Winter CSA - Week #3
Forget the groundhog. The days are certainly getting longer and we start seeding in the greenhouse in about 3 weeks, so I'm just going to go ahead and plan on spring coming soon. Until then, we have lots of delicious winter veggies to fill up your kitchen, your table, and your bellies. I've been supplementing our own produce at the grocery store this winter and it's pretty depressing, Everything looks limp, lifeless and sad. What a difference when I opened up the winter share box this afternoon! Even though these root veggies have been stored in our coolers for the past few months, they are so full of vibrancy, color and nutrition. They're also bursting with flavor! My week's menu includes celeriac soup, sweet potato pie, rutabaga & root veg galette, juiced carrots and beets and hash browns. What are you guys making? Post your recipes and tips on our Members Facebook page and follow along on our Instagram feed to see what we're cooking here in the farmhouse kitchen. Bon appetite!
A note on storage -- Your root veggies will hold up for a full month AS LONG AS YOU STORE THEM PROPERLY. Sweet potatoes don't like to be cold, so a cool spot is best. The other root vegetables should be stored separately from the cabbage, but they can be stored together, also in airtight bags in the fridge. What do I mean by airtight? Ziplocks are good, as are regular plastic bags that are closed/sealed well at the top. The idea is to lock in the moisture so that the veggies stay fresh and don't turn soft and limp. Some members prefer glass containers to plastic bags - which is fine too, but just make sure that the lid seals properly. The potatoes should be stored in a cool (not cold), DARK place. Enjoy!
What's in the share?
Carrots - Sweet and juicy. This variety grows well in the cold fall and stores well as long as you keep the moisture in. (See storage tips above.) You do not need to peel these. Just scrub the skin with a vegetable brush. If you're used to always peeling your carrots, you may find this unusual, but the skin contains nutrients that you don't want to lose!
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 3 weeks.
Rutabaga - This root vegetable is particularly delicious made into "fries". It also makes a great mash. Super nutritious and delicious alongside any main course!
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Cooked. When to use: Within 3 weeks.
Potatoes - The varieties are mixed on these potatoes. Just remember this good rule of thumb...Rough skin? Best for mashed or baked. Smooth skin? Best for roasting. When in doubt, use them for whatever recipe you want. They'll do fine!
Storage: In an cool (not cold) DARK place. Uses: Cooked. When to use: Within 3 weeks.
Red Beets - I eat a lot of beets. Pickled, juiced, roasted, sliced in salads. They bring wonderful color and flavor to our winter kitchen!
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 3 weeks.
Sweet Potatoes - I wash the skin and stick these in a baking dish in a 350F oven until soft. The easiest veg to prepare EVER!
Storage: In a cool, but not cold spot. Uses: Cooked. When to use: Within 2 weeks.
Celery Root - Quite possibly the ugliest veg on earth. Just peel off the skin with a sharp paring knife and you'll be left with a white-fleshed veg that has the earthy flavor of celery with great texture for pureed soups or added chopped in soups or roasts.
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Cooked. When to use: Within 3 weeks.
Leeks - You can think of a leek like an onion and use it in place of onions ion recipes OR think of it like it's own veg and let it take center stage! Try the recipe for braised leeks below and you'll love it!
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Cooked. When to use: Within 2 weeks.
BRIERMERE FARM APPLE SHARE - Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Cameo
Recipes!
Braised Leeks with Lemon
10 Ideas for Celeriac - Bon Appetite
Roasted Carrots with Parsley and Thyme
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Root Vegetable Galette
Celery Root Soup (Back by popular demand!)