Week 20, CSA News

Are you Signed Up for the FALL SEASON? Go online or call us at the farm to organize your Fall shares today.

 

 Transition Time

With the tree leaves turning all shades of yellow and red, the walnuts falling, and some fall crops coming in, it signals us to think differently about what to eat in the coming months. Years ago, we more or less shut down produce operations shortly after the first killing frost, now we have the good stuff virtually year round. With your support, we have built a reliable program to ensure you have access to the most wholesome food around. There are only three weeks left in your “summer share”, so here are some options to keep eating well.

Our Fall CSA share starts the week following the last summer share, so nobody will miss out on all the good veggies. The fall program is five shares over ten weeks and timed to coincide with the holiday cooking schedule. All colors of potatoes are secured in the cooler and the sweet potato harvest has begun. Fall squash abounds, and the lettuce and greens will be in their prime in cooler weather. Check on our website for the amended pick-up location schedule and get signed up.

The leadership of the Lexington Farmers Market is working to put a weather wrap around the North end of the downtown pavilion to make for a better marketing environment for its customers and vendors. We toughed it out all winter last year, along with a few other farms. As cold and snowy as it was, customers still prefer the Saturday outdoor market to an indoor location. Short Street will remain open and there will be patio heaters inside for additional comfort. With these amenities, the honey and flower farmers can keep coming as well. And you can be assured that we will be downtown each Saturday.  

When making your Holiday cooking plans, be sure to secure the perfect Turkey or that Leg-of-Lamb that is part of your family tradition. We have the best turkey crop we have ever had at Elmwood Stock Farm. Things started with a great hatching percentage, albeit a bit late due to a cold spring. Using knowledge that we have learned over the years about rearing young poults and employing improved pasture management systems, the turkeys look great. We take pre-orders for every turkey. You can sign up at the market or via email, but do not put it off as the more popular sizes may sell out. Information about the organic Heritage and Broad Breasted breeds are on our web blog – the site where all of your CSA Farm share newsletters are archived.

Beef and lamb is now available as well. With all the rain throughout the summer, the pastures are flush with good clovers and bluegrass to boost our grass fed program. Various cuts are available at the market, but you may want to reserve several strip steaks, or a leg-of-lamb for that special holiday treat. You can pick one up now, or we can hold it for you until you are ready to prepare for family or friends.

As the shorter cooler days of fall descend upon the Bluegrass, there are still lots of ways to access local organic food. We will make it as easy as we can with the Fall CSA delivery schedule, and you can always set up a time to stop in at the farm. We grew some extra Roma tomatoes with the intent to have diced tomatoes, marinara, ketchup, and salsa available for you in BPA free jars. You have our email address for special orders, or feel free to phone and talk over any questions.  Consider being a year round CSA Shareholder and sign up for one of the Winter CSA options we offer in January through March – we’ll have details available after Thanksgiving.

We can be found in the Pavilion in downtown Lexington on Saturday mornings. On a cold or wet Saturday morning, bundle up and come see us at the market. We will be genuinely glad you did, and we have more time to talk and share stories with you than the busy summer markets allow. Secure some extra greens and freeze them for the winter months. The organic meats, a sample CSA share, or the jarred tomato products make great gifts – we also offer gift certificates. 

Thank you for your loyalty, and know we are proud to be your farmer all year!

In Your Share :

Celery

Garlic

Lettuce

Sweet Pepper

Potatoes

Spaghetti Squash

Sweet Potatoes

Fresh Herbs

Lacinato Black Kale

Hot Pepper

Radishes

Recipes:

Baked Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Vegetables, from All Recipes magazine, serves 6

2 to 3 lb. spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

1 lb. ground beef or 1 package Italian sausage, removed from casing

½ C green bell pepper, diced

½ C red bell pepper, diced

¼ C red onion, diced

1 clove garlic, chopped

14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, drained

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 ¼ C shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 375°F.  Place squash on a baking sheet, cut sides down and bake 40 minutes, or until tender.  Cool slightly to handle, then shred with a fork and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.  Lightly grease a casserole dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until evenly browned. Drain off most of the fat, then mix in the green pepper, red pepper, onion and garlic. Continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Mix the shredded squash and tomatoes into the skillet, and add seasonings.  Cook and stir until heated through.  Remove from heat and mix in 2 C cheese until melted.  Transfer to prepared casserole dish. Bake 25 minutes.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese and continue baking 5 minutes more until cheese is melted.

One Skillet Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls

1 pound (heaping 2 C) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks

3 T olive oil, separated

1 C chopped sweet bell pepper

1 C rice (uncooked white rice OR pre-cooked if brown rice)

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes OR equivalent diced fresh tomatoes

1 15.25 oz. can black beans OR equivalent of home-cooked beans

1 C frozen corn

½ tsp minced garlic

½ tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

2 C vegetable or chicken broth

2 T fresh lime juice, optional

1 ½ C shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings: sour cream, along with other options such as chopped cilantro, chopped avocado or guacamole, chopped fresh Roma tomato

In a large skillet over medium high heat, combine 2 T olive oil with all of the sweet potatoes. (If you don't like any amount of crunch to your sweet peppers, add them after the sweet potatoes have been cooking for about 6-8 minutes.) Sauté the sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes or until pretty tender. Add in remaining 1 T olive oil and the rice.  Cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes at medium heat. Add in the undrained diced tomatoes, drained & rinsed black beans, frozen corn, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and vegetable or chicken broth. Give everything a really good stir, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a little bit above low, but not quite to medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until all the liquid is drained and the rice is cooked through. Remove the lid and stir in the lime juice. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and then cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. When serving, top your burrito bowls with sour cream and/or any other desired toppings.

Simple Radish Salad
1 bunch radishes, greens removed
2 tsp sesame oil
3 tsp lemon juice
salt and pepper
dash soy sauce
toasted sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds

Wash radishes and slice pretty thin, then toss with the dressing ingredients.   Store refrigerated.  Toss on a few seeds as a garnish when ready to serve.