Thank you to everyone that returned their egg cartons (and added others to our inventory), you will be seeing more eggs in future baskets and its handy to reuse the containers we already gave you. Please feel free to drop off extras, just put them in our shed anytime.
It’s that wonderful time of the year when strawberries, cherries, mulberries, raspberries and blueberries are all ripening. Two years ago at this time we had a fun visit from ICI TOU.TV (part of CBC/Radio-Canada) which featured a show called Les quatre coins de l’assiettee (The four corners of the plate). The episode covered Restaurant Pearl Morissette and the farmers that provided their produce to them. We provided our raspberries (which are now just starting to be picked and you should see them in your basket next week!) If you want to see our taping watch for season two, you can access it on-line. If you can’t wait until next basket for those sweet juicy raspberries, you can purchase early ones, visit our on-line store and we will have them ready for your basket pickup.
Here is what you can expect this week:
Sweet Cherries Bursting with sweetness, these natural treats have zero added sugar (for those of us with a sweet tooth) Will last about a week in the fridge but best just washed and eaten right away. These powerful fruits are full of antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce stress and are a natural source of melatonin that can aid in improving the quality of your sleep.
One Green and One Red Head Lettuce Welcome the earthy flavour of our certified organic/biodynamic greens, make it a habit to add a salad to every meal. I suggest you fill your sink with cold water and tear both heads into bit sized pieces. Soak and spin, store in large plastic zip lock bag in the fridge. Large leaves can also be used for sandwich wraps.
Garlic Scapes – Because there are so many ways to enjoy garlic scapes, we added them in your basket again this week. One of our past members shared her pickling recipe. We have done a few batches in the past and really love having them on our epic charcuterie board during the winter holiday season. If you are feeling ambitious and want to order extra, visit our online store. We will add them to your CSA basket.
Summer Squash – Tender, glossy, editable skins and so many ways to prepare! Try a summer squash casserole perfect for a BBQ or potluck. Layer sautéed squash with peppers and onions. Pour a mixture of sour cream, beaten eggs, salt and pepper with grated old cheddar, chives and thyme over the squash. Bake and serve.
Garden Peas Also called sweet peas or English peas. The pod is not edible so you will need to shell them first. They don’t have to be a side dish, you can add them to everything you are cooking this spring. Fresh pasta with peas, pea chowder, green pea dip, stir fry on rice, salad with peas……you get the picture.
Oregano/Fresh Garlic (vinaigrette) Bundle With all those greens in your early baskets, I thought a nice vinaigrette salad dressing would be helpful. It will be full of flavour and can be made in minutes. Start with a sealable container like a mason jar. Add equal parts olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add honey (your sample last week?) Dijon mustard, finely chopped garlic and oregano, salt and pepper. Seal container and shake until well combined. We have attached the recipe for your convenience in your basket.
Enjoy
