Author: Bryan Housel

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 9, 2021

Hi Folks! So, I guess I should know better by now than to trust the ten-day weather forecast, as we seem to be headed back up into the nineties this week. My main concern though, is lack of precipitation. We may have a shot at some rain from scattered thunderstorms on Wednesday, but those are hit or miss. It looks as though we will be spending a lot of time moving the irrigation around! So it goes! (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 2, 2021

Hello Folks, It was another week of good weather for the farm – just enough rain, plenty of sunshine, and reasonable temperatures. If it keeps up like this, I might just decide to keep farming, lol! (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…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 26, 2021

Hello Everyone!  Wow, I can’t believe it is the end of July already – summer is just flying by!  And the weather has been unusually reasonable for mid-summer in New Jersey.  The humidity and temperature will be climbing for a few days but should moderate by mid-week.  We are hoping for a little rain – emphasis on a little!  The storms that were predicted for yesterday and last night never materialized, but  we are okay without it, for now. (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…)

Koosa Ma Laban

Koosa Ma Laban (Zucchini Yogurt Dip)

This Middle Eastern Zucchini Dip can be a fresh addition to your crudités presentations this summer.  As presented, it makes about 1½ cups, can be made a day ahead, kept in fridge until ready for serving (just stir beforehand). (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 19, 2021

Hi Folks! So the everyday rain seems to have abated and the temperatures moderated – at least for now. Hopefully we can get back on track with the planting schedule. It is time to plant lots of carrots for the fall crop and more spinach and beets, just to name a few things. So far we have been lucky – no damage from wind or hail, which has been around with these strong storms. (more…)

Cabbage and Onion Torta

Cabbage and Onion Torta

This recipe from the New York Times is a delicious way to use up a LOT of cabbage.  This torta, filled with browned onions, silky cabbage, and plenty of creamy fontina cheese, might just be the best way you’ve ever eaten what is arguably a challenging vegetable.  It’s at its most appealing served warm, with the cheese still a little gooey.  But when fully cooled it becomes picnic or lunchbox fare, sturdy enough to slice up and carry with you.  The smoked ham is purely optional, but is does add a pleasing porky flavor to the mix.  And if you can’t find fontina, try Gruyere, Swiss or muenster instead. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 12, 2021

Hello Folks! So, we are generally happy for some rain, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Everyday storms and rain showers are making life a bit difficult for us at present. It isn’t possible to prepare ground for planting, or seed when it is too wet. The damp weather is favorable to the fungi, to which many plants are susceptible, but especially the tomatoes and the cucurbits. We have finished bringing in the garlic and are almost done harvesting the shallot crop, but now there are onions that must be pulled, or they will begin to rot. Hopefully, the wet spell will end soon, and we can get back on schedule with planting. (more…)