April 2010
8 posts
1 tag
Acid and Alkaline Balance Diet
S pring is here, the weather is warmer and probably the most asked question I get is, “How can I lose weight?” or “Which diet works?” When thinking about losing weight, it’s not always the decreased number on the scale that we are looking for. It is the way it makes us feel: the increased energy, the lithe movements, how our clothes fit and our skin feels. It is not...
1 tag
Pasta with Garlic Greens
from www.thefoodsection.com Serves 3
Ingredients 1 pound fresh pasta, (preferably brown rice pasta) 2 tablespoons butter 4-5 stalks garlic greens, finely sliced Salt (to taste) Black pepper, freshly ground (to taste) Parmigiano reggiano cheese, grated (to taste)
Directions Boil water for the pasta. Melt butter in a sauté pan, being careful not to let it brown, and add the...
1 tag
Know Your Farmer
As a farmer, I need to be a full-time lobbyist for common sense. The USDA and folks in Washington D.C. can create a lot of extra work for us small farmers! One seemingly little law or rule change can seriously impact our lives, farms, and future. Currently, there is one such proposed bill going through the US Senate and also a rule change being considered for beef cattle and grazing with the...
1 tag
Action Alert: National Organic Program's New...
Action Alert:
National Organic Program’s New Organic Standards Exempt Beef Cattle from Pasture
Support New Alternative Three-Tiered Label System
Comments due April 19th, 2010
Should organic ruminants such as a dairy cows and beef cattle — which have evolved to eat grass — be permitted to be kept in feedlots or should they be required by USDA organic regulations to obtain...
1 tag
Action Alert: Rescue Local/Organic Farming in the...
Action Alert:
Rescue Local/Organic Farming in the Food Safety Bill!
Urgent—Call your Senator Today
Next week, as early as Tuesday, April 13, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a sweeping overhaul of federal food safety law – S. 510. The House food safety bill passed last year (HR 2749) included several measures that threaten small-scale organic producers, including a registration fee...
1 tag
Spring!
This time of year is filled with such eagerness and new beginnings. The cold, gray winter is fading fast and we welcome the sunny, cool days of spring. With each coming season new joy and excitement emerges.
For me, spring is marked with the planting of seeds. Our windowsills are lined with little pots studded with seeds of carrots, ground cherries, tomatoes, and spring onions. In our...
1 tag
Produce Spotlight: Asparagus
Photo of the asparagus from http://marvelousgirl.files.wordpress.com
This naturally sweet stalk makes a brief appearance in the Spring. The growing season is about 6-7 weeks in the Spring and early Summer. Once planted it takes three years before you can harvest the first crops. This allows the plant to develop a strong root system. After that point a healthy Asparagus plant should produce...
1 tag
Asparagus & Leek Frittata
adapted from Bon Appetit
Ingredients
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
1 12-ounce bunch thin asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup garlic greens, chopped
8 large eggs
1 cup diced Fontina or cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup...
March 2010
9 posts
1 tag
You Gotta Start Early!
Stephen, the now big brother to our little Joanna Prayse, is my farm helper. (Now, I really think he is helping mom by helping me, but nonetheless, I enjoy spending time with him!) Stephen, like most of my children, and probably like many of your children, loves to work with his daddy.
The other day, when I was doing the initial pruning on the Honeycrisp and Chehalis apple trees, Stephen...
1 tag
Black Bean Tostados
from: www.fresh365online.com/winter
Serves 4
This dish is a favorite. You will enjoy the combination of the beans, fresh avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and cumin. The endive and the lightly-salted tortillas provide a satisfying crunch. And its effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
4 nine-inch tortillas 3/4 t cumin 2 T white wine vinegar 3 T olive oil (or oil from sun-dried...
1 tag
Shhh… Quiet please. The symphony is about to...
We have been tuning our stringed instruments, the brass and woodwinds are warming up, and the percussionists are readying themselves! Now, the lights dim and all is quiet. In moments, the orchestra will erupt into an awe-inspiring symphonic masterpiece.
Don’t you just love a good piece of music? I do. At this moment, I have the William Tell Overture running through my mind. Its signature ...
1 tag
Apple and Rhubarb Crisp
(makes one pie plate worth)
Adapted From: www.dailyunadventuresincooking.com/2010/02/apple-and-rhubarb-crisp-recipe.html
Too often apple pies and crisps can be sickly sweet because of the natural sugar in the apples compounded with a heavy helping of extra sugar. This recipe only uses extra sweetening in the topping. Rhubarb has such a nice tart flavor that it is perfect to make this...
1 tag
Of Springtime, Boys...and Tractors!
I can remember one year, when we had a great February and March, but then April was horrible and May wasn’t much better. That year I didn’t act on the early weather, and was waiting for the normal spring start in April. What a mistake! This year we have tentatively opened up about 3 acres of ground. We haven’t planted anything, but we have cultivated the ground, which facilitates...
1 tag
Grilled Romaine Hearts with Rustic Olive Dressing
from www.seriouseats.com Serves 4
Romaine lettuce is being restyled. The workhorse of the Caesar salad bowl is breaking out of its cliché use and being exploited by chefs for soups, side dishes, wraps and stuffing. The heat adds a whole other dimension to the lettuce, releasing their sweetness with just a hint of smokiness. Stir-fried romaine lettuce, with garlic, is honestly quite ...
1 tag
Swiss Chard & Carmelized Onion Tacos
from www.notwithoutsalt.com (Mexican Everyday, by Rick Bayless)
Ingredients
12 oz. bunch of Swiss chard, thick lower stems removed (10 oz. cleaned spinach can be used instead) 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, lard or bacon drippings 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp. red pepper flakes (add more or less depending on how spicy you like...
1 tag
Soil
I overheard my daughter Maddy (8) correcting her younger sister Maleah (5) last week. Maleah was using the word “dirt” as they were playing with BRIO train tracks, a Lincoln log house and a few little people. Maddy, in the casual course of conversation, responded to the word “dirt” by saying that it is actually “soil.” Maleah agreed and they went on playing.
As their farming father, I was...
1 tag
Pot Roast with Roasted Vegetables
by Ashley Rodriquez
For pot roast 1/2 cup canola oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 5 pounds boneless short ribs, denuded (all surface fat removed; have your butcher do this) 1 cup dry sherry (you may also use red or white wine or even stock) 4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 2 large onions, peeled and roughly chopped 8 stalks celery, peeled and roughly chopped 8 cloves...
February 2010
4 posts
1 tag
What a Great Spring!
We are tentatively firing up the tractors and getting ready for spring. I have called the lime spreader and hopefully he will be ready to lime our fields this week. In farming, timing can be critical and for the Klesick Family Farm, with all of our diversity, we need to lime as early as possible. This year, based on soil samples and crop observations from last year, we will need about a...
1 tag
Stir-fried Burdock and Carrots with Sesame and Soy
Ingredients
2 cups prepared burdock 2 cups prepared carrots 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons dashi (Japanese stock) (optional) 1 tablespoon water, as needed
Directions
1. Prepare the burdock and carrots in the same way, by washing and scraping the outer skin (they don’t have to be peeled). Then cut into ...
1 tag
Cinnamon-Ants-on-Sticks
Ingredients
1 large stalk celery, cut into 3 pieces 3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons raisins
Directions
Place the celery pieces on a clean surface, hollow part facing up, and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon. Spoon peanut butter into the hollow, and arrange raisins on top.
1 tag
How Are Your New Year's Resolutions Coming?
I have been trying to stay on track myself, spend more time with my family, lose a few pounds, get a little more sleep and exercise daily. I have been measuring my goals using an excel spreadsheet. It is amazing the accountability that comes from journaling your successes and need I say it, yes, setbacks.
I have one of those scales that measures pounds the old fashioned way. Have you ever...
January 2010
10 posts
1 tag
Share the Good Contest
This is a time of year when people are making lifestyle changes for good. We all start to focus on maintaining healthy eating, exercise and setting goals for ourselves to keep us eating healthy. However, there are so many others—friends, family members, and neighbors—who could benefit from the fresh variety of fruits and veggies that you’ve been enjoying! This season, we want to partner with...
1 tag
Off and Running
This is the famous time of the New Year’s Resolutions. We save up all of our energy, build up all the muster we have, to make the big push to change something. If we could only apply all the time we spend waiting to implement the change to the actual change, most of us would be more successful than less in our new habits. The crux of the issue boils down to motivation and accountability. Some...
1 tag
Mangoes
Photo of mango from juliasworld.files.wordpress.com
The mango originated in Southeast Asia where it has been grown for over 4,000 years. Over the years mango groves have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where the climate allows the mango to grow best. Mango trees are evergreens that will grow to 60 feet tall. A comfort food. Mangoes really can make you feel better!...
1 tag
Organic Salsa from Sweet Creek
Medium hotness Turn your salad, baked potato, or snack time into a fiesta! $4.50 16 oz glass jar Ingredients: Organic Tomatoes, Organic Onions, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Jalapeno Peppers, Organic Garlic, Sea Salt, Organic Spices
Visit our website or call for pricing and to place your order.
1 tag
Taste the Old World
Hand-formed Artisan Sourdough Bread freshly baked by Breadfarm
Unsliced Loaves Multigrain, Whole Wheat, White, Potato, Rye, Baguette, Black Olive Baguette
Sliced Loaves Honey Wheat, White
Rolls Multigrain, White, Potato, Rosemary & Sea Salt
Visit our website or call for pricing and to place your order.
1 tag
Yogurt Spinach Dip
Serves 6 Ingredients 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley 1/8 teaspoon dried basil 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano 1/8 teaspoon ground dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt Directions In a medium bowl, mix together spinach, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, seasoning salt, parsley, basil, oregano, dry mustard and...
1 tag
Baked Potato Chips
Ingredients 4 russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and sliced diagonally 1/8 inch thick 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) of butter, melted salt to taste
Directions Pat the potatoes dry between paper towels and arrange them in one layer on 2 buttered cookie sheets pans. Brush the potatoes with the butter, bake them in a preheated 500°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Sprinkle them...
1 tag
Sesame Green Beans
Ingredients 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds 1 Lb. fresh green beans cut into 2-inch pieces ¼ cup chicken broth ¼ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste Directions Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add sesame seeds. When seeds start to darken, stir in green beans. Cook, stirring, until the beans turn bright green. Pour in chicken broth, salt and...
1 tag
Simple decisions for healthy living
The days of heavy holiday foods laden with luscious cream and butter are now a thing of the past, but their memory lives on in the form of tight fitting clothes and an extra pound (or three). We remember those days of celebrating with joy and fondness, but as the new year is upon us, most likely new lifestyle changes and goals are here as well.
Often, diets come and go. Big diet decisions are...
1 tag
Produce Spotlight: Delicata Squash
Photo of Delicata Squash from http://pink.starbrightjewels.com
A long oblong-shaped squash with a cream colored, green striped thick outer skin and a golden fine-textured inner flesh. Considered as a novelty squash, its size may range from 5 to 10 inches in length with an average weight of 1 to 2 pounds. This squash can be baked or steamed and served as a side dish seasoned with butter and...
December 2009
7 posts
1 tag
Helping Local People
Another core principle at Klesick Family Farm is to give back to our community. Last year, with your help, the Klesick Family Farm delivered 463 boxes of good to the Stanwood and Snohomish food banks. That is $11,000.00 of quality organic fruits and vegetables. There is no way our farm could meet this need without your help. This is one of the most satisfying aspects of our business. I love...
1 tag
Cabbage Patch Soup
Photo of Cabbage Patch Soup from allrecipes.com
Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, (or shallot!)chopped 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 6 cups chicken broth 1 cup cooked chicken, cut into small pieces ½ head of green cabbage, shredded 1 cup sliced carrots 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced 1 lb. fingerling potatoes cut into chunks 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground...
1 tag
Produce Spotlight: Cabbage
Varieties There are at least a hundred different types of cabbage grown throughout the world, but the most common types in the United States are the Green, Red, and Savoy varieties. Chinese varieties are also available. The two most common types of Chinese cabbage are Bok Choy and Napa cabbage. Chinese cabbage cooks in less time than standard U.S. types, but can be prepared in the same ways....
1 tag
Supporting Local Farms
Since the inception of our home delivery business in1999, we have always focused on purchasing our fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers first. Every week, I call my farmer friends to find out what they currently have available that I can add to our boxes. If I need to find more produce, I then source it from farms outside our area. This year, however, was a great year for local food! As...
1 tag
Produce Spotlight: Sunchokes
Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)
Photo of the sunchoke from http://streaminggourmet.com
Jerusalem artichoke, botanically-named Helianthus tuberosus, is the tuber of a variety of perennial flower in the aster family. The flowers look like small yellow sunflowers. Also marketed as sunchokes, these gnarly little tubers look a lot like ginger root. Perhaps the most important root cash crop to...
1 tag
Banana Nut Muffins
Photo of Banana nut Muffins from http://static.ifood.t
Ingredients:
2 large eggs 2 large ripe bananas, mashed 1 stick of butter, softened 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 cup of sucanant, or granulated sugar. 1 cup of buttermilk.
½ cup of chopped pecans 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of baking powder ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to...
1 tag
Albacore Tuna
Line-Caught off the Oregon Coast $7 for 7.5 oz glass jar Packed in its own natural juices! Excellent source of protein, low in sodium, contains the highest concentrations of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids in the tuna family. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, a guide to sustainably fished species, has singled out troll-caught tuna as a “best choice” for consumers.
Read...
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 8, One last look at the Klesick...
By Dan Bates Herald Photographer
Emily takes Maleah (left) and Madeleine out to the far pasture to see Miss Moo and her newborn baby calf on Aug. 20.
There may have been a time in history when families like the Klesicks were more common. In today’s world, however, they capture our attention because they live true to their values. They are not part of today’s television...
November 2008
2 posts
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 5, A boy with an eye picks up a...
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
By Dan Bates Herald Photographer
Riding on the seed drill, Andrew peers around one side as his dad, Tristan Klesick, turns the big draft horses upfield.
Pulling the farmer and his son on a seed drill, the big draft horses turn directly into my 400 millimeter lens, filling the frame top to bottom with hooves and horsehair. The Canon EOS...
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 7, Klesicks help neighbors and...
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
Story and photos by Dan Bates, Herald Photographer
In the small warehouse on the Klesick Farm, Grace Johansson prepares organic produce boxes for customer delivery. The food includes locally grown produce and imported items.
THE HEART Tristan Klesick may not be able to feed 5,000 people with a couple of fish and five loaves of bread, but...
October 2008
1 post
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 4, The birth of Miss Moo’s calf...
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
By Dan Bates Herald Photographer
Despite the risk of shock on the electric fence wire, center, the cattle stretch their necks to glimpse Miss Moo’s newborn calf in the Klesick Farm pasture.
On this cloudy morning in August, the small herd of beef cattle is witnessing commotion at the electric fence, leaning over one another and...
September 2008
1 post
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 6, A harvest of hearts at...
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
By Dan Bates, Herald Photographer
The younger children’s faces reveal apprehension when Tristan Klesick tells them they will have a tug of war with some big farmhands during Harvest Jubilee at the Klesick farm in Stanwood.
A dozen children, mostly under 4 feet tall, line up and wrap their little hands around one end of the thick...
July 2008
1 post
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 3, Bucking hay is ‘more fun with...
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
By Dan Bates Herald Photographer
Micah Klesick tosses bales of hay to his coworker and friend, Nathan Lama, who stacks them on one of the farm’s trucks.
Despite suffering from hay fever, Micah Klesick dons a surgical mask and starts bucking hay that his brother Aaron baled earlier. In recent days he estimates he has tossed more...
June 2008
1 post
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 2, A born mechanic
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
Story and photos by Dan Bates, The Herald
Dan Bates / The Herald
Tristan Klesick helps his son, Aaron, who is repairing a 100-year-old cultivator in a workshop at the family’s farm in Stanwood in March.
PART 2 It’s a cold, damp March day and the workshop, with its concrete floor and dim light is not designed for much...
May 2008
2 posts
1 tag
Farm Dreams, Part 1, How a Stanwood family lives...
Read the article on heraldnet.com by clicking here.
By Dan Bates, The Herald
It is near the end of a wet winter that has yet to bargain mercifully with spring. February 29. Leap day. A gusty breeze from the southwest rips into a patch of wavy grass as the man on the plow stops his two big draft horses and climbs off. He studies 100 feet of turned sod, squats to one heel and picks up a clod ...
1 tag
Farm Dreams, a few words from Dan Bates, Reporter,...
Read the article at heraldnet.com by clicking here.
By Dan Bates, The Herald
Dan Bates/The Herald
On the first day of spring planting Tristan Klesick on the tractor creates more furrows about 300 feet long as his kids near the end of the first two furrows, planting lettuce starts. I met the Klesicks when they owned only one acre and rented two more so they could grow organic...