Ellie's Market

Ellie was a hit at the inaugural Alexandria Farmers Market last Saturday. She will be there with her produce and some new produce bags this Saturday. Here's a picture taken by Bill Stout of the Time Tribune. She was on the front page of Wednesday's small town paper.

Planting Corn

Planted sweet corn today. 19 rows. Also planted Mother Stollard Beans (for drying). Hank Meeker is a fan of these.

Planting Almost Finished

We almost have our spring planting finished. This Saturday was great as I was able to plant so much just before it started to rain.

Tomatoes, potatoes, onions, kale, beets, peppers, basil, zenias, and more. What's left? Sweet corn, popcorn, transplant more black raspberry starts, pumpkins, squash and mellons.

The weeds told me they wouldn't be as bad this year, which is nice.

CSA Discontinued

I regret to say that we will not be offering CSA shares in 2011. My day job is keeping me quite busy and I expect that will continue in 2011. I am not sure that we can keep up the pace of weekly shares. We do, however, still plan to have a garden or two and when we have surplus we would like to let you all know via email, if that is ok with you. I imagine that we'll set out a roadside table under the tent when that is the case. Thank you so much for your support of our farm for the past two years. Mission Berry Farms is still a great project for us and for my kids. Perhaps in future years we will have shares again.

Best wishes for the new year!

F.D.

Colbert on The Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcttDlJd98k

Now for Something Completely Different...

Week 16 Box
Sweet Potatoes
Persimmons
Garlic
Tomatoes
Oregano
Chives
Basil

Persimmon Recipes:
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/fruits-and-vegetables/fruits/persimmons/top.aspx

Week 15 Box + Potato & Kale Soup Recipe

The season is winding down and the rain has been too sparse.

Here's what I'm seeing for our boxes this week

Onions
Potatoes
Kale (where available)
Tomatoes & Cherry Tomatoes
Basil
Oregano
Apples (where available)

POTATO AND KALE SOUP

1 lb. kale, tough stems removed
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 tbsp. butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 lg. potatoes
5 c. water or stock
salt and pepper, to taste

Sauté onion and garlic in the butter until onion is clear and soft (do not allow garlic to brown). Add 2 cups water (or broth) and the potatoes. Simmer, covered, until potatoes are fork tender. Wash kale and chop; steam kale separately. When potatoes are well done, puree half of them with remaining water.
Combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. If needed, add more water or milk for desired consistency.