Week #35 - Summer reflection

Summer in Manitoba is short... And this week, it always seems to feel especially so. The Sept long weekend marks the start of school, the end of vacations and what seems like an almost instant shift to fall weather. 

We have spent time this week getting ready for the coming winter including canning, harvesting, organizing and purging. We look back at the goals or intentions that we set at the beginning of the summer and feel pride and chagrin in  equal measure...That siding is not likely going to get painted. And that new fence in the corral is going to be re-scheduled for spring. But we relish in the new cattle, pigs and horse that have joined our farm family this year and are tired but satisfied that we fed our CSA shareholders well despite the somewhat miserable growing season and both of us working full time. 

 
 

Our family was blessed with much this summer from a trip to Costa Rica for our oldest, a realization of a lifelong dream for our youngest as she brought home her horse and our middle son hit the road as he passed his drivers test and is free to roam. (much to his mama's worry).

September is often a busy month, full of change, stress and the compression that comes from new things starting before the old ones have fully finished...Take time this month to breathe, to enjoy what is typically a time of lovely weather and great food. 

FFF CSA - Week 9/12 - What's in the Box? - Squash of the season after autumn variety...

Squash.... one of the most varied and versatile crops in on our farm! As Week #9 of our CSA share comes round, we are seeing all varieties of squash maturing. Squash varieties are typically separated into two types or categories - summer and well... I hate to say it but well... that season that happens after autumn, starts with a 'w' and sticks around like an uninvited guest, you know the one. 

Anyway, suffice to say, there are two categories... Zucchini and pattypan squash are two summer squash that you have already enjoyed (or are sick of). The other variety.... ok, I'll say it straight, winter squash can include acorn, butternut, spaghetti, turban, and pumpkins! Over the next few weeks you will be getting all of these varieties. 

Winter squashes can be prepared in so many different ways.. Roasted, boiled, mashed, stuffed made into soups, sauces or fries - they are very versatile. I have made a faux cheese pasta sauce out of butternut squash that fooled my children! Of course spaghetti squash produces wonderful stringy noodles that can be used in place of traditional wheat noodles as well! Roasted squash, mashed and mixed with quinoa and black bean along with spices and breadcrumbs makes a great burger too! Mr. Google has oodles of more specific information and recipes, but the key to enjoying squash is being open to trying new things! 

So... What's in the Box this week?

• Swiss Chard
• Lettuce
• Beets
• Baby carrots
• Zucchini
• Cucumbers                   (regular and armenian)
• Potatoes
• Peppers 
• Squash - pattypan, acorn and/or turban
• Apples 
• Tomatoes
• Beans (fulls only)
• Onions
• Herbs in a cup - oregano, parsley, chives, basil

Note: We do rinse the produce but it would be prudent to wash all vegetables when you get them home. Keeping the herbs (ends) in a cup of clean water will keep them fresh longer. (unless of course, you are drying them for storage later.)

Reminder: Please return your empty box along with all re-usable containers (ice cream pails, plastic containers, etc) so that we can reuse them all over again. 

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Week #14 - A good time to prepare...

This weekend was cold ... and windy and snowy. Not impressed given its the second weekend in April! I had hoped to be outside preparing the farm for the coming spring! Instead I retreated indoors and made the best of the chilly weather! 

Eating well throughout the year, takes work and planning. Eating well during our busy months (summer) takes additional preparation! While I frequently have several meals in the freezer ready to go, at this time of year I am more intentional about such preparations and I begin to fill our freezer with healthy pre-made meals that we will be able to cook easily after a full day of planting, weeding, or harvesting. 

My goal is have plenty of options to entice all members of the family to eat well no matter what the circumstances. With three teenagers, that means having plenty of heat and go options. In addition, the summer if full of potlucks, BBQs and other social events in which we need to bring something. With no time to prepare anything fancy, I like to have a few appetizer and/or desserts pre-made and frozen ready to pull out and impress. Cheese balls, pesto & cream cheese tortes, and crab dip all freeze well and are easy to thaw and go. 

Today I made a number of Lasagnas and Shepherd Pie, both small and large to accommodate company or extra mouths as well as to be sure that those evenings when there are only a few of us, that we don't resort to unhealthy alternatives. Meat in marinade stored in a ziploc bag and frozen flat, stores efficiently in the freezer. Burritos are great heat and go options that my teens enjoy! 

What kind of meals do you like to have ready and waiting!? 

Catching rays...

FFF Photo a Day - 261

As the last weekend of the summer is upon us, everyone (including the hens) is anxious to catch the last warm rays of sunshine.  

An end and a beginning...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 250

Had our first fire in the new fire pit at the end of a fine long weekend... 

A weekend that many say marks the end of the summer. 

Bittersweet yet lovely all at the same time. 

Come and sit awhile...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 238

It's a beautiful day today, sunny skies with a wind to keep the bugs away... a perfect summer day. 

A day to meander and drink in the beauty around us. 

Like the willow chair that Farmer Phil made a few years back becoming one with nature out near the shed.

Week #5 - 2015 FFF CSA - What's in the Box! - Mix 'n Match - Cool Summer Suppers

It's Week #5 in our CSA season and the hot weather and frequent rains are producing both blessings and burdens.... but it's all delicious! 

Our shareholders will enjoy their first tomatoes and cucumbers this week and I wanted to share a few ideas for some cool supper ideas that use these yummy treats and avoid having to turn the oven on! 

Summer is a great time to throw together a bowl of fresh veggies with a tossing of vinaigrette and a sprinkle of cheese (feta, old cheddar).  My favorite combination is sliced cucumber, quartered tomatoes, diced onion, chopped basil (or cilantro) all tossed with a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. If you don't like the sound of that you can use your favorite salad dressing as well. Add salt, pepper.... of course some garlic and chives, toss and serve. No hot stove and a flavour explosion in your mouth. Mix and match by leaving out the cucumber but throwing in more basil or perhaps some fresh beans, some zucchini or carrots. There is really no wrong way to do this! 

The scourge (bounty) of the zucchini plants has begun and you will undoubtedly be looking for ways to use this prolific producer. Check out one of my prior year's blogs for Grandma Fenez's Chocolate Zucchini Cake recipe... because who doesn't like cake!

So in summary... What's in the CSA Box this week?

Lettuce (mixed greens in bag)
Zucchini
Swiss Chard
Kale
Onion
Cucumbers New this week!
Tomatoes New this week!
Carrots
Beans New this week!
New potatoes
Broccoli
Peppers (spicy)
Beets 

Basil (in ziploc bag)
Herbs in the red cup:

• Oregano 
• Chives 
• Parsley 
• Cilantro
• Rosemary 

Notes to our CSA Share holders:

We pick the vegetables within 24 hours of the box being delivered. We do rinse the produce but it would be important to wash all vegetables before you eat them. Keeping the herbs (ends) in a cup of clean water will keep them fresh longer.

Please return your empty box along with all re-usable containers (pails, cups, bags etc) so that we can reuse them all over again.

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A taste of summer sun

FFF Photo a Day - Day 87

Tonight I'm making risotto with last year's sun dried tomatoes. It is so nice to still have a little slice of sunshine from last summer. 

So looking forward to warmer days! 

Dreaming of warmer days...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 49

Its cold out there! I hate to complain but I'm soooo looking forward to spring. To cheer me up I've dived back in my photos to a warmer day a couple of summers ago. 

My daughter and I were hanging out with the kids (goat kids) in the sun. We had quite a few that year and they were playful and curious. I love this shot of her reacting to a over-curious goat nibbling on her shorts! 

I can almost feel the sunshine! 

Last of the Sunshine...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 39

We finished off last summer's potatoes yesterday. We also only have six wrinkly tomatoes left and two small squash. Whether we like it or not, we are entering that irritating time of having to buy all our vegetables at the store.

It will likely be at least four-five months before we once again can taste real sunshine in our food. :(

Week #6 - 2014 FFF CSA - What's in the Box - Dog Days of Summer bring Cows?!

This nice long stretch of hot, sultry weather... often described as the Dog Days of summer... has put a smile on almost everyone's face! With the exception of the need to water more frequently, the hot weather is generally good news for all things plant like. The veggies are soaking up the warmth and growing well. Of course, lettuce, spinach and cilantro tend to bolt in this kind of weather which is only a problem if you want to eat them.. ;).

 Our most recent excitement was this week's birth of Grace's calf. If you haven't met Grace yet, she is our Dexter mama cow, who last year around this time, gave us Gwendolyn, a lovely heifer (which is what you call female cow who hasn't given birth yet). This year she has produced a healthy male (bull calf) who we have named Gaston! (big thanks to all our Facebook fans who sent in a multitude of suggested names!) 

Earlier this week, Grace very politely waited until morning, sauntered out to the back field and expertly delivered Gaston on her own. I think Gwendolyn was more excited than anyone, as she ran around, bellowing at the top of her lungs most of the day! You would swear she was announcing her new baby brother to the world! Mama, babe (and older sister) are doing well! 

It is hard to believe it is week #6 of our CSA share this year, meaning we are already half way through the twelve weeks. As usual the boxes are getting heavier each week, as more and more of the root vegetables become ready to eat! This week we have some yummy carrots ready for our shareholders. I've linked up some nutritional information about carrots  - they do more than help you see in the dark! as well as some recipes that you may expand your ideas of what to do with them! 

So... What's in the Box this week?

• Swiss Chard
• Mixed Lettuce/Spinach 
• Cucumber
• Beets
• Broccoli or Cauliflower
• Turnip - full share only
• Kohlrabi - full share only
• Beans
• Peas 
• Kale
• Carrots - New!
• Hot Peppers
• Potatoes
• Herbs (Dill, Oregano, Basil, Chives, Parsley (Curled and Flat leaf)

... and remember we pick the vegetables within 24 hours of the box being delivered. We do rinse the produce but it would be prudent to wash all vegetables when you get them home. Keeping the herbs (ends) in a cup of clean water will keep them fresh longer.

Please return your empty box along with all re-usable containers (ice cream pails, plastic containers, etc) so that we can reuse them all over again. 

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter at @FenezFollies