June 13th CSA Update

Good Morning CSA Members,

I hope that you all have your rainboots, umbrellas, and boats ready for your CSA pick ups today!

Please keep the farm in your thoughts and prayers as these torrential rains can really take a toll on many of the crops, especially the strawberries.

Here is just a few house keeping items:

EXTRA ITEM
There is an extra item in your shares this week. They are called garlic scapes. Our returning members remember this wacky looking veggie from last year. Check out this blog post for some information and a great recipe for this seasonal goodie! http://stonyhillcsa.blogspot.com/2013/06/garlic-scapes.html

UNABLE TO PICK UP?:
If you are unable to pick up your share you can have a friend pick it up for you. Please just give me the name of the person picking up for you so that I may add them to the list.

SWITCHING DAYS FOR PICK UP:
You MAY NOT switch days for pick up.  If you need to pick your share up earlier in the day than your scheduled time you MUST make arrangements with me prior. NO EXCEPTIONS! We have many members and limited fridge space so holding your shares an extra day is not an option. Everything in your shares is picked fresh especially for you.

GROVE STREET CSA:
We will still be distributing your CSA shares today, June 13) at the Grove Street Path Station. The Farmers' Market is cancelled due to inclement weather and we are unable to sell additional items. To pick up your share please go to our truck parked in the place of our tents. It will be parked in front of Duane Reade.

I hope you all stay safe today. Rainy days = great time to cook. I will post a few more recipes for items in your shares this week to keep you busy :)

Garlic Scapes

This week you will find the items listed in our last blog post as well as an extra item-

GARLIC SCAPES: Garlic scapes are the tops or flowers of the garlic plant. They can be used in any recipe or dish that calls for garlic. They are slightly milder than garlic. Use the whole length except about 1-2 inches from the bottom. That part can get quite dry and woody. They buld or top is the most flavorful. Keep them in your fridge. They will keep for about 2-3 weeks!

• Chop them up like a scallion, sautee them in a little olive oil or butter
• Dice them up fine and use them fresh in salads
• They are great in pasta sauces and also as a pesto

GARLIC SCAPE PESTO

Ingredients
* 1/2-1 cup fresh, washed basil leaves

* 1/2-1 cup fresh, washed parsley leaves

* 1-2 cups garlic scapes, both ends removed and chopped into lengths

* 2-3 Tbsps pine nuts (or toasted almonds or walnuts)

* 2 tsps salt (or more to taste)

* Freshly ground black pepper to taste

* At least 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

* 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

 

Directions

1. Put the scapes, herbs, pine nuts, salt, pepper and cheese in the bowl of a food processor.

 

2. Process, adding the oil a bit at a time, until desired consistency. Taste and adjust the salt and cheese accordingly.

 

3. Use right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge - it should keep for about two weeks. You can also freeze any extra pesto in an ice cube tray and then transfer to a freezer bag for much longer-term storage.

Community Farmers' Markets

Good Morning!

We have had some questions about the locations of our community farmers' markets. Here is a listing of where we are during the week.

Once again, when you receive your membership cards you are able to use them to receive 10% off your purchase everytime you shop at one of these markets (only at Stony Hill Farms' stand)

Locations and Schedule

Mondays

Grove Pointe Farmers’ Market
Grove Street Path Station
Jersey City, NJ
May 13 - December 23, 2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Maplewood Farmers’ Market
Springfield Avenue & Indian Street
Maplewood, NJ
June 10 - October 28, 2013
2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tuesdays

Jersey City Sussex Street Farmers’ Market
Sussex Street Ferry
June 4 - October 29, 2013
12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Newport Center Mall
Jersey City, NJ
1st floor next to Kohl's
June 4 - October 29, 2013
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Riverdale Farmers’ Market
211 Hamburg Turnpike
Riverdale, NJ
Across from Appelt Park
June 11 - October 8, 2013
2:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesdays

Hamilton Park Farmers’ Market
Pavonia Avenue
Jersey City, NJ
In the Park
April 17 - December 18, 2013
4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

New Providence Farmers Market
Presbyterian Church of New Providence
1307 Springfield Avenue
New Providence, NJ
In the church's parking lot
June 12 - October 30, 2013
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

South Orange Village Farmers’ Market
1st & Sloan Street Parking Lot
South Orange, NJ
June 5 - October 30, 2013
2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Thursdays

Grove Pointe Farmers’ Market*
Grove Street PATH Station
Jersey City, NJ
May 16 - December 19, 2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Hoboken Farmers’ Market
Hudson Street between 13th & 14th Street
Hoboken, NJ
June 6 - October 25, 2013
3 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Somerville Farmers’ Market*
E. Main & Grove St.
Somerville, NJ
June 20 - October 31, 2013
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

*CSA pickup location

Fridays

Journal Square Farmers’ Market
Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ
Across from the historic Jersey Lowes Theatre next to the PATH station
June 14 - November 22, 2013
10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

West Orange Farmers’ Market
66 Main Street
West Orange, NJ
Parking lot between the library & Town Hall
June 28 - October 26, 2013
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturdays

Hell's Kitchen Farmers' Market*
West 43rd Street & 10th Street
NY, NY
April 27 - December 22, 2013
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hoboken-Garden Street Mews*
14th & Gardens Street
Hoboken, NJ
June 1 - November 23, 2013
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Paulus Hook*
Washington Street
Jersey City, NJ
Next to the Korean War Memorial
April 27 - December 22, 2013
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

*CSA pickup location

Sundays

Chester Farmers' Market
Chester Village Square
Main Street & Maple Avenue
Chester, NJ
June 23 - October 13, 2013
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Edison Farmers' Market
925 Amboy Avenue
Edison, NJ
In the parking lot of the Jade Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
June 2 - October 27, 2013
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a nutritious, leafy veggie that rivals kale and spinach for one of the most nutrient rich foods on the planet. The leaves are the most tasty but the stems can also be eaten and are similar in taste to beet tops.

Chard is great raw in salads, wilted in soups, or sauteed for a great and healthy addition to any meal.

To keep swiss chard freshest wrap in a damp paper towel and place in a loose wrapped plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Use within 3-5 days. Do not wash until ready to prepare. You may trim down the stalk for easier storage.

Here is a great recipe for this healthy bunch:







Sauteed Swiss Chard

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch swiss chard
• 4 teaspoons melted butter
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Directions

 

Rinse chard; separate stems from leaves. Cut stems into 2-inch pieces; cut leaves crosswise into 1-inch strips. To a saucepan add 2 teaspoons melted butter. Add stems to pan; saute about 5 minutes. Add leaves; cook another 5 minutes. Add remaining 2 teaspoons butter and pepper. Mound in center of serving plate and drizzle with vinegar or lemon juice and top with chopped parsley

June 13 & 15 CSA Boxes

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I hope you are all drying out from this past week's soaking rain. We got over 7 inches here on the farm. We haven't noticed any damage yet. Lets keep our fingers crossed this week brings us abundant sunshine and some warmer temperatures!

Here is what you an expect in your shares this week:

Half Share:

quart	strawberries
bunch	parsley
bunch	swiss chard
bunch	beets
bunch	spinach
bunch	asparagus
bunch	green lettuce
bunch	red lettuce

Full Share:

2 quarts	strawberries
bunch	parsley
bunch	swiss chard
2 bunch	beets
bunch	spinach
2 bunch	asparagus
bunch	green lettuce
bunch	red lettuce
bunch	radish
bunch	kale

Also in your shares this week will be a Membership Card:

This card entitles CSA Members to 10% off your entire purchase from any of our retail locations. These include:

·         Stony Hill Farm Market: 15 North Road, Chester, NJ-----908-879-2908

·         Stony Hill Gardens: 8 Route 24 Chester, NJ-----------------908-879-2696

·         Any of our Community Farmers’ Markets listed at www.stonyhillfarms.com

Use this membership card to visit our pick your own locations, shop our selection of local food items at our farm market, spend a day with your family at our corn maze, or even purchase a beautiful orchid from our greenhouse.  Below is a list of the items and activities that we offer.

 

This membership card may not be used in combination with any coupons and may not be used to renew your CSA membership. This card MUST be presented at the time of sale to receive the 10% discount. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 There is only 1 (one) membership card per box. Please keep this in mind if you are sharing with a friend.  We will not issue additional cards.

 

TOTE BAGS:

 

 If you are a new member and have not received a green tote bag in your first share please let a market employee know and they will provide you with one.

 

UNABLE TO PICK UP?

 

If you are unable to pick up your share you may have a friend pick up for you. If you are not able to pick up your share it will be donated to the Chester Food Pantry. If a friend is picking up for you please let me know their name so we can add them to the list.

 

MILK:

 

If you are a CSA member picking up at out Farm Market in Chester you may add milk to your share for the season. We offer:

• 1%
• 2%
• Skim
• Whole
• Chocolate

E-Mail me at stonyhillcsa@gmail.com for pricing.

 

I hope you are enjoying your shares thus far. :)

 

Collards

Some of you may already be familiar with collard greens. This versatile green can be used in anything from sautees to wraps.

To prepare remove leaf from thick center stem. Discard the stem. Thoroughly wash each leaf.

Sautee with olive oil and seasonings of your choice over medium heat for a healthy side dish.

Steam for 20 minutes, cool and add ground beef, rice, and other veggies, cover in tomato sauce and bake at 350 for 30 minutes for a tasty main course.

Collards are high in fiber, beta karotene, and calcium.

Try this yummy soup with your collard greens:

WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH SAUSAGE & LENTILS:

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen sausage, thawed and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bunch collards, finely chopped
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained, rinsed, and slightly mashed
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar (optional)
• 8 slices toasted French bread (optional)

Directions

1. Cook sausage and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until fat renders, 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes more. (If bottom of pan starts to burn in spots, sprinkle with water and scrape up blackened bits.)
2. Add collard greens, beans, and 4 cups water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until soup is slightly thickened, 7-10 minutes or until collards are tender. Adjust consistency of soup with water, if necessary. Stir in red-wine vinegar, and serve with toasted bread slices, if desired.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

The combination of strawberries and spinach is truly a match made in heaven.

Here is a simple, quick recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon worchestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 10 ounces fresh spinach rinsed and drained
• 1 quart strawberries cleaned hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds slivered

Directions:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, and paprika, worchestershire sauce, and minced onion.
• In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes before serving.
• For a completed meal, and  1 lb. grilled chicken and voila.....insta' dinner!

Enjoy :)