Book Review

One of our good farmer friends lent us a wonderful book, Blithe Tomato by Mike Madison.  It is a compilation of short essays about farming and farmers' markets.  Of course, we have loved reading it!  I was researching the author and found that his sister, Deborah Madison, has written several cookbooks.  One of them is the above.  I checked it out from the library and am loving it!  The pictures are vibrant.  'Leafing' through it makes me want to go to a farmers market and buy vegetables that I have never bought before.  I am fascinated by this book and I'm only beginning to 'digest' it (no puns intended).

One interesting fact that Deborah mentions is about how far the average supermarket produce travels -- about 1500 miles!  We are so thankful for the opportunity to grow produce for our community and tip our hats to the other farmers who are doing the same!

FRAM -- in Jacksonville

The Farmer's Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville is on its second week, now every Saturday through the end of February.  The winter hours are 10 am - 1 pm.  Come say "Hi" to Fred Sr.

Cruz'n Cab

One of our good customers, Tina, has begun working for Cruz'n Cab on the Island.  It is a transport company, willing to drive you anywhere -- even to the Market!

We told her that we would post her information on our blog.

Cruz'n Cab

904.310.5867

Ask for Tina

From the Bacon's

Storing Kale & Arugula

One of the challenges of produce is keeping it fresh.  The crisper drawers in a refrigerator are essential for this.  However, if you are like us, we need about two or three more of those drawers!  Recently, I did some experimenting.  When I got home from Market, I tore off our kale and put it in a one gallon Ziploc bag.  I left it on the shelf in the refrigerator and ... bingo ... no wilting!  On the arugula, I cut off the roots and did the same.  Mine lasted about two weeks (before we ate it all -- granted, it was about a pound of arugula!)  Maybe this will help some of you or perhaps you eat it too fast to matter!

(Sorry the picture isn't the best quality.  Guess I'd better stick to farming!)

No RAM

The Riverside Arts Market will be closed for two Saturdays.  "FRAM" -- The Farmer's RAM -- will reopen January 5th.  For our Jacksonville customers, Fred & Sharon will be attending the Mid-week Farmer's Market in Atlantic Beach on Wednesdays (beginning tomorrow the 19th) from 3pm - 6pm.  Hope to see you there!

http://www.facebook.com/midweekmarket

Another Kale Salad...

Okay, so I love to follow www.iowagirleats.com  It's a food blog.  When I make a new recipe, Freddie now oftens says, "Is this Iowa Girl's?"  And we laugh.  Here's a terrific winner!

Luann's Kale Salad

http://iowagirleats.com/2012/09/05/luanns-kale-salad/



I didn't do much measuring with mine, except for the dressing.  I'll give you the ingredients and if you want specifics, please visit Kristin's blog (well, visit it anyway, you'll love it!)

Kale (I used all but 5 stalks of our bunches)

1 Apple, cut

Dried cherries

Walnuts (she suggests salted peanuts)

Red Onion

Dressing:

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar

1/2 Teaspoon Sugar

Pepper

Clean & tear up the kale.  Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the kale and massage it for about two minutes.  This breaks down the kale a bit.  Stir in ingredients & toss with the dressing.

Oh, so good!!  Enjoy!