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Carrot Top Pesto

1/11/2023

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Did you know the tops of carrots are edible? I like to think of them as a 2 for 1 veggie, just like other roots! These tops are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. They have a similar taste to parsley and can be used as a substitute. You can add to soups, salads, green smoothies or made into a delicious pesto or dip. (See Carrot Top Pesto Recipe Below)

​To store your veggies, tear the green leaves from the root. If the tops are not removed, they will use the water in the carrot to stay hydrated --- so do not miss this important step! Wash the tops in a salad spinner and then store in a glass or plastic container. Wash the roots, removing any dirt and store in the same or similar container. Place in refrigerator.

If your carrots become limp, it does not mean that they are not fresh, but that they are dehydrated. This can happen quickly in refrigeration. Submerge them in an ice bath for an hour and they'll perk right up.
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​INGREDIENTS
2 cups carrot tops and stems, cleaned, dried & chopped
⅓ cup pine nuts, can substitute with walnuts or other seeds
2-3 garlic cloves
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (Vegan option:nutritional yeast)
⅛ teaspoon quality sea salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS
1 Add carrot leaves and garlic to your food processor 
2 Pulse until finely chopped
4 Drizzle olive oil until the ingredients are well coated in oil but still chunky
5 Add cheese and nuts/seeds
6 Taste to see how much salt needed. May chaange based on how salty your cheese is.
7 Add Salt & Pepper to taste
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Florida RoSelle Hibiscus

10/4/2022

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Your Roselle came from Frog Song Organics in Hawthorne, FL — less than 100 miles from most of our customers’ homes.

We were worried with all the storms that we wouldn’t be able to get this neat treat, but Frog Song was able to get us some beautiful roselle, also known as Florida cranberry, rosella, hibiscus, or sorrel.

We will be receiving the red buds known as the calyces of the plant. These post-bloom pods are used in teas, jams, and other infusions like vinegars but is also used as a food coloring in the US and Europe.

We encourage you to use your Roselle fresh. However, the buds can be stored in the freezer for later use. Just add the whole bud into a freezer safe container that will prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, if using for tea, you can just add to the recipe. There is no need to peel or thaw.

To Brew Roselle Tea:
  1. Add 1-pint of Roselle to 2 quarts of water
  2. Bring to boil
  3. Turn heat off, steep 30 minutes
  4. Strain and sweeten as desired.
Additional Roselle Recipes:
  • Jamaican Sorrel Drink with Rum
  • Roselle Rosemary Chicken
  • Florida Cranberry Sauce
  • Roselle Infused Vinegar
  • Rosella Jam
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Deviled EggS For Easter

4/13/2022

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Breakfast, lunch, or dinner --- the deviled egg is always a favorite at Easter gatherings. Using local Clover Farm eggs and Terrapin Ridge condiments, you can make an egg everyone will remember.

Happy Easter!
Amie
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The Basic Deviled Egg
6 eggs, hard boiled, peeled, chilled and cut in half
¼ cup greek yogurt

Gently remove yolks from the whites and add to a bowl. Whisk together yolks and greek yogurt.

Cobb Style
2T asher blue cheese crumbled
¼ ripe avocado
2 medley tomatoes, sliced in quarters or rings
1 slice of crisp bacon

Whisk blue cheese and avocado into yolk mixture, pipe into eggs and garnish with tomato slice and bacon crumble

Lox Style
2 T Terrapin Ridge beet and horseradish mustard
Lox salmon
Thinly sliced red onion Capers

Beat mustard into yolk mixture, pipe into egg halves. Garnish with salmon, onion and capers.

Southern style
2 T Sweet pickle relish
1T yellow mustard
Paprika

Beat pickle relish and mustard into yolks, pipe into egg halves, sprinkle with paprika

Show us what you’re making and tag us @fppproduce
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Irish Cottage Pie

3/17/2022

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On a day that many are cooking up Corned Beef for dinner, we are breaking the tradition with Irish Cottage Pie. Cottage Pie is really the same recipe as Shepard's Pie, however, it replaces the ground beef with ground lamb (as that's what was more plentiful in Ireland). And for us Floridians, its a perfect dish right now as potatoes and corn are coming into season.
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This is not your childhood cafeteria's Shepard's Pie! It's so delicious with the warm, deep flavors and soft buttery mashed potatoes. Come on, give it a try. Show us what you’re making and tag us @fppproduce!


MASHED POTATO TOPPING
  • 1.5lb Red Potatoes
  • 2 Tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup milk 
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (optional)
TOPPING DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cube potatoes into bite sized pieces. We use fresh red potatoes and do not peel them. However, if you'd like to substitute russets, I'd recommend peeling.
  2. Add potatoes to pot, fill water at least an inch over potatoes. 
  3. Add salt to water and boil on high heat until tender about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Drain potatoes.
  5. Add potatoes to bowl with 1 tbsp butter, and 1/2 of the milk. Mash potatoes. Stir until you get a creamy consistency, adding milk as needed.
  6. Set bowl aside.

FILLING INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion,  chopped
  • 3 carrot, chopped
  • 3/4 cup english peas, shelled
  • 2 ears corn, cut off the cob
  • 1.5 lb ground lamb (beef for Shepard's Pie)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp flour 
  • 1 tsp dried thyme 
  • 2-3 small springs of fresh thyme (not required)
  • 1-2 tbsp parmesan to taste
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
FILLING DIRECTIONS
  1. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Add chopped onions, and chopped carrots, cook 2-3 minutes. 
  2. Add garlic, sweat 1 minute.
  3. Turn heat up to high and add ground meat. Break it apart and stir until browned.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and flour.
  5. Deglaze the pan by adding a splash of your broth (or water) to dissolve what is stuck on the bottom of the pan. Stir it back into the mix.
  6. Add the rest of the broth.
  7. Stir in corn, peas, Worcestershire, thyme, bay leave, salt and pepper.
  8. Bring to a soft simmer to thicken. ** The consistency will be the same here as after baking, so if it is too runny continue to simmer to evaporate more moisture. **
  9. Remove bay leaf and set aside.

  ASSEMBLING YOUR PIE
  1. Preheat to 375 degrees.
  2. Transfer filling into a dutch oven or baking dish with enough room to add topping. Spread evenly with fork, making sure to spread filling to edges and/or corners.
  3. Gently scrape mashed potatoes onto filling and spread evenly with fork over the surface, all the way to the edges.
  4. Top with fresh thyme and parmesan and drizzle with melted butter.
  5. Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling.
  6. Let rest about 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
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Homemade CITRUS Salad Dressings

1/23/2022

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Citrus season is upon on us! So, what better way to celebrate a healthy new year than to dress your meals with a fresh homemade lemon vinaigrette. This dressing uses simple ingredients but is loaded with big, bright flavors. And so versatile, you can use to dress your salads, fish, chicken, roasted veggies, or quinoa.
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Ingredients:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus the zest
1/3 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt to taste (1/4 teaspoon to start)
1/8 teaspoon Black pepper 
1-2 Tablespoons chopped fresh herbs! Chives, Parsley, Thyme and/or Rosemary work well.

Directions:

Whisk together or place in a ball jar and shake well. If using with delicate greens, dress right before serving. However, if you are using with kale, dress about 15-20 minutes before serving to tenderize the hardier greens.

If you'd like to switch this recipe up and make it into a marinade or a dressing for a tabbouleh or quinoa bowls, add in more fresh herbs. 4-5 tablespoons works well to enhance the flavors. 
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Fall Harvest has begun!

10/8/2021

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Days are getting shorter and fall is in the air! Now is a fantastic time to explore a variety of local, seasonal foods as we say goodbye to those hot, rainy summer days.

Did you know that out-of-season produce is often picked early kept in cold storage for weeks or even months, losing valuable nutrients? Buying and preparing locally grown food is one of the simplest, most direct ways to positively impact your body, our community, and our land. In addition, your taste buds will benefit from all that fresh flavor!

Here's a little inspiration based on items you'll find at the farmer's markets and in our boxes over the upcoming weeks - keep scrolling to check it all out! 


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These dainty Fairytale Eggplants from The Family Garden in Gainesville are known for their delicate skin and fresh flavor. Unlike their cousin the Globe Eggplant, this variety does not require salting before cooking to remove bitterness.

Fairytale eggplant are ideal for cooking hard and fast, we recommend roasting until tender and creamy. Due to their small size, it's possible to achieve a nice char without overcooking and becoming soggy. Plus, it all comes together in just a few minutes!
Halve lengthwise, score diagonally, and place cut-side down in a hot cast iron skillet to sear, then transfer to 400F oven to cook through. Or, skip the cast iron and roast on a sheet pan in the oven. Season with salt and pepper, or give your eggplant a boost by rubbing it with a spice blend before cooking. 

While your eggplant is in the oven, toss together a quick cucumber and tomato salad. Swoosh hummus in a bowl, top with roasted eggplant, cucumber-tomato salad, a sprinkling of fresh herbs and call it a night. ​
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Building Cheese & Charcuterie Boards

12/15/2020

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Of all the food trends, I think the charcuterie board is my favorite. It's got everything: meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, jams, crackers, and briny bites all together on one beautifully-presented platter. And, when done well, there's salty, sweet, sour, creamy, crunchy, and all the things in between. For people who like to craft each perfect bite, the charcuterie board is the perfect epicurean experience.

So what should you put on the perfect platter? 
  • cheeses: creamy cheese, salty, crumbly mild, and/or sweet
  • cured meats
  • spreads such as jam, pepper jelly honey, olive tapenade, 
  • fresh fruit
  • assorted crackers & breads
  • olives, pickles, nuts, dried fruit​
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Essentially there are no wrong answers. Arrange it beautifully and use quality ingredients starting with the largest ingredients and moving to the smallest. Make it small for an appetizer or make it huge for a meal.  And, you could even go vegetarian or gluten-free if you want!  Below are some helpful steps to arrange your perfect holiday platter!

Step 1: The Board
Pick out your favorite cutting board or platter. I personally love a round boards, natural shaped boards, or wood trays to give a little extra dimension. 

Step 2: The Cheese
Start by adding the cheeses as far apart as possible leaving room for the other items. Think about texture and using slices, cubes, and crumbles. When adding a triangle of cheese, be sure to leave the tip out to make it easier for guests to serve themselves. And when adding a round cheese, slice a few pieces, and let guests do the rest!

Step 3: The Meat
Add the cured meats. Again, place with texture in mind. Prosciutto can be set like ribbons, and salami can be folded in halves or quarters and then arranged like a deck of cards. Spread out over the board.

Step 4: Filling it in
Add items that require small ramekins like the preserves, olive tapenade and honey. Use the same kind of ramekins, or ones in similar colors so that they don't distract from the overall presentation. Arrange in different areas of the board.

Next, add the fresh fruit. Try strawberries, grapes, apple or pear slices and blueberries. But really it's whatever you like! If adding grapes, cut into clusters so guests can take a whole cluster and not have to fumble with the vine.

Then, tuck in your breads and crackers, pairing them well with the cheese selections. For example, set a
salty rosemary cracker next to a mild cheese like goat cheese. 

And lastly, bring in some extra textural elements with dried fruits, nuts, pickles and figs, when in season and fill in the empty areas of the board

VOILA! You are done and your guests are ready to enjoy!
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Perfect Pantry

10/27/2020

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Raise your hand if you're constantly running to the store to pick up ingredients you need for a recipe. Keep your hand up if you have a pantry full of (expired) ingredients you've used once. I'm looking at you, cardamom and mustard seeds.
 
Now imagine a perfectly stocked pantry. A 25-ingredient pantry where all of the essentials are ready and waiting. A pantry where you have plenty of what you need and it's all organized and pretty in shiny canisters and jars. You're smiling, aren't you? Me too. 
 
We are all about making your life more awesome. And we think that it's awesome to save time and money by having most of the ingredients you need on hand. These are ingredients you're comfortable with, ingredients you love to use, and ingredients you can easily buy in bulk (yay for saving money and reducing packaging).   
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With these ingredients you can make super tasty recipes like the Yummiest Hummus, Very Versatile Baked Rice, The Best Red Sauce, Chewy Bagels, Quick Fluffy Flatbreads, Veggie Chili, and more...just using your pantry plus two or three extra ingredients from your FPP delivery. Now that's awesome. 
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If you're ready to clean out those cabinets and stock your perfect pantry, hurray! Your shopping list is below. Please make any substitutions as your dietary needs/preference dictate and definitely consult with your health care professional if necessary. 
Oils/Vinegars:
  • Olive Oil
  • High Smoke Point Oil (like grapeseed or avocado)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Balsamic Vinegar/Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Vinegar
Grains:
  • Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Pasta
  • Orzo
  • Israeli couscous (larger version)
Legumes:
  • Black Beans
  • Garbanzo Beans
  • Pinto Beans
Flour:
  • Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

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Spices:
  • Salt 
  • Pepper
  • Granulated Garlic
  • Dried Minced Onion
  • Turmeric
  • Cumin
  • Dried Oregano
  • Dried Basil
  • Paprika
Sweeteners:
  • Cane Sugar
  • Agave or Maple Syrup or Honey
Other: 
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes
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Jenna Kranz, Founder and Executive Director of Uncomplicated Kitchen. Jenna believes cooking tasty and nutritious food is for everyone! It's not about fancy tools or expensive appliances. Roll up your sleeves and getting cooking in her Uncomplicated Kitchen!
​
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Homemade Blueberry Lemon Jam

5/26/2020

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Ingredients:

1 Lemon
16oz blueberries
4oz sugar

Tools:
Mandolin (not necessary)
Potato Masher
Process: 
1. Wash and dry lemon and slice thin using a mandolin or a knife. Add to the bottom of the pot and cover with half the sugar. Add medium heat until sugar crystals dissolves, bring to simmer until the lemons are almost translucent.
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2 Let's talk sugar. I start with a 4 to 1, fruit to white sugar ratio. This is a good jumping off point. I, personally, like the that sweet yet tart flavor of the fruit to shine. I've seen jams with as mush as a 1 to 1 ratio but find them way too sweet.

So, once your lemons are ready, add berries and the rest of the sugar to mixture. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and then crush berries with potato masher, stir completely.  Slowly bring to boil over a medium high heat, stirring frequently. Cook for about 15 minutes or so. Be sure not to get it too hot and scorch your jam.

3. Once its done, add to ball jar and let it cool before putting into the refrigerator. You can keep your jam for up to a month. And of course you can can it at this time, but that's a whole 'nother blog!
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Braised Local Cabbage and Potatoes

5/26/2020

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Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 medium head green cabbage, cut into 2 inch pieces
4 each medium potatoes, cut into 1/8ths 
1 each  red onion, sliced 
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6 leaves sage, chiffonade
4 sprigs thyme leaves
2 each clove
1 each meyer lemon, zest
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces 
3 oz chicken stock or water 
To Taste Salt and Black Pepper

Garnish:
Sour cream

Tools:
Dutch oven, frying pan or braising pan with lid
Mandoline (not necessary)
Microplane or fine grater 
Process: 
Prep all ingredients. Add a little vegetable or olive oil to a braising pan, frying pan or a dutch oven on low heat. Add the cabbage and gently heat to wilt with no color. Season with a little salt. Once the cabbage has begun to wilt, about 5 minutes, add in the stock or water and the garlic. Continue to wilt another 3 minutes over medium low heat. Add the butter, herbs, red onions and clove, season with salt and braise another 5 minutes. Add the cut potatoes and check seasonings, add a little more salt if need be. Cover the braise with a lid and gently continue the cooking over a medium low-medium heat about 10 minutes. Check the braised cabbage and give it a stir every now and then. Test the potatoes. If you are where you need to be add the meyer lemon zest and adjust the seasonings, adding salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm with a dollop of sour sour cream on top and some cracked black pepper.
Notes:
The liquid should not reduce much and there should be no color on the cabbage or potatoes. If this is happening or does, add more liquid and reduce the heat. Try not to overcook the potatoes or break them up when stirring the pot. 

Keep an eye out for the cloves, or you’ll get a surprise bite like I did!

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This dish comes to us from Chef Joshua Day of St. Augustine, FL. 
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2019 FRONT PORCH PICKINGS     |     TERMS OF SERVICES
  • Home
  • How It Works
    • ABOUT DELIVERY
    • LOCAL MATTERS
    • OUR FARM BOXES
    • GIFT CERTIFICATES
    • FAQ
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
    • JOIN US
  • Food Life
    • BLOG
    • HOW TO CUSTOMIZE
    • STORAGE TIPS
    • RESOURCES
  • SHOP NOW!