26. July 2009 by ilene.

We donate to the Frederick Food Bank. Never often enough (people eat every day!), but we are trying to go more often. I have made a point to grow extra chard this year for the Food Bank, because I know how popular greens are there, and such a nutritious fresh food. They do not receive enough fresh vegetable donations. Whenever I donate, there are always a couple people with their eyes on the greens. They ask, “that going to be available in the Food Bank today?” or “when did you pick those greens?” I hope that we get there routinely with a batch of fresh greens from our extra row. Here are our greens donated last week:

 You don’t have to have a farm’s quantity to make a wonderful donation to the Food Bank. They accept donations of food in any quantity, and they make it easy now. You can just stop in at the loading dock and drop your donation into this bin:

Here are the homegrown veggies that were in the bin when we delivered. Someone went to the wonderful effort to pick bags of green beans, and there were some big zucchinis that your neighbor doesn’t want, but the Food Bank does:

The information online does not make it easy to find the loading dock with this bin conveniently located. SO, I will tell you all about it. Head into downtown Frederick on Main Street (this is coming from south, or Costco, or 355/Buckeystown Pike). A few blocks into the downtown area, take a RIGHT onto ALL SAINTS ST. The Soup Kitchen is there at the corner on your right. Pass it and a little courtyard and immediately next is the FOOD BANK, all on your right. Take a RIGHT into their parking lot. The loading dock is on the RIGHT and there you will find the BLUE BIN.

Make the effort to seek this out the first time, and then you will realize how easy it is to stop by with even the smallest donation from your garden or pantry shelf. They will appreciate it so much! If you take a large enough donation that you would like a tax donation receipt, you can find someone there (likely Sarah) and request a tax deductible donation receipt. Here is their address  and more info:

FCAA Foodbank Program
George L. Shields Foodbank Facility
14 East All Saints Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Telephone: 301-600-6263

The Frederick Community Action Agency accepts a wide range of donations, including non-perishable food items such as pasta, rice, canned or frozen vegetables, canned fruits, canned meats, breakfast cereals, and other staple items (home canned foods cannot be accepted).

In addition, the agency accepts donations of disposable diapers, baby food, infant formula, blankets, gloves, hats, underwear, and adult hygiene supplies such as razors, soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant.

Monetary donations are also accepted and are tax-deductible.

For more information about making donations, please contact Sarah McAleavy, Coordinator at 301-600-6263, or email smcaleavy@cityoffrederick.com.

Posted in Veggies | 3 Comments »

25. July 2009 by ilene.

Here’s something easy for the new summer crops coming in, I had it for dinner tonight–

Summer Saute Pasta Topping

Sautee onions and garlic until soft
Add sliced eggplant (I used the small rounds of sliced Japanese Eggplant)
Add basil, fresh herbs, chopped fresh tomato. Maybe a dollop of fresh pesto. Or add the pesto to the pasta later.
Cook until soft
Add blanched, chopped greens or zucchini too. Or chopped fresh green beans. I like to keep these veggies especially  zucchini a little crunchy, so I don’t cook that very long.

Add this on top of pasta, with shredded romano or parmesan cheese. A little chevre goat cheese would be wonderful too. More chopped tomatoes.

My family added sausage to this meal, but its enough as is for me. Steak, grilled chicken, any meat would be a good side dish for it. Try to put more veggie saute and less pasta, if you want.

I will have this for dinner so many times this summer, I might get tired of it. We shall see if that is possible!

Posted in Recipes | 1 Comment »

22. July 2009 by ilene.

It was the last week our CSA members are receiving turnips for this season, but I had forgotten to include a recipe by CSA member, Tracy. So if you still have some in your frig, here’s something to do with them (even if they are getting a little soft in the frig, because, face it, turnips are not likely the first vegetable we gobble up). Maybe you will this way though–

Turnip Browns recipe:

1. Cut it into small pieces and place in cold water and bring to the boil (just like boiling potatoes). When tender (stabs easily with fork), remove from heat and drain well.

2. Meanwhile, chop finely 2 cloves garlic. Combine with 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, pinch of dried chili flakes, and 1/5 teaspoon ground ginger (or freshly grated) (or just salt and pepper; or, cumin and dried chili flakes).

3. After turnips are cooked, heat non-stick skillet on medium-high. Add oil-garlic mixture and a pat of butter to hot pan. Cook until garlic aroma begins. Add turnips and cook until browned. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spices can be adjusted to fit you preferences. These are good for breakfast, lunch (leftovers), and dinner.

We’ll see you later today,

Tracey

Posted in Recipes, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

22. July 2009 by ilene.

Clark’s Elioak Farm is located on Rte 108 in Ellicott City, Maryland. We stopped in for a visit to their petting farm, and discovered that they are the dedicated folks relocating and restoring The Enchanted Forest figures that I had read about in a newspaper article some time ago. Basically, The Enchanted Forest was a nearby park in Ellicott City from 1955 until 1980. It contained cement structures depicting many of the characters in Mother Goose stories, such as this one of the Old Woman who lived in a shoe:

Since the park never reopened, in 2004 the good folks at Clark’s Farm received permission to relocate and restore as many figures as they could from the original park. Here is the full story. The farm includes hayrides, pony rides, a farm animal petting and feeding area, a wonderful maze to explore and find more Enchanted Forest figures, and plenty of room to run around. Looks like they had pumpkins growing too. There is a small museum of farm historical pieces, and  agriculture education. You can even sit down on a stool by a plastic cow and “milk” it–its udder is full of water which shoots into a bucket from its rubber teats when you milk the cow. I am sure there will be much change and growth to watch for at this farm. It is worth a drive to explore, just as The Enchanted Forest had been for families decades ago.

My kids love to visit farms with animals, here’s Jonah visiting with a goat:

Great photo opps here, even my kids were motivated to pose for photos:

Aww, don’t they look sweet. This one is definitely going to the grandparents.

Asleep with Little Boy Blue:

The Merry Miller’s House:

There was a Crooked Man…and they all lived together in a little crooked house. Here it is:

The three bears house:

And here is Papa Bear:

Take a trip and enjoy exploring yourself! There are tons more of these figures, beyond the ones I documented.

Posted in Other Local Farms | 1 Comment »