Author: Bryan Housel

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard, along with kale, mustard greens, and collard greens, is one of several leafy, green vegetables often referred to as “greens.”  It belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile.  Chard is a tall, leafy vegetable with a thick, crunchy stalk (akin to celery but less stringy) that comes in white, red, or yellow, with wide, fan-like, ruffled leaves that are similar to spinach but chewier.  Regardless of the stalks’ color, they have similar flavors and cooking properties, although the white stalks are most tender.  Very tender leaves can be added directly to green salads. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – June 24, 2019

Hello Folks! So, it was a wet spring and the final week of the season was even wetter. It’s been a challenge to get our planting done and now all the moisture is starting to affect the crops a bit. We lost hundreds of heads of lettuce to rot before it was even close to maturity. The spinach is turning yellow. Anywhere there is a low spot in the field where the water collects the crop is stunted or has died. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – June 17, 2019

Hi Folks! Just got in from the field; trying to get some winter squash planted ahead of the next round of rain. I’m late getting this update out so I will make it brief. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – June 10, 2019

Hello Everyone! So, we have arrived at the week many of you have been anxiously waiting for – the first CSA share delivery. In spite of the weather-related challenges we have faced this spring, we have a nice share for you to start out the season. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – November 12, 2018

Hi Folks! So, we have arrived at the end of another CSA season. While every season has its particular challenges, primarily weather related, this has been one for the books. While I’m not generally in favor of book burning I might be willing to make an exception in this case. Usually a particular type of weather is bad for some crops and beneficial for others. If there was any doubt, we can now state unequivocally that buckets of rain and days on end with no sunshine is not conducive to growing any crop. (more…)

Blue Potatoes

Blue Potatoes

Because of their color, blue potatoes add a unique flair to everyday cuisine.  In their native land of South America, they are often used in conjunction with herbs and spices to make salads and potato cakes, or they get sliced up, dried and eaten as they are.  (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – November 5, 2018

Hi Folks – So torrential rains delivered another 4 inches of water this past Friday night into Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon, the creek behind the house overflowed and flooded the part of the field where we have been trying to harvest the sunchokes. After last week’s unseasonable warmth, the fields were just starting to dry out a bit. We are forecast to receive more heavy precipitation from strong storms overnight and through Tuesday. The monsoon season heads into a fourth month! I’d like to cry, but I don’t want another drop of water to hit the ground. (more…)

Bacon and Egg Coconut Flour Muffins

Bacon and Egg Coconut Flour Muffins

Found on thecoconutmama.com food blog, these bacon and egg coconut flour muffins are easy to make and are wonderful high protein breakfast option.  I make a few batches of these every month so my family has a healthy, protein rich, quick breakfast option on hand.  They freeze well too!

This recipe is very flexible.  You can omit the sour cream if you don’t have any on hand.  The sour cream makes these muffins a little less dense and more fluffy.  You can also swap sausage or steak in place of the bacon if you prefer. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 29, 2018

Hi Everyone, So the bizarre weather pattern continues — frequent rain and consistently gray skies with very little sunshine. And we continue to be frustrated that crops are growing so slowly. At least there’s no extreme cold forecast for the moment. We are waiting impatiently for the cauliflower to head up and the spinach to grow large enough to cut. It’s a small share this week, sorry. (more…)