Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is a holiday favorite that blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange. Packed with crunchy pecans and a moist, tender crumb, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Let’s bake!

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup orange juice

To make:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the orange zest, fresh cranberries, and chopped pecans. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and egg together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the orange juice, which adds both flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Combine and Mix
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix to keep your bread tender.

Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the bread springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Wrap
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap to retain moisture and allow the flavors to meld.

You can find more holiday recipes and crafts on our farm blog!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Cobbler

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, juicy taste of fresh blueberries, and this blueberry cobbler recipe perfectly captures their summery flavor. With a hint of lemon zest and creamy bits of cream cheese, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Best of all, it’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups fresh blueberries
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cold and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving

To make:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brown the Butter: In a 10″ cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and continue to stir until it goes quiet and turns brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Do not clean the skillet, as it will be used to bake the cobbler.
  3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: While the butter cools, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Prepare Blueberries: In another bowl, combine the blueberries, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
  5. Make the Batter: Once the butter has cooled (it can be a little warm but not hot), add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk to combine. Then whisk in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the milk, and then the remaining dry ingredients. The batter should be the consistency of thin pancake batter.
  6. Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the batter into the same skillet used to brown the butter. Scatter a handful of blueberries on top, then evenly disperse the cream cheese pieces throughout the cobbler. Top with the remaining blueberries.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

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Red Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic summer staple, and this creamy red potato salad recipe will surely be a hit at your next picnic or barbecue. This dish is delicious with a perfect blend of tender red potatoes, crunchy celery, tangy pickles, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Let’s dive into the recipe!

You’ll need:

  • 2 pounds small red potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (Dijon or whole grain mustard can be substituted)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1 to 2 medium dill pickles, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper

To make:

  1. Cook the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with 1 ½ inches of water. Season with salt (use one teaspoon for every quart of water). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Prepare an Ice Bath: Meanwhile, set up an ice bath by adding cold water to a medium bowl filled with ice. Drain the potatoes and place them into the ice bath to cool.
  3. Chop the Potatoes: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, chop them into bite-size chunks and add them to a large bowl. Scatter the vinegar over the potatoes and lightly season with salt.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise mixture, celery, pickles, parsley, dill, and chives to the potatoes. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes too much.
  6. Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

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Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

There’s something magical about strawberry shortcake. The combination of fluffy biscuits, sweet and juicy strawberries, and rich whipped cream is irresistible. This recipe for strawberry shortcake biscuits is the perfect way to enjoy fresh summer strawberries.

You’ll need:

Biscuits

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, straight from the fridge
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, cold and shaken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

Strawberries

  • 1 pound strawberries, stems removed (hulled), quartered, and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

To make:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
  3. Grate Butter: Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture using a box grater. Transfer the bowl to the freezer for 5-7 minutes while you prepare the wet ingredients.
  4. Prepare Wet Ingredients: Measure out the buttermilk and add the egg; whisk until combined. In a small bowl, make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water. Transfer both to the refrigerator.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Remove the bowl from the freezer. Using your hands, gently break up the butter and combine it with the flour until the mixture resembles small peas. Add the buttermilk mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Mix until barely combined, then lightly knead the dough until it forms one solid mass.
  6. Shape the Dough: Sprinkle your kitchen counter with flour and dump the dough onto it. Press the dough into a 3/4-inch thickness.
  7. Cut Biscuits: Use a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits, yielding about 6 biscuits. You can recombine the scraps to get 2 more biscuits. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Chill the Biscuits: If you’ve been moving slowly, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 5 minutes to get the bits of butter nice and cold again.
  9. Bake: After chilling, brush the tops of the biscuits with the egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until tall and medium golden brown.
  10. Macerate the Strawberries: In a small bowl, mix together the strawberries, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow to stand and macerate for 10 minutes.
  11. Whip the Cream: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Pour in the heavy cream and beat using a hand-held electric mixer or a stand mixer for about 1 to 2 minutes, until soft and pillowy.

Slice the biscuits in half. Add a spoonful of strawberries and top with a big dollop of whipped cream. Serve and enjoy!

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Grilled Bell Peppers

Grilled bell peppers are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes can be the most delicious. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for summer, bringing out the natural sweetness of the peppers and adding a delightful charred flavor. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

You’ll need:

  • 4 large sweet bell peppers: Red, orange, and yellow are best for their sweetness, while green peppers are less sweet.
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt & black pepper

To make:

  1. Heat your grill over medium-high heat for about 5-10 minutes until hot.
  2. Slice the bell peppers in half and remove the stems, seeds, and pith with a sharp knife.
  3. Using a basting or pastry brush, coat both sides of the pepper halves with olive oil.
  4. Place the bell peppers cut side down onto the preheated grill. Cook undisturbed with the lid closed for 4-5 minutes.
  5. Flip the peppers to the other side and grill with the lid closed for an additional 4-5 minutes until the peppers are cooked al dente with a nice char.
  6. Transfer the peppers from the grill to a foil-lined pan (optional) or plate. Season both sides with sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Drizzle with a little aged balsamic or chimichurri for extra flavor. Enjoy!

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Cooking Dandelion Greens

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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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus is delicious on its own, but when you add bacon, you have an irresistible culinary combination! Try this delicious recipe paired with baked potatoes or shrimp skewers.

You’ll need:

  • 20 thick asparagus spears (washed & trimmed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • seasoning to taste (go easy on the salt)
  • 10 bacon slices

To make:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C).
  • Prepare a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus

  • Wash and trim the asparagus spears.
  • Brush with a bit of olive oil.
  • Season with black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt (remember, the bacon is already salty!).

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

  • Cut the bacon strips in half length-wise.
  • Wrap each asparagus spear tightly with a bacon strip.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

  • Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared sheet pan.
  • Cook in the middle rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes or until:
    • The bacon is crispy.
    • The asparagus is tender.
  • If you like extra crispy bacon, turn the broiler on for the last few minutes of cooking.

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Delicious Tuna Salad

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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Beets and Goat Cheese Salad

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.

Zuppa Toscana

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!