Celeriac

For those of you who were as clueless as I was about this funky vegetable - Celeriac is the root of the celery plant. It tastes like celery, but is the consistency of squash. To use it - you peel it and cut into chunks. It is terrific added to soups, stir-fries and stews.

Here is the stew I made with it this past week! ENJOY!

Saute diced onion, chopped celery and onion in a little olive oil. Amounts don't matter a lot, but I used about 1 cup each in 2-3 tbsp. Olive Oil. You want to cook them until the onion becomes transparent.

Add:
1 cut up and peeled Celeriac
1 cut up and peeled winter squash
2 sliced zucchini
1 cup diced canned tomatoes
1 quart chicken stock (you could certainly use a vege stock)
salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook about 30 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp. commercial curry powder (I used McCormick's - which is a sweet curry, as opposed to a hot curry).

The soup thickened as the veges cooked (without adding potatoes) and was really dense and rich.

Saturday 12/27 Update and Changes

Saturday POD members - I just heard from Janit - and there is a slight change to the produce we will be getting on Saturday. SO...here is what she is sending.

This week, we expect NY Ecologically grown Empire apples and Devoe pears, organic NY yellow onions, PA celeriac (so delicious in soups, salads, mashed potatoes or as crudite or celeri rave,) Florida cherry tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, collard greens, romaine lettuce hearts, sweet potatoes and Satsuma tangerines, Mexican zucchini and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: Fuji apples, a mango, Daisy tangerines and a pineapple.

PICK UP TIME MAY BE LATER THAN USUAL...the driver is having trouble with his truck. If he is not able to repair by Sat. due to holiday week, he may be driving the Purple Dragon truck - which is already scheduled for a set of deliveries - this means he may be much later than usual. As soon as I have a confirmation about his expected time, I will post to this BLOG. If you do not check the blog, you may want to call on Saturday before you head this way - my phone number is 908 803 1157 (Cell phone).

THANKS! and Happy Hanu-Christma-Kwanza-kuh!!!

Tuesday 12/23 Update Note

Just a quick note to let you know that the tangerines - which were the expensive luxury item in this weeks delivery - were in terrible shape when we opened the box. We were able to salvage enough for each family to get just one ( you were supposed to receive several). I have spoken to Janit about this issue, and she will send something as a make up in the order 2 weeks from now (this will be in addition to you usual order).

I hope you all enjoy the mini popcorn that she sent. In case your instructions are not readable - you scrape the kernels off the ear into a bowl, then pop it in your microwave in either a pop corn popper or a paper bag that is taped shut.

Happy Hannu-Christma-Kwanza-Kuh!!!
Paula

What's Coming on Saturday 12/27/08

Here is what Janit is planning to purchase and send in Saturday's order.

We expect NY Ecologically grown Empire apples and Devoe pears, organic NY leeks, PA parsnips, Florida cherry tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, celery, collard greens, lemons, romaine lettuce hearts, sweet potatoes, and Satsuma tangerines, Mexican zucchini and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Fuji apples, a mango, Daisy tangerines and a pineapple.

REMEMBER ON SATURDAY:
1. Drop off bags from last delivery
2. Drop off check for next delivery
3. Pick up food.

What's Coming on Tuesday, 12/23 Delivery (Normally Wednesday)

Please pick up your order as early in the day as you can. Will be ready for you by 11am.

Also - please be aware that you have 2 sets of bags - so you do not need to drop off bags in between pick ups.

When you arrive on Tuesday - (1) DROP OFF CHECK FOR NEXT DELIVERY, (2) DROP OFF BAGS FROM LAST DELIVERY, (3) TAKE YOUR ORDER WITH YOU.

This week, we expect NY Ecologically grown Empire apples and Devoe pears, organic NY leeks, PA parsnips, Florida cherry tomatoes, California broccoli, carrots, celery, collard greens, lemons, romaine lettuce hearts, sweet potatoes, and Satsuma tangerines, Mexican zucchini and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: Fuji apples, a mango, Daisy tangerines and a pineapple

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY.
Check out our Holiday Newsblog at http://rfamholiday.blogspot.com

WEATHER ALERT

It is not going to go about 32 degrees here tomorrow. PLEASE pick up your items as early as possible so that they do not freeze. We should have them ready for pick up by 9 am.
ENJOY!

Saturday - December 13 What to Expect

SO....Saturday folks - here is what you will probably get in your Purple Dragon Co-Op Bags...

We expect NY Ecologically grown #2 apples and organic yellow onions and Yukon Gold potatoes, PA colored carrots, Florida green peppers and grape tomatoes, kale, California broccoli, romaine lettuce hearts and Valencia oranges, Mexican Hass avocado and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, Kavakava oranges, a pineapple and Bosc pears.

Wednesday 12/10 What's Coming....

I just heard from Janit London, and this is what we expect to be in the Saturday order. Please note that things can change at the last minute, so we expect these things but we cannot guarantee them.

We expect NY Ecologically grown #2 apples and organic yellow onions and Yukon Gold potatoes, PA colored carrots, Florida green peppers and grape tomatoes, kale, California broccoli, romaine lettuce hearts and Valencia oranges, Mexican Hass avocado and Peruvian bananas.

Fruit shares: I am planning to get Braeburn apples, Kavakava oranges, a pineapple and Bosc pears.

Protect fruits & veggies in frigid weather! Leave an ice chest or insulated container (with your coordinator's permission and your name on it if you will pick up late.)

Are you planning to make your own gift baskets? If we know by Monday (12/8) Janit@verizon.net , we can get you the following items for next delivery:

Cheeses - chevre, spreadable soft goat milk cheese, $60 for 12 x 5-oz. logs.
Plain, French herb, garlic herb, honey, pecan and date, horseradish and cheddar, onions and chives, roasted garlic, sundried tomato and basil, or vegetable. Or we can get a variety pack (we don't get to choose what comes in it.) There are 6 x 10-oz. logs for $60. Chevre needs refrigeration.

Local organic raw milk cheeses, $60 for 12 x 8-oz. individually wrapped pieces, available in:Variety pack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, baby Swiss, cheddar--plain, garlic and chives, smoked OR sharp, colby, farmers cheese, havarti, herbal jack, pepperjack, PA Noble cave aged cheddar, $90 for 12 x 8 oz. piecesCrackers, $50/12 packages

Water crackers, 12 x 5.3 oz. in EITHER cracked pepper or garlic & herbItalian crackers, 12 4.4 oz. in EITHER rosemary or chive or tomato and oreganoRice crackers, 12 3.7 oz. in black sesame seed or plain or tamari

Freshly roasted organic coffee from small growers--any type, whole bean or ground, 5 lbs., $50. Espresso, Italian, French or American roast, flavored or not.Water processed decaf is $55 for 5 lbs.Coffee bags that hold 1 pound, 12/$3.00.

NJ Honey 1.5 lb. jar of each: blueberry, cranberry, butterbean, clover and wildflower, $27.

Chocolates: Sunspire chocolate bars, 24 x 1.75 oz., $50. Comes in EITHER coconut, toffee or coconut almondChocolate mini-bars, 12 x 1.3 oz., $15/case. Comes in EITHER milk chocolate, raspberry, orange or cherry-almond

Newman chocolate cups, 24 x 1.2 oz., $50. Comes in EITHER caramel, peppermint or peanut butter.

Blue Earth Local Natural products: made of organic and sustainably grown ingredients from regional farms:
Organic NJ blueberry butter, berries and organic grape juice only; not too sweet! 8 oz. $8.; 6/$45; 12/$84.
Organic heirloom tomato garlic ketchup, 18 oz., $10. 6/$45; 12/$96.
Organic heirloom tomato sauce, 16 oz., $12. 6/$65; 12/$120.
Organic sunset salsa, 16 oz., $6. or 2/$10.

MAPLE FRUIT CRISP

This has been a family favorite, and therefore a requirement at every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for quite a few years. The basic recipe came to me from Jeanne Lemlin's Quick Vegetarian Pleasures Cookbook. You can serve this as a side dish, or hot from the oven with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl combine the following:

• 5 medium apples (any type but delicious or Paula Reds) peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 firm ripe pears (anjou, comice, or barlett) peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 2/3 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 4 tbsp. golden raisings
• 3 tbsp pur maple syrup
• 1 tbsp unbleached flour.

Pour into an 8x8 inch pan and smooth the top.

In a separate bowl combine:

• 1/4 cup unbleached flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 4 tbsp finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup.

with your ifngertips rub in the butter bits until coarse crumbs form. sprinkle the mixture on top of the fruit, breaking up any large chunks.

Bake 40-50 minutes until filling is bubbly and apples are tender.

Serve warm or room temperature.

SATURDAY PICK UP DATES & Co-Op Rules

Mark your calendars NOW for the remainder of 2008 and all of 2009!!!

December 13 & 27

January 10 & 24
February 7; office closed week of Feb 15-21, so skipping until Feb. 28
March 14 & 28
April 11 & 25
May 9 & 23
June 6 & 20
July 4* & 18 (*Yes, we know but we thought some folks might be around.)
August 1 & 15; office closed week of Aug. 23-29, so skipping until
September 5 & 19
October 3. 17 & 31
November 14 & 28

December 12 & 26

FROM PURPLE DRAGON Co-Op

MEMBER RULES:

1. All shares must be prepaid. Leave check for next order when picking up current order.
2. Pick up food promptly to avoid spoilage. Or leave a cooler with your coordinator if you are going to be late. Pick up sites are people's homes so there is no refrigeration available.
3. Have someone else pick up your food if you'll be away that day. Give your coordinator the name and phone number of your subs and let them know you'll be away.
4. Have someone else buy your share if you're away on vacation. Or you may donate your prepaid share to a food bank, a person or your group.
5. Give your coordinator two weeks notice if you are dropping out. You are welcome to rejoin or sub if you drop out.
6. Pay all bounce charges if your check does not clear. Three other checks can bounce if yours does.
7. Help divide the food twice a year (whole share) or once a year (half share) or pay $30 to have the staff do it.
8. Support the coordinator as much as possible by respecting her time, effort and home.

WEDNESDAY PICK UP DATES & Co-Op Rules

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! Here are the Wednesday Purple Dragon Dates for Dec 2008 and all of 2009.

Dec 10 (Wednesday) & 23 (Tuesday)
January 7 & 21
February 4; office closed week of Feb. 15-21, so skipping until Feb. 25
March 11 & 25
April 8 & 22
May 6 & 20
June 3 & 17
July 1, 15 & 29
August 12; office closed week of Aug. 23-29, so skipping until
September 2, 16 & 30
October 14 & 28
November 11 & 24 (Tuesday before Thanksgiving)
December 9 & 23

From Purple Dragon Co-Op -
Purple Dragon Co-Op Member Responsibilities:

1. All shares must be prepaid. Leave a check for the next order when picking up current order.
2. Pick up food promptly to avoid spoilage, or ask your coordinator if you can leave a cooler if you are going to be late. Pick up sites are at people's homes so there is no refrigeration available.
3. Have someone else pick up your food if you'll be away that day. Give your coordinator the name and phone number of your subs and let them know you'll be away.
4. Have someone else buy your share if you're away on vacation (or you may donate your prepaid share to a food bank, a person or your group).
5. Give your coordinator two weeks notice if you are dropping out. You are always welcome to rejoin or become a sub if you drop.
6. Pay all bounced charges if your check does not clear - three other checks will bounce if yours does.
7. Help divide food twice a year (full share) or once a year (half share) or pay $30 to have it divided by the staff. The sign up sheet is available on Wednesday when you pick up.
8. Support the coordinator as much as possible by respecting her time, effort and home.