Showing posts with label Charlestown Land Trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlestown Land Trust. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Did somebody say "earthquake"?

If you were in Charlestown, RI this afternoon around 2pm, you might have felt the earth move. For those of us that did not feel the rush of the earthquake, we might want to try this recipe: Poblanos Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Shrimp borrowed from www.thedailygreen.com. It's sure to make your earth quake. (Too cheesy?) You can substitute shrimp for chicken or some local seafood like lobster meat or cod.



    INGREDIENTS:
    Roasted poblanos and red peppers:
  • 8 poblano chiles
  • 2 large red bell peppers
  • Stuffed Poblanos:
  • 4 ounces mild goat cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup grated Panela cheese or Monterey Jack
  • 1/2 pound cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped
  • 1 shallot, very finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more if needed
  • Red Bell Pepper Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 Serrano chile, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth, plus more if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


PREPARATION

1. Roast and peel the poblano chiles and red peppers: Over an open gas flame (on the stovetop or outdoor grill), roast the chiles and peppers, turning with tongs for even roasting, about 5 minutes each (you can roast two or three at a time on each gas burner). The chiles and peppers are done when they are soft, blackened and blistered over most of their surfaces (it is not necessary to get every nook and cranny, and for the chiles which must remain intact for stuffing, it’s important not to over-roast them).


2. Place the hot chiles and peppers into two separate large bowls. Cover the bowls with plates or with plastic wrap; set aside for about 15 minutes. Using a paring knife, gently rub the skin off of the flesh of each chile and pepper. Wipe the surface of the flesh with paper towels to remove most of the excess skin and charred bits; discard the skin and set the chiles and peppers aside. (Never run roasted chiles or peppers under water to remove the skins; doing so removes flavorful natural oils.)


3. Make the stuffed poblanos: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 9- by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully slit each chile down one side and remove the seeds, leaving the stems attached. In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, Panela cheese, shrimp, shallot, chopped red pepper, cilantro, basil, salt and pepper; stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Divide the cheese mixture into eight equal portions. Place one portion into each chile, being careful not to overfill. Close each chile, overlapping the edges slightly. (These can be made a day ahead, covered and refrigerated). Transfer the stuffed poblanos to the baking sheet. Bake until just warmed through, about 10 minutes.


4. Make the sauce: Cut open the roasted red bell peppers; remove and discard the stems and seeds. In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic and Serrano chile and cook, stirring occasionally until the shallots are tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the roasted red peppers, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add more broth as needed to reach the desired consistency (it should not be too runny). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. (The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated). Return the sauce to the skillet to warm slightly.


5. To assemble: Place one or two stuffed poblanos onto each plate. Spoon sauce on and around the poblanos.


Stay tuned for more recipes and updates. You can find great peppers from Burnside Acres this week at the market.


-Your Charlestown Land Trust


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Tomatoes are here!

With all this crazy rain and weather, I've been cooking some delicious foods. I've been in the mood for tomatoes because all the great varieties that One Love Farm and Burnside Acres have this summer. Try this recipe with some tomatoes and bread. You'll be in for a treat!

PANZANELLA: TOMATO AND BREAD SALAD

1/2 small baguette (about 12 inches long)
1 large garlic clove, mashed
Olive oil for brushing
6 medium to large tomatoes, cut into large chunks
1/2 medium onion chopped
3 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh basil
4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Preheat oven to 300ºF.
Split the baguette lengthwise. Rub the cut side of one half very well with the mashed garlic. Brush liberally with olive oil. Cut the baguette half in half again lengthwise, and then cut these strips into 3/4 inch pieces. Place the croutons on a baking sheet, crust side down. Bake 30 minutes, until dark golden.
If croutons are made in advance, put the tomatoes in a large mixing bowl a bit before you intend to mix the salad, then drain off and discard any juice that may accumulate. To serve, add the croutons, onion, and basil to the tomatoes. Whisk the vinegar and oil for the vinaigrette. Pour over all and toss.

In the mood for more tomato recipes? I've found some great recipes on farm websites in the local area.


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Silen Auctions & Baked Goods

As you know, the Charlestown Land Trust is gearing up for the annual benefit auction on August 20th. This auction is the Charlestown Land Trust's main source of revenue for protecting open space, doing environmental outreach in the community, and hosting the Charlestown Farmers' Market among other great things the Land Trust does. To get everyone as excited for the auction as our auction committee, we're helping with a series of mini silent auctions at the market. These silent auctions tend to be centered on the farmers' market. You'll have the opportunity to bid on one item each week. Past items have included a great set of Poblano Farms Salsas, a watercolor print of the Charlestown Farmers' Market by Frances Topping, and a picnic for two at Mill Pond.


Stop by our booth at the market and find out what the auction item of the day includes. We're located right next to Isis's baked goods. So when you're munching on your savory rosemary cake, take a look at the Charlestown Land Trust booth and support the organization and open space!


-Your Charlestown Land Trust

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Lunchtime & Sunshine

The farmers' market season is now in full effect. We opened the Tuesday farmers' market on Falcone Field last week. We had smiling faces ready to eat dinner. 


Join us today for the Tuesday market from 4-7pm. You'll find your favorite vendors from the Friday morning market.


With lunchtime right around the corner and the warmth outside, a crisp, clean soup sounds delicious. Stop by the market and pick up a few cucumbers for this quick recipe.

COLD CUCUMBER SOUP

5-6 cucumbers (peel if desired)
2 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbs. chopped dill
1 tsp minced mint
2-3 cloves garlic
1 Tbs vinegar
1 tsp salt
black pepper to taste
Place all ingredients except one cucumber into the blender and process until smooth. Chop the remaining cucumber and add it to the soup. Chill until ready to serve.


Friday, June 17, 2011

Opening Day

The Charlestown Farmers' Market started its fourth season at the Cross Mills' Public Library this morning at 9am. Dressed in full rain gear, we had a good amount of market patrons visit and enjoy great local produce, seafood, meats, sorbets, coffee, and pastries. The pitter-patter of rain drops on the tents, along with the great music, made for a pleasant morning. 
(Our rainy opening day: filled with music, laughter, and great local foods!)


The moment the cinnamon buns and scones arrived, everyone lined up at Isis's booth for breakfast and Mike's coffee from Mills' Creek. With fathers' day around the corner, many people were picking up fresh oysters and littlenecks from Ninigret Oyster and grilling meats from Browning Homestead. One market patron even got "drive-up delivery" from Burnside Acres for plants! The great surprise today was the newest addition of gelato and sorbet from One Love Farms. Some delicious flavors include: Banana Caramel (tastes just like Bananas Foster) to Chocolate Hazelnut to Mixed Berry. We're so happy that the summer farmers' market season has arrived!!


Next week we will have our full line-up of vendors including fresh honey from South County Honey and meats from Stoney Hill to name a few. We hope to see you at the market on Friday!


-Your Charlestown Land Trust

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

So much going on in Charlestown for the Farmers' Market

This week has been quite the adventure. We have prepared the newsletter (pick one up at the market!), met with farmers, sent emails, gotten training to accept WIC, and made signs, lots and lots of signs. I'd like to think that each week brings new challenges and opportunities for the Charlestown Land Trust as we prepare the Charlestown Farmers' Market from location changes to security detail costs.


In the past two weeks, I've had over 5 different people ask me: Why is the Charlestown Land Trust involved in a farmers' market? and Why is the Charlestown Land Trust organizing a farmers' market?


Two very important questions that I'm sure we've all asked ourselves. The answer involves the Charlestown Land Trust's mission. The Charlestown Land Trust is interested in protecting open space for the benefit of all. Farmers actively use and protect open space through growing crops and raising animals. It seems very fitting for both the Charlestown Land Trust and the local farmers to work together towards "protecting open space for the benefit of all". The Charlestown Land Trust organizes the Charlestown Farmers' Market to promote the local farmers and what they do with open space. In supporting the Charlestown Land Trust, you also support the local farmers through the Charlestown Farmers' Market. 


When you're at the farmers' market at the Cross Mills' Public Library, visit us at our booth and learn more about what the Charlestown Land Trust does in your community. If you're interested in helping with the farmers' market, let us know! 


-Your Charlestown Land Trust

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

April's Quick Farmers' Market Update

We've been hard at work planning weekly and monthly events, demonstrations, and activities for the farmers' market. We got great ideas from all the farmers and market patrons, like yourself. Get excited, we definitely are!!

If you've got any ideas of things you'd like to see (or taste... yum!), let us know at the Charlestown Land Trust. We love to see you at the market at the Cross Mills' Public Library on Friday mornings.

To get a little taste for upcoming events at the farmers' market this summer (yes, the pun was fully intended):
- Charlestown Farmers' Market Recipe Contest
- and much, much more!!

Dates will be posted online and at the market once we have a full calendar.

We can't wait to see you at the market this summer!!!

( Charlestown Farmers' Market at the Cross Mills' Public Library)

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

March Market Update & EcoRI Article

As March comes to a close, we are getting to April showers… and farmers’ markets!
Here in Charlestown, RI, we’re working hard, getting your summer farmers’ market at Cross Mills’ Public Library ready for the season. The market is about 10 weeks away. It’s time to start organizing all those delicious local recipes you want to try out in the summer!
We’re planning everything from food demonstrations with local chefs to exciting energy outreach from the URI Energy Fellows and composting demonstrations for the market. We might even have a seed day, to start your mini farmers’ market plant to remember the excitement of the summer year round!  If there’s anything you’re looking forward to or would love us to have, let us know!
Speaking about seeds and farmer’s markets… did you catch this week’s article on EcoRI about organic farming in Rhode Island? Check it out: Organic Farming Growing Fast Locally: http://www.ecori.org/front-page-journal/2011/3/24/organic-farming-growing-fast-locally.html
Happy Reading!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Mark Your Calendars!

We're counting down the days to see you at the Charlestown Summer Farmers' Market!!! 


We are fifteen (15) weeks away from the first Friday market of the season in Charlestown, RI. 


I know I'm excited! Are you?


-Your Charlestown Land Trust