Hello to Open Field Farm CSA members and all food lovers of all stars and stripes! Blog post write up time already and here I am in a race against the deadline, as usual;) I really and truly do not have much news to report today, except that it will be my last time to write the blog! Definitely a sad time for me but instead of having a cowabummer dude, I would like to reflect back on some of the things I most appreciated about my time on this wonderful farm...
Birds. They are real and they are here. I suggest picking up a pair of binocs and heading up into the hills if you have some free weekend time. Lately we have been tracking a harrier, some kites, some really awesome hawks, kestrels, meadowlarks, and many more of the usual suspects. Head into the eucalyptus groves for some excellent audio medicine!
Friends! If you talk to people here there is a good chance you will make a bunch;) Honestly some of the best human beings I have ever gotten to know are all located on this farm, because they are all great! Everyone here brings incredible talents, wisdom and hilarious jokes every day. I am deeply grateful for all the time I was able to spend with folks here, and the chance to soak up all this goodness. The best parts for me were all the hilarious things people say, lots of amateur stand up comedians at this farm! Especially during farm lunch, that's where the jokes really start crackin'. Also surfing with Cecilia, gettin it done and laughing a lot with Sarah B and my OG crew buddies last year, getting to know my New Wave crew buddies this year, playing bingo, riding bikes around Petaluma at night, living in the crew house, eating lots of cookies, making friends with all these lovely people..... honestly it's alll about the people here;) I love em and you can't get me to think otherwise.
Dogs. If you don't like dogs then this blog post is not for you, sorry! There are some great dogs here. Lucky for us we have Rosie to keep everybody coloring inside of the lines as it were. Also an honorable mention to one of my favorite cats Joey aka Willow, really a great cat if you get the chance to meet her!
Food. No need to preach to the choir;)
Alright I probably took too long to write this, and my keyboard will probably break if I keep crying all over it;P
It has legitimately been an honor and a pleasure, an invaluable experience I will always cherish. Thanks to everyone here and to all the people who have helped make this beautiful place a reality over the years!! Thanks to you dear reader for helping to make all this happen. Cheers and happy holidays!! Yours truly,
Samuel Dawes
This Week’s Pick List:
Reminder: Our store hours have changed to our winter hours: 2:30-6 pm!
Eggs
Takrima Leeks
Evergreen Hardy Scallions
Matador Shallots, Ailsa Craig Sweet and Monastrell Red Onions
Tetsukabota, Butternut, Gil’s Golden and Tuffy Acorn, Candystick and Zeppelin Delicata, Orangetti and Spaghetti Winter Squash
Winter Luxury Pumpkins
Yellow Finn, Chieftan, and Harvest Moon La Ratte Fingerling Potatoes
Yaya Carrots
Rhonda Beets
Mars Celeriac
Hablange Parsnips
Purple Top Turnips
Bora King Purple Daikon and Watermelon Radish
Kossack Kohlrabi
Gypsy Broccoli
Song Cauliflower (lots!)
Ruby King Red, Taiwan Flat and Murdoc Green Cabbage (Lots!!!!)
Calypso Celery
Mei Ching Choi
Head Lettuce
Salanova Lettuce Mix
Regiment Spinach
Ruby Red Chard
Nettuno Sugarloaf, Leonardo Radicchio, Adige Medio Chioggia (All Chicories)
Esmee Arugula
Tatsoi
Parsley, Dill, and Cilantro
Filigreen Farm Apples for sale!
Saltonstall Olive Oil (Please bring your own jars!)
Revolution Bread (Friday only!)
Butternut Squash Green Chile Chicken Soup, from ambitiouskitchen.com
½ tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 large white onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced very small
¼ cup diced cilantro
1 (4 ounce) can of mild green chiles (or use 1/4 cup freshly roasted and seeded chopped hatch green chile)
4-6 cups cubed butternut squash
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
4 cups (32 ounces) organic low sodium chicken broth
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 (15 ounce) can organic corn, drained (leave out if paleo)
1 small lime, juiced
½ teaspoon salt + more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Place a large dutch oven or pot over medium high heat and add in oil. Once oil is hot, add in garlic, onion, green pepper and cilantro; cook for a few minutes until onion becomes translucent.
Next immediately add in your green chiles, butternut squash, cumin and oregano. Saute for a few more minute to let the spices cook a bit, then add in chicken broth, chicken thighs, corn, salt and pepper and lime juice.
Bring soup to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Once chicken is cooked, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cutting board to shred with two forks. Add chicken back to pot, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serves 4.
