Miss Manners: CSA Edition

Thanks for supporting local farms with Crunchy Granola Baby and Heaven's Harvest! To make sure that we can continue being a drop-off location for the CSA, we ask that you note some simple considerations:

* Do not unload your CSA box using our couches or ottoman as tables. If they get wet and dirty, we can't use them for sitting!

* Place any unwanted or extra produce in the donation bin for St. Joe's food pantry.

* Kindly collapse your box and place it in the bin when you're done! (If you need us to show you how to do so, just ask.)

* If you have any questions or concerns about the contents of your share, we'd be happy to pass the information along to the farm where your boxes are packed.

We love hosting the CSA and we want to keep it going -- be considerate of us, our customers, and the other shareholders!

Gettin' Ready for CSA 2010!

CGB's Summer 2010 CSA is kickin' off on Thursday, June 10!

Click here for details. We look forward to seeing you this Thursday!

Do you crave fresh produce? Do you want to support a local, organic farm?

Join our 2010 CSA!

A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for people to build a relationship with a farm. By making a financial commitment to a farm, the people become "shareholders" of the CSA and receive weekly baskets of produce. It's a perfect (and affordable) way to eat healthy and support a local farm. And for the third year in a row, Crunchy Granola Baby has again teamed up with Heaven's Harvest Farm in New Braintree to offer local North Shore residents the opportunity to become shareholders in a CSA. Details: A full share is $600. A half share is $400 Previous shareholders can save 10% if they register by February 15. The final deadline for all shareholders is March 19. The season runs for 15 weeks, from June to October. Produce is delivered weekly to Crunchy Granola Baby on Thursday afternoons. Shareholders then stop by CGB (between 3 and 6:30PM) to pick up their share. Want To Become A ShareHolder? Register at Crunchy Granola Baby as soon as possible, no later than March 19. Checks should be made out to Heavens Harvest Farm and dropped off (or mailed) to Crunchy Granola Baby. Please include: Name, Address, Phone and Email. The deadline for share registrations is March 19 Questions? Contact CGB at 978.741.0800 CGB is located at 72 Washington St. Salem MA 01970

Learn to Cook!

Our good friend, and CSA shareholder, Licia is a fantastic cook. And I mean, fantastic.

And now she's launching her own business called Mamma Licia Cooking Lessons!

Discover the pleasure of an authentic Italian homemade meal, handcrafted with natural wholesome ingredients in less time than you think! Licia will teach you to cook with locally sourced ingredients that are in season and at their peak of freshness and flavor. She will help you create fresh, light and essentially clean pure food the way nature intended it. No processed stuff, GMOs, artificially colored or preserved foods. Love it!

During classes, you will explore the basics that withhold the secrets to it's healthful benefits and help you incorporate this cooking style in your everyday life.

Learn more about Mamma Licia classes here and contact her at info@mammalicia.com.

Enjoy!

Citrus Day at CGB!

Today is Citrus Share day at CGB! We've got tons of citrus, maples syrup and yummy artisan cheeses for you lucky shareholders...Learn more about what you’re eating below:

We've already told you a little about Robie Farm, check it out again here.

And have we told you about the yummy Moose River Syrup? From the Arcadia National Park region of Down-East Maine, Moose River syrup is made from sap gathered from all their beautiful maple trees on site. The Moose River syrup-makers recommend using the yummy goodness for pancakes, ice cream, corn bread, beans, popcorn, and many other things. Learn more here.

The apples are from Honey Bee Orchards in West Brookfield MA and the citrus is from Eagles Nest Organic Grove in North Florida. And, as you know, our CSA partner is Heaven's Harvest Farm. Check them out here.

What You Recv'd and Holiday Notes

OK, I realize that you've already picked up your Winter CSA shares...and I apologize for not posting this earlier! But in case you're not sure what some of the produce is, here's a list of what you received:

Full: Leeks, Baby Bok Choi, Green Kale, Baby Spinach, Citrus (Hamlin), Citrus (Navel), Avocado, Radish, Sweet Potatoes, Lettuce, Carrots, Broccoli, Green Beans, Snap Peas, Tomatoes, Cherry

Half: Leeks, Baby Bok Choi, Baby Spinach,Citrus (Hamlin), Citrus (Navel), Avocado, Radish, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Green Beans, Snap Peas Tomatoes, Cherry

And just a reminder! There are no winter shares on December 23 and December 30. We will start up again on January 6.

Crunchy Granola Baby and Heaven's Harvest Farm would like to wish all our friends and shareholders a peaceful holiday season. See you in 2010!

Fruit Lovers Holiday Sale!

Once again Heavens Harvest Farm is offering organic Citrus from Eagles Nest Organic Grove in North Florida.

New this year is the addition of IPM Apples (not sprayed 30 days before harvest) from Honey Bee Orchards in West Brookfield MA, raw artisan cheeses from Robie Farms in Piermont NH and awesome maple syrup from Moose River Syrup from the Arcadia National Park region of Down-East Maine.

All products will be delivered to Crunchy Granola Baby on Wednesday, December 23rd. The deadline for registration is Monday, December 14. And remember: You don't need to be a CSA shareholder to order these wonderful seasonal foods.

To register for a share, please bring your check (made out to Heavens Harvest Farm) to Crunchy Granola Baby by December 14. Please include your order, name, address, phone and email on the check.

If you have questions, please contact 978.741.0800 or crunchygranolababy@verizon.net

Noted below are your fruit order options. The list is rather long. Please be very accurate in ordering.

CITRUS:
*Types of Citrus: Satsuma, Clementines, Sunburst Tangerines, Hanlin Juice & Fresh eating oranges, Carce-carer (red) , and Navels

• Full boxes (40lbs) of any citrus $68
• Half boxes (20lbs) of any citrus $38
  

• Full Box of 2 way citrus mix $72
• Full Box of 3 way citrus mix $75
• Full Box of 4 way citrus mix $78
• Half Box of 2 way citrus mix $40
• Half Box of 3 way citrus mix $42
  

APPLES:
*Types of Apples: Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, MacIntosh

• Full box of any apple $40
• Half box of any apple $25
  

• Full Box of all 3 apples $45
• Full Box of any 2 apples $45
• Half Box of all 3 apples $30
• Half Box of any 2 apples $28
  

CITRUS AND APPLES:

• Full Box of 2 way citrus and apple $65
• Full Box of 3 way citrus and apple $68
• Half Box of 2 way citrus and apple $38
  

DAIRY:

Maine Produced Maple Syrup

• Pints $13
• Quarts $25
  

5 Certified raw milk artisan cheeses
*Ingredients: certified raw milk, enzymes, and sea salt)

• Piermont (1lb) $16
• Toma (1lb) $16
• Gruyere (1lb) $18
• Manch Veges (1lb) $18

Winter CSA! Shares Still Available!

Interested in our Winter CSA? Miss the deadline?

No worries! Shares are still available!

The Winter round has started, but you can join now and you be pro-rated for the remainder.

Details:

• Full Winter Share is $585 or 2 equal payments of $292.50
• Half Winter Shares $425 0r 2 equal payments of $212.50
• The season runs for 13 weeks, and is broken up into two sessions: First Session (6 wks) runs from Dec. 2 through Jan. 27 Second Session (7 wks) runs from Feb. 3 through March 17.
• Produce is delivered every WEDNESDAY to CGB, and shareholders then pick up their share between 3 and 5:45. (your share may be available earlier, we will Tweet and Facebook when it arrives)
• How to Pay: Checks (either the full payment or initial half payment, with second half payment due at start of second session) should be made out to Heavens Harvest Farm and dropped off (or mailed) to Crunchy Granola Baby.Please include: Name, Address, Phone and Email.
• What to Expect: Apples * Celeriac * Strawberries * Swiss Chard * Collards * Arugula * Green Cabbage * Eggplant * Kale * Spring Onions * Lettuce, many varieties * Grape Tomato * Parsnips * Mustard * Sweet Potatoes * Braising Mix * Cucumbers * Parsley * Baby Bok Choy * Green Bell Peppers * Green Scallions * Summer Squash * Radishes * Cherry Tomatoes * Tatsoi * Zucchini * Potatoes * Snap peas * Tangerine, Honey * Onions * Turnip * Oranges, Red Valencia * Beets * Grapefruit, Red * Dandelion * Rutabaga * Spinach * Sweet Corn * Carrot (Please note: We cannot guarantee that these exact products will be available but we look forward to serving you with fresh organic produce during the winter/spring season.)

Questions? Contact CGB at 978.741.0800 or crunchygranolababy@verizon.net

Pssst: Looking for a great website to find recipes and yummy CSA idea? Check out Healthy Eats and also learn about wheat berries here.

Pears, pears pears

This is a great time for pears! Juicy and delicious they're perfect from appetizer to dessert.

Slice a few of the hard juicy ones and serve with gorgonzola and a drizzle of honey, as a quick appetizer. Then roast some others in the oven with a duck leg, orange juice, evoo and rosemary for a sumptuos entree. Dessert is open. Caramelized in a pan and served warm with vanilla ice cream is real fast or make this new cake:

Maple Pear Upside-Down Cake

(recipe courtesy of Mark Bittman, The NYTimes)

Ingredients (yield 8 to 10 servings)

• 11 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 to 4 pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Method

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small pan over medium heat; add maple syrup and brown sugar and cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook for another 2 minutes; remove from heat and set aside. When mixture has cooled a bit, pour it into a 9-inch baking pan and arrange pear slices in an overlapping circle on top.

2. With a handheld or standing mixer, beat remaining 8 tablespoons butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, one egg at a time, continuing to mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Add flour mixture to butter mixture in three batches, alternating with milk; do not overmix. Carefully spread batter over pears, using a spatula to make sure it is evenly distributed. Bake until top of cake is golden brown and edges begin to pull away from sides of pan, about 45 to 50 minutes; a toothpick inserted into center should come out clean. Let cake cool for 5 minutes.

4. Run a knife around edge of pan; put a plate on top of cake and carefully flip it so plate is on bottom and pan is on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Buon Appetito!

What To Expect & Winter CSA Details

What To Expect:

Full Shares: Red Potatoes, Onions, Spinach, Bok Choy, Lettuce, Green Cabbage, Apples, Pears, Broccoli, Fennel

Half Shares: Red Potatoes, Onions, Spinach, Bok Choy, Mizuna, Lettuce, Apples, Pears

Winter CSA Details:

Since our Summer and Fall CSA's worked so well, Crunchy Granola Baby has again teamed up with Heaven's Harvest Farm in New Braintree to offer local North Shore residents the opportunity to become shareholders in a Winter CSA.

Details:

• Full Winter Share is $585 or 2 equal payments of $292.50
• Half Winter Shares $425 0r 2 equal payments of $212.50
• The season runs for 13 weeks, and is broken up into two sessions: First Session (6 wks) runs from Dec. 3 through Jan. 28. Second Session (7 wks) runs from Feb. 4 through March 18. Produce is delivered every Thursday to Crunchy Granola Baby, and shareholders then stop by CGB and pick up their share between 3 and 6:30PM.

Want To Become A ShareHolder?

• Register at Crunchy Granola Baby as soon as possible, no later than Nov. 25.
• Checks (either the full payment or initial half payment, with second half payment due at start of second session) should be made out to Heavens Harvest Farm and dropped off (or mailed) to Crunchy Granola Baby. Please include: Name, Address, Phone and Email.

Questions? Contact CGB at 978.741.0800 or crunchygranolababy@verizon.net

What to Expect! (for Thur 10.29.09)

Full Shares: Carrots, Cabbage, Collards, Dino Kale, Napa Cabbage, Corn, Lettuce, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Arugula, Mizuna, Avocado, Sage

Half Shares: Carrots, Cabbage, Collards, Radishes, Corn, Lettuce, Sweet Potatoes, Mizuna, Avocado

Notes from the Farmer:

• Please allow your avocado to ripen outside the refrigerator for 1-3 days checking it each day for softness. Make sure that you take advantage of the recipes that Sarah works so diligently each week to provide and send us your as well.
• The corn this week is definitely that last. Separate the kernels from the cob with a sharp knife and make delicious corn and potato chowder.

And don't forget to visit Heavens Harvest Farm to keep updated about your Fall CSA and any other upcoming notices, events or specials!

(PS: This is Amy and I'm back from my 5-week stint in the UK . . . can't wait for the CSA on Thursday! I'll be updating the blog frequently, so be sure to stay tuned!)

What's Shakin'

What To Expect:

Full Shares:Green Cabbage, Kale, Carrots, Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Pickling Cukes, Leeks, Loose Beets, Farm Pick Herb, Peppers – Hot & Bell, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Arugula

Half Shares: Green Cabbage, Kale, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Butternut Squash, Pickling Cukes, Broccoli, Farm Pick Herb


Don't Forget:

This week is the LAST opportunity for shareholders to bring in a homemade item, featuring at least one ingredient from our CSA. Then as other shareholders wander in to pick up their produce, they can taste all the treats and vote their favorite. The dish with the most votes wins the Bamboo Spoon!

And the absolute best part? The homemade item for Thursday, September 17 is . . . COOKIES! So be sure to make cookies using any CSA ingredient and celebrate all the award-winners at a Bamboo Spoon Party!

What to Expect! (for Thur 9.10.09)

Full Shares: Butternut Squash, Tomatoes, Collards, Baby Bok Choi, Beets, Lettuce, Potatoes, Peppers – Bell & Hot, Eggplant, Cukes (pickling), Squashes – summer, Green Beans, Farm Herb , Apples – Mac

Half Shares: Butternut Squash, Tomatoes, Collards, Baby Bok Choi, Lettuce, Potatoes, Peppers – Bell & Hot, Cukes – (pickling), Green Beans, Farm Herb, Apples – Mac

Note From The Farmer:

"As we labor to pick and pack your shares today, we are struck by how blessed we are individually and collectively. We are encouraged by the support of almost 700 members, who have enabled us to grow to over 25 delivery locations. With our collaborative farm partners, we are growing and providing for literally thousands of families and individuals. All of these consumers are supporting local, sustainable, organic and viable farms. Collectively over 1500 acres of farm land is dedicated to these practices on behalf of this generation and many successive ones to come.

Ethel and I couldn’t be happier (even in the midst of some very troubling weather circumstances for the 2^nd consecutive year) that our children and their mates are working side by side with us to live the dream of helping many to come into their best health physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Please know that we value each of you and want you to feel free to call or email us with both your concerns and favorable comments. Just this week I received two emails from the same local drop site, one person raving about the produce and signing up for the fall share, and another who was disappointed because there were yellow leaves on the Bok Choi and holes in the Chinese cabbage. They also were concerned about the quantity of the produce in a half share.

First, this is an organic farm and the produce is not perfect nor do we make claims to such. Farm life and the produce mirror our weather and other variables such as field diseases and pests of many kinds. We believe, as do our fellow growers, that the single biggest reason to grow organically is to lessen the toxic overload that is all around us today. Everyday we are subjected to over 1400 toxic substances especially so if you live in an urban environment. All of these threaten our health in subtle and significant ways. My good friend Dr. N Thomas LaCava (who is a board certified pediatrician and a clinical ecologist and specializes in treating enviromentally ill patients) tells me the single most important aspect of recovery from ill health is to eat organic vegetables and fruit as well as organic meats! I have known Dr. LaCava for over 25 years and he is responsible for helping me to recover my health in my middle 30’s. I was very close to dying having suffered with cyto-megla virus, eppstein-barre virus, crohns disease and serious life threatening asthma along with being allergic to literally everything. I say this to encourage all of you to consider why you support us. It isn’t about perfection…it is about working together for everyone’s best, most especially our next generation. We are so grateful that our son and daughter-in-law have raised our little Siena (who is 15 months old and incredibly healthy) in a truly healthy way. Organic food, breast-feeding healthy play all of which have produced a loving, contented (as much as any baby can be )and very healthy child.

This is what we stand for. If you believe that a farmers market or a grocery store would better serve you then by all means purchase your vegetables there. Be aware that produce that is certified organic or IPM at least, local and sustainable ensures your ability to best nourish your whole person. We are 100% committed to continuing this process, now and for the foreseeable future.

Please join us for our Fall, Winter and Spring shares. We will continue to buy the best organic produce from the same sources that you see at Whole Foods like Lady Moon Organic Farms and Cottles Organic Farms from Florida and North Carolina during the off-season. With Enterprise farm as our off-season partner, we have developed relationships with many organic farms that will grow for us as well as receive our in-season produce in return. What better way to encourage regional distribution pathways, farm to consumer. No warehouses, limited transit time and fresh direct to you."

September 19, 2009: Massachusetts Food Preservation Workshop Day

Awhile ago, I took a class on Converting Cars to Run on Vegetable Oil. Needless to say, it was awesome. And so I always like to keep my eyes peeled for interesting classes run by NOFA (New England Organic Farming Association). And so I thought I was pretty lucky when I stumbled across Massachusetts Food Preservation Workshop Day! Check out the details below. - Amy

This fall as the local harvest peaks and thoughts shift toward winter eating, NOFA/Mass presents our first annual statewide Fall Food Preservation Day. On September 19, there will be food preservation workshops spread throughout the state. Preserving food that we grow or purchase locally at the height of its freshness and flavor can save money, lessen our dependence on the global corporate food chain, and provide wonderful flavor and real food all year round. Isn't now a good time to learn skills to do this?

Workshops in this series cover some or all of these topic areas:

• Lacto Fermentation: Using salt to suppress spoiling bacteria while fostering growth of beneficial lacto bacillus bacteria, which are present on vegetables and produce the preservative, lactic acid.
• Pickling: Using vinegar to preserve vegetables or fruits along with spices and herbs.
• Water bath Canning: Using a boiling pot of water to push out air and seal the rubber lid of glass jars containing high acid foods.
• Pressure Canning: Using a pressure canner to create high temperature steam that pushes out air and seals the rubber lid of glass jars containing low acid foods.
• Freezing: Maximizing nutrient preservation in the food.
• Drying: Removing most of the water from a food and then keeping it dry so molds cannot take hold.
• Culturing: Using microorganisms to transform the sugars or lactose of various liquid foods into other kinds of nutritious and tasty substances.
• Root Cellaring: Putting foods - particularly root crops - in cool, dark, and properly humid conditions for extended storage.

Workshops in this series will take place in 11 cities across the state:

• Brookline
• South Natick
• Concord
• Groton
• Princeton
• Winchendon Springs
• Shelburne
• Cummington
• Northampton
• Springfield
• Great Barrington

These workshops are being led by experienced food preservation educators with wide ranging skills and culinary styles. Read each workshop description below to find which of the above topics will be covered, and follow the website links provided in the presenter bios to learn more details about them. In addition to explaining and demonstrating some key steps that can empower to you incorporate food preservation as a part of your culinary life, these workshops provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and meet others in your community who share your interests. Whether you are a newcomer to food preservation or you are looking to expand your skills and concepts in certain areas, these workshops are for you.

Workshop Registration Information:


• All workshops are $50 except as noted below. There is a $5 discount for membership in NOFA/Mass. There is also a $5 discount for registration on or before September 5, 2009.
• Pre-registration (do so by clicking one of the links at the top of this page), but on-site late registration is available for an extra $5 charge with on-site registration form.
• Cancellations will be honored and refunds issued (except $10 processing fee) with notice made by Sept. 9, 2009. After that, you may designate someone else to attend in your stead, but refunds will not be available.
• Scholarships may be available for those who need and apply for them. A short application is required. Please ask!
• Potluck Lunches will be shared at each 6hr event. Bring utensils & plate and something to share, or bring your own lunch.
• Contact: Ben Grosscup, 413-658-5374. By email, ben.grosscup@nofamass.org; put "September 19" in subject.

To learn more, click here. To learn more about NOFA (and their other great programs, including Yoga for Farmers, Winemaking, etc), visit their site at NOFAMass.org.

Organic Cooking Class

- Organic Cooking Class (w/North Shore C.C.)
- Sept. 8, 15 and 22 (6:30 - 9:30 PM)
- Learn how to create interesting and wholesome organic meals within a budget!

Wondering what to do with the abundance of your early fall produce? Join a three week non-credit organic cooking class in a state of the art kitchen (Eurostoves in North Beverly) to determine how to best utilize the abundant early fall harvest.

In this hands-on class, you will learn how to best prepare fresh organic veggies and meats for maximum flavor and vitamin content. Learn the advantages of eating organic, determine how to stay healthy while staying within a budget.

During the first class, students will determine recipes for the subsequent two classes. Possibilities include braised radishes, roasted vegetable salsa, herbed grilled chicken, marinated flank steak, grilled radicchio, homemade chicken broth, ceasar salad pizza, carrot and celery slaw, and fresh tomato herbed soup.

For more information and to register, click here or call Julie at 978.745.4055.

Fall CSA Share Opportunity!

We need just 6 more shares to be able to run the Fall CSA and I am confident we can make it! If you're interested, then be sure to register ASAP. And for those who have already signed up, please be sure to get payment to us no later than August 14th.

Details:

- Shareholders will receive produce for 8 weeks, and pickup will be Thursday afternoons 3-6:30pm. Prices are as follows: Full Share $320 and Half Share $200.

- Payment is due by Friday, August 14. To register (or if you have questions), please call 978.741.0800.

- Checks made out to Heaven's Harvest Farm, mailed or dropped off to Crunchy Granola Baby 72 Washington St. Salem, MA 01970

- Expected produce includes: Arugula, Beans, Beets (Red, Golden), Bok Choi, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage (Green, Red, Savoy, Napa), Carrots, Caulifower, Collards, Corn (Butter/Sugar, Gold, White, Indian), Cucumbers (Pickling, Slicers), Eggplant, Endive, Escarole, Kale (Dino, Green, Red), Lettuce (6-8 varieties), Onions (Red, Storage, Fresh white varieties), Peas, Peppers (many varieties- Purple, Red, Yellow, Orange, Chocolate, Hot), Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radiccio, Radishes, Spinach, Summer Squash, Tatsoi, Winter Squash (Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, Carnivale, Hubbard, Sweet dumpling) and fruit like Apples, Late berries, Pears, and Plums.

Fall CSA Share Opportunity!

We're At It Again . . . MORE Produce!

Our friends at Heaven's Harvest Farm have started a Fall CSA Share!

If you're not familiar with this great idea, a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for people to build a relationship with a farm. By making a financial commitment to a farm, the people become “shareholders” of the CSA and receive weekly baskets of produce. It’s a perfect (and affordable) way to eat healthy and support a local farm.

Shareholders will receive produce for 8 weeks,, and pickup will be Thursday afternoons 3-6:30pm. Prices are as follows: Full Share $320 and Half Share $200.

Please Note: Shareholders must register for the Fall CSA by Friday, July 31. Payment is due by Friday, August 14. To register (or if you have questions), please call 978.741.0800 or crunchygranolababy@verizon.net.

Expected produce includes: Arugula, Beans, Beets (Red, Golden), Bok Choi, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage (Green, Red, Savoy, Napa), Carrots, Caulifower, Collards, Corn (Butter/Sugar, Gold, White, Indian), Cucumbers (Pickling, Slicers), Eggplant, Endive, Escarole, Kale (Dino, Green, Red), Lettuce (6-8 varieties), Onions (Red, Storage, Fresh white varieties), Peas, Peppers (many varieties- Purple, Red, Yellow, Orange, Chocolate, Hot), Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radiccio, Radishes, Spinach, Summer Squash, Tatsoi, Winter Squash (Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, Carnivale, Hubbard, Sweet dumpling) and fruit like Apples, Late berries, Pears, and Plums.

What About Meat?

Interested in a local, grass-fed, organic, meat share?

Lucky for you, Houde Family Farm in Vermont is offering a deliver-based meat CSA. The farmer drops the meat right at your doorstep each month and, according to our meat-eating friends, is reasonably priced in comparison to other meat CSA's.

To learn more, please visit HoudeFamilyFarm.com.

Cook Off / Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes

Don't forget! Today is the Bamboo Spoon Cook Off! Bake your delicious bread featuring one of our amazing CSA items and bring it to CGB by 3pm today.

So bake away and come taste all the wonderful breads our CSA members are preparing. Yum! And if you're looking for a little treat, check out this recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes. Double yum!


Ingredients:

2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups grated zucchini
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 (16 ounce) package chocolate frosting
1/2 cup walnut halves

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs with sugar for about 10 minutes or until thickened and pale. Blend oil and cooled chocolate into the beaten egg mixture.

3. In a small bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir flour mixture into egg mixture until just blended. Stir in zucchini and chopped nuts. Using an ice-cream scoop, spoon batter into 24 paper-lined or greased muffin cups, filling the cups 2/3 full.

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until fork or toothpick inserted in a cupcake's center comes out clean. Let cool in pans on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; let cool completely. Spread with chocolate frosting and garnish with walnut or pecan halves.

(Photo courtesy of the wonderful cooks at allrecipes.com)

Meat CSA

Thanks to Michael Madden for passing this along:

The Houde Family Farm in Vermont is hosting a Meat CSA, which features USDA certified local, grass-fed, organic meat. The price is approximately $7 LB, which is a reasonable price.

Currently the farmer does drop offs in Reading, Wakefield, Andover, etc. Not Salem. BUT if the farmer can register at least 4-5 people, he'll make Salem a stop and literally drop off you meat at your doorstep each month. Pretty good service!

To learn more about this opportunity, visit their website at www.houdefamilyfarm.com.

Dandelions! (And the Farmer's Market)

It's CSA Thursday . . . AND it's the kickoff of the Salem Farmer's Market! What a great day for produce lovers!

So be sure to swing by CGB to pick up your organic veggies, and then stop by the farmers market (for the opening day schedule, visit here) to supplement your share!

And in case you forgot (or missed it in an earlier post), here's what to expect this week:

Full Shares: Kale, Green Peppers, Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Scallions, Dandelions, Green Leaf Lettuce, Red Boston, Edible Pod Peas, Thyme

Half Shares: Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Green Cabbage, Zucchini, Scallions, Cucumbers, Dandelions, Red Boston, Edible Pod Peas, Thyme

And if you're not sure what to do with dandelions, here are a few recipes from the farm:

Dandelion Egg Salad

4 hard-boiled eggs
2/3 cup dandelion greens, chopped and cooked
1 tsp horseradish
1 Tbsp fresh chives
½ cup mayonnaise

1. Chop eggs coarsely.
2. Add Dandelion greens, chives, and horseradish. Mix gently.
3. Add mayonnaise and mix just enough to coat ingredients.

Dandelion Pasta Salad

3 cups cooked pasta
1½ cups diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup dandelion greens, pre-cooked
2 wild leeks, minced, greens and all or 2 Tbsp minced onions
8 olives, sliced
2 Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt

Check out more dandelion recipes at www.heavensharvestfarm.com