This sure is the summer for strange weather. It started off very cold and damp, got a bit warmer with a few really hot days thrown in but we are now in the first of August and its down right chilly. The nights are very cold and the day temperatures are nothing like they should be. I had to put a sweater on during the CSA pick-up tonight. It sure has been a damp few days with a few more upcoming. Luckily the worst of the rain happened yesterday so today's harvest was just a bit damp without needing the full rain gear outfit which I had to wear yesterday. This cool damp weather is really perfect conditions for fungus and disease so we are watching the crops carefully and crossing our fingers that we get some good dry sunny weather soon. Saturday and Sunday look good as of right now so hopefully the weather will turn around and the sun will return.
We had a small but mighty turn out this past Saturday for the garlic harvest. Thanks to Edwena, Julie, Sara & Angus for all their help. We successfully got 1/2 of the garlic harvested & bunched in the morning and the garlic looks amazing. One variety in particular, Music, looked really impressive. I am hoping to get a bit more dug tomorrow but with the impending rain for Thursday I might just try and get a few things harvested for the CSA in case it does pour all day.
This weeks large share had beets, carrots, zucchini, garlic, green onions, onions, swiss chard, kale, summer turnip and cilantro. The grab box had leaf celery, parsley, broccoli, chinese cabbage, romaine, snow peas, potatoes and pea greens. Sometimes during the year we have a good variety of veggies but not enough to be able to offer everyone the same so its a great way for the grab boxes to come into play. The ground was just too wet to dig potatoes with my newly created digger so I just dug a few plants for the grab box. Many of the folks picking up today said they still had potatoes left from last week so it was just as well. The peas are definitely coming to an end but there was still lots left on the vine for Thursdays picking.
Our organic inspection last week went really well. We do not get the results right away but the inspector seemed quite pleased with all of my paper work and the fact it was all organized and easy to sort through.
I found two new swiss chard recipe from a farm I follow on facebook so check it out when you get a chance.
Swiss Chard 1
Swiss Chard 2
Swiss chard
Another interesting recipe for kale chips which was sent to me from a friend is below.
Red Kale
Lime Kale Chips
Quick and easy kale chips. A healthy alternative to potato chips.
Ingredients:
* 1 bunch kale (washed)
* 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
* 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (alternatively, you may use sherry or
balsamic vinegar)
* 1/2 tsp. sea salt
Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut or tear kale into 1 inch pieces. Place kale in a medium-large
bowl. Toss kale in oil, lime juice (or vinegar), and salt.
Place kale on baking sheet lined with wax paper. Bake at 350 degrees F
for 5-7 minutes until kale is crispy.
Servings: 5
Time: 10 Minutes Preparation Time
5-7 Minutes Cooking Time
A member shared a great recipe this week for a crustless quiche
Crustless Quiche
-1 cup of grated cheese
-1 cup of cottage cheese
-6 eggs
-small bunch of fresh herbs
-salt and pepper to taste (you may not need salt because the cottage cheese is quite salty, but be generous with the pepper if you like it - it goes great with the herbs)
Mix all the ingredients well and bake in a pie plate at 350F for 45 minutes or until set in the middle. Some ovens may take up to an hour.
This recipe is great with any herbs, but chives are my favourite. You can use thinly sliced or shredded veggies as well, such as grated zucchini, mushrooms or scallions. I would recommend sautéing them before adding to maximize the flavour. This is the perfect picnic food because it is great at room temperature and easy to eat.
Last but not least a really great recipe idea for the summer turnip
Caramelized apples with turnips
Good and bad news: I saw tiny beans starting on my less than impressive bean plants today so the good news is that you should have beans in the next few weeks, the bad news is the plants are so small that my poor back will be very upset at me for all the low picking. Luckily everyone loves beans so it makes it all worth while.
The cucumber plants are starting to flower so hopefully we will have cucumbers in the next few weeks. The zucchini have been less than impressive this year but the direct seeded plants are just starting to produce so hopefully they will begin pumping out the goods so all you bakers can get your fill of zucchini muffins, breads, etc.
Ben & Jake have been busy these days exploring every nook and cranny around the farm. They love taking off and finding where the cat has decided to hide on them during that particular time. Jake loves to carry around "Boss" but sometimes she is not too keen on being carted around so hiding is the only answer. They seem to have great senses as they can always seem to find her no matter where she hides. They can also be found happily in the raspberry patch picking the ripe berries and cashing each other up and down the rows, it must seem like a maze to them at their height. Funny boys!!
Farm fresh veggies
Let's hope that summer weather finally finds us and sticks around for awhile.
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