Westfield Area CSA Blog

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 14, 2023

Hello Folks! It continues to rain frequently here on the farm, but we have not had any extreme weather during the past week. The moisture is beneficial to most of the crops, not so much the tomatoes and the melons, both of which are highly susceptible to fungal diseases – blights and mildews. The challenge is getting seed sown when the ground is constantly saturated. We have small windows of opportunity in between the storms when conditions permit us to prepare beds for planting. (more…)

Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush

Here’s a traditional baba ganoush recipe that goes great with chips, pita bread, or veggies.  When you get it right, baba ganoush is smooth and luxurious, smoky, and savory. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 7, 2023

Hi Folks! We have been scrambling today to get a lot of harvesting done and to batten down the hatches for the strong storms moving through the area. What was likely the strongest front just passed through and, while we received an inch of rain, we did not sustain any damage from wind or hail. Hallelujah! (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 31, 2023

Hello Everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather as much as we are here on the farm. It is a real treat to have such mild temperatures, cool nights, and lower humidity in early August!

We have peppers for you this week and the tomatoes are coming in heavy now. We will have sweet corn for as many groups as the supply allows and take care of the rest next week. The first planting of summer squash is in decline and the second is just getting started. We are in a similar situation with the beans. We will make sure everyone gets both over the next 2 weeks. The beets will be arriving topless – I hope that’s not too shocking for you lol. (more…)

Classic Ukrainian Borscht

Classic Ukrainian Borscht

This recipe for classic Ukrainian borscht was found at Natasha’s Kitchen food blog.  This recipe is meatless, but you can add in cubed beef, broth, and bones to add more flavor.  This soup takes about 2 hours to cook everything completely, and serves 10-12 as a side.

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Italian Turkey Soup

Italian Turkey Soup

Turkey soup may be the end of the line for turkey leftovers, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be boring!  Here’s a tasty soup recipe found on www.epicurious.com that’s made with all your favorite summer veggies:  zucchini, pepper, onion, carrot, and garlic.  Enjoy!  Serves 4. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 24, 2023

Hello Folks! There are no major meteorological complaints to be lodged for this past week – the excessive rainfall has abated, at least for now. There will be some scorching hot days this week, but nothing like what the southern and western US has seen in recent days. The fields have dried out enough to allow us to move ahead with our planting. I am direct seeding beans and herbs, and my crew have been busy planting more cucumbers and summer squash as well as thousands of brassica family plants for the fall harvest. (more…)

Cauliflower

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a highly modified form of cabbage in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), grown for its edible masses of partially developed flower structures and fleshy stalks. alongside its well-known counterparts of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and radishes. (more…)