Is it me or has it been a really weird week since our last delivery? I'm 99% sure it's not just me. My mind has been really fuzzy with all the events of the world, and it's been tough to pull myself away from the news to just get the work done, which is crazy because is also feels like so much has happened on the farm this week!
We had some great strategy time with our crew, we made some big plans for new construction on the farm, an insane amount of things got fixed this week (and only some of those were also broken this week!), we washed and packed orders, prepped for next week's major pack-out, got some seriously crop planning done for next year, ordered potato seed, the list goes on....the power of many hands and a great group of people...
I guess the lesson is that we're all carrying on despite the pandemic and the uncertainty of everything. We've got to make sure to lean on each other (even from a distance), make sure to pat ourselves on the back for what you're working on, make sure to slow down, cook ourselves a good meal and remind ourselves that these are hard, bizarre times and we are doing it. Summer is just months away, change is just around the corner - just one foot in front of the other now...
Was that cheezy? I don't know, my brain is mush....Enjoy your veggies everybody!
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Early Bird Sign-ups start soon! We'll be letting you know shortly the exact date (sorry we're still hammering out details). But those of you chomping at the bit to reserve your share for next summer (and more) will be able to late January/early February. Don't worry - we won't let you miss it!
Vegetable of the Week
Koginut-style squash
This adorable, pear-shaped frosty-looking pumpkin is called "Autumn frost," (a very apt name once you see it in person) and is a "koginut" style squash. Koginuts are a newer type squash that has come out of breeding efforts to focus on flavor (rather than ship-ability or yields or storage). Lucky for us, this variety tastes great, stores well, and was pretty high yielding this fall. It is a cross between a butternut and a kabocha making it an excellent choice for pies, soups, roasting, breads - pretty much anything. If you got a lot of squash back-logged from previous weeks just store this puppy in a cool dry place (could even be on your counter if your kitchen isn't too warm). Enjoy!
Pantry Item of the Week
Wild Blueberry Spreadable Fruit, Turtle Rock Farm - Brunswick ME
One of the joys of sending off share's each week in the Winter, is curating each pantry item and "extra" we offer to you all! We love working with local vendors, and Turtle Rock Cannery is no exception. We've partnered with them for the past several years, and always enjoy offering their delicious concoctions to you as well, to share with your family on these chilly Winter days.
This week's offering is a truly tasty Maine Grown Wild Blueberry Spreadable Fruit! It's a mouthful to say, and a mouthful of deliciousness, too! Organic wild Maine blueberries are preserved with a touch of organic cane sugar and organic lemon juice. A simple low-sugar spread to celebrate this treasured Maine berry.
**Reminder, if you rated "preserves" a 1 in your preferences, you won't get this item in your share unless you swap it in - contact us if you have any questions or need any help!**
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We love adding a spoonful to Winter Hill's Yogurt for a tasty breakfast, snack, or healthy and delicious dessert.
If you're feeling a little more decedent, top a wheel of brie with a few spoonful's, wrap it all in phyllo dough, and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or till bubbly.
Or, just keep it simple and spread on a slice of homemade bread!
This Week's Add-On's
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper Gigli - Maine Meal- Skowhegan, ME - This bell shaped, ruffled pasta has a kick of cracked black pepper, and is the perfect excuse to toss on a thick creamy sauce, or add to a casserole for a hearty Winter's night dinner. Made fresh in Skowhegan! Large 1 lb bag $9.50/lb.
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- Fresh Buckwheat Fusilli (without gluten) - Maine Meal- Skowhegan, ME - The buckwheat in this fusilli lends a wonderful nutty flavor to this fresh pasta, and pairs perfectly with just about any sauce! Made without gluten. **Made on shared equipment with foods containing wheat** $9.50/lb.
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This pasta is made fresh the Monday before delivery by The Maine Meal in Skowhegan. The freshness and the local ingredients really make the flavor and texture stand out. It's truly delicious! Each bag is 1 full lb., which is about enough for four adult servings (assuming you have other items in the meal such as a side or salad). The fresh pasta keeps for 7-10 days, but stores frozen for months. The bag it comes in is resealable, so you can eat some and freeze the rest. It is really amazingly convenient, local, and wonderfully tasty!
- Fresh Garlic and Herb Sheep's Milk Cheese - Fuzzy Udder Creamery - Whitefield, ME - Fresh Sheep Cheese is rich and dreamy, similar to chèvre but without the tang! Garlic and herbs are added as the perfect savory compliment to this creamy spreadable cheese. Serve on crackers, bagels, or as a dip for fresh veggies! $9.00/6oz. container
- Farmstead Whole Milk Yogurt - Winter Hill Farm - Freeport, ME - The best Maine yogurt hands down. Made in small batches on their farm in Freeport, this yogurt is addictive! $9.00/quart
- Raw Whole Milk 1/2 Gallon - Winter Hill Farm - Freeport, ME - Milked at their micro dairy, this raw whole milk is cream-on-top wonderful! $5.50/half gallon
- Local & Organic Firm Tofu - Heiwa Tofu - Rockport, ME - Tofu handcrafted in small batches using organic, non-GMO soybeans grown on Maine and New England farms. $5.00/block
- Ruby Sauerkraut - 30 Acre Farm -Whitefield, ME - Deep purple color with savory tang of garlic and the subtle herbiness of bay leaves. The crisp crunch of the kraut pack delicious flavors in every bite. $10.00/15oz. jar
- Dark Roast Coffee Beans 1lb bag - Moses Dyer Coffee - Harpswell, ME - Extra dark roast coffee, fair trade, and roasted in Harpswell. $15.00/bag
- Medium Roast Coffee Bean 1lb bag - Winter Hill Farm - Harpswell, ME - Medium roast coffee, fair trade, and roasted in Harpswell. $15.00/bag
