CSA stands for community supported agriculture, a subscription service for delivery of local farm products. Members sign up in advance to receive a share in the harvest during the growing season.
Here are a few favorite farm kitchen recipes. Cook them with colorful root crops such as carrots, parsnips and beets. The preparation is purposely simple to feature their natural earthy, sweetness.
Apple Cider-Glazed Parsnips and Carrots
Yields: 4 servings
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
1½ to 1¾ lb assorted root vegetables, such as parsnips, rutabagas, carrots and golden beets, peeled and cut into ½-to ¾–inch pieces
1/8 to ¼ tsp salt
1 cup fresh apple cider
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste
Combine the butter and oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted, add the vegetables and 1/8 teaspoon salt; toss to coat evenly.
Add the cider and bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cover, adjusting the heat so the liquid boils, but not rapidly.
Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the vegetables are barely fork-tender (they should show just a little resistance when poked with the tines of a fork or a skewer).
Uncover and bring the liquid back to a rapid boil. Cook for about 8 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a glaze. Sprinkle the vegetables with the nutmeg; toss to incorporate. Taste, and add salt as needed.
Serve warm.
Asian-Style Beets
Yields: 4 servings
2 lb gold and/or chioggia beets
Juice of 1 orange
1 Tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp peanut oil
1 tsp dark sesame oil
1 tsp hot chili oil
1 bunch beet or turnip greens, washed and chopped
1-2 Tbsp soy sauce
Pepper to taste
Cut beets into wedges and steam until tender, 20-30 minutes. Cool briefly, slip off skins and cut into wedges.
Toss with orange juice, butter and pepper to taste; cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, heat heavy skillet over medium flame. Add oils. Add greens; cook, tossing often until limp. Toss in soy sauce and pepper to taste.
Arrange beets over greens on platter.
Recipes courtesy of Peg Shaeffer, of Sandhill Family Farms.
>SandhillFamilyFarms.com.
Click here for more: Mindful Fall Recipes
