Author: Bryan Housel

Rutabagas

Rutabagas

Rutabagas are only called rutabagas in the U.S. Throughout the rest of the world, they’re known as swedes. This ordinary root vegetable is thought to have originated in Bohemia in the 17th century as a hybrid between the turnip and wild cabbage.

Members of the cabbage family, rutabagas are often confused with turnips, although there are noticeable differences. Rutabagas are larger, part white and part purple, with creamy orange flesh and ribs near the stem, and with a nutty, sweet flavor when roasted. Meanwhile, turnips are white with a purple-red top and a peppery taste. (more…)

Bok Choy

Bok Choy

Bok Choy is technically a Chinese cabbage. But until you cook with bok choy, you cannot appreciate how special it is. It has a mellow taste compared to some of the other asian greens such as tatsoi. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 28, 2024

Hi Everyone, Happy Halloween! Does anyone remember the year that it snowed on Halloween? Well, you won’t have to worry about that, this year – it seems we will be hitting eighty degrees on Thursday! I was planning on not mentioning the weather this writing, but I just couldn’t do it. It seems that the general public is beginning to realize just how dry it has been – I heard a DJ on the radio mention that there has been no significant precipitation in October. He still insisted that it was beautiful weather, but that maybe we could use some rain. Forty percent chance on Friday, fingers crossed. (more…)

Parsnips

Parsnips

The parsnip is a root vegetable related to the carrot, but white or cream colored and sweeter. Up until the potato arrived from the New World, its place in dishes was occupied by the parsnip and other root vegetables such as the turnip. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 21, 2024

Hi Folks! Beautiful weather we have been having, is it not? – unless you are a farmer! I am sure that you all are tired of hearing me complaining about the weather, but perhaps not as tired as I am of complaining. I hate to be a whiner, but I do need to keep you informed of what is happening on the farm. We had 5 consecutive nights of below freezing temperatures last week, not just a light frost, but a freeze. We covered as much as we could, but the tender crops cannot endure this degree of cold. And, of course , no rain and not much in sight. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 14, 2024

Hello All! Every week we wonder what the weather will bring, will it rain, or will it shine, will we freeze or will we bake. This morning when I woke, I checked the weather on my phone, it said rain ending at 9:30. I looked out the window and it was dry as a bone, it seemed the rain ended before it began. (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…)