Greetings from the farm,
Can you believe that it is already the end of August? Time seems to fly by so quickly! This week was a special one for us as we celebrated Josh's birthday. ? We also had some exciting news on the sports front—last Saturday, Sadie had her first cross-country meet of the season, and she won! We’re so proud of her hard work and dedication. ?♀️?
I also have to give a big shout-out to my two boys. They have really stepped up lately, helping out both at the farm and at the market, especially with all the activities going on. It’s not easy balancing everything, but they’ve been incredible.
With the hot temperatures recently, sports have been at a standstill for the kids, and Josh and I have had to adjust our schedule as well. We’ve been doing our picking in the early mornings and late evenings to beat the heat. ? We're all praying for some rain this week, so if you could send some rain clouds over to the farm, we’d greatly appreciate it! ☔️
On a brighter note, we have plenty of winter squash starting to come in. This week, we’re highlighting one of our favorites: **butternut squash**!
Here are some tips on how to prep and store butternut squash to make the most out of this delicious vegetable:
**How to Store Butternut Squash:**
- **At Room Temperature:** Keep your butternut squash in a cool, dark place for up to a month.
- **In the Fridge:** Once cut, store the squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
**How to Prep Butternut Squash:**
1. **Peeling:** Use a vegetable peeler to remove the thick skin.
2. **Cutting:** Slice off the top and bottom ends. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. **Cubing:** Cut into desired sizes for roasting, soups, or other recipes.
**Three Delicious Butternut Squash Recipes:**
1. **Roasted Butternut Squash Soup**: A warm and comforting soup perfect for cooler evenings. Roast the squash with garlic and onions, then blend with vegetable broth and a touch of cream.
2. **Butternut Squash Risotto**: Creamy arborio rice cooked with roasted butternut squash, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of sage for a delicious autumn dish.
3. **Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash**: Cubed squash roasted with a drizzle of maple syrup, olive oil, and a sprinkle of cinnamon—great as a side dish for any meal.
We hope you find these tips and recipes helpful and delicious! Have a fantastic week, and let’s hope for some cooler weather and much-needed rain soon!
Best wishes,
The Schultz Family ?