Author: Bryan Housel

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…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 15, 2024

Hi Everyone, it is still too damn hot.  We have been getting some rain, but not as much as we need.  We may receive some precipitation on Wednesday, after which the scorching temperatures will moderate.  The beans have begun to mature, and the tomatoes are starting to ripen, although the latter are in fairly small quantities. There may be a few in the shares at the end of the week, but more likely for next week.

The share will be: Summer squash, cukes, lettuce, red onions, Swiss chard, Savoy cabbage, eggplant, string beans, cauliflower, Banana fingerling potatoes, rainbow carrots, and choice of an herb. The premium shares will also include bok choy and scallions. (more…)

Potato Lettuce Soup

Potato Lettuce Soup

Found on epicurious.com, this lettuce soup recipe is a great way to use the lettuce’s outer leaves and ribs, which usually go to waste.  Any kind of potato and any salad greens, including lettuce, arugula, spinach, and watercress, will work fine.  Yields 4 servings. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 8, 2024

Hello everyone! First the weather – it’s too damn hot! The good news is that we had a nice rain last Friday night – almost an inch. Of course, it began as I was riding my seeding tractor up and down seedbeds planting carrots. I had three beds to finish, when the first round of storms chased me out of the field. It’s a trick I’ve developed over the years to bring on the showers, my personal rain dance! (more…)