Westfield Area CSA Blog

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 4, 2025

Hi Everyone! The second half of last week brought a welcome respite from the scorching heat, with the Thursday storms dropping a half inch of rain on us. It was not as much as desired, nor as much as other areas received, but we were spared the damaging winds. There is not much in the way of precipitation forecast for the next ten days, so the well pumps will be running day and night, and we will be moving the sprinklers around the fields. (more…)

Potatoes

Potatoes

You may have noticed that the potatoes we get have had different hues of flesh.  Potatoes actually come in a rainbow of colors, from yellow “Yukon Gold” to “Purple Peruvian”. (more…)

Tex-Mex Potato Cake

Tex-Mex Potato Cake

From the cookbook, Serving up the Harvest, here is an easy (especially if you have a food processor) recipe for all those delicious potatoes we’ve been getting.  It is a good dish to have in your arsenal as it is very quick to make, holds up well during a buffet, travels easily to block parties or potluck dinners, and can be made ahead and reheated.  What’s not to like about that?  The recipe serves 6-8. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – July 28, 2025

Hello All, It rained! A bit too much all at once, but we take what we can get. We are back in business again – the business of putting seeds in the ground. The sweet corn, carrots, and our fall brassica transplants received a good soaking, and we get a respite from constantly moving irrigation around the fields. There was some wind, which broke a few of our pepper plants, but nothing too terrible. I have one more round of beans and carrots to sow and it is time to start planting greens like arugula and spinach again for the fall crop. (more…)

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

The tomato, like the eggplant, is a member of the Solanaceae, or Nightshade family.  Tomatoes are native to western South America, but were cultivated in Mexico by Mexican Indians, who were intrigued by its resemblance to the tomatillo – a staple in their cuisine.  With the discovery of the New World, tomato seeds were brought back to Spain, beginning the introduction of the fruit into Europe.  Tomatoes made their way to North America with the colonists who first settled in Virginia. (more…)

Easy Fingerling Potatoes

Easy Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes are quick and easy to prepare on the stove-top.  Because of their size, they cook quickly, and don’t need to be peeled.  Try any of these variations! (more…)

Summer Succotash

Summer Succotash

If you’re tired of traditional succotash, try this recipe from Simply Organic by Jesse Ziff Cool.  It deviates from the classic style of succotash by substituting green beans for lima beans, and adding hot peppers, cumin, and lime for a southwestern twist. (more…)