Westfield Area CSA Blog

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 18, 2022

Hi Folks, So, we have received some much-needed rain and are expecting more on Monday evening. Thus far we have not experienced the high winds or hail often associated with these summer storms. This will enable us to get back on our planting schedule and relieve us, at least temporarily, from the task of moving the sprinklers around the fields. We are still waiting to see whether my recent planting of carrots will germinate sufficiently to merit care or will need to be abandoned. Carrots sprout and grow very slowly and require extensive hand weeding. If there are not enough plants present in each row, it is not worth the effort, and I will need to replant. (more…)

Chinese Dry-Fried Green Beans

Chinese Dry-Fried Green Beans

This Sichuan-style (also spelled Szechuan) green beans recipe, found on The Modern Proper food blog, is inspired by the deliciously blistered green beans just like you can get from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant.  The dry-fry is a technique that intentionally dries out the food that’s being cooked—in this case to make our spicy green beans recipe. Stir frying the green beans in hot oil causes them to release moisture and take on a crisp-chewy texture.  Serves 4. (more…)

Pasta Sauce with Cabbage and Sausage

Pasta Sauce with Cabbage and Sausage

A few years ago, my share partner and I took a cooking class at Classic Thyme, focused on pasta sauces.  This one is an unusual sauce, hailing from northern Italy, close to the Austrian border.  It is very easy and so delicious, plus, if you make a lot, you can freeze extras for later use.  The recipe as presented serves 6. (more…)

Ratatouille

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a traditional French stewed vegetable dish originating in Nice, but popular among the entire Mediterranean coast.  Mid-summer CSA shares will provide all you need for this delicious classic.  Serves 4-6. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 11, 2022

Hello Everyone!  As long-time members will attest, I am wont to whine about the weather.  Thus far there has been little to complain about, but it has now been more than two weeks with no precipitation.  It is becoming very dry, and with temperatures heading into the nineties, dry conditions make everything more challenging.  We have been moving the sprinklers around the fields to aid newly seeded crops to germinate and to keep the broccoli and cauliflower crops moist at a critical time – as they begin to form heads.   (more…)

Mexican Street Corn (aka Elotes)

Mexican Street Corn (aka Elotes)

This Mexican street corn recipe found on Simply Recipes is a staple of summer and it’s easy to make at home!  Top char-grilled corn on the cob with a tangy, creamy sauce, sprinkle with crumbled cheese and dive in. Make this for your next backyard cook-out!  Note that if you can’t find cojita cheese in your grocery store, it’s ok to omit or substitute another cheese.

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Super Energy Kale Soup

Super Energy Kale Soup

This recipe comes from the World’s Healthiest Foods website: www.whfoods.com.  This quick and easy version of potato kale soup has extra vegetables for more flavor and nutrition, and takes little time to prepare.  Serves 4. (more…)

Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Overwhelmed with all of the eggplant that we have been getting in the shares?  Eggplant Parmesan is an easy family favorite, and freezes well for future eating! (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 4, 2022

Hello Folks, I hope you all had a pleasant Independence Day and a relaxing long weekend.  Of course, here on the farm our weeks do not end – there is just too much work to be done.   Although it is officially summer now, we have some wonderful spring onions for you this week.  These are a sweet, heirloom variety – Ailsa craig – which we send with the tops still attached.  Some of the greens can be used like scallions, or you can use them to make a soup stock.  They are not good keepers, so keep them in the fridge and use them within a week or two.   (more…)

Summer Squash Orange Cake

Summer Squash Orange Cake

From The Victory Garden Cookbook by Marian Morash, here’s a dessert recipe using squash that is fairly quick and yummy.  Maybe this will bring the kids around to eating their veggies!  The recipe is made in a 10-inch tube or bundt pan. (more…)