Roasted Maple Sweet Potatoes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

• PREPARATION

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Arrange sweet potatoes in an even layer in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Combine maple syrup, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper in small bowl. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes; toss to coat.
  3. Cover and bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes. Uncover, stir and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until tender and starting to brown, 45 to 50 minutes more.

Bardstown Rd. Farmers Market

2010 Schedule :

Every Saturday from April 3rd to December 18th

Saturday: 8AM – 12PM

Winter Market - 10am -12pm January 2nd through March 27th

Michael Pollen in town October 7th

For the past twenty-five years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where nature and culture intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in the built environment. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers:Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (2010); In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto (2008); The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (2006) and The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World (2001). The Omnivore’s Dilemma was named one of the ten best books of 2006 by both the New York Times and the Washington Post. It also won the California Book Award, the Northern California Book Award, the James Beard Award, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. A young readers edition called The Omnivore’s Dilemma: the Secrets Behind What You Eat was published in 2009.

In 2003, Pollan was appointed the John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, and the director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism. In addition to teaching, he lectures widely on food, agriculture, health and the environment.

Michael Pollan, who was born in 1955, grew up on Long Island, and was educated at Bennington College, Oxford University, and Columbia University, from which he received a Master’s in English. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife, the painter Judith Belzer, and their son, Isaac.

Mr. Pollan will be speaking in Louisville, KY on October 7th on the campus of Bellarmine University.

Local Farmer To Open Harvest Restaurant on East Market

Please follow this link to the Courier Journal to read today's article about one of our owners, Ivor Chodkowski's new restaurant venture!

Wednesday September 8th

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Potatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Pears from Hillview Orchard, Shelby Co.
• Winter Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Arkansas Black Apples from Happy Apple Farm, Casey Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Tomatoes from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples share produce
• 1/2 Gallon milk from JD Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• Yogurt from JD Country Milk OR Honey OR Mushrooms from Sheltowee Farms, Bath Co.

Friday September 3rd

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Arkansas Black Apples from Happy Apple Orchard, Casey Co.
• 1 pound Patty Pan Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• 1 Acorn Squash from Finger Pickin’ Farms, Palmyra IN
• Spaghetti Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co. [FOR Mama's Hip: additional Acorn Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.]
• 2 pounds of Potatoes from Benny Mast, Allen Co.
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden Indiana
• (9 pounds of food!!)

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• 1 pounds Patty Pan Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• 1 Acorn Squash from Finger Pickin’ Farms, Palmyra IN
• 1 pounds of Potatoes from Benny Mast, Allen Co.
• Bell Peppers from Finger Pickin’ Farms, Palmyra IN
• (12.5 pounds of food)

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• 1 maple syrup

Beef share: Roast from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham, Co.

Chicken share: Chicken from Healthy Living Acres,

Mixed Meat share: Chicken from Barr Farms, Breckenridge Co.

Lamb share: Shoulder roast from Garden of Eden, Mount Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Fabulous Fatty Bacon & Mild Sage Sausage from Fiedler Family Farm & Rome IN

Cow Cheese: Smoked Gouda & Colby from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese: Saporra Di Italia, Fischerville KY

Blue Dog Rotating Loaf: Seeded Baguette

Black Bean & Butternut Squash Quesadillas

2 c butternut squash, roasted & mashed

1 T olive oil or butter

salt

1 med red onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 hot pepper, seeded & chopped

1 c black beans, cooked & mashed

1 1/2 - 2 c grated cheese

An even number of tortillas, flour or corn, any size.

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan. Add the onions & garlic & cook until the onions are soft & translucent. Stir in the chiles, squash & beans & heat through.

Coat one side of the tortillias in olive oil or butter & place half of them oil side down on baking sheets. Divide the bean & squash mixture between the tortillas. Top each with cheese. Place a second tortilla on top of each & press down with the palm of your hand. Place in the oven & bake for 12 minutes or until the tortillas are crisp & starting to brown.

Serve with sour cream & salsa

NO BLUE DOG NEXT WEEK!!

Reminder to all Bread Share recipients:

The owners of Blue Dog Bakery will be on vacation [in Spain] next week thus there will be no bread shares received. The cost of this week off was discounted from your original purchase so no worries, we knew this was coming but just wanted to remind you.

Thursday September 2nd

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Arkansas Black Apples from Happy Apple Orchard, Casey Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin’ Farms, Palmyra IN
• Bell Peppers from Finger Pickin’ Farms, Palmyra IN
• Basil from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• 1 Acorn Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Spaghetti Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• 1 Acorn Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Okra from Nelson Escobar, Oldham Co.
• Potatoes from Benny Mast, Allen Co.
• Garlic from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.

Staple share:

• all of the Staples produce
• Oyster Mushrooms from Sheltowee Farms, Bath Co. OR Maple Syrup from Sugarbush Farm, Indiana
• ½ Gallon of Milk from J.D. Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 Dozen Pastured Eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.

Beef share: Roast from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham, Co.

Chicken share: Chicken from Healthy Living Acres,

Mixed Meat share: Chicken from Barr Farms, Breckenridge Co.

Lamb share: Shoulder roast from Garden of Eden, Mount Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Fabulous Fatty Bacon & Mild Sage Sausage from Fiedler Family Farm & Rome IN

Cow Cheese: Smoked Gouda & Colby from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese: Saporra Di Italia, Fischerville KY

Blue Dog Rotating Loaf: Seeded Baguette

Wednesday September 1st

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Black Apples from Happy Apple Orchard, Casey Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Bell Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Basil from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Acorn Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Spaghetti Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Acorn Squash from ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Eggplant from Karen Conrad, Oldham Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon of milk from JD Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• Mushrooms from Sheltowee Farms, Bath Co. OR Maple Syrup from Sugarbush Farm, Indiana

Beef share: Roast from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham, Co.

Chicken share: Chicken from Healthy Living Acres,

Mixed Meat share: Chicken from Barr Farms, Breckenridge Co.

Lamb share: Shoulder roast from Garden of Eden, Mount Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Fabulous Fatty Bacon & Mild Sage Sausage from Fiedler Family Farm & Rome IN

Cow Cheese: Smoked Gouda & Colby from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese: Saporra Di Italia, Fischerville KY

Blue Dog Rotating Loaf: Seeded Baguette

Its SQUASH time!!

This week farmers are starting to bring in Fall / Winter varieties of squash and we would like to share our favorite articles and recipes for you culinary adventurers!

Spaghetti Squash:

• Basic prep -- click here for tips from Healthy Recipes for Kids
• Delicious gourmet preparation -- click here to read The Amateur Gourmet
• Easy dinner recipe -- click here to follow Emeril Lagasse's simple recommendations

Acorn Squash:

• Basic prep -- click here for tips for Winter Squash prep
• Delicious gourmet preparation -- click here to read the Humble Gourmand
• Easy dinner recipe -- click here to follow a sweet Fall recipe

Friday August 27th

Produce for Two / Staples share:

• Green Beans from Wilderness Trail Farms, Boyle Co.
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Apples from Happy Apple Orchard, Casey Co. OR Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Peaches from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Parsley from Foxhollow Farm, Shelby Co.
• Okra from Escobar Farm, Oldham Co. OR Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• Mushrooms from Sheltowee Farms, Bath Co.

Remington Ingram

Our egg producers, Remington Ingram, located in Washington County won several awards at the Kentucky State Fair this year:

• Grand Champion Asiatic Large Fowl with a Croad Langshan
• Grand Champion Asiatic Large Fowl: Overall Winner with a Croad Langshan
• Reserve Grand Champion Mediterranean Fowl with a White Leghorn
• Supreme Grand Champion of all Dairy Breeds: Youth Division, Ayereshire Cattle
• Supreme Grand Champion of Dairy Breeds: Open Class, Ayreshire Cattle
• Rooster Crowing Contest, crowing 44 times a minute!

We were very excited for their success and thought you would enjoy a picture of the outstanding crowing rooster! Click Here to read the article about them from Louisville.com.

Wednesday August 25th

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Beans from Wilderness Trail Farms, Boyle Co.
• Melon from Vanmeter Family Farm, Grayson Co.
• Pears from Setsuko Cline, Borden IN
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farm & Escobar Farm, Oldham Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Peaches from Jackson Produce, Borden IN
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Henry Co.
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Henry Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• 1 honey

Order your Thanksgiving Turkey!

Believe it or not, it is time to order your very own free-range, flying, foraging, broad-breasted bronze turkey for Thanksgiving! These turkeys have a great flavor: better than anything you can get in the store! They cook a bit differently than Butterballs, so we’ll send out cooking tips later.

• We have a small number of under 12 lb turkeys for $5/lb. The deposit on these is $30. The processing date is November 11, so these will be frozen.
• We have more in the 20-30lb size for $4.75/lb, SOME of which are being processed on November 19th, and therefore can be purchased and picked-up FRESH, NEVER FROZEN! The deposit on these is $50. The supply is limited and then we will have only frozen birds, processed on the 16th.

We are sourcing from two Kentucky farms and one in Indiana: Healthy Living Acres , Remington Ingram in Kentucky, and Slatchet Family Farm near Bloomington Indiana. Right now, our little turkeys weigh about 3 lbs, and are running around the pasture flying here and there and foraging for grasses, grubs, and insects.

• The pick-up dates for all turkeys are Monday and Tuesday, November 22nd & 23rd, from 9am-6pm at Grasshoppers Distribution, 1501 Portland Avenue in Louisville
• To place your order, email us at grasshoppers@insightbb.com or call 502.708.1881

Friday August 20th

MAMA's HIP

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes from Facing West Farms, Henry Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby Co.
• Spaghetti Squash from Eco-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Corn* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Eggplant* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN

DOUGLASS & HARVEST

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes from Facing West Farms, Henry Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby Co.
• Spaghetti Squash from Eco-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Corn* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Eggplant* from Ragans Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Okra from Escobar Farm, Oldham Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• Blue Dog Bread from Blue Dog Bakery, Jefferson Co.

Cow Cheese share: Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese share: Sapori di Italia, Central KY

Chicken share: Healthy Living Acres, Scott Co.

Beef share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

Lamb share: Ground and Chops from Garden of Eden, Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Bratwurst and Chorizo from Fiedler Family Farm, Rome IN

Mixed Meat share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

*conventional spray used during growing

General Electric

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Eggplant* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Squash from Eco-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Corn* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.
• Tomatoes from Facing West Farms, Henry Co.
• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• Mushrooms from Sheltowee Farms, Bath Co.

Cow Cheese share: Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese share: Sapori di Italia, Central KY

Chicken share: Healthy Living Acres, Scott Co.

Beef share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

Lamb share: Ground and Chops from Garden of Eden, Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Bratwurst and Chorizo from Fiedler Family Farm, Rome IN

Mixed Meat share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

*conventional spray used during growing

Thursday August 19th

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Eggplant* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Squash from Eco-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Corn* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.
• Tomatoes from Facing West Farms, Henry Co.
• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• Blue Dog bread from Blue Dog Bakery, Jefferson Co.

Cow Cheese share: Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese share: Sapori di Italia, Central KY

Chicken share: Healthy Living Acres, Scott Co.

Beef share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

Lamb share: Ground and Chops from Garden of Eden, Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Bratwurst and Chorizo from Fiedler Family Farm, Rome IN

Mixed Meat share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

*conventional spray used during growing

Wednesday August 18th

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Sweet Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Pears from Setsuko Kline, Borden IN
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Spaghetti Squash from Eco-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtnay Farms, Shelby Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.
• Tomatoes from Facing West Farm, Henry Co.
• Eggplant* from Ragan Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Watermelon from Ben Abel, Boyle Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk from JD Country Milk, Logan Co.
• 1 dozen pastured eggs from Remington Ingram, Washington Co.
• 1 baguette from Blue Dog Bakery, Jefferson Co.

NOTE: All Staples shares at RAINBOW BLOSSOM will also receive Mushrooms as a rotating item this week. Since you are receiving 2 rotating items this week, you will NOT be receiving one next week!

Cow Cheese share: Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Barren Co.

Goat Cheese share: Sapori di Italia, Central KY

Chicken share: Healthy Living Acres, Scott Co.

Beef share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

Lamb share: Ground and Chops from Garden of Eden, Sterling KY

Breakfast share: Bratwurst and Chorizo from Fiedler Family Farm, Rome IN

Mixed Meat share: Ground Beef from Ashbourne Farms, Oldham Co.

*conventional spray used during growing

"The Hungry Hungry Sow"

"It was a beautiful day on Field Day Family Farm and chores were being done just like any other day. Farmer Ivor Chodkowski was tending to the pigs and taking time to care for the sow who recently birthed some precious little piglets. While giving her food, he inadvertently dropped his cell phone. When he went back to investigate it became clear that she had eaten it!"

So this week's lesson from the farm: don't drop your phone by a hungry sow!

Pears

This week in your boxes you will receive pears! Be sure to check each of the pears for ripeness.

• If the flesh is very firm and there is no "give" to the stem end, they need more time to ripen. If you store your pears in the refrigerator, you will slow the ripening process.
• To hurry the ripening process, keep pears at room temperature, each piece individually wrapped in paper, or enclosed in a paper bag ventilated with a few holes. Check them with some frequency.
• Grandma Barbara once said that pears ripen from the inside out. Looks can be deceiving so test the stem end for that slight "give" to tell you when the pear is ready.

We recommend that you serve fresh pears at room temperature rather than cold in order to savor the fullness of the taste and aroma. However, Asian pears such as Hosui (pictured above), should be kept cool, stored in the refrigerator and served chilled. This enhances their sweet juiciness and crisp, crunchy texture.

Friday August 13

HARVEST & MAMA'S HIP

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Watermelon from Ben Abel, Boyle Co.
• Mixed fruit from Jackson's Produce, Borden IN
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Green Beans from Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co. [certified organic]
• Eggplant* from Ragan's Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms, Boyle Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Okra from Nelson Escobar, Oldham Co.
• Cherry tomatoes from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• mushrooms

DOUGLASS

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Watermelon from Ben Abel, Boyle Co.
• Mixed fruit from Jackson's Produce, Borden IN
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Green Beans from Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co. [certified organic]
• Eggplant* from Ragan's Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms, Boyle Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Cherry tomatoes from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• mushrooms

*conventional spray used during growing

Thursday August 11

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Watermelon from Ben Abel, Boyle Co.
• Green beans from Elmwood Stock Farms, Stock Co. [certified organic]
• Eggplant* by Ragan's Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Peaches & Plumbs* from Jackson's Produce, Borden IN
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farm, Boyle Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farm, Allen Co.
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Basil from Barr Farms, Breckenridge Co.

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 goat cheese (rotating item)

*conventional spray used during growing

Ratatouille a la Julia Childs

Ratatouille perfumes the kitchen with the essence of Provence and is certainly one of the great French dishes. Equally good hot or cold, it also makes a fine addition to either roasted or cold meats, and may be served as an hors d'oeuvre. A really good ratatouille is not one of the quicker dishes to make, as each element is cooked separately before it is arranged in the casserole to partake of a brief communal simmer. This recipe is the only one we know of that produces a ratatouille in which each vegetable retains its own shape and character. Happily a ratatouille may be cooked completely the day before it is to be served, and it seems to gain in flavor when reheated.

For 6 to 8 people

1/2 pound eggplant
1/2 pound zucchini
A 3-quart, porcelain or stainless-steel mixing bowl
1 teaspoon salt
A 10- to 12-inch enameled skillet
4 tablespoons olive oil, more if needed
1/2 pound (about 1 1/2 cups) thinly sliced yellow onions
2 (about 1 cup) sliced green bell peppers
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, if necessary
2 cloves mashed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound firm, ripe, red tomatoes, peeled, seeded and juiced (makes 1 1/2 cups pulp)
Salt and pepper
A 2 1/2 quart fireproof casserole about 2 1/2 inches deep
3 tablespoons minced parsley
Salt and pepper

Peel the eggplant and cut into lengthwise slices 3/8 inch thick, about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Scrub the zucchini, slice off the two ends and cut the zucchini into slices about the same size as the eggplant slices. Place the vegetables in a bowl and toss with the salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Drain. Dry each slice in a towel.

One layer at a time, saute the eggplant and then the zucchini in hot olive oil in the skillet for about a minute on each side to brown very lightly. Remove to a side dish.

Slice the tomato pulp into 3/8-inch strips. Lay them over the onions and peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, or until tomatoes have begun to render their juice. Uncover, baste the tomatoes with the juices, raise heat and boil for several minutes, until juice has almost entirely evaporated.

In the same skillet, cook the onions and peppers slowly in olive oil for about 10 minutes, or until tender but not browned. Stir in the garlic and season to taste.

Place a third of the tomato mixture in the bottom of the casserole and sprinkle over it 1 tablespoon of the parsley. Arrange half of the eggplant and zucchini on top, then half the remaining tomatoes and parsley. Put in the rest of the eggplant and zucchini and finish with the remaining tomatoes and parsley.

Cover the casserole and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Uncover, tip casserole and baste with the rendered juices. Correct seasoning, if necessary. Raise heat slightly and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes more, basting several times, until juices have evaporated leaving a spoonful or two of flavored olive oil. Be careful of your heat; do not let the vegetables scorch in the bottom of the casserole.

Set aside uncovered. Reheat slowly at serving time or serve cold.

Wednesday August 11

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Watermelon form Ben Abel, Boyle Co.
• Greenbeans from Elmwood Stock Farms, Scott Co. [certified organic]
• Eggplants* from Ragan's Greenhouse, Spencer Co.
• Peaches & Plumbs* from Jackson's Produce, Borden IN
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms, Boyle Co.
• Hot Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.

Full Produce share:

• all of the above produce
• Onions from Finger Pickin' Farms, Boyle Co.
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Allen Co.
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• goat cheese from Capriole Farm, Greenville IN

*conventional spray used during growing

Blue Dog Bread -- FYI

Did you know?

Blue Dog Bread can be frozen! Their bags provide instructions on how to freeze the bread and then reheat it in case you are not able to get through it the day you aquire it. Of course, it is always best to buy on the day of consumption but freezing doesn't seem to diminish the quality in any way.

Friday August 6th

MAMA'S HIP

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Raspberries from Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co.
• Sweet peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Hot peppers from Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Corn from Wilderness Traills, Boyle Co.
• Watermelon from The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen Co.
• Cherry Tomatoes from Finger Pickin' Famrs, Palmyra IN

Full Produce:

• all of the above produce
• Green tomatoes from Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Onions from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Carrots from Berea Ernst, Franklin Co.

Staple share:

• all of the staple produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 drinkable yogurt

DOUGLASS

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Raspberries from Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co.
• Sweet peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Hot peppers from Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Corn from Wilderness Traills, Boyle Co.
• Watermelon from The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen Co.
• Cherry Tomatoes from Finger Pickin' Famrs, Palmyra IN

Full Produce:

• all of the above produce
• Green tomatoes from Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Onions from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Leeks OR Green onions from Pavel at Foxhollow Farm, Oldham Co.

Staple share:

• all of the staple produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 drinkable yogurt

BARRET

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson Co.
• Raspberries from Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co.
• Sweet peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Hot peppers from Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Corn from Wilderness Traills, Boyle Co.
• Watermelon from The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen Co.
• Cherry Tomatoes from Finger Pickin' Famrs, Palmyra IN

Full Produce:

• all of the above produce
• Green tomatoes from Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Onions from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Carrots from Berea Ernst, Franklin Co. OR Green onion from Pavel at Foxhollow, Oldham Co.

Staple share:

• all of the staple produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• mushrooms

At this time, WE ARE OFFERING WEEKLY SHARES of the Levain, Cereal, Seeded Baguette, and/or the Regular Baguette.

The price of a weekly delivery starting next week (the week of August 9th) and lasting through the end of the season (the week of November 15th), will be as follows:

• Levain: $3.95/loaf x 14 weeks = $55.30
• Cereal: $3.95/loaf x 14 weeks = $55.30
• Seeded baguette: $3.35/loaf x 14 weeks = $46.90
• Regular baguette: $2.95/loaf x 14 weeks = $41.30
• Rotating loaf: $3.60/loaf x 14 weeks = $50.40

ALL LOAVES WILL BE BAKED THE SAME DAY THEY ARE DELIVERED TO YOU.
The loaves do freeze as well and freezing instructions are on the Blue Dog bags that the bread comes delivered in.

BLUE DOG WILL NOT BE BAKING THE WEEK OF SEPT 6-11TH, this is why we are charging you for 14 weeks, even though there are 15 weeks of deliveries from Aug 9th - Nov 19th.

If you put your order in by this FRIDAY AT NOON, we will deliver your bread with your regular delivery next week, the week of August 9th.

For those less familiar with the bread, we will organize tastings over the next several weeks at some pick-up locations. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER A WEEKLY SHARE, PLEASE MAKE OUT A CHECK FOR THE TOTAL amount to Grasshoppers Distribution and mail it to the address below with the following information:

(1) Your name and pick-up location,
(2) which loaf share you desire,
(3) whether you would like to start next week or a different week, and
(4) your total amount due.

We will need to receive all orders with the above information by Friday noon via email to: Grasshopperellen@insightbb.com .

Thanks for your continued support!

Thursday August 5, 2010

PC/USA & BROWN FORMAN

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes by Facing West Farm, Henry Co.
• Sweet Peppers by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Watermelon by The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen Co.
• Squash by Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.
• Corn by Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co. (Conventional spray used)
• Raspberries by Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co. (Certified Organic)

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Cherry Tomatoes by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• EggPlant by ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Hot Peppers by Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 drinkable yogurt

GRASSHOPPERS

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Tomatoes by Facing West Farm, Henry Co.
• Sweet Peppers by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• Watermelon by The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen Co.
• Carrots by Drowned Carrot Farm, Franklin Co.
• Corn by Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co. (Conventional spray used)
• Raspberries by Elmwood Stock Farm, Scott Co. (Certified Organic)

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Cherry Tomatoes by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra IN
• EggPlant by ECO-Gardens, Allen Co.
• Hot Peppers by Wilderness Trails, Boyle Co.

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 drinkable yogurt

Wednesday August 4th

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Cherry Tomatoes from Eco-Gardens, Allen county
• Peaches* from The Jackson's Farm, Borden, IN
• Peppers from Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra, IN
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Eco-Gardens, Allen county

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Raspberries from Elmwood Stock Farms, Scott county
• Eggplant from The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen county
• Watermelon from The Golden Rule Gardner, Allen county

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen eggs
• plain yogurt

*conventional spray used during growing

YOGURT!!

Expand your repertoire for this granola classic by exploring this article: The 10 Things to do with Plain Yogurt

Portland Smokestack

If you have ever been to our warehouse you probably noticed the very old historic brick smokestack that stood on the edge of our property. It has not been used for decades, but was a nice homage to the history of this neighborhood and a reminder of the industry that once thrived along the Ohio river before I-64.

About a month ago said smokestack was struck by lightening, damaging only the left side near the top, but rendering it very unstable. Yesterday we watched as it was torn down and thought we would share this historic moment of Portland's history.

*Please mute if expressive language offends you or your family.*

Food for Thought

A recent NPR report states that a meat-based diet made us smarter. Click through to read the story and share your thoughts with us!

Cucumber Yogurt sauce!

1/2 c. cucumber, thinly sliced
sea salt
2 tbsp. minced fresh dill (1/2 tbsp. dry)
1 clove garlic, crushed & chopped fine
1/2 c. plain yogurt
White pepper, to taste

Place cucumber slices on a plate. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for 30 minutes. Rinse off salt and pat slices dry. Coarsely chop cucumber and combine with remaining ingredients. Add salt to taste. Yields about 1 cup sauce or 2-3 servings. Great served as a dip or with grilled meats!

The Story of Bottled Water

Tonight

Every Monday evening through September, The Mayan Cafe is featuring a different local farm and is offering specials that showcase their freshest produce, cheese & meats.

Tonight they are featuring produce from Field Day Family Farm, which is farmed by one of our owners, Ivor Chodkowski. Mark you calendars and try to get out to support The Mayan Cafe and the local harvest!

Friday July 30th

G.E.

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Corn from Wilderness Trial Farms, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county
• Eggplant* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Green Beans by Nelson Escobar, Oldham county
• Basil by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra, IN
• Leeks or Green Onions by Pavel at Fox Hollow Farm, Oldham county

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 honey by Harry C. Jones, Crestwood KY

MAMA'S HIP

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Corn from Wilderness Trial Farms, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county
• Eggplant* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Green Beans by Nelson Escobar, Oldham county
• Basil by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra, IN
• Leeks or Green Onions by Pavel at Fox Hollow Farm, Oldham county

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 honey by Harry C. Jones, Crestwood KY

DOUGLASS

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Corn from Wilderness Trial Farms, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county
• Eggplant* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Green Beans by Nelson Escobar, Oldham county
• Basil by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra, IN
• Leeks or Green Onions by Pavel at Fox Hollow Farm, Oldham county

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 honey by Harry C. Jones, Crestwood KY

HARVEST

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Barren county
• Corn from Wilderness Trial Farms, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county
• Eggplant* from Courtney Farms, Shelby county

Full share:

• all of the above produce
• Green Beans by Nelson Escobar, Oldham county
• Basil by Finger Pickin' Farms, Palmyra, IN
• Leeks or Green Onions by Pavel at Fox Hollow Farm, Oldham county

Staples share:

• all of the staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 honey by Harry C. Jones, Crestwood KY

*conventional spray used

Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Thursday July 29th

PC/USA

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms*, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Allen county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Allen county
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farm, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Full Produce:

• all of the above produce
• Carrots from Drowned Carrot Farm, Franklin county
• Basil from Finger Pickin' Farm, Palmyra, IN
• Garlic from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 buttermilk

BROWN FORMAN

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms*, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Allen county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Allen county
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farm, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Full Produce:

• all of the above produce
• Carrots from Drowned Carrot Farm, Franklin county
• Basil from Finger Pickin' Farm, Palmyra, IN
• Garlic from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 mushroom

GRASSHOPPERS

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms*, Shelby county
• Sweet Peppers from Rocky Top Farms, Allen county
• Potatoes from Rocky Top Farms, Allen county
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farm, Boyle county
• Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Full Produce:

• all of the above produce
• Carrots from Drowned Carrot Farm, Franklin county
• Basil from Finger Pickin' Farm, Palmyra, IN
• Garlic from Field Day Family Farm, Jefferson county

Staples share:

• all of the Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• 1 honey

*conventional spray used during growing

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut the sprouts off of the stalk, cut off the brown ends and pull off any yellow outer leaves. Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly. Sprinkle with more kosher salt ( I like these salty like French fries), and serve immediately.

Wednesday July 28th, 2010

SHINE

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms
• Peppers from Rocky Top Farm
• Potatoes from Golden Rule Gardner
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms
• Beets from Courtney Farms
• Garlic from Locust Farms

Full Produce shares:

• all of the above produce
• Eggplant from Karen Conrad
• Tomatoes from Rolling Fork Farm or Facing West Farm
• Basil from Escobar Farm or Finger Pickin Farm

Staples Share:

• Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon Milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• honey

ST. PAUL's / VEST ADVERTISING

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms
• Peppers from Rocky Top Farm
• Potatoes from Golden Rule Gardner
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms
• Cabbage from Golden Rule Gardner
• Beets from Courtney Farms [St. Paul's]
• Garlic from Locust Farms [Vest Advertising]

Full Produce shares:

• all of the above produce
• Eggplant from Karen Conrad
• Tomatoes from Rolling Fork Farm or Facing West Farm
• Basil from Escobar Farm or Finger Pickin Farm

Staples share:

• Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• oyster mushrooms

BANK STREET BREWERY

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms
• Peppers from Rocky Top Farm
• Potatoes from Golden Rule Gardner
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farm
• Cabbage from Golden Rule Gardener
• Garlic from Locust Farm

Full Produce shares:

• all of the above produce
• Eggplant from Karen Conrad
• Tomatoes from Rolling Fork Farm or Facing West Farm
• Basil from Escobar Farm or Finger Pickin Farm

Staples share:

• Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• oyster mushrooms

UNIVERSITY of LOUISVILLE

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms
• Peppers from Rocky Top Farm
• Potatoes from Golden Rule Gardner
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms
• Cabbage from Golden Rule Gardner
• Garlic from Locust Farms

Full Produce shares:

• all of the above produce
• Eggplant from Karen Conrad
• Tomatoes from Rolling Fork Farm or Facing West Farm
• Basil from Escobar Farm or Finger Pickin Farm

Staples share:

• Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• honey

RAINBOW BLOSSOM

Produce for Two! / Staples share:

• Brussels Sprouts from Courtney Farms
• Peppers from Rocky Top Farm
• Potatoes from Golden Rule Gardner
• Corn from Wilderness Trail Farms
• Cabbage from Golden Rule Gardner

Full Produce shares:

• all of the above produce
• Eggplant from Karen Conrad
• Tomatoes from Rolling Fork Farm or Facing West Farm
• Basil from Escobar Farm or Finger Pickin Farm

Staples share:

• Staples produce
• 1/2 gallon milk
• 1 dozen pastured eggs
• oyster mushrooms