Monthly Archive: July 2024

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 29, 2024

Hi Everyone! We have not had much rain this past week, but at least the temperatures have been moderate. We have a few chances for precipitation during the week ahead, which would be appreciated. We add another member of the Solanums to the line up this week – peppers. We will be sending green ones for the next few weeks until they begin to ripen to red, yellow, and orange. (more…)

Peppers

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers belong to the nightshade (Solanaceae) family of plants, along with chili pepper, cayenne pepper, eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes (except sweet potatoes and yams).  Their scientific name is Capsicum annuum.  This scientific name, however, is used to refer not only to bell peppers, but also to wax peppers, cayenne peppers, chili peppers, and jalapeño peppers. (more…)

Ratatouille

Ratatouille

It’s that time in the summer when our CSA shares give us everything we need to make ratatouille!  There are many recipes for this classic French stew, but one our our favorites comes from The New Laurel’s Kitchen Cookbook. It is so simple, and with fresh ingredients the flavors just shine through. (more…)

South Beach Diet Gazpacho

South Beach Diet Gazpacho

Gazpacho is simple and refreshing soup usually served cold.  And it uses all of the vegetables that we typically get in our summer CSA shares.  This Gazpacho recipe comes from the South Beach Diet, and can be found on epicurious.com.  Serves 2. (more…)

Carrot Cake

Great Grandma’s Sheep-Wagon Carrot Cake

If you find yourself with extra carrot culls, try Great Grandma’s Sheep-Wagon Carrot Cake (found at Cooks.com).  My recipe is more than 30 years old and was given me by my sister-in-law. I googled the name on an off chance and there it was, almost identical.  I always used a bit less sugar, and maybe a touch more butter but it makes great muffins too (just shorten baking time).  The cake doesn’t need a frosting, but if you like frosting you can add this one from Allrecipes.com. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 22, 2024

Hi All! We finally received some substantial precipitation last week. In total nearly two inches of the wet stuff fell – a torrential downpour in the afternoon and then more heavy rain overnight. More than we would have liked of course, but we are accustomed to the “feast or famine” nature of the weather these days. (more…)

Eggplant

Eggplant

Eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae, or “nightshade,” family of vegetables, which also includes tomatoes, sweet peppers, and potatoes. As you already noticed, they come in a variety of shapes and colors. While the varieties exhibit slightly different tastes and textures, generally eggplants have a pleasantly bitter taste and spongy texture. (more…)

Traditional Moussaka

Traditional Moussaka

Moussaka is one of the most popular dishes in Greece, served in almost every restaurant and prepared in every household on special occasions and big family meals!  Here’s a classic recipe submitted by a fellow CSA member.  Serves 10-12. (more…)

Raw Beet Salad

Raw Beet Salad

This is a beet recipe from NY Times Cooking which might appeal to someone who is skeptical of their earthy, rooty flavor.  Uncooked beets are less sweet and earthy than they are when boiled or roasted.  This is a messy affair, so peel and grate them near the sink.  Serves 4. (more…)

Steak and Veggie Wraps

Steak and Veggie Wraps

When my cousin brought me an enormous bag of cherry tomatoes, I had to be creative. The day after a big steak dinner, I came up with this quick and easy recipe for leftover steak. You can also use chicken or tofu. (more…)