August 09, 2022

Summer Send-Off

This week marks the final week of our Summer CSA, one that has been pure joy for us. Every season brings its own unique set of challenges and victories and this one has been no different. We’ve been blessed with ample but well-timed rain which has been a boon to both crop production and harvest.

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What some of you may not know is that just as we are putting together these shares each week, we are also putting up preserves and jams, pickles and soups, Bloody Mary mixes (we have a new variety debuting this fall!) and infused vinegars. We delight in celebrating the here-and-now aspect of our weekly boxes while keeping a farmer’s eye toward the future, preserving these crops at their peak, to be savored when the weather turns cool. All of it feels like a well-choreographed dance that we so enjoy.

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This week’s basket has all the summer highlights we love: heirloom tomatoes from Farmer Hab in Mentone as well as okra, figs and peppers from our own Harpersville, AL farm. We’re thinking about this savory, plant-based recipe for the okra – if you try it, let us know what you think!

Our hens have been especially productive as of late so we’re including the prettiest eggs ever in the box. We like the idea of breakfast-for-dinner so be sure to saute the onions, peppers and potatoes before folding into scrambled eggs or an omelet. Top with hefty knobs of our signature goat cheese and all you will hear at the table is lots of “mmmmmms.”

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For dessert, add a little heat to this week’s fresh figs (as in this recipe) to make a savory-sweet jammy mess that is delicious ladled over ice cream or a slice of fresh poundcake. Should you have any leftovers, freeze in an airtight container. This concoction would be fantastic over a roast pork loin with carrots and potatoes, and a scattering of more fresh rosemary this fall.

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One unexpected surprise this week are fresh avocados from south Florida. Many of our longtime CSA members will remember Michael Celozzi who is one of our favorite SHF friends and supporters. Visiting his father this past week, Michael noticed that the tree in his dad’s backyard was laden with almost-ripe avocados. He gathered up all he could and brought them back to Alabama, to share with our members. Aren’t we so lucky?!

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Thank you again for being such an important part of the work we do at Stone Hollow Farmstead. As a special thank you, we’ve included a bouquet of our farm flowers in today’s box. We have loved seeing your faces at pick up each week and hope to see you again in the spring. In the mean time, be sure to keep us in mind for all of your corporate gifting and holiday needs – we are hard at work on getting ready to wow you!