We had a frost on Saturday morning, which put an end to many of the vegetables for the year. Most of the veggies we’re giving out this week are able to survive a frost, and a few (like the peppers and cucumbers) were picked right before the frost.
There are still two more CSA weeks after this one, and these last weeks will be heavy on the “winter” veggies and hearty greens like chard and kale. We’re also going to try to give out apples at least one more time.
This Week’s Produce
Small Share:
2 lbs. macoun or empire apples ($3)
1 cucumber ($0.5)
3-4 sweet carmen or cubanelle peppers ($2)
1 winter squash (probably delicata or sweet dumpling) ($3)
1 bunch sage or jalapenos ($1.5)
Choose 4 options ($12)
3 lbs. potatoes
1 cauliflower
1.5 lbs. broccoli
1 bunch kale
1 bunch chard
2 small butternut squash
gourds or $3 pumpkin voucher (I’m not sure yet which we’ll have)
Total retail value: $22
Large Share:
3 lbs. macoun or empire apples ($4.5)
2 cucumbers ($1)
6 sweet carmen or cubanelle peppers ($4)
1 winter squash (type to be determined!) ($3)
1 bunch sage or jalapenos ($1.5)
1 lb. carrots ($2.5)
Choose 5 options ($15)
3 lbs. potatoes
1 cauliflower
1.5 lbs. broccoli
1 bunch kale
1 bunch chard
2 small butternut squash
gourds or $3 pumpkin voucher (I’m not sure yet which we’ll have)
Total retail value: $31.50
Senior Share:
1.5 lbs. macoun or empire apples ($2.5)
1 cucumber (can be replaced by sage or chilies) ($0.5 – $1.5)
2 sweet carmen or cubanelle peppers ($1)
1 winter squash (type to be determined!) ($3)
Choose 3 options ($9)
3 lbs. potatoes
1 cauliflower
1.5 lbs. broccoli
1 bunch kale
1 bunch chard
2 small butternut squash
gourds or $3 pumpkin voucher (I’m not sure yet which we’ll have)
Total retail value: $16 – $17
Bread and Eggs
Tomorrow is an egg week, and the bread on Thursday will be Waitsfield Common. The Tuesday bread is going to be a surprise – similar the last surprise bread!
Macoun Apples
Macouns are my favorite eating apple. They are a cross between a mac and a Jersey black. They are similar to a mac but sweeter and crisper. If you’re an apple fan and have never tried a macoun, now’s the time to do it! They are fine for pies or sauce, but best just eaten out of hand.
Empire Apples
Empires are a cross between a mac and a red delicious apple. Like the macoun, they’re also best as an eating apple, and they stay firm and crisp much longer than a cortland or a mac. Ray Allen Sr., the owner of Allenholm Orchards in South Hero, told me that he thinks empires make the best applesauce, although I’m still partial to macs!
Bacon and Swiss Chard Pasta
Swiss chard is delicious in pasta dishes. This one from epicurious.com has lots of bacon and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Many of the reviewers recommended adding garlic and red pepper flakes, too.
- 1 pound linguine
- 12 ounces bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 very large red onion, halved, sliced (about 6 cups)
- 2 large bunches Swiss chard, stemmed, chopped (about 12 cups)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook linguine in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until beginning to crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Drain all but 2 tablespoons bacon drippings from skillet. Add onion and sauté over medium-high heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Add Swiss chard and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add pasta cooking liquid to skillet. Toss until chard is wilted and tender, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle vinegar over; cook 1 minute.
Add linguine and oil to sauce in pot and toss to coat. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle with bacon and cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
More Recipe Ideas
Here’s a vegetarian version of chard and pasta with lemon zest from Martha Stewart Living:
http://www.marthastewart.com/339774/rigatoni-with-swiss-chard
Here’s a great compilation of affordable butternut squash dishes from a CSA member:
http://www.5dollardinners.com/best-butternut-squash-recipes/
