Incorporating beets into your culinary repertoire is a fantastic way to add both vibrant color and a nutritional punch to your meals. Beets are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as folate, manganese, potassium, and iron. They also contain a wealth of nutritional benefits, including antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation. This delicious beet and goat cheese salad combines the creamy tanginess of goat cheese and the crunchy nuttiness of walnuts. Yum!

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets (red and golden, if available)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for roasting
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or parsley)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the tops and roots off the beets, and scrub them clean. Wrap each beet individually in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast in the oven until tender, about 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. Let them cool, then peel and dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the beets are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will bring a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the beets beautifully.
3. Assemble the Salad: Toss the salad greens in a large bowl with enough dressing to lightly coat them. Arrange the greens on plates, then top with the roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
4. Final Touches: Drizzle some more dressing over the top of each salad and garnish with fresh herbs.
5. Serve: Enjoy this salad as a refreshing start to a meal or as a light lunch. The combination of warm beets and cool salad makes for a delightful contrast.

Additional Tips:

• Add orange segments or dried cranberries for an extra layer of flavor.
• For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese.
• Use a variety of beets for varied colors and flavors.

Beets and other delicious veggies are part of our spring farm box season. Sign up for our farm boxes online today! You can find more delicious recipes on our blog.

Broccoli is a versatile and nutrient-packed vegetable. Broccoli, known for its high vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber content, among other nutrients, is a staple in healthy eating. This simple dish combines the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan with the natural, earthy taste of broccoli, making it a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for roasting.
2. Prep the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli heads and cut them into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry to ensure they roast properly.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4. Roast the Broccoli: Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there’s space between the florets for even roasting. Place in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the stems are tender.
5. Add the Parmesan: Once the broccoli is roasted, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot florets. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly, adhering to the broccoli.
6. Final Touches: Before serving, add a zest of lemon over the broccoli for a fresh, citrusy note and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little extra heat, if desired.
7. Serve: Serve the broccoli hot as a side dish or incorporate it into a main meal. It pairs wonderfully with both meat and vegetarian dishes.

Additional Tips:

• Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.
• Pair this recipe with grilled chicken or fish, or incorporate it into a pasta dish.

Broccoli and other delicious greens are part of our spring farm box season. Sign up for our farm boxes online today! You can find more delicious recipes on our blog.

Kale, known for its health benefits, including being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as being a good source of minerals and fiber, can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Here’s a delightful recipe for a Kale and Quinoa Salad that’s perfect for a health-conscious audience. This dish is not only packed with nutrients but also full of flavor, making it an ideal choice for a blog post that appeals to both health enthusiasts and food lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or chopped

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare the Kale: While the quinoa is cooking, place the chopped kale in a large bowl. If the kale is tough, you might want to massage it with a little bit of olive oil to soften.
3. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine the Salad: To the bowl with the kale, add the cooled quinoa, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Toss with Vinaigrette: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the salad for an added crunch.
7. Serve: The salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Kale and other delicious greens are part of our spring farm box season. Sign up for our farm boxes online today! You can find more delicious recipes on our blog.

As the New Year approaches, many traditions and customs are celebrated across the globe to welcome a fresh start. In the Southern United States, a popular tradition is serving up black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity throughout the coming year. Whether you’re a staunch follower of this age-old practice or simply appreciate a delicious side dish, this easy black-eyed peas recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday or weeknight dinner repertoire.

To make:

Before soaking, carefully inspect your dried beans for any impurities such as leaves, twigs, or broken beans, and give them a good rinse. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with 4 inches of water. While not mandatory, soaking the beans overnight will reduce cooking time. 

Drain the soaked beans and rinse them under cold water. Transfer them to a large pot, covering them with 4 inches of chicken stock. Simmer, covered, for approximately 1 hour, checking for tenderness after 45 minutes. Adjust with more broth or water as needed. We like to add a ham bone during cooking for a punch of flavor.

Once the black-eyed peas are tender, season them to taste and add any desired extras. Consider incorporating spinach or other greens during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Season to taste. 

Serve them up with collard greens, glazed ham steak, skillet cornbread, and mac & cheese for a satisfying meal!

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Zuppa Toscana is hands down one of the best soups! The spice from the sausage, the richness from the cream and half and half, and the light crunch from the kale make this dish a family favorite!

You’ll need:

1 lb ground hot sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon flour
64 oz chicken broth
6 russet potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise and then sliced across in ¼ inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
6 cups torn kale pieces         

To make:

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until it begins to brown. Add onion and garlic and cook until the sausage is completely cooked and the onions are translucent.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, add the potatoes and cook for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Not too long – we don’t want mushy potatoes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and kale. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve warm with nice, crusty bread.

You can get farm-fresh veggies when you join our CSA program. Visit our blog for more delicious recipes!

Pickled Strawberries

In the extremely rare case that you’re unable to eat all your Falcon Ridge Farm strawberries, here’s a good recipe for pickled strawberries. Pickled strawberries are a delicious addition to fresh salads, deserts, or as a midday snack. 

What you’ll need:

1lb firm, ripe strawberries, hulled (halved if large)
1 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
¼ cup sugar
2 tbsps kosher salt
⅔ cup water
1 qt heat proof jar with lid

To make:
Put strawberries in the jar. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar, salt and ⅔ cup water to a boil over medium heat. Stir until sugar and salt are dissolved. Allow to cool and then cover and refrigerate.

Berries are good for 5 days refrigerated. Enjoy! 

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Blackberry Cobbler

Who doesn’t remember coming in from playing outside in the summer sun to the welcoming scent of fresh baked blackberry cobbler? We just happen to grow some of the best berries in Tennessee. Pick some up at a farmers market near you and try out this tasty recipe!

You’ll need:

4 cups fresh blackberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 large egg
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Cinnamon  

To make:

Preheat oven to 375°. Place blackberries in a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish and sprinkle with lemon juice. Stir together egg, sugar, and flour in a medium bowl. Sprinkle mixture over fruit. Drizzle melted butter over topping. 

Bake for 35 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. Let the cobbler stand for ten minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream and enjoy!

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Spicy Watermelon

This recipe was given to us by our marketing gal who spent some time in Los Angeles. One of her favorite treats was from a neighborhood fruit stand off Sunset Boulevard. A Latino gentleman would cut up fresh fruit like pineapple, mango and watermelon and then top it off with lime juice and chili spices. She swears it’s good so we’re going to give it a go!

You’ll need:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups cubed seeded watermelon
• ½ lime, juiced

To make:
Mix spices together in a bowl until well blended. Put watermelon into two bowls, sprinkle evenly with spice mixture and top with lime juice. 

Give it a go and let us know what you think!

Best Blueberry Muffins

Our summer CSA farm shares include some of the best blueberries you’ll ever taste so it makes sense they make some pretty incredible blueberry muffins! 

You’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white sugar
  ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 cup farm-fresh blueberries
• ½ cup white sugar 
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

To make:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.

Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Add vegetable oil to a 1 cup measuring cup and then add the egg and enough milk to reach the 1 cup mark. Mix this with the flour mixture. Fold in your farm-fresh blueberries.

Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.

For the crumble topping, mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix ingredients with a fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done. Stick a toothpick in the muffin. If it comes out clean, muffins are done!

Enjoy with a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast!

Click here to see what other goodies are included in our summer CSA farm shares! Visit us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes!