Now that the leaves are fully out on the trees, and we’re coming right up on Memorial Day, I think we can safely say spring is well advanced, and it’s about to be, or feel like, summer. Our farmers at Beaverland Farms in Detroit, MI tell us that the warmer weather is […]
Blog
CSA 2023 week 4: greens & turnips
The weather has been warm enough to make all the farm’s plants have a growth spurt. Our farmers at Beaverland Farms in Detroit, MI tell us they have put away the row covers, and we can expect more and more produce each week. The box of CSA 2023 week 4 […]
Tuscan Soup for 2
When your warm spring day turns chilly, as mine did today, consider making this small-batch Tuscan soup for 2. It’s similar to the Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana. You can have it on the table in less time than it would take you to drive to a restaurant. This is a […]
CSA 2023 week 3: asparagus and mushrooms
It’s definitely spring now: the magnolia trees have dropped their blossoms and the lilacs are blooming. Our farmers at Beaverland Farms in Detroit, MI have packed a wonderful box for us this week. CSA 2023 week 3 brings us more rhubarb (yes!) and asparagus and wine-cap mushrooms too! I have another […]
CSA 2023 week 2: rhubarb
After a solid week of cold rain, we’re beginning to see the sun, and oh, doesn’t the sunshine feel good on my face! I imagine that’s a bit of what the plants experience, as they stretch toward the light and warmth. This week’s box – CSA 2023 week 2 – […]
Rhubarb Crumble
Rhubarb is one of the first local crops to appear at the Farmers Market or in my CSA box. I always get excited when I see it, and I love to make a good rhubarb crumble with the first of the season. It’s the first thing I’ll make, when I […]
CSA 2023 week 1: the new season begins
Springtime in Michigan is an iffy proposition. Two weeks ago we had a preview of summer: for almost a week it was sunny with a high in the mid-80s. That didn’t last, of course, and the weather took a different direction. During this past week, it’s been in the chilly […]
How to choose a CSA
This is the time of year when CSAs fill their customer lists – so if you have been meaning to look into a CSA, it’s time to act now. You’ve heard of CSAs, right? CSA is short for Community Supported Agriculture, and it’s a great way to buy local seasonal food directly […]
Small-batch Carrot & Radish Pickles (Do Chua)
These traditional refrigerator pickles – Do Chua – are a typical condiment that accompanies many classic Vietnamese dishes. You might be most familiar with them on banh mi sandwiches, but you’ll also find them beside rise plates, noodle bowls, and salads. They’re easy to make, and you need not make […]
CSA 2022 week 28: the last box
Well, it’s finally here: CSA 2022 week 28, the very last week of bounty from our farmers at Beaverland Farms. Unsurprisingly, our box contains cool weather produce: potatoes, beets, and an adorable little butternut squash. After this week, we’ll be visiting our local farmers market, where I’m sure we’ll be able to […]
Beet Chocolate Cake
The first time I made this beet chocolate cake, my family was skeptical. However, when it came out of the oven, the first loaf disappeared within 20 minutes (I timed it). You can almost persuade yourself that it’s healthy. This may be the original Red Velvet cake; you can still […]
Smoked Salmon Spread with Dill
Bagels are always a favorite in my house. Fortunately there’s a good bagel source nearby, so we often have them on hand. We also like to keep something we affectionally call “salmon glop” – a smoked salmon spread with dill, spiked with lemon. It turns a plain bagel into a perfect […]