It’s Farmers’ Market Season!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by

With the recent arrival of Spring, a person’s fancy turns from roasted roots, hearty grains, long-simmered soups, and braised meat to thoughts of something fresher, something green.  Frankly, I’m eating anything green I can get my hands on.

Lucky for us, Richmond is rich (ahem) in farmer’s markets, most of which start up again for the year right about now.  From the bourbon-barrel-booziness of Hardywood Park, to the West-End-mellow vibe at St. Stephens, to the full-on urban street festival that is South of the James, there’s a market in the RVA near everyone, for everyone.   Here’s a list from the Times Dispatch to help you find a market near you.   It’s not just a weekend thing, either.  Tricycle Gardens, just up the hill from CMS, has a four-season farm stand, open every Thursday.  In addition, Broadfork Farm is doing a CSA dropoff at CMS every Wednesday, with extra produce to sell.

With the local food scene growing bigger and better every day in Richmond, I’m sure I’ve missed some great farm stands and markets.  Feel free to share in the comments.

-VAD

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Broadfork Farm Comes to CMS this Wednesday!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by

This Wednesday is the first pickup for folks who have purchased a CSA from Broadfork Farm to be picked up at CMS.  If you have a share, you can expect some great Spring goodies in this week’s share:

- green garlic (garlic scallions)
- spring onions or scallions
- kale (bunched)
- heads of chinese cabbage
- heads of lettuce
- salad mix
- hearty greens mix
Didn’t spring for a CSA share this year?  No worries, because Broadfork will also be bringing some extra produce to sell.  With any luck the CMS family will clear them out, and encourage them to bring more next week!
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Lunchbox pic #18

Posted on April 18, 2013 by

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A simple idea here. A cream cheese and cucumber sandwich, red pepper slices, strawberries and blueberries with a few pieces of pineapple.  An easy cool lunch for a warm spring day.

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Roasted Carrots

Posted on April 10, 2013 by

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Until a few years ago I thought I didn’t like cooked carrots. I remember my family boiling them or something until they were mushy, they just weren’t appetizing to me.
Fast forward several years on a trip to Italy I was served cooked carrots which had been roasted in olive oil with salt. They were heavenly. Ever since then they have been making appearances on our dinner table.
I usually roast them but in an effort to keep our house cool on these unseasonably warm days I sauteed them instead. Same delicious taste and almost just as easy to prepare.

To Roast:
Thinly slice carrots either lengthwise or crosswise, toss with some olive oil and salt. Then place in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until starting to brown.

To Saute:
Thinly slice carrots either lengthwise or crosswise. Heat skillet over medium heat. (Often I use a little water, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan, add the carrots and cover to steam until the carrots begin to soften). Then add about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and some salt and saute until browned.

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Vegetable and Bean Tostadas

Posted on March 28, 2013 by

A quick simple dinner and an easy lunch idea. I roast extra vegetables then use those to make a quesadilla for lunch the next day.

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8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
2 zucchini, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
2 Tbsp. olive oil , plus more for brushing
1/2 tsp. Salt
8 corn tortillas
1 can refried beans
4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated

Toss vegetables with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and salt. Roast at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes, stir halfway through.
Place tortillas on baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil. Then spread with refried beans and top with cheese. Bake until the beans are warm and cheese is melted, 7 minutes. Top with vegetables and add sour cream, salsa or cilantro if desired.

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Foods of Continent Day

Posted on March 25, 2013 by

Check out the wonderful feast we had on continent day, touring the cultures of Asia.

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Super Smoothie

Posted on March 13, 2013 by

If your kids are anything like mine Spinach is not in their vocabulary. In fact any greens, or leaves as they are lovingly referred to in our house, are not very welcome at the dinner table. So I switched them to breakfast. These smoothies are an excellent source of so many vitamins for the kids and for the adults. These have become a favorite of mine to provide the nutrients I seek for my family.
It’s super easy and open to many different ingredients.

1-2 cups coconut milk (almond or soy would work as well)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup frozen strawberries (raspberries, peaches, etc.)
1 cup frozen blueberries (pineapple, mango, etc.)
1 banana (frozen or fresh)

Place all ingredients in blender and puree. I add a few tablespoons of ground flaxseed as well. And a few ice cubes, they will make it thicker so adjust for your taste. DSC_0040

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