Shower others with joy
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Shower others with joy

One more week of the CSA after this week’s box. Wow! The growing season flew by.

We have been busy harvesting many items. The ornamental corn, popcorn, tomatoes, peppers and watermelon seem to be hanging on and continuing to grow. If we receive the rain that is in the forecast, there is a possibility for the carrots and a few other crops to get a boost. Yet, these dry conditions continue to suppress growth and development in everything except the weeds.

It is interesting how God gives us direction when we reflect on what’s in front of us.

Drought and weeds symbolize challenges or negative aspects. As people, these challenges draw us down. When we are stressed, the negative, weeds, are allowed to flourish.

During the growing season, I look to rain and sunshine in the right amounts as Joy showered down upon us. Isn’t it interesting to think of how Joy (rain and sunshine) in the right amount provides wonderful outcomes for our crops. Joy has the same outcomes in people. When we shower others with Joy, they too blossom into more than they thought was possible to reach potential they to may not have known was possible.

This week, I challenge you to shower others with Joy.

“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.” – John Wooden

The squash was planted in early May and was fortunate to receive a wonderful rain to get this crop off to a great start. This in turn resulted in a plentiful crop of squash. It is such a joy to reap this harvest.

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Dark Red Beets – I love beets and have been trying to incorporate them regularly in my diet because of their nutritional value. Most of the time I have found that eating them raw, peeled and dipping them in peanut butter works best for me. Learn more about their nutrition here.

Cantaloupe – These ripen so quickly. Have you ever wondered what was the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, all varieties and types of muskmelon belong to the same genus and species; however, cantaloupe belongs to a different botanical variety (subgroup) than winter type muskmelons.

Carrots – The summer heat and dry weather have put enormous pressure on the carrot crop. Enjoy this week’s purple carrots!

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. The University of Illinois Extension has information on the odd formation and shapes of the cucumbers. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Lettuce mix – The drought has made the lettuce crop challenging this year. Enjoy some BLTs!

Onions – This crop was also struggling with this year’s dry weather.

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart or if you want to know more about freezing peppers, this is a helpful link.

Potatoes – Red Norlands are in your box this week. Watch potato harvest here on America’s Heartland.

Radishes – Did you know you can eat the radish greens? Learn more at the University of Illinois Extension. Learn more about the health benefits of eating radishes.

Summer Squash – I bet your trying to figure out how to use this squash. Here are some ideas from Pioneer Woman. Also check out the hotdish recipe below.

Tomatoes –In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes, 4th of July tomatoes, Better Boy and more. Let us know if you need any for canning and freezing. We have plenty.

Watermelon – We are super excited about this watermelon crop. I wasn’t fast enough to get a picture of the watermelon harvested this weekend. It was 45# and over 2 feet in length! Yes, we have eaten the entire watermelon!

Zucchini – So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Fresh cut arrangement – Hydrangeas and Sedum and pumpkins and gourds

 

Recipe of the Week

Pumpkin Bread

1 2/3 cup flour

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup cold water

2 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin (I use 1 cup cooked squash)

Combine flour, sugar, butter, soda, spices and salt in bowl. Add 1/3 cup cold water, eggs, and pumpkin (squash) mix well. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool on wire rack.

 

Source: Pat Kuznik – West Polk County: Blue Ribbon Favorites Minnesota 4-H Foundation

 

Reset and Refocus for the Finish Line
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Reset and Refocus for the Finish Line

 

September kicked off with a fierce impact of another round of dry, hot weather which is pushing some of the crops to their near end point. We did not receive rain with this cold front that moved in today. No rain puts additional strain on the plants.

We have been busy harvesting fall decorations with over a quarter of the pumpkins and gourds harvested. This is a bit earlier than usual due to the dry weather. We have hopes to make great progress with this harvest by next week.

With two weeks left in the CSA, this is a good time to prepare for preservation whether you are freezing or canning. We encourage you to do this to help utilize the produce, decrease food costs and extend your enjoyment of the produce through the winter.

I know that all of this can seem overwhelming as we wrap up summer and transition into fall and a new school year. I encourage you to not give up on getting to the finish line with the food preservation. Rather find a way to reset and refocus on your goals – you’ll appreciate your efforts as you utilize it throughout the winter.

“Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes.” — Richie Norton

Take time to refocus and reset. It is all about perspective.

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Dark Red Beets – I love beets and have been trying to incorporate them regularly in my diet because of their nutritional value. Most of the time I have found that eating them raw, peeled and dipping them in peanut butter works best for me. Learn more about their nutrition here.

Cantaloupe – These ripen so quickly. Have you ever wondered what was the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, all varieties and types of muskmelon belong to the same genus and species; however, cantaloupe belongs to a different botanical variety (subgroup) than winter type muskmelons.

Carrots – The summer heat and dry weather have put enormous pressure on the carrot crop. Enjoy this week’s purple carrots!

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. The University of Illinois Extension has information on the odd formation and shapes of the cucumbers. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Peppers

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart or if you want to know more about freezing peppers, this is a helpful link.

Yukon Gold

Potatoes – Yukon Golds or Red Norlands are in your box this week. Watch potato harvest here on America’s Heartland.

We enjoyed cutting the radishes up and using them in a saute with onions and peppers to place on top of sandwiches or other meals.

Radishes – Did you know you can eat the radish greens? Learn more at the University of Illinois Extension. Learn more about the health benefits of eating radishes.

Summer Squash – I bet your trying to figure out how to use this squash. Here are some ideas from Pioneer Woman. Also check out the hotdish recipe below.

Super Sugar Snap Peas – Yum! Eat these raw in the pods, dip in Ranch dressing or use in stir fry. One of our favorite summer vegetables is in your boxes this week. This heat really sped this crop to the end. This may be our last week.

Sweet Corn – A big shout out to our neighbors FarGaze Farms for the delicious sweet corn in our boxes.

A variety of tomatoes are in your boxes this week.

Tomatoes –In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes, 4th of July tomatoes, Better Boy and more. Watch for a flush of them for canning and freezing.

Watermelon – We are super excited about this watermelon crop. I wasn’t fast enough to get a picture of the watermelon harvested this weekend. It was 45# and over 2 feet in length! Yes, we have eaten the entire watermelon!

Zucchini –So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Hydrangeas

Fresh cut arrangement – Hydrangeas

 

Recipe of the Week

A favorite in our house to use up leftover turkey and chicken and vegetables!

Turkey or Chicken Pot Pie

1 pie crust (1/2 of Perfect Pie Crust recipe)

1/2 stick butter (4 Tablespoons)

1/2 c. finely diced onion

1/2 c. finely diced carrot

1/2 c. finely diced celery

2 c. leftover turkey, light and dark, diced or shredded (or both!)

1/4 c. flour

2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (more if needed!)

Splash of white wine (optional)

3/4 c. heavy cream

Frozen peas (optional) (or use leftover sweet corn that you have cut off the cob or chopped up radishes)

Fresh thyme, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Melt butter in a skillet or dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until translucent (a couple of minutes.)
  3. Add turkey and stir. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly. Splash in wine (you can leave this out if you’d like.) Pour in cream. (May add frozen peas at this point if you’d like.)
  5. Bring to a slow boil and allow mixture to cook and thicken for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste (do not underseason), and fresh or dried thyme to taste. Do one final taste at the end and add what it needs.
  6. Pour mixture into a casserole dish or deep pie pan.
  7. Roll out crust so that it’s about 1 inch larger than the pan you’re using.
  8. Place the crust on top of the pot pie mixture, and press crust into the sides of the dish. Cut vents in the top of the crust.
  9. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until very golden and bubbly and the crust is done.
  10. Allow to cool for a little bit before serving.
  11. Serve with a large spoon.

Source: Pioneer Woman

 

Time Flies
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Time Flies

It feels like just last week when it was the last day of school. Yet, here we are with all the preparations and activities that school will be starting next week.

The kids have wrapped up the state fair where Keith showed a pig and Sam, market turkeys. This like other years was filled with 4-H learning experiences, and we are reminded of the wonderful group of mentors, supporters and friends that support our family.

Sam on Minnesota Live from the Minnesota State Fair sharing his 4-H market turkey project.

With our dry weather, the pumpkins and gourds are ahead of schedule, and we have started harvesting them. So be on the look out for information of this fall joy that is sure to bring not only color to your life but smiles as well.

As we close out the closing days of summer, soak in the sun and the joys around you.

“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” – Ashley Montagu

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Dark Red Beets – Some of our shareholders like to cut these up and eat these raw in their salads. Try them raw, peeled and dip them in peanut butter. `Learn more about their nutrition here.

Cantaloupe – These ripen so quickly. Have you ever wondered what was the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, all varieties and types of muskmelon belong to the same genus and species; however, cantaloupe belongs to a different botanical variety (subgroup) than winter type muskmelons.

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. They loved the rain, and we have a flush of new cucumbers. Plenty for canning. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Red Kuri Squash

Red Kuri Squash – Red Kuri squash has a smooth and tender texture with a sweet, nutty flavor reminiscent of chestnuts. Learn more here. I cook it like I do Butternut. Cutting it in half, laying cut side down in a cake pan with about an inch of water, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for one hour.

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart or if you want to know more about freezing peppers, this is a helpful link.

Potatoes – Yukon Golds, Red Norlands and puuple potatoes are in your box this week. Watch potato harvest here on America’s Heartland.

Radishes – The last crop of radishes are in your box: French Breakfast and Cherry Belle. Cut them up and put in your stir fry or hot dishes for additional nutrition.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash – We love eating this squash in conjunction with or instead of using noodles. Learn different ways to cook this squash from the Food Network.

Summer Squash – I bet your trying to figure out how to use this squash. Here are some ideas from Pioneer Woman. Also check out the hotdish recipe below.

Super Sugar Snap Peas – Yum! Eat these raw in the pods, dip in Ranch dressing or use in stir fry. One of our favorite summer vegetables is in your boxes this week. The first crop received renewed energy from the rain, and the new crop is producing.

Sweet Corn – A big shout out to our neighbors FarGaze Farms for the delicious sweet corn in our boxes.

Sun Gold Hybrid tomatoes

Tomatoes –In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes, 4th of July tomatoes, Better Boy and more. Watch for a flush of them for canning and freezing.

Zucchini –So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Fresh cut arrangement – Hydrangeas

Recipe of the Week

A favorite in our house. We hope you enjoy it as well!

 Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

1 small spaghetti squash

½ cup low-fat cottage cheese

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

⅓ cup marinara sauce

½ cup mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup favorite vegetables (peppers, broccoli, etc.)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Using a large, serrated knife, carefully cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard seeds. Place squash halves cut side down on parchment lined baking sheet. Cook squash for 35-45 minutes or until tender. Place rack in middle of oven and heat to broil.

In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, parmesan, ¼ cup mozzarella, marinara. Use fork to scrape and separate the squash strands. Divide filling mixture among the 2 squash halves. Top with your favorite vegetable and sprinkle with mozzarella. Broil until cheese is golden-brown. Approximately 2-3 minutes.

 

Source: Modified from NDSU Extension

 

Hang On
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Hang On

This watermelon puts a smile on my face every time I pass by it. Part of me wants to put a can or something under it to support it, and the other part of me wants to see if it makes it until the end of the season…can it hold on all by itself.

Watermelon growing in the garden. The vine grew up the fence which is at an angle, and the melon began to grow. It is now hanging there on its own and growing.

The watermelon reminds me of so many life situations. Isn’t it interesting that when you take time to observe nature, God presents us with so many life lessons.

So many times, we think, boy we just can’t hang on. Why are we hanging out here all by ourselves? Why isn’t anyone helping us?

Yet, when it comes right down to it…We have been outfitted with enough strength. We are capable of figuring it out. We are strong enough. We are enough.

So for those items in your life, where you are wondering if you have enough strength. Remember God gives us the strength if we believe. Praying for you and those areas in your life where you need strength.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Green Beans – Like the lettuce, this crop really took a jump in reaching maturity after a drink of water from Mother Nature. We have more if you are interested in freezing or canning some. Let us know if you need some dill to make green bean pickles.

Dragon Tongue Beans

Dragon Tongue Beans – This beautiful and unique crop ads variety to any dish whether you eat them raw or cooked. Learn more here.

Dark Red Beets – Some of our shareholders like to cut these up and eat these raw in their salads. Try them raw, peeled and dip them in peanut butter. `Learn more about their nutrition here.

Black Seeded Simpson Mix – The rain we had really helped give this crop a boost.

Broccoli – Enjoy some broccoli in this week’s vegetable array.

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. They loved the rain, and we have a flush of new cucumbers. Plenty for canning. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart or if you want to know more about freezing peppers, this is a helpful link.

Yukon Gold potatoes

Potatoes – Yukon Golds or Red Norlands are in your box this week. Watch potato harvest here on America’s Heartland.

Summer Squash – This Summer Rise and Shine hybrid squash has a  rich buttery flavor. The other is the miniature Peter Pan scalloped squash with a sweet flavor. Use either of these in place of zucchini. Here are some ideas to use it from Pioneer Woman.

Super Sugar Snap Peas – Yum! Eat these raw in the pods, dip in Ranch dressing or use in stir fry. One of our favorite summer vegetables is in your boxes this week. A new crop is nearly ready.

Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn – A big shout out to our neighbors FarGaze Farms for the delicious sweet corn in our boxes.

Tomatoes –In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes and 4th of July tomatoes. Watch for a flush of them for canning and freezing.

Zucchini –So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Fresh cut arrangement – Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas

Recipe of the Week

To be honest, in this heat, all I can think about is cook it on the grill or eat the items raw in a salad. There are many times where my salad doesn’t include lettuce. I just simply cut up a number of the raw vegetables add some type of nuts or other salad like items such as cheese or dressing.

Searching for Treasures
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Searching for Treasures

Each growing season presents its unique challenges. This year is no different. The primarily dry last few months have created some interesting growth outcomes by the different crops. See the link to the drought monitor for an update. This also creates an interesting treasure hunt every time we are in the garden.

The cucumber production stalled out and then after each subsequent shot of moisture produced a substantial amount of cucumber growth. The peas have followed a similar pattern to cucumbers. Potato production is low.  Seed germination has been challenging. Yet, boy have the turnips loved this weather, and likewise the watermelon and cantaloupe appear to be on the verge of greatness. The pumpkins are acting like the end of the growing season is here and are really close to harvest which is always a wonderful time of year!

This unpredictability reminds me a lot of life. As much as we plan and prepare for consistent or manageable outcomes, there are so many factors that impact our lives. Sometimes we just need to keep searching, looking for the treasures that do appear. Sometimes those treasures are right in front of us. Yet, many times it takes some work, persistence or steadfastness to find the treasures.

I encourage you to keep the faith. Keep searching for the treasures. God does remind us of the goodness that is right in front of us. It just might not be the way we are used to finding it.

 

Garden Science

U.S. Drought Monitor

Here is a look at Minnesota on the U.S. Drought Monitor. While the occasional, spotty showers have helped. You can see by the looks of the map that Minnesota is still quite dry.

 

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Green Beans – Like the lettuce, this crop really took a jump in reaching maturity after a drink of water from Mother Nature. We have more if you are interested in freezing or canning some. Let us know if you need some dill to make green bean pickles.

Dragon Tongue Beans – This beautiful and unique crop ads variety to any dish whether you eat them raw or cooked. Learn more here.

Dark Red Beets – Some of our shareholders like to cut these up and eat these raw in their salads. Try them raw, peeled and dip them in peanut butter. `Learn more about their nutrition here.

Black Seeded Simpson Mix – The rain we had really helped give this crop a boost.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. They loved the rain, and we have a flush of new cucumbers. Plenty for canning. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Purple Kohlrabi – love the color.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart.

Potatoes – Red Norlands are in your box this week. Watch potato harvest here on America’s Heartland.

Radishes – This is the end of this radish crop watch out for holy hotness. Watch for another crop in a few weeks. Here are some radish recipes from Martha Stewart.

Summer Squash

Summer Squash – I bet your trying to figure out how to use this squash. Here are some ideas from Pioneer Woman. Also check out the hotdish recipe below.

Super Sugar Snap Peas – Yum! Eat these raw in the pods, dip in Ranch dressing or use in stir fry. One of our favorite summer vegetables is in your boxes this week. A new crop is nearly ready.

Tomatoes –In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes and 4th of July tomatoes. Watch for a flush of them for canning and freezing.

Turnips – Are you wondering what to do with the large white bulb like vegetable. This crazy root vegetable is thriving in this dry weather. Like you, I too am trying to find ways to use turnips. Remember, you can also use the leaves of this vegetable. Learn more about the nutrition here. Here are a few turnip recipe ideas from Taste of Home.

Fresh cut arrangement –Hydrangeas

Recipe of the Week

Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake

2 ½ cups flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

¾ cup butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

½ cup milk

3 cups grated zucchini

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º. Grease and flour a Bundt pan (I spray with Baker’s Joy or a similar product).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars with a mixer until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk to the butter mixture and mix till combined.
  5. Stir in dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips.
  6. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Source: The Skinny Chick Can Bake

Take time to enjoy the gifts around us
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Take time to enjoy the gifts around us

As I stood at my kitchen counter cutting up this huge beet and some kohlrabi, I was reminded of why I enjoy gardening. You see, I am one of those people who always wants to maximize my time and organize it to live life to the fullest. Yet a book I read/listened to (audible book) recently, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” provided me time to reflect on how that isn’t always the healthiest way to live life.

Take a look at this huge red beet harvested today.

The book stressed the importance of taking the time to take in what is around us, reflect on moments that were occurring or had occurred and appreciate the world around us. Whether time was specifically set aside, or we recognize time given to us such as moments waiting in lines as a time to pause and be grateful.

So back to the kohlrabi and beet, gardening forces me to slow down and enjoy the world around me. It provides the opportunity to see these amazing wonders that God provides every day. Because I am out working outside, I see the miracle of seeds sprouting and growing to plants being pollinated to create beautiful pumpkins, delicious vegetables and fruits, the amazing sunrises and sunsets and amazing insects and wild animals/birds in Creation. It also forces me to take time to peel a beautiful beet and see the amazing rich, vibrant color patterns.

I challenge you to recognize whatever rush or hurry is in your life and find time to try to eliminate or decrease that hurry so that you can take time to enjoy the wonderful gifts provided around us.

Garden Science

Insects, insects every where including this green tomato worm.

Tomato Hornworm learn more from the University of Minnesota Extension.

-Tomato hornworms are very large caterpillars with a horn-like tail.

-Their favorite plant is tomato.

-Hornworms chew leaves and can completely defoliate plants.

-They can also chew holes in the fruit.

-Physical removal is usually the only necessary management.

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Green Beans – Like the lettuce, this crop really took a jump in reaching maturity after a drink of water from Mother Nature. We have more if you are interested in freezing or canning some. Let us know if you need some dill to make green bean pickles.

Dark Red Beets – Some of our shareholders like to cut these up and eat these raw in their salads. I peeled off the skin before cooking them this week and that worked well. Learn more about their nutrition here.

Black Seeded Simpson can be harvested for several weeks.

Black Seeded Simpson Mix – The rain we had last week really helped give this crop a boost.

Broccoli – This may be the last taste of this vegetable for the season.

Cucmbers – there is dill and cucumbers for canning for those interested.

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. They loved the rain, and we have a flush of new cucumbers. Plenty for canning. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Purple Kohlrabi – love the color.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart.

Potatoes – Kennebec and a few Red Norlands are in your box this week. Learn more here.

We enjoyed cutting the radishes up and using them in a saute with onions and peppers to place on top of sandwiches or other meals. We loved them this way.

Radishes – While this is a young new crop, it did grow through the 100 degree week. So watch out for holy hotness. Here are some radish recipes from Martha Stewart.

Summer Squash – I bet your trying to figure out how to use this squash. Here are some ideas from Pioneer Woman. Also check out the hotdish recipe below.

Super Sugar Snap Peas – Yum! Eat these raw in the pods, dip in Ranch dressing or use in stir fry. One of our favorite summer vegetables is in your boxes this week.

Extra sweet corn after a meal: What we don’t eat, we simply cut off. We us a bundt pan to catch all of the corn. We then place it in a Ziploc bag that has been labeled and dated and place in the freezer to use this winter.

Sweet Corn – Thank you to our neighbors FarGaze Farms for this weeks sweet corn.

Tomatoes – The tomatoes loved the rain. In your boxes this week are Napa Valley cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes and 4th of July tomatoes.

Zucchini –So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Hydrangeas, Sunflowers and Rudebeckia

Fresh cut arrangement – Sunflowers, Rudebeckia, Hydrangeas and  Zinnia.

Recipe of the Week

Spanish Style Squash Hotdish

1 pound ground beef

1/3 cup chopped onion

5 cups Zucchini sliced (I used summer squash and used the slicing/chipping option in my salad shooter)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon garlic salt

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

1/16 teaspoon pepper

8-ounce tomato sauce

12 oz mexi-corn or corn and peppers diced

Top with mozzarella cheese

Saute ground beef and onion. Add squash and seasonings. Cook over medium heat 3-5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and corn. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover. Simmer 10 minutes or until squash is tender. Top with cheese. Serve after the cheese has melted. Serves six.

Source: Farm Journal and from the kitchen of Mary Jo Patzer. Thank you for sharing!

 

Embrace the Time
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Embrace the Time

How can it already be August? Am I the only one that is wondering what happened to the other two months in our summer? Well, while I know I cannot get that time back, I recognize the importance of reflecting on the memories and remembering the memories made and lessons learned.

Sometimes, I am so busy living life and making memories that reflection on these moments doesn’t happen nearly often enough. I find that my time in the garden weeding, tying up tomatoes, insect scouting etc. provide me the quite time needed to reflect on what has happened and what is to come. It is a time to self-reflect, set goals and look ahead.

I encourage you not to be anxious about how quickly August will pass us by. Rather find time to embrace the time and find your space to soak it all in. You never know what will be unveiled.

Look what I found when I was weeding. Watermelon and many more are growing!

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

Garden Science

Squash bugs primarily attack squash and pumpkins, although they can also attack other plants in the cucurbit family, such as cucumbers. Learn more from the University of Minnesota Extension.

Squash Bugs

Squash bugs primarily attack squash and pumpkins, although they can also attack other plants in the cucurbit family, such as cucumbers. They can be a real nuisance!

Learn more about squash bugs from the University of Minnesota Extension.

 

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Jade Green Beans

Green Beans – Like the lettuce, this crop really took a jump in reaching maturity after a drink of water from Mother Nature. We have more if you are interested in freezing or canning some. Let us know if you need some dill to make green bean pickles.

Dark Red Beets – Some of our shareholders like to cut these up and eat these raw in their salads. I peeled off the skin before cooking them this week and that worked well. Learn more about their nutrition here.

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

Black Seeded Simpson Mix – The rain we had last week really helped give this crop a boost.

Broccoli – Enjoy fresh, on the grill or try the this salad.

Cauliflower – We tried an experiment this season to try to alleviate the insect pressure on cauliflower. We planted marigolds throughout that area. Marigolds are like a natural insecticide. While it helped, I think more marigolds would be the ticket. Even though it is warm, if you need some comfort food give this recipe a try.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers – The cucumbers are having a wacky growing cycle with our drought. There are not a lot of cucumbers growing. It appears the plant is preserving itself vs. producing cucumbers. Here’s an interesting link on their nutritional value.

Kohlrabi – I simply eat these peeled and cut up like an apple with some peanut butter. Here are some recipe ideas and additional information on this vegetable from Taste of Home.

Sweet peppers

Peppers – Holy Sweet Peppers. We have many! Let us know if you need more next week for making stuffed peppers or other dishes. Here are some pepper recipe ideas from Martha Stewart.

Radishes – While this is a young new crop, it did grow through the 100 degree week. So watch out for holy hotness. Here are some radish recipes from Martha Stewart.

When properly pollinated and fertilized, the female flowers develop into the squash.

Summer Squash – Try the Summer Squash soup below or use the summer squash like you would use Zucchini. Check out the recipe below.

Super Sugar Snap Peas

Super Sugar Snap Peas – Yum! Eat these raw in the pods, dip in Ranch dressing or use in stir fry. One of our favorite summer vegetables is in your boxes this week.

Tomatoes – There are plenty of green tomatoes. If you would like green tomatoes, let us know. Otherwise, they should be ripening soon.

Turnips – Are you wondering what to do with the large white bulb like vegetable. This crazy root vegetable is thriving in this dry weather. Like you, I too am trying to find ways to use turnips. Remember, you can also use the leaves of this vegetable. Learn more about the nutrition here. Here are a few turnip recipe ideas from Taste of Home.

Zucchini –So many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this zucchini mock apple pie square recipe.

Flower Arrangements

Fresh cut arrangement – Sunflowers, Rudebeckia, Hydrangeas and  Zinnia.

 

Recipe of the Week

Summer Squash Soup – a delicious option for this vegetable. I also will place extra in muffin tins and freeze. Once frozen, I will remove from the tin and place in a labeled container to use for a quick meal.

Yellow Summer Squash Soup

2 large sweet onions, chopped

1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 garlic cloves, minced

6 medium yellow summer squash, seeded and cubed (about 6 cups)

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

4 fresh thyme sprigs

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and leek; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 5 minutes. Add squash; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in broth, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until squash is tender, 15-20 minutes.
  2. Discard thyme sprigs. Cool slightly. In a blender, process soup in batches until smooth. Return all to the pan. Stir in lemon juice and hot pepper sauce; heat through. Sprinkle each serving with cheese and lemon zest.

Source: Taste of Home

A new view creates new perspectives
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A new view creates new perspectives

During our lifetime, we experience instances when new perspectives are necessary to accomplish goals. This year was one of those times.

At the beginning of the year with our shop being rebuilt and in the early stages of construction, there were many unknowns and unexpected moments occurring regularly. Thus, we opted to reevaluate the CSA and approach with a new perspective. We switched to an 8-week offering vs a 16-week CSA. We hope this has provided our shareholders more opportunities to enjoy their summers and not feel overwhelmed by the weekly produce. Thus, decreasing food waste and increasing usability.\

Installing mulch and fencing for tomatoes in May.

This has proven to be a good decision for us. Because of our spring construction, we were planting late May vs late April followed by many weeks of minimal to no rainfall. This meant we had delayed plant growth.

Taken last year, as we helped Roy plant his last garden.

In addition, Steve’s dad and Steve’s Aunt Coleen passed away in mid-June. Both of them provided us with a tremendous amount of guidance over the years on our garden and garden produce. There were many conversations over vegetable varieties, pest control and produce preservation to last through the winter months. These memories provide comfort and are a good reminder to make the most of our moments together.

As we approach this season, we continue to find joy in the small, simple items in life which bring peace to the craziness that life presents.

Garden Science

Japanese Beetles are a real nuisance in the garden.

Learn more at University of Minnesota Extension.

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Jade Green Beans

Green Beans – The green beans just started producing this week. Learn more about green bean production from America’s Heartland here.

Radishes – Sorry this did not get harvested due to the storm that moved through during the morning harvest.

Dark Red Beets – I enjoy beets cut up like an apple and eaten raw with peanut butter. I also enjoy cooking them, peeling off the skin and putting a little bit of butter on them. This is an interesting resource from NDSU Extension.

Cucmbers – there is dill and cucumbers for canning for those interested.

Cucumbers – The cucumbers have kicked production into high gear. Let us know if you would like to make pickles. We do have dill that you could use.

Summer Squash

Summer Squash –Two varieties are producing through this drought. Use this squash in any recipe thato many wonderful ways to use Zucchini. Try this pasta primavera recipe from Martha Stewart.

Turnips

Turnips – The turnips haven’t minded this dry weather. I have added them to salads, hot dishes and as a raw snack. This is a very versatile vegetable. Learn more from NDSU Extension here.

Peppers

Peppers – A Variety of peppers for you to enjoy.

Broccoli – I love eating broccoli raw or in salads. Enjoy!

Cauliflower – Another vegetable that is good to eat raw. Here are some recipes from Martha Stewart.

The sunflowers are gorgeous this year.

Fresh cut arrangement – Sunflowers, Zinnia and Hosta leaves

Recipe of the Week

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

1 cup applesauce

3 large eggs

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups shredded peeled zucchini (use your summer squash)

1/4 miniature chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, applesauce, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and baking powder; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in zucchini. Transfer to two 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pans coated with cooking spray.
  2. Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each)

Source: Sarah Durenberger

Changing Seasons
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Changing Seasons

The change of seasons is upon us. The calendar has flipped to October. Yet, I want to hang on to the gorgeous weather, and the bounty the season has brought us. It means the end of summer and the freedom that summer seems to provide like weekends at baseball tournaments, water activities and longer daylight hours. We enjoy seeing our shareholders and reaping the benefits of the labor that garden produce provides

I’ll be honest. As the season moves into fall, we won’t miss the weeds or the additional work. We will enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and time outdoors helping my parents’ with their harvest, hunting, football games, the wonderful smells of fall and the gorgeous evening skis.

With this change of season, we hope you have enjoyed this year’s CSA, and the produce has been a joy to you and your family. We are drying the popcorn for a later date delivery. So look for follow-up from us on that. Thank you for your support and friendship through all of the growing season changes!

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower – Check out this different variety of cauliflower, Flame Star hybrid.

Dark Red Beets – One more week for red beets. I have started skinning them and cutting them up for my salads. It is a great addition and has good health benefits.

Cabbage – Purple cabbage for you to enjoy.

Carrots –You may notice a few carrots where the potato fork may have broken them off in digging. Here are some ways to use your carrots from Martha Stewart.

Cucumbers – Last of the cucumbers.

Eggplant – Learn how to use this vegetable here.

Oh, what beautiful colors of peppers.

Peppers – A variety from sweet to mild to hot! The variety of peppers this week primarily are yummy pepper, carnival blend and jungle pepper. The hot ones are marked as such and are only in a few boxes for those that have indicated that they like hot peppers.

Potatoes – Red Norland, Yukon Gold, Masquerade and blue potatoes.

Sweet Potatoes – Yum! Our favorite way to prepare them is to make sweet potato fries. Enjoy!

Winter Squash – A variety to choose from: butternut, kuri, carnival and spaghetti squash.

Fourth of July Tomatoes

Tomatoes – Fourth of July, yellow and Sun Gold Hybrid cherry tomatoes this week. Let us know if you would like some for canning. They are still hanging on…maybe not after the cold temperatures projected for later this week.

Watermelon – Who doesn’t love watermelon? Enjoy!

Hydrangeas

Fresh cut arrangement – Hydrangeas

Recipe of the Week

After finishing cooking an oven full of squash, the boys wanted me to make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

Pumpkin (squash) Muffins

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1- 16 oz can pumpkin or squash (I use squash I have frozen.)

1 1/2 cups applesauce

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups miniature chocolate chip

In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin/squash and applesauce until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Fold in miniature chocolate chips. Fill greased  or lined muffin cups 3/4 cups full. Garnish with a few miniature chocolate chips. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16-20 minutes until they test done. (When you press your finger on the top of the muffin and it pops back up.) Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to cool on wire rack.

Mother Nature’s stark reminder
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Mother Nature’s stark reminder

This morning’s cold temperature was a stark reminder of why the end of the CSA is in sight. As much as we love the fresh produce, the Minnesota season’s change without our consent.

This weekend, we harvested the popcorn, and began drying that out. The ornamental corn really struggled this year and had very little production. So, no ornamental corn this year, and thus, no corn shocks. We also finished digging potatoes and sweet potatoes. The potato production was a pleasant surprise given the dry growing season. All pumpkins, squash and gourds are also harvested, and the last of the beans and cucumbers were harvested this week.

This morning’s cold temperature was a stark reminder of why the end of the CSA is in sight. As much as we love the fresh produce, the Minnesota season’s change without our consent.
Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

So, what’s left? A lot! There is plenty of kohlrabi, but it appears to be waiting for a nice rain to finish growing. We also have eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, beets and carrots. I will cut the spinach and lettuce back to see if the bugs will leave them alone and see how they grow back this week to get another harvest from them as well.

Bottom line next week is the bonus box and the last box for this year’s CSA. Mother Nature is in control, and unfortunately, it is time to wrap this growing season up.

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Dragon Tongue Beans

Dragon Tongue Beans – Last week of beans.

Dark Red Beets – One more week for red beets. I have started skinning them and cutting them up for my salads. It is a great addition and has good health benefits.

Carrots –You may notice a few carrots where the potato fork may have broken them off in digging. Here are some ways to use your carrots from Martha Stewart.

Cucumbers – Last of the cucumbers this week.

Eggplant – Learn how to use this vegetable here.

Oh, what beautiful colors of peppers.

Peppers – A variety from sweet to mild to hot! The variety of peppers this week primarily are yummy pepper, carnival blend and jungle pepper. The hot ones are marked as such and are only in a few boxes for those that have indicated that they like hot peppers.

Red Norland
Yukon Gold
Masquerade

Potatoes – Red Norland, Yukon Gold and a few Masquerade and blue potatoes this week.

Sweet Potatoes – Yum! Our favorite way to prepare them is to make sweet potato fries. Enjoy!

Onion – Cut up and freeze your onion to add quickly to a meal that you are making. I think the dry weather affected their size this year.

Winter Squash – A variety to choose from: kuri, carnival and spaghetti squash.

Tomatoes – Fourth of July, yellow and Sun Gold Hybrid cherry tomatoes this week. Let us know if you would like some for canning.

PUrple Cabbage

Cabbage – The last cabbage of the season. Check out this week’s recipe and actually try it not just as a side dish for tacos, but also in your taco.

Watermelon – Who doesn’t love watermelon? Enjoy!

Recipe of the Week

Easy Taco Slaw

4 cups shredded cabbage (from 1/2 small head)

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

1 small carrot, grated

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

1 clove garlic, mince

Freshly ground black pepper

Place the shredded cabbage in a colander set over a bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Massage and squeeze the cabbage with your hands to help it release its liquid and begin wilting. Set aside to drain for about 15 minutes.

Place the mayonnaise and lime juice in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Using your hands, squeeze the cabbage of its excess liquid one handful at a time and place in the bowl of dressing. Add the grated carrot, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and garlic, and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Source: Kitchn