked.  So the recipe this week….green tomato and potato curry.    I love this recipe.  NO shopping here.  Just herbs you probably have in your cabinet, oil, and the vegetables.  Super easy to make, and remember how.  It will work with squash and green beans, or cabbage and sweet potatoes this fall.  And Matt’s wine pairing is the perfect match  (Matt Olson…Scenic City Wine in St. Elmo)

Fabrizio Vella “Biologico Non Filtrato” Bianco Terre Siciliane

What’s in the bucket:  GREEN TOMATOES…..okra, potatoes, garlic, red slicing tomatoes (I won’t deny you these!) sweet onions, mint.

Green Tomato Curry with Potatoes and Garlic from Raghavan Iyer’s 660 Curries

Ingredients for 2 people :
2 tablespoons oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 small potatoes, unpeeled or peeled, your preference, and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
320 grams (8 oz ) green tomatoes sliced into 1-inch segments
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (I accidentally put in closer to 1 tsp)
2 T chopped mint
Directions
1. Pour oil into a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until it is reddish brown, about a minute or so. Stir often. Make sure it doesn’t burn. If it does, start over.
2. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, garam masala, salt and turmeric. Turn heat down to medium. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Pour in a cup of water.   Scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to dislodge any browned bits. When the mixture comes to a boil, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and tomatoes are tender. Stir every few minutes or so.
4. You want the final sauce to be kind of thick, so mash up a few of the potatoes and tomatoes with the wooden spoon. Turn off the heat, stir in the mint, and serve.
Happy Eating….Happy Wine drinking….and thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm.
Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S CSA delivery Monday, August 14 and MSFM pick-up Wednesday, August 16,2023

Circle S Dog Days CSA Delivery Monday, August 7, and MSFM pick-up Wednesday, August 9, 2023

“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.”
― Andre Simon

 

I want to thank all of you for signing up for the Dog Days CSA.  And as a treat to ALL OF US,  Matt Olson at Scenic City Wine in St. Elmo has graciously agreed to pair wines with our produce recipes this session.  I will be buying all eight bottles and celebrating each week with a wonderful dinner and bottle of wine.  It took a little thought to plan what produce would be coming the next eight weeks…..let’s hope it goes as planned.

If you haven’t been in his store and you love wine, go.  Matt supports organic and sustainable farms, and small batch wines.  You might not find some of these wines anywhere else.  And he has a culinary degree, so he loves to know what you are having for dinner!  He has all of our wines picked out already.  Tell him you are with Circle S Farm CSA and you can buy the pairing weekly, or buy all eight bottles.

Farm News:  Unsettled storms at the farm.  Blew over okra and pepper plants.  It’s what I call a yard sale.  I had to explain the term to Jennifer.  You know, like when you are skiing and have a wreck.  Your poles and skis litter the hill side.  You have to gather everything up.   My coolers and picking baskets blow all over the farm.  Plant trays etc.  Best to try to lock everything down before it hits.

I lay awake when it storms and worry about tree limbs or other debris hitting our horses, not to mention lightening.  Everyone needs something to worry about….right?

What’s in the bucket:  Tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, basil, okra, garlic (sequatchie cove farms), islander peppers, and shishito peppers.

Alex, owner of  Bread and Butter Bakery, likes to dry fry his shishito peppers….in a wok until the house smokes up he says.   Then just a splash of soy sauce.  That’s all you need!

 

OK, so here is the recipe for the week.  I know everyone is getting tired of cherry tomatoes.  I have a little secret….I don’t really like tomatoes.  I tell people this and they gasp.  My mother eats tomatoes until she has ulcers in her mouth….but I just don’t love them.  Raw tomatoes anyway.

I remembered this recipe because I think Jennifer made it once and brought it to us….or left it for us after they farm sat.  It is memorable.  And she conjured it, it came from Gaining Ground.  Years ago Chattanooga made a push to support local agriculture.  I hate to say it didn’t go anywhere, it did.  But their plans to start a sustainable food hub fizzled.  This recipe was in one of the Gaining Ground seasonal cookbooks.  And it is fabulous.  Curtis does not hand out compliments, and he was impressed!

So following is the recipe, and hopefully the link to the wine pictured above (not so good at sending links.)  At any rate, you can go into Scenic City Wine and Matt will know what you are looking for…they are closed on Monday.

Roasted tomatoes and garlic in olive oil

2 pints grape and/or cherry tomatoes

6 garlic cloves

2/3 cup plus 1 T olive oil

sea salt and ground black pepper

1 sprig fresh rosemary (or basil)

1 t dried oregano or 1 sprig fresh oregano

eight slices of ciabatta or focaccia bread or pasta of choice

Preheat oven to 400.  On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss tomatoes with garlic and 1 T of olive oil.  Season with salt and pepp.  Roast tomatoes for 20 minutes until they burst and their skins begin to shrivel, stirring once halfway through.

Pour remaining 2/3 cup Evoo into bowl.  Crush herbs into the oil and submerge.  Add tomatoes and their juices.  Stir gently and let stand 30 minutes.

Heat ciabatta and spoon tomato mixture over….run back in the oven with a fresh grate of parmesan or mozzarella cheese, or spoon over pasta with a grate of cheese.  Serve with a bottle of Atilia wine if you so choose.

Atilia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

A few notes. Our herb garden got disturbed by a house addition we are doing.  So all I had to give you was basil.  No worries, I used dried oregano, and dried thyme and fresh basil….it was amazing.  So use your own judgement.  Perhaps you have an herb garden of your own.

Also….I roasted for a little longer.  Maybe my oven isn’t as hot.  And I skinned the garlic cloves, which the recipe doesn’t specify.  I have a really wonderful and thoughtful friend who keeps me in pizza dough.  Not kidding.  But you can use ciabatta or noodles.

Happy Eating….Happy Vino…Happy Dog Days, and thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm!

 

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S Dog Days CSA Delivery Monday, August 7, and MSFM pick-up Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Circle S Farm CSA last week of spring/summer session Delivery Monday, July 31, Wednesday, August 2 and Thursday, August 3

“The ground is spongy, almost bouncy as you step on it. Even after it has been worked with a tractor. I’m so glad to know all the roots of all the vegetables get to play around in that paradise. On some level, while you’re eating them, your vegetables will do the same for you.”
Farmer John, harvest week 1, 1994

I have this book called The Real Dirt on Vegetables: Farmer John’s Cookbook.

It was written by a farmer with a CSA, and has lovely quotes from Shareholders and really great recipes.  My Aunt Mary gave it to me years ago (hate to say how many, but the 1994 quote and 2006 copy right give it away).  2006 was the 3rd year of my CSA, it started in 2004, which makes this my 20th season.  And every year has been different.  And all of my shareholders through the years have been so generous and understanding.

The challenges are different every year.  20 years is long enough to note climate differences…growing season changes….new challenges that come with the territory I’m afraid.  And as I age, I work slower but smarter.  That is changing too.

And so this, the end of my main season CSA, gives me an opportunity to thank you…and to thank me.  The quote at the beginning of the book says:  “This book is dedicated to the farmers who work with the earth lovingly, and to those who support these farmers and the earth itself through their choices”.

Without further bantering….

Farm News:  Hot and humid.  And so I am moving even slower than usual.  The plants are droopy from the heat.  And I am fighting some fungal problems on the okra, tomatoes and squash.  It is too hot for drama.  The dogs lay on the porch, cattle stay in the shade, horses swat flies with their tails.

If you are not continuing on for the Dog Days CSA, I will be bringing your share in a paper bag this week.  Please remember to leave your bucket out and THANK YOU for participating in our CSA this year.  If you signed up for Fall Blast then stay tuned…..You will hear from me early October about start dates.

What’s in the last Bucket?  Loads of Tomatoes and cherry tomatoes,  loads of basil, sweet corn that has been cleaned and cooled to keep it sweet and good, peppers, Okra or field peas.

The basil will have flowers on, but that just makes it better.  You can remove them if you want, or chop them with the basil, or even better, use them as garnish.  The flowers do not change the flavor of the basil.

I am including 2 recipes from the book I referenced….the Real Dirt.    One for a rich, wonderful tomato sauce.  The second for tomato, basil pesto.  Feel free to substitute cherry tomatoes for some of the tomatoes…it will only make your sauce  or pesto a bit sweeter.

classic tomato sauce

2# ripe tomatoes peeled and chopped

5 T unsalted butter

one onion

1 stalk celery

1 medium carrot

2 cloves garlic minced

1/4 cup dry red wine

3/4 t salt

1/2 t dried thyme

freshly ground pepper

2T thinly sliced basil

*cook tomatoes in large saucepan over low heat partially covered for 45 minutes stirring occasionally and breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon.  Transfer to a bowl.

*melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion, cook until soft about 5 minutes.  Add celery and carrot, cook a few minutes more.  Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

*Add wine and bring to a simmer.  Cook for 2 minutes.  Stir in tomatoes, salt, thyme and pepper to taste.  Continue to cook at a light simmer, stirring occasionally until it becomes a thick sauce, about 45 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in basil.

 

Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto

2 pre roasted tomatoes, or 1 large fresh tomato

3 cloves garlic

3 T pine nuts

2 T evoo

1 cup fresh whole basil leaves

1/2 cup grates parmesan

2 T butter softened

salt and pepper

Combine everything in food processor except parmesan and butter, salt and pepper.  Stir in parmesan and butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Holy Tomato Batman!  Happy Eating….Thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm.

 

 

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S Farm CSA last week of spring/summer session Delivery Monday, July 31, Wednesday, August 2 and Thursday, August 3

Circle S Farm CSA delivery Monday, July 24 and Thursday, July 27 MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 25

 

“By early evening all the sky to the north had darkened and the spare terrain they trod had turned a neuter gray as far as the eye could see. They grouped in the road at the top of a rise and looked back. The storm front towered above them and the wind was cool on their sweating faces. They slumped bleary-eyed in their saddles and looked at one another. Shrouded in the black thunderheads the distant lightning glowed mutely like welding seen through foundry smoke. As if repairs were under way at some flawed place n the iron dark of the world.”
― Cormac McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses

Our farm has epic storms.  So much sky to see them coming.  I stepped out on the porch Thursday night to let the dogs out.  I saw lightening way in the distance but the stars were bright.  They weren’t calling for a severe storm, but ….

There was a loud crack.  The kind that makes you catch your breath.  The kind we have heard before.  Like the time a tree was struck and made my horses levitate.   Or the time the propane gas line got struck and blew like a torch out of the wet ground.

And when it is dark you just wonder what you will find in the morning.  I worried the electric fence was struck and along with it horses or cows.  Of course, we weaned calves the day before and Moms and calves were all up against the fence missing each other.  And Curtis’s horses in the alley, with hot wire on both sides.

Luckily it just got the fence and the fence charger.  Blew the plugin clear across the yard, and the switch half in two.

Farm News:  We weaned our calves this week.  I always hate doing it because it is always hot and the flies are bad.  But we separate Moms and calves leaving only our hot wire fence between them so they can see each other.  Stand right next to each other.  Lay down and sleep beside each other.  Nevertheless they bawl and miss one another fiercely.  I hope our neighbors can sleep…..it is loud.

Last week to sign up for Dog Days CSA.   If you haven’t signed up and paid yet, you can go to our online store.  Just click on the home page link of the website and hit the shop here link.  Or mail your check to:  Circle S Farm, 1930 Gilreath Mill Rd, Menlo, GA 30731.  Full share is $400 for 8 deliveries, half share is $225 for 4 deliveries (every other week).  This is just produce for Dog Days, no eggs, flowers or Dog treats.

If you are tired of chopping and cooking, and need a break….no worries.  If you are a half share and did not sign up for the Dog Days CSA, this is your last week.  Make sure to leave your bucket out and I will leave you a paper bag with your last share. Thanks so much for buying local produce from our farm.

What’s in the bucket:  Big beef slicing tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers or okra, sweet corn, sweet onions, and a new herb to try, Papalo.  Papalo is an herb similiar to cilantro.  Try it in pico de galla, or salsa.  Start with a little bit, it is a different taste and might be an acquired taste.   Search it to find out its medicinal qualities, and other recipes.  If you want to dive right in, following a recipe for Papalo pesto.  Great on sandwiches.  Mix with mayo if you need to dilute it a bit:)

Papalo Pesto

  • 2 cups of papalo, large stems removed
  • 1/2 cup blanched almonds or pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 teaspoon (or less, to taste) chopped and seeded serrano or jalapeno chile
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Optional juice of 1 lime
  1. Mix the papalo, nuts, onion, chilies, optional lime juice, and salt until paste-like (food processor or mortar & pestle required).
  2. Slowly mix in the olive oil and continue working into a paste. If using a food processor, add the oil in a slow, steady stream.
  3. Makes around 1 cup, whatever you don’t use right away you can freeze in ice cube strays. Pop the cubes into a freezer bag or long-term storage container.
  4. Recommended as a sandwich spread, mixed with cubed Monterrey Jack or Queso Blanco as a salad topping, or on pasta served with fresh garden tomatoes.

Happy Papalo experimenting, and thanks for buying local food from our farm!

 

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S Farm CSA delivery Monday, July 24 and Thursday, July 27 MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 25

Circle S Farm CSA delivery Monday, July 17 and Thursday, July 20 MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 18

“What dreadful hot weather we have!  It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.”  Jane Austen

 

Hot it is!  And humid.  Air so heavy.  And the time of year I cannot get my hands clean.

The term “green thumb”  is a direct reference.  Every time I trellis tomatoes I look in the mirror and I look like the incredible hulk.  I like that image!  But I am quite sure other folks think it strange that I walk around green and, perhaps, find it inelegant.   Green face, green hands, and hopefully, green thumb!  Much about farming is not elegant:)

Farm News:  I have been out of town with best friends this weekend.  So fun….in Asheville… an eclectic and fantastic city.  We heard some amazing music, ate delicious food, even went through the Asheville farmer’s market and purchased some sinful cinnamon rolls, peaches and other things!

Jennifer was left behind, because (after all) she is not 54.  So she has been carrying the load, as usual, at Circle S.  She has had a lot of help from Circle S Gang. 

And got everything ready for CSA delivery tomorrow.  Which brings me to…..

A few spots left for Dog Days CSA.  8 weeks of summer vegetables including tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions, sweet corn, okra, field peas, spaghetti squash.

Delivery and market pick up available as always….sign up here if you don’t want to miss out!  my-site-101402-102716.square.site

What’s in the bucket:  NO cabbage….yay.   Tomatoes, basil, summer squash, zucchini, sweet onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes and/or okra, and a few potatoes.

Tomato Cucumber Basil Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 Lb Tomatoes cut into wedges (cherry tomatoes, big tomatoes any homegrown tomato will work)
  • 1 Cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup sweet onions -sliced
  • 2-3 Tbs red wine vinegar or lemon juice (+ more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 c basil leaves + blossoms (for garnish)
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt + black pepper to taste
  • fresh mozzarella, or feta, or parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and give them a gentle toss.
  • Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper and toss to coat well. Taste and adjust seasonings with more vinegar and salt then stir in the fresh basil leaves. Allow the salad to sit in juices 5 minutes.  Add cheese to serve.

Happy humidity, happy tomato, happy inelegance, and thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm!

 

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S Farm CSA delivery Monday, July 17 and Thursday, July 20 MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 18

Circle S CSA delivery Monday, July 10 and Thursday, July 13, MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 12

I want a sleep permit,
forgiveness to rest for hours,
without even dreaming
the light straw of a small dream.
I want what before life
was the deep sleep of the species,
the grace of a state.
Seed.
Much more than roots.”
― Adélia Prado, Bagagem

Coming home from the Wednesday market, exhausted, this rainbow over our farm.   See the hay barn in the distance.  I kept feeling like I was going to drive through it.  Though, I guess, to get to the other side of the rainbow might be more complicated than driving a VW station wagon….even if it is all wheel drive.

Farm News:  July and August.  The hardest time of the year on our farm.  Needing to plant for fall, but temperatures so hot.  It’s hard to even make plants live.  We wean our calves this time of year.   Try to pick a time that is not oppressively hot, because the flies are bad too.

All of this needs to be done so that in the fall, we can enjoy October produce, and the cows have time to rest before they calve again.  In October, weeds grow slower.  The cows start over with new calves.

In October, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labor, with sweet potatoes and …MORE CABBAGE, yikes.  Which leads me to….

Still a few spots in our Dog Days CSA , 8 weeks, which starts second week in August, and Fall blast, Oct 15-Nov 15.  If you want to sign up, go to the home page on our website and click the online store (shop here).

What’s in the Bucket this week:  last week for giant cabbage….promise.  If you haven’t made kraut yet, here is your chance.  Also, cabbages will keep in the fridge for a very long time.  I usually keep enough to eat all the way through summer until they come in again in late October.  So there’s an option.

Summer squash, sweet onions, red, white and blue potatoes, and the beginning of summer finally with cucumbers and peppers and basil.  Maybe a half pint of cherry tomatoes…..  They are starting to turn red.  And the big tomatoes have a hint of red coming too.  I’m hopeful that by next week we will have a few tomatoes.

Ok, I am sending a no recipe recipe this week from …ME.

I have figured out through the years that if you have bread, milk and vegetables…maybe an egg…you can make a lot of things!  Or, bread and broth.

Here’s the trick.  Soak 2 pieces of bread in broth or milk until soggy.  Add an egg or a healthy spoonful or mayo.   Mix with sauteed veggies.  Bake until bubbly.   Instant casserole.

I made ours with cabbage, summer squash and onions sauteed in olive oil and a little butter until tender.  Added the bread, milk and egg mixture.   Poured into a square casserole dish.  Baked at 350 until bubbling (about 30 minutes) and I put a little shredded cheese on top.  If you are using milk, add salt, pepper and herbs to taste.  If you are using broth, there may be enough flavoring in that to carry the dish.  You’ll never need condensed soup to make a casserole again!

Happy Eating.  Happy Cabbage Casserole!  and thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm.

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S CSA delivery Monday, July 10 and Thursday, July 13, MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 12

Circle S Farm CSA delivery Monday, July 3, and Thursday, July 6 MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 5

“Are the fireworks over, or just beginning?”
― David Sinclair

 

We will be delivering all around July 4th but not on the day.

Farm News:  To be continued…..from last week.

We have all kinds of deer fence this year.  I’ve decided booby trapping them is the best way, a lot of confusing fences of different heights.  One of the fences is electric netting.  These work great if you keep the weeds down off them….but….

When we put the bull up a few weeks ago, I turned all the netting off so it wouldn’t ground out the rest of the fence.  We want the bull to feel fireworks when he touches his fence.

So – Tip, our pup got used to the netting not being hot.  I’ve pulled him out of it several times when he has gotten tangled up but last week it was bad.  He had it wrapped around his neck twice, and had his feet hung up too.  It was really tight around his neck from all the struggling to get free.  The netting is made out of wire so it will not break.

I heard him yelp and saw through the weeds the fence shaking and so I knew he was somewhere in there.  Diamond and I ran to his rescue.  Luckily I had a knife – I was cutting cabbage.  But I had a hard time getting it through the netting to cut him free because it was so tight.  And the knife was sharp.  And he was choking and struggling while I was trying to get my knife between the wires.

We succeeded with no blood.  He was happy to be free, and has not stuck his head into the fence since….fingers crossed.

What’s in the bucket:  red cabbage, fennel, red onions, red white and blue potatoes, summer squash, cucumbers and maybe a pepper…?

Jennifer shared this recipe with me last week.  I used cucumbers instead of celery,  because that is what I had….it was still delicious.

Fennel and Celery Salad (from Eating Bird Food website)

Ingredients

  • 6 celery heart stalks about 1 ½ cups
  • 1 medium fennel bulb trimmed (about 1 cup)
  • 4 medjool dates pitted and chopped
  • ½ cup raw almonds
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 oz Parmesan-Reggiano shaved

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes. Almonds will turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the almonds to cool before coarsely chopping.
  • Thinly slice your celery and fennel. Pro tip: slice the celery hearts on a diagonal angle so you get pretty slices.
  • Add the celery, fennel, dates, almonds, lemon juice and parsley into a medium sized bowl. Add salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. Drizzle on olive oil, add shaved Parmesan and gently toss. Serve and enjoy!

Happy Eating and Thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm!

Letty

 

 

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S Farm CSA delivery Monday, July 3, and Thursday, July 6 MSFM pick-up Wednesday, July 5

Circle S CSA delivery Monday, June 26, and Thursday, June 29 MSFM pick up Wednesday, June 28

“We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it.”
― Tennessee Williams

We all feel trapped, I imagine, sometimes…

But there is nothing like having one of your animals trapped.  Imagine that animal weighing over 1000 pounds trapped and how do you get her out?  Or even scarier, but not quite as untouchable, your beloved puppy with his head in a noose of his making.  And you feel trapped in watching them endure a situation they cannot escape.

Twice this week….this is the week for being trapped.

We have a cow in with our bull to keep him company.  We bottle fed her and now she is grown.  She is gentle, and I thought, would be easy to manage.  But she is unhappy being away from her herd and having to babysit a bull (can you imagine?:)

When we move our herd from one side of the farm to another, they go through an alley behind our house.  When we moved them this time, Little bit (that is the cow’s name…bottle calves usually get names) planned her escape.  She figured she could stick her head through a gap in the gate and push her way into freedom.  She probably would have except – the fence next to the gate has a hot wire.  So I imagine, for her it was like being in the guillotine.  Except instead of waiting for the blade to fall, she was getting hit by the hot wire…pulsing.  There were two chains on the gate (to keep the bull in) so no way to go forward or backward. 

Anyway, I had gone down to push the cows through so the bull wouldn’t get any ideas.  I wound up standing right in front of her when she stuck her head through.  She was screaming….if cows can scream.  And there was no way to undo the chain because it was too tight.  I could hear the fence popping every time it pulsed.  And then she would scream and pull backwards with all her might.  I kept waiting for the fence brace to break, or the gate to come off the hinges….hoping something would break.  Her nose started bleeding…it was traumatic.  I wish I had thought to go get the bolt cutters and cut the chain.  The only thing I could thing of was to try to feed her so she would walk forward and I could get the chain loose.

I hollered to Curtis to turn the fence off.  He was miles behind them, closing gates and had no clue what was going on.  But he heard and it worked.  When he turned the fence off she walked forward towards the feed and I was able to free her.  I felt like I was ready for a Bloody Mary!  She seemed OK, thank goodness, and amazingly nothing was broken.

Stay tuned for the puppy story next week….

Farm News:  This was the week for getting/being trapped.

What’s in the bucket:  County fair green cabbage, red onion, carrots, beets, summer squash, green beans, basil and dill.

If your green beans are stacking up….here’s a great idea to help them hang around even longer.  If you are ambitious, double or triple the recipe and add carrots, onions, squash, any other veggies you want in a jar and out of your produce drawer!

Quick Pickled Green Beans

From upstate ramblings website

These crisp and spicy quick pickled green beans are a fabulous summer treat
Ingredients
  • 1 pound green beans
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 Tablespoon sugar
  • 4 sprigs fresh dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 thin slices garlic

Instructions

  1. Wash the beans and remove the stems. Cut to fit into your canning jar.
  2. Blanch the green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it is boiling vigorously add the beans and cook for one minute.
  3. Drain the beans in a colander and then place them in ice water to cool.
  4. To make the brine bring the white vinegar, cider vinegar, water, salt and sugar to a boil. Stir to make sure the salt and sugar dissolve. Then remove from the heat and let the brine cool.
  5. Add the onion slices, garlic slices, peppercorns and red pepper flakes to a clean pint size mason jar. Add the cooled beans lengthwise along with a few sprigs of dill.
  6. When the brine is cool pour it over top of the beans. Put a lid tightly on the jar. Refrigerate once the jar is at room temperature.
  7. Let sit for about 4 days before eating. The dilly beans will keep in the refrigerator for 2 months.

Happy Pickling….Happy eating and thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm!

 

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S CSA delivery Monday, June 26, and Thursday, June 29 MSFM pick up Wednesday, June 28

Circle S Farm delivery Monday, June 19, and Thursday, June 22, MSFM pick-up Wednesday, June 21, 2023

“Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.”
― Markus Zusak

Happy Father’s day everyone.  Here is my Dad and me….lots of Father’s Days and Grandfather’s days under his belt!


And Curtis and Avery,  his  first  Grandfather’s Day.

And all of us, Logan’s first Father’s day, Katie, Curtis, Avery.

And with those pictures being shown……

Farm News:  We have been at the beach.  All about Fathers, grandfathers, daughters, sons, granddaughters, grandsons.

Jennifer and Josh have so generously taken care of Circle S Farm and our four legged family at home.  And picked a fabulous start to you CSA share tomorrow.

What’s in the bucket?  Broccoli and/or Cauliflower, savoy cabbage, turnip roots, green beans, squash, fennel, carrots, cutting celery.

My sister in law, Caroline, is a fabulous cook.  And she spoils our whole family when we are together with divine feasts.  I told her….I always plant too much cabbage, do you have any ideas about how to change up my recipe ideas for cabbage.  I mean you can only send so many recipes out for slaw, kraut, cooked cabbage etc.

She said – oh yes.  My new favorite is to fix cabbage like cauliflower steaks.  (Or this week, you could do some of both!)  She says – just cut cabbage into thick slices.   Evoo and salt and pepper (a dab of butter towards finish won’t hurt) and roast.  Following a recipe from Well Plated, but use your imagination:)

Cabbage Steaks

Ingredient

  • 1 small head green cabbage any dark, loose leaves removed
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup raw pecan halves or walnut halves optional
  • 1 small lemon halved (optional but very good)
  • For serving: grated Parmesan (highly recommended) chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley (optional)

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray and set aside.
    • Cut off the bottom (root) end of the cabbage and place it on a cutting board sitting up so that the flat end is on the cutting board. Cut top to bottom into 3/4- to 1-inch thick slices. Place on the prepared baking sheet. If you have more slices than fit on your baking sheet without touching, divide them between two baking sheets.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush over one side of the cabbage, then flip the cabbage over and brush the other side. Roast the cabbage for 26 to 28 minutes, or until crispy at the edges and tender in the center. (If you are using one pan, roast it on the center rack; if two, use the the upper and lower-third racks.) Halfway through the baking time, rotate the pan(s) 180 degrees; if you are using two pans, switch their positions on the upper and lower racks at this point too. No need to flip the cabbage over. Don’t worry about any extra crispy, dark leaves around the very outsides; they’ll taste incredible.
  • While the cabbage bakes, toast the pecans in the oven at the same time: spread the pecans onto a small, ungreased baking sheet. Toast them in the oven with the cabbage until fragrant and the center of a pecan is light tan when broken in half, about 8 minutes, tossing them once halfway through. DO NOT WALK AWAY during the last several minutes of baking. Nuts love to burn the second you do. Remove the pecans from the oven and transfer immediately to a cutting board (if you leave them on the hot pan and they are super toasted already, they may burn). Let cool, then roughly chop.
  • Sprinkle the roasted cabbage with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Squeeze the lemon over the top, then finish with the chopped pecans. Serve hot.

Happy Eating, Happy Father’s Day and Thanks for buying local food from Circle S Farm!

Posted in Circle S Farm News | Comments Off on Circle S Farm delivery Monday, June 19, and Thursday, June 22, MSFM pick-up Wednesday, June 21, 2023