Author Archives: webmaster

CSA Spring May 30 2015

CSA Distribution List May 30 2015

  •   Chard
  •  Collards
  •  Baby Spinach
  •  Lemon Verbena
  •   Rose Geranium
  •   Flat Parsley
  •   Sage
  •   Rosemary
  •   Tarragon
  •   Thai Basil
  •   Oregano
  •   Chives
  •   Squash Blossoms
  •   Garlic Scapes
  •   Onion Tops

“Rosey Outlook” Coffee Cake Recipe:    9×9” pan              oven: 350F          bake: 30 min/toothpick test

1 1/3 cups flour

2/3  cup sugar (brown sugar, honey, etc, to taste)

2 teaspoons baking powder

2/3 cup milk*

1/4 cup butter, soft*

2 eggs*

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup shredded rose geranium leaves and slivers of lemon verbena

Save a pinch of shredded leaves and 5-12 small geranium leaves for lining pan and pressing into top of batter.

Separate leaves, etc and process/scissor cut to add to dry matter and top the cake with…grease baking pan; (glass is my top choice), press into pan some shredded leaves (or whole leaves, provided they are small) and ribbons of lemon verbena…in medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon and baking powder.  Add shredded herbs and use hand mixer on low speed to combine with flour, etc.  ( If using a wet sweetener like honey, add to wet section of recipe.) In another bowl, combine milk, butter, egg, vanilla, *making sure to use at room temperature as butter will “coagulate” with cold milk, etc.  Beat wet mixture on medium until well blended. Pour wet mix into dry mix and beat with mixer on medium for 1 minute or until well blended.  Pour mixed batter into greased pan, on top of the shredded herbs pressed into bottom of pan.  Finish batter with reserved herb material, using a toothpick if necessary to pin down the garnishing touches to the batter (if left standing or curled above, will get crispy and loose more color).

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Invert out of pan after cooling 10-15 minutes; bottom of pan will still be warm..

Cool completely before cutting; can be served as finger tea cakes, cut into squares and fitted on to rose geranium leaves as doilies. This recipe was first reproduced by Cville Weekly; the article can be found at http://www.c-ville.com/Stop_to_eat_the_flowers. More on recipe with photos at https://specials.planetearthdiversified.com/rosey-outlook-coffee-cake/.

Tarrragon Fresh From GH6

CSA Spring 2015 May 23

  • Chard
  • Mixed Greens
  • European Cucumbers
  • Nasturtium Flowers
  • Baby Spinach
  • Lemon Verbena
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Tarragon
  • Thai Basil
  • Oregano
  • Chives

 

CSA Spring 2015 May 23: Artemisia, the genus name for tarragon, was of curiosity early on for its derived connection to the name of a goddess, Artemis; she was active and a huntress. Particularly interesting that one strength was regarding the healing of diseases in women. Tarragon has a few subspecies that can sometimes become confused, such as Russian tarragon vs. the French tarragon, which is what we propagate for you and others that value the particular flavor of this variety. Used in meat and egg dishes, it is also known for being an ingredient in classic Béarnaise sauce. We have used it in teas, salads, roasts, and quiches. Mike has daydreamed about incorporating it into a chewing gum; surprisingly it is used as a soft drink flavor in eastern Europe. There are plenty of herbs to enjoy, but wanted to be sure to suggest one of our all time favorite ways to use spears of rosemary: as mini shish kebabs. Using the cut end, pierce fruits and/or veggies, roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. Serve on a bed of rice. A fav combo: tomato, pineapple, sausage, green pepper, onion. Use any drippings to adorn the rice.

Dr Reza Rafie

CSA Distribution May 16 2015

 

Lemon verbena, more cucumbers, fresh spinach and nasturtium flowers are just part of this week’s CSA share. Lemon verbena has long been touted as a medicinal herb, but a whiff of the aroma hitting your senses may drive a different desired effect: deliciousness! We like to use lemon verbena as a tea, simple syrup (great for flavoring drinks, deserts and pancakes), scissor cut into ribbons over salad and fruit, baked into cake, and with chicken or fish. It also will find its way into spaghetti sauce For a twist, we made a quick yogurt dressing of chopped lemon verbena and Thai basil with honey, and poured it over pineapple chunks. Consider trying this recipe, substituting cucumber and leaving out the honey. Thai basil is another herb that is considered medicinal and is great in the kitchen, also pleasing to use from savory to sweet. It is commonly used in green and red curry, noodles, and different kinds of meat dishes. In our kitchen it can be found scissor cut into dishes fresh, in tea concoctions and occasionally to enhance desert.