Farm Happenings at Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
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Farm Happenings for September 15, 2022

Posted on September 9th, 2022 by Bob Baker

Hello Members - Happy Friday and Welcome to the Weekend!  Hope back to school went well this week as schedules and routines are being arranged and put in place!  

Part of our packing line featuring those delicious eggplant and beets - shout out to all our volunteers who help us each Wednesday fill your share boxes!!!

Couple of updates concerning the farm and your shares - due to the drought - September 15th and the 22nd will be our last 2 weeks of shares.  September 22  will be the final vegetable share and fruit share.  We have done all that we could to extend the season this long - after the 22nd we will no longer have the quantity and variety we need to fill your shares.

Also, do to the drought, - We regret to inform you that we will not be able to offer "Pick Your Own" at the Farm this year.  All resources were directed to produce vegetables for the shares.  Hopefully, with better weather next year we will be able to return.

Moving on to this week - sorry for the removal of corn from your shares - we will be moving to a different field without worms and corn will be back in your shares this week!  Also, carrots will return this week without tops and we will offer them per pound with 5 - 8 carrots per pound.  Two of your favorite squashes - Spaghetti and Delicata are available too!

Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash


Description

Tender & subtly sweet delicata squash gets lightly coated in savory garlic, herb & parmesan panko breadcrumbs then roasted to crispy, golden brown perfection. It’s an easy-yet-elegant side dish perfect for serving alongside your favorite Fall meals or even as a Thanksgiving side dish. Naturally vegetarian!

Ingredients

  • 2 large delicata squash (roughly 3 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  •  cup panko breadcrumbs
  •  cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
  • kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring an oven rack is positioned in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up. Set aside.
  2. Clean & slice the delicata squash. Trim the ends off the delicata squash, then slice the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape its seeds out the center & discard or set aside for roasting. Slice the squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Season the squash with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt & ground black pepper as desired. Arrange the squash in an even layer across the baking sheet. Set aside.
  3. Prep the parmesan coating: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, chopped fresh herbs, & garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over top & season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt & ground black pepper. Mix to combine – the mixture should be relatively crumbly but wet enough to clump when pressed together. Sprinkle the parmesan coating over the seasoned delicata squash, pressing to adhere.
  4. Roast the delicata squash: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Roast 20-25 minutes, until the squash is tender & the parmesan crust is golden brown.
  5. Serve: Serve the parmesan crusted delicata squash alongside your favorite fall meals, topped with plenty of extra grated parmesan. Enjoy!

Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

INGREDIENTS
FOR SPAGHETTI SQUASH

medium spaghetti squash, halved, seeds removed

1 tbsp. 

extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

1/2 tsp. 

chili powder

1/2 tsp. 

cumin

FOR FILLING
1 tbsp. 

extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 

onion, chopped

cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. 

ground beef

1 tbsp. 

taco seasoning mix

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

(15-oz.) can black beans

1 1/2 c. 

chopped cherry tomatoes

1 c. 

corn, canned and drained or frozen

 1 c. 

shredded Monterey jack

1/2 c. 

shredded cheddar

2 tbsp. 

freshly chopped cilantro (optional)

 

DIRECTIONS
 
  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Drizzle cut sides of spaghetti squash with oil and season with salt, chili powder, and cumin. Place cut side down on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly. Using a fork, break up squash strands.
  2. Meanwhile, make filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat. 
  3. Stir in taco seasoning, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in black beans, cherry tomatoes, and corn. 
  4. Fill each spaghetti squash with beef mixture and top with cheeses. Return to oven to melt cheese, 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
 

If you are missing an item from your share - first - sorry for the packing error and second please send me an email and I will give you a credit on Harvie Balance which will be deducted from your next share cost.

 Thank you for returning your boxes - Please keep them coming!!!

  We are still very much in need of volunteers to help us at the Farm - we experience significantly low numbers of volunteers in the Summer  - if you are considering volunteering at the Farm - you may visit our website www.regionalfoodbank.net  and choose Volutneer at the Farm or contact one of our farmers - Brandon to learn more details about the opportunities available - brandonm@regionalfoodbank.net  Thank you!

Your support of the CSA and Farm is greatly appreciated - as you partner with us to feed those in need - Thank you

 Saturday again looks like the better day - please enjoy your weekend especially your time with family and friends!

Very Best, Bob