Good morning shareholders,
Last week we celebrated the completion of our new wooden play structure built by our Monday Morning Volunteer crew. "Bob the Tractor" was added so that our littlest farmers can spend some time in the driver's seat of their very own tractor. Why "Bob"? Our Monday crew named the tractor in honor of one of our longtime volunteers who passed away this summer and was instrumental in the completion of countless projects here at Appleton. We will think of Bob T. each time we see kids enjoying the view of the farm from their new tractor.
Last week we also opened up the public pick-your-own flower field that was planned, planted, and cared for by our Olivia on our Education team. Proceeds from this Flower Field will help support programs like Sunday's Fun in the Farmyard and our Farm Field School program that engages over 40 schools each year in sustainable agriculture, the working farm, and healthy cooking.
The Share
Onions
Scallions
Carrots
Cabbage
Melons
Potatoes
Squash
Cucumbers
From the Fields:
We worked late this Friday bringing in just over 4000lbs of
watermelon. They just barely fit into the cooler but they should be cold,
crisp and sweet for next weeks share. I’m going to try to keep this brief
since my wife and I are moving this weekend and I’m sure she is waiting for my
help back home.
It is still dry as can be out there. We are smack dab
in the middle of the expanding drought zone. The tree out in front of the
CSA barn lost all its leaves this week. They dropped all in one day as if
to say “That’s the absolute limit, I give up!” It was sad to see but the
rasping sound of the falling leaves was soothing. The share begins again this Monday. A part
of me wishes we could wait until the tomatoes, eggplant and peppers start
coming before we open again but we can’t add any more extra
weeks in the fall. Hopefully the shares that we are able to offer in the
coming weeks keep everyone satisfied. We are going to be forced to limit
more of the available items than usual but the farmers won’t be holding
anything back. If you don’t see it in the share room it is because we
just don’t have it. We are also working on getting corn into the share as
soon as possible. Hang in there everybody.
Recipe Exchange: Recipe of the Week
We want thank Betsy M. for her second delicious soup recipe submission. Vegetables can be varied according to what is in the share. She also notes that except for the tomatoes, all of these were available this week and that this recipe is delicious served with toast or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Kohlrabi and Vegetable Soup: Serves 4
2 Tbsp olive oil
2-4 garlic scapes, chopped
1 onion or 2 scallions, chopped
1 kohlrabi, peeled and diced
2 carrots, unpeeled and sliced
1 small zucchini or summer squash
6 or so green beans, chopped
1 large sprig of basil, chopped (optional)
1 pint chopped stewed tomatoes
2 pints water
Sauté onions and scapes until onions are translucent. Add carrots and kohlrabi and sauté another 2-3 minutes. Add zucchini and green beans, then cover with 1 cup of water and simmer until kohlrabi is tender but not too soft. Add chopped tomatoes, basil, and remaining water and simmer another 2-3 minutes until all is cooked through.
Volunteer Opportunities: For more information email appletonfarms@thetrustees.org
Flower Fields Volunteers: Thursday, Friday or Saturday mornings with Olivia. Weeding, watering, planting, and making flower bouquets for the farm store.
Food Festival Volunteers: Opportunities include set up, break down, decorating, slicing cheese samples, parking, welcome and registration, and more. Work a shift and get a free ticket for a friend.
More Upcoming Events and Programs:
Putting up the Harvest: Pickling
Thursday, August 11th 6-8PM
This is a great hands-on opportunity to get comfortable with these skills for confidence at home as we cover proper safety guidelines, the do’s & don’ts, and traditional techniques for best end results. Our ‘putting up’ recipes will pair distinctly with the growing season and incorporate the freshest foods of the farm harvest. This week: Recipes such as Bread & Butter Field Squash Pickles, Dilly Carrots, and Summer Corn Relish. Pre-registration required. Members: $40. Registration at www.thetrustees.org/appletoncooks
Graze the North Shore Food Festival
Join us for our first local food festival! On Saturday, August 20th, Appleton Farms will host Graze the North Shore, a food festival with local farmers, chefs, brewers, vintners and food enthusiasts for a day of summertime feasting. Graze your way through this one-of-a-kind summer event featuring generous tastings of local food, beer and wine, a pig roast, farm tours, cheese sampling, and live music by the Jason Spooner Band. Attendees will experience a true farmer to chef experience among the rolling pastures and historic barns here at Appleton Farms. Tickets include all samples. Buy your tickets now
Friday Farm Dinners: Join us every Friday for a casual, family-friendly farm dinner in the Stone Paddock. Live music, delicious buffet dinner highlighting what's in season right now. All menus designed and served by local restaurants, chefs, and caterers in partnership with Appleton. Full schedule and tickets at www.thetrustees.org/appletoncooks
Farm camp, Rise and Shine, Fun in the Farmyard, and Carrot Club continue each week! Find all the details and registration at www.thetrustees.org
