WILD HARE WEEKLY FALL #5/11

The weather has been fair and foul indeed as we say goodbye to October. Though the clear afternoon cauliflower harvest that you see pictured above allowed some of our folks to work in short sleeves, there have been several fits of legit rain over the past few days that have us seeking out dry socks, warm spices and preheated ovens after long days of harvesting, washing and packing vegetables away for storage.  This week, enough cauliflower heads are ready for the entire CSA to enjoy.  They’re a month earlier than we’d planned, but who am I to complain—especially since so many customers have clued us in to the joy that is Whole Roasted Cauliflower.  If you’re new to this technique as I was, just type those words into your search bar.  There are so many delicious options to consider.

In addition to the tasty Purple Top Turnips that the crew harvested today, we’ll also have Sugar Pie Pumpkins for the CSA.  Don’t worry, there will be another round of Pumpkins later on in November (closer to Thanksgiving), so this week, you can enjoy a practice run at a pie, or enjoy my personal favorite this time of year—Pumpkin Chili! Read on for recipes and links to get you from pumpkin to plate. 

Best,

Katie

PS: Mark wanted me to thank you all for your generosity and patience with parking over the past five weeks while we shared the farm with over a thousand children who came for field trips. We hope to share some delightful artwork from them around the farmstand over the next few weeks—(Mark was especially excited to learn that his farming skills were purple doughnut worthy in the eyes of this Sweetwater Montessori student:)

IN THE FARMSHARES THIS WEEK:

Sugar Pie Pumpkins
Braising Greens
Cauliflower
Onions
Purple Top Turnips
Cortland and/or King David Apples

SEASONAL RECIPES, TIPS & INFO

23 TURNIP RECIPES FOR MAIN & SIDE DISHES – Bon Appetit

HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN PUREE FROM A REAL PUMPKIN - Alton Brown

THE BEST PUMPKIN CHILI RECIPE
Aaron Hutcherson for Simply Recipes

Small 1-pound sugar or pie pumpkin, or other hard winter squash
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed and finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
1 pound ground pork
2 (15.5-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (12-ounce) bottle pumpkin beer (or amber ale or lager)

CONTINUE TO RECIPE

SUPERFOOD CRUNCH SALAD
WITH HOMEMADE BALSAMIC APPLE VINAIGRETTE
Oh She Glows

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, or to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the salad:
8-10 cups stemmed and shredded Lacinato (dino) kale (2 bunches)
1 pear, thinly sliced and chopped
1/2 cup pomegranate arils (or pear slices!)
1/4 cup pepita seeds
3-4 tbsp large flake coconut
1-2 tbsp hemp hearts
1-2 teaspoons black sesame seeds (optional)
sprinkle of cinnamon

CONTINUE TO RECIPE

ROASTED TURNIPS & APPLES
Real Simple

2 turnips, cut into wedges
2 red apples, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon caraway seeds
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 teaspoon oregano leaves

CONTINUE TO RECIPE