September 6, 2014 - Share # 11

Zucchini glorious zucchini! The most generous of vegetables!This is our new patch so you will never be without zucchini! Lots of recipes in this week's newsletter.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX:

RED PEPPERS

ZUCCHINI/SUMMER SQUASH

TOMATOES

KALE

GREEN BEANS - NEW PATCH!

DAIKON RADISH

CABBAGE

GARLIC

ONIONS

ASIAN GREENS

ARUGULA

STORAGE SUGGESTIONS:

Tomatoes, garlic and onions outside the refrigerator. Everything else rinsed, drained, plastic-bagged and fridged! Take the tops off the Daikon Radish to keep it crisp.

COOKING SUGGESTIONS:

 Yes, it's true, we planted another zucchini patch and it's starting to come in. We eat zucchini regularly at the farm, appreciating its ease of preparation, its humble willingness to reflect the flavors of its partners in the pot, and its abundance! Here are some recipes to help you stay in the happy zucchini zone!

This kid-friendly Broiled Zucchini Rounds with Cheese recipe is quick, easy and delicious! There are lots more zucchini recipes at the end of that linked article, so read (or scroll) to the bottom.

This week we enjoyed Couscous with Spiced Zucchini. Couscous is a light grain for these warm days of late, and the blend of spices gives the zucchini a different "kick". Adding the mint leaves and lemon at the end takes the dish into traditional North African territory - we let the diners decide if they wanted to add them or not. We also cooked the couscous in veggie broth; it's fine either way.

Kirstin's version of Moroccan Stew

One of our crew was inspired to cook a Moroccan Stew, reminiscent of one she had when she lived in Africa. This recipe comes close, although she added cardamon seed for a exotic and tasty twist. You have a lot of the ingredients in your share this week; just substitute a red pepper for the carrot. (Again, veggie broth can be subbed for chicken broth - this is a tasty dish no matter what!)

Kirstin's cooking partner, Paul, added a refreshing Cabbage Crunch salad to the meal. He subbed sunflower seeds for the almonds and regular onion for the scallions - it was still delicious! And isn't that what recipes are - a starting point?

Zucchini Fritters are a painlessly tasty way to consume zucchini. You can enjoy a rich zucchini fritter with parmesan and egg, or keep it on the light but equally delicious side with this vegan version.

And finally, you can always transform your zucchini into a moist and irresistible Zucchin Bread or Zucchini Muffins. Make extra - freeze for winter - come January, you'll be glad you did!

Now you wish you had MORE zucchini, don't you!

By the way, you still have the fixings for an Asian-flavored lovely stir-fry in your box this week. See last week's newsletter suggestion if you want to revisit that idea.

MEET THE NEIGHBORS - BERNIE AND DOROTHY ANN COYNE

Bernie and Dorothy Ann

Bernie and Dorothy Ann (Dottie) have lived near Frog Holler Farm for twenty-five years, moving to this area from Toledo, where Bernie was the head of the Theater Department at the University of Toledo. They converted a little cottage on Mud Lake into a beautiful retreat center, "Sunnyside", where they have hosted yoga camps, meditation retreats, and personal growth workshops.

Long-time friends and supporters of Frog Holler and Holler Fest (and CSA members!), Dottie and Bernie have woven themselves into fabric of the farm in many wonderful ways.

If you were at Holler Fest, you may have seen Dottie, an artist in several media, painting on the hillside of the Main Holler.

The artist with her gear!

 Dottie showed up at the farm this week to work on an oil painting of a particular scene. She had been intrigued by one of intern Nhin's photos that was included in the newsletter feature about Nhin. She saw that photo as a painting and came to the farm to realize it. She and Bernie spent a lovely morning in the shaded yard, and we get to see the process!

Dottie starting to sketch out the scene

Nhin's original photo

The artist's eye. 

 Dottie says the painting starts "lean". Soon more oils and colors will add depth and texture. She promises to share the painting's final form with the newsletter!

Box handcrafted by Jim MacBain. Painting by Dorothy Ann Coyne. Providing the tea selection at Holler Fest.

If you came to breakfast at Holler Fest, you saw this beautiful handmade wooden box with one of Dottie's paintings on the inside cover. You may recognize the stone cabin at Frog Holler (site of many memorable Holler Fest performances!).

Thank you Dottie and Bernie for your ongoing support and inspiration!

And while we're on creative topics, here is a poem co-created by two families at Holler Fest, at the "Renku" poetry workshop, led by Beverly Ostrowiecki. In a lovely spontaneous manner the poem reflects so much of the spirit of Holler Fest. Thanks to Beverly for facilitating this charming creative process! (click on the picture - or any of the photos - to view full-size.)

Have a great week everyone!