Dandelion greens, often seen as a pesky weed, are a nutritional powerhouse and a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. If you’re new to dandelion greens or looking for fresh ways to prepare them, this guide will walk you through the steps from harvest to table.

Preparing Dandelion Greens

Rinse the greens thoroughly in cold water to remove dirt and debris. Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear. Remove any thick or tough stems which can be fibrous and bitter. Soak the greens in cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Some people prefer to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the soaking water.

Cooking with Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some popular methods to prepare them:

Salads

For a fresh, crisp salad, use the raw greens. Pair them with bold flavors to balance their natural bitterness. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dandelion greens, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or almonds)

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the dandelion greens, red onion, avocado, feta cheese, and nuts in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.
3. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
   

Sauteed Dandelion Greens

Sauteeing is a quick and easy way to prepare dandelion greens. This method mellows their bitterness and brings out a rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups dandelion greens, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the dandelion greens and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Dandelion Pesto

For a unique twist on traditional pesto, try using dandelion greens. This vibrant sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dandelion greens, chopped
• 1/2 cup basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the dandelion greens, basil, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

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Tuna salad is a delicious way to use our farm-fresh celery. We love this salad on a nice piece of whole-grain bread, a croissant, or on top of our crisp butterhead lettuce. 

You’ll need:

• 2 5oz cans of no-salt-added solid white tuna in water, drained well
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 large ribs celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon real mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon yellow, Dijon, or whole-grain mustard
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus an extra pinch

To make:

In a medium bowl, combine the tuna with the remaining ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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It’s strawberry season again here at the farm! Whether you’ve gotten our strawberries in your farm box or picked them up at our farmer’s market booth, this recipe combines juicy, sweet strawberries with a buttery, crispy topping that speaks to the soul. 

Ingredients:

Filling:
5 heaping cups of farm-fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons cornstarch

Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that our crumble will bake evenly and get that perfect golden crust we love.

Grab a deep pie plate or a large baking dish. Grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticking. There’s nothing sadder than a crumble that won’t leave the dish!

Strawberry mixture:
In a large bowl, combine chopped strawberries with sugar. This sweetens the strawberries and brings out their natural juices, making our crumble extra flavorful.

Add a sprinkle of cornstarch and a dash of vanilla extract to this. The cornstarch will help thicken the strawberry juices, creating a lovely syrup as it bakes, while the vanilla adds an aroma and depth of flavor that elevates the dish. Stir until every strawberry is coated, then pour it all into your prepared baking dish.

Topping:
Whisk together flour, oats, a blend of brown and granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and a touch of cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl. 

Pour the melted butter over the dry mixture. Stir it in until everything looks moist and well-coated. This will give our topping that irresistible golden brown color and a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy strawberries underneath. Sprinkle this crumb mixture over the strawberries. 

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. It’s done when the fruit bubbles and the topping turns golden brown.

Allow it to cool slightly, then serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! 

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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.

We grow several varieties of tomatoes here at the farm including delicious cherry tomatoes. They are great for salads, pasta, or simply eating them by themselves. We also like them in this savory recipe, roasted with some lovely garlic!

You’ll need:

20oz cherry tomatoes
6 large garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tbsps of olive oil
1 tsp of kosher salt
2 tsps cracked black pepper

To make:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine all of your ingredients and gently toss to coat all the tomatoes.
Spread the tomatoes in an even layer on your baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
You can toss your tomatoes into a pasta or you can spread them on a nice piece of toasted sourdough bread topped with parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a little more cracked black pepper. Enjoy!

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

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!

Collard greens go well with just about anything. Collard greens taste like a cross between kale and cabbage and have a smooth and hearty texture. Try this savory side dish at your next meal!

You’ll need:

4 strips thick-sliced bacon, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
Several dashes of hot sauce (add more if you want more heat)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 pounds collard greens, stems removed, sliced into 3-inch-wide strips
1 cup chicken stock (or water)

To make:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon until browned around the edges. Add onion and cook until softened. 

Add the salt, pepper, sugar, hot sauce, and garlic, and cook for about one minute. 

Add the vinegar and simmer until the amount of liquid is reduced by half, stirring and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add the collard greens and the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the temperature to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until the collard greens have wilted and lost their brightness. Season to taste with additional vinegar and hot sauce.
Serve the greens with some of the juices from the pan.

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

Try this simple recipe and add a punch of flavor to salads, grilled chicken, and, of course, tacos! You can get fresh cilantro when you join our farm box program.

You’ll need:

1 large bunch of fresh cilantro (2 cups packed)
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 to 1/2 cup water, as needed

Add ingredients to a blender or food processor and season to taste.

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