Week 11: Content Appropriate for Mature Audiences Only

Rain = Slugs. An equation that rang familiar on the farm this Spring, but one that had been forgotten until this week. Here they are, feasting in the compost pile. Now if they'd only stay there. I've stomped them with my boot, cut them with a harvest knife, drowned them in soapy salty water, fed them to the chickens, tossed them over the fence, you name the method, it has been employed. Today brought two new additions to the list of strategies for eliminating this slimy pest. Stu ran one over with his bike, I scuffle-hoed a behemoth slug in half spilling its green insides onto the soil. What I imagine is a parental instinct swells inside of me for our vegetables (sometimes young and vulnerable, sometimes established and proud) when I discover one of their iridescent trails leading me to its hiding place on the underside of a plant or heading towards a newly planted bed.  I'm no monster, just protecting what I've witnessed growing since it was a wee little seed.

So now that your appetite is soaring, the shares this week will include:

• Carrots
• Summer Squash/Zucchini
• Kale
• Chard
• Beets
• Salad Greens
• Scallions
• Fava Beans
• Green Cabbage
• Basil

 Happy eating everyone!
And be sure to send me any inspiring recipes you'd like to share with the other members hanniw@northwestyouthcorps.org

 

Kids and Counselor Stu Building Pole Bean Runners

Hayhead

A Simple Green Cabbage Slaw

• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil plus additional for brushing
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 bunch of carrots, grated
• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 1 3/4 pounds), quartered through core
• 1 bunch green onions (about 6), trimmed

Whisk vinegar, sugar, 1/2 cup oil, and mustard in medium bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper.Chop green onions and cabbages; place in large bowl, discarding cores. Add dressing and grated carrots; toss to coat. Season slaw to taste with salt and pepper.

adapted from bonappetit.com