12/30/07

We hope everyone had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a very healthy and wonderful 2008!

Our farm stand will be closed until

Thursday - January 3, 2008.

We will send all of you an e-mail the morning we reopen letting you know what will be available. These extra chilly days and nights have slowed down the growth for many of the plants but we still have lots in the field just waiting to be made into delicious dinners and snacks.

Thank you for visiting our farm stand this past year - we look forward to meeting many of you in the near future.

The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

12/22/07

Lots of road construction in front of the farm - more than once we have had Rattlesnake Road completely blocked BUT we are still open and you can go around the block and still get to the farm stand.

It looks like this week we will be a little short on salad mix.

Our family wishes you and all of your family a very safe and Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Available This Week In The Farm Stand

Fennel (new this week)

Tomatoes

Green Tomatoes

Broccoli

Cabbage

Beets

Radishes

Turnips w/ greens

Swiss Chard

Carrots

Salad Mix (limited amount)

Bell Peppers

Collard Greens

Braising Greens

Green Onions

Lavender Packs

Handmade Soap

Rose Geranium

Oatmeal Chamomile

Lavender Mint

Rosemary Mint

Grapefruit

Carrot Unscented

Orange Scrub

In The Hoophouse (plants)

Italian Parsley
Thyme
Lemon Balm
Sage
Chives

Farm Stand Info

The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Merry Christmas

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied" Matthew 5:6

The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

12/15/07

This month is flying by!

The rest of the month the updates will be simplified because of all the Christmas festivities. We will still be out there harvesting almost every morning. Remember, when we say what is "available" that means "what is available for us to harvest". Unfortunately everything may not be in the stand at all times (either because a lover of the specific veggie has come in and stocked up or because there wasn't any of that veggie to harvest that morning). We do our best to keep everything in the farm stand.

We have a new soap for all of you floral lovers! It's Rose Geranium and it has dried rose petals swirled in - if you like floral scents you should try this one. Don't forget - our soaps and lavender packs make great stocking stuffers!

Currently Available in the Farm Stand:

Green Tomatoes (new this week)

Fresh Parsley (new this week)

Broccoli

Cabbage

Beets

Radishes

Kohlrabi

Carrots

Salad Mix

Tomatoes

Bell Peppers

Collard Greens

Braising Greens

Green Onions

Swiss Chard

Turnips w/ greens

Lavender Packs

Handmade Soaps

• Lavender Mint
• Rosemary
• Oatmeal Chamomile
• Grapefruit
• Carrot Unscented
• Orange Scrub
• Rose Geranium

In The Kitchen:

Green Tomatoes? Yes, we have received plenty of requests for green tomatoes but if you are new to them you could "google" recipes for green tomatoes and you will be amazed at all the things people prepare with them. We make pickles from green tomatoes (ours are spicy rather then sweet) but the classic way of prepaing them is to fry them. You should try a bag!

Fried Green Tomatoes (one of many recipes!)

4 to 6 green tomatoes
salt and pepper
cornmeal
vegetable oil

Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 - 1/2-inch slices. Salt and pepper them to taste. Dip in meal and fry in hot oil about 3 minutes or until golden on bottom. Gently turn and fry the other side. Serve as a side dish - delicious with breakfast!

Farm Stand Info

The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Merry Christmas!

The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Farm - 12/8/07

Well here we are with rain again but this time it accompanied by wind.

You may have noticed all the road construction in front of the farm. Ocotillo is being widened - if Rattlesnake Road is blocked when you come to our farm stand you can go around the block using Kenworthy to west.

We hope you are all having a great December, enjoying your family and celebrating the wonder of this season and what it means.

Currently In The Farm Stand:

Broccoli* (new this week)

Cabbage* (new this week)

Beets (new this week)

Radishes

Kohlrabi

Carrots
Salad Mix

Tomatoes

Bell Peppers

Collard Greens

Braising Greens

Green Onions

Swiss Chard

Turnips w/ greens

Lavender Packs

Handmade Vegetable Soaps

• Lavender Mint
• Rosemary Mint
• Oatmeal Chamomile
• Grapefruit
• Carrot Unscented
• Orange Scrub

*Broccoli and Cabbage are just coming in so they will be hit and miss this week but will start being a regular in the next week or so.

In The Shade House (plants)
Thyme
Cilantro
Lemon Balm
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Epazote
Chives

In The Field

Cauliflower

Fennel

Farm Stand Info

The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Merry Christmas

The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Farm - 12/1/07

Welcome to December!

It's a wet start but the crops are happy and our farm stand is fully stocked. Don't let the wet weather keep you from visiting.

Currently In The Farmstand:

Radishes (new this week)
Kohlrabi
Carrots
Bell Peppers
Collard Greens
Swiss Chard
Green Onions
Tomatoes
Salad Mix

Braising Greens
Squash
Fresh Basil
Garlic
Turnips with greens
Lavender Packs
Handmade soaps (all soaps are in stock)
· lavender mint
· oatmeal chamomile
· rosemary mint
· orange scrub
· grapefruit
· unscented carrot

In the Shade House (plants):
Thyme
Cilantro
Lemon Balm
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Epazote
Chives

In the Field:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Beets
Fennel

In the Kitchen:

While most radishes are eaten raw they can also be braised and served as a side dish. Radishes are a great source of vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. They also rank high in Vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and calcium. All of this is packed into 20 calories for one cup of sliced red radish bulbs!

If you want to try your hand at braising these little gems try this quick dish.

Trim the leaves from the radishes (leave a little bit of the green stem), scrub them and cut them into bite sized pieces.

Melt 2-3 teaspoons of butter or olive oil in a small saute pan. Add the radishes and sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped thyme (or a generous pinch of dried thyme), salt and freshly ground pepper.

Add just enough water to cover and simmer until radishes are tender (about 2 - 3 minutes).

Remove to a serving dish and serve with additional butter (if desired).

Farm Stand Info:
The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Merry Christmas
The Furlongs

http://www.crookedcarrot.com/

Crooked Carrot Update 11/24/07

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Thanks to everyone that came out to the farmstand. We are waiting on a few supplies to come in and they are delayed due to the holiday. We will get the farm stand stocked as best we can but some items will not be available until early or mid week.

The lavender paks are going to have to increase in price slightly because of supplies and material costs. We are sorry to have to raise them so quickly and we appreciate the great response they have received. While the lavender paks are in stock now, once these are gone there won't be any more until mid December. The new cost of the lavender paks is $3.75 each (which includes tax).

Currently In The Farmstand:

Kohlrabi (new this week)
Collard Greens (coming mid week)
Swiss Chard (coming mid week)
Green Onions
Tomatoes
Peppers
Salad Mix
Squash
Fresh basil
Jalapeno peppers
Garlic
Turnips with greens
Lavender Paks
Handmade soaps (all soaps are in stock)
· lavender mint
· oatmeal chamomile
· rosemary mint
· orange scrub
· grapefruit
· unscented carrot

In the Shade House (plants):
Thyme
Mini windowbox basil
Cilantro
Lemon Balm
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Epazote
Chives

In the Field:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Beets
Fennel

In the Kitchen:
Kohlrabi is a little odd looking but it's mild sweet flavor makes it work a try. To find the best kohlrabi, look for small, firm green or purple orbs just slightly larger than a golf ball. It keeps best in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. While you can prepare kohlrabi any way that you might prepare a turnip, I think it is best eaten raw. If needed, peel like a potato then slice it into thin wedges and sprinkle with salt or grate it into your salad.

Julienne Kohlrabi with Mustard Vinaigrette

16 ounces kohlrabi (sliced into julienne strips)

2 T red wine vinegar or lemon juice
2 green onions, finely diced
1 clove garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 T Dijon mustard
2 T sour cream
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 T snipped fresh chives
1 T snipped fresh parsley

Combine the vinegar (or lemon juice), onions, garlic and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl and allow to stand for 15 minutes.

Vigorously whisk in the mustard, sour cream and oil until think and smooth.

Grind in a little pepper, then stir in the herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toss the sliced kohlrabi with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Allow to chill for 1 hour before serving.

Farm Stand Info:
The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Have a great week.
The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Update 11/17/07

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away? We have much to be thankful for here. Did you know that the winter after the first Thanksgiving, the pilgrims were reduced to a daily ration of five kernels of corn a piece. What a dream the pilgrims had and what a sacrifice they made for our freedom. Don't forget to be thankful this season!
This incredible Scratchboard Illustration is by Michael Halbert.

We are thankful that God allows us to continue to farm and that you all come out and enjoy our bounty.

Currently In The Farmstand:

1. Tomatoes (new this week)


2. Carrots


3. Bell peppers


4. Salad Mix


5. Squash


6. Fresh basil


7. Jalapeno peppers


8. Garlic


9. Turnips with greens


10. Lavender Packs


11. Handmade soaps (all soaps are in stock)
    · lavender mint
    · oatmeal chamomile
    · rosemary mint
    · orange scrub
    · grapefruit
    · unscented carrot

In the Shade House (plants):

1. Thyme (new this week)


2. Mini windowbox basil


3. Cilantro


4. Lemon Balm


5. Oregano


6. Parsley


7. Sage


8. Epazote


9. Chives

In the Field:

1. Broccoli


2. Cabbage


3. Beets


4. Fennel


5. Kohlrabi

In the Kitchen:

Our cherry tomatoes make a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Try slicing them in a salad, slicing and tossing them with green beans or how about just plain on a vegetable platter.

We will do our best to stock them every morning between now and Thanksgiving.

Farm Stand Info:

The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Thank you for visiting our farmstand.
Have a great week!
The Furlongs

http://www.crookedcarrot.com/

Crooked Carrot Update 11/10/07

We are a day late getting this out but the harvest is all done and the farm stand is stocked.

We have had a great response to our lavender packs - thank you! We have some great unbleached muslin packs coming up. They make fun stocking stuffers!

The carrots are finally here and in celebration we have a carrot recipe today (for those of you who don't juice all your carrots!) Here’s what is available in the farmstand and shade house. As the weeks go by the list will grow. See below for what is expected and when.

Currently In The Farmstand:
1. Carrots (new this week)
2. Bell peppers (new this week)
3. Salad Mix
4. Squash
5. Fresh basil
6. Jalapeno peppers
7. Garlic
8. Turnips with greens
9. Handmade soaps
· lavender mint
· oatmeal chamomile
· rosemary mint
· orange scrub
· grapefruit
· unscented carrot
10. Lavender Packs

In the Shade House (plants):
1. Mini windowbox basil
2. Cilantro
3. Lemon Balm
4. Oregano
5. Parsley
6. Sage
7. Epazote
8. Chives

In the Field:
1. Tomatoes
2. Broccoli
3. Cabbage
4. Beets
5. Fennel
6. Kohlrabi

In the Kitchen:

Carrot Slaw

6 med carrots
3/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup apple, unpeeled and diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

Grate the carrots. Toss with the celery, onion, raisins, and
apple. Mix in the mayonnaise, season well with sale and pepper, and chill
before serving.


Maple Lemon Carrots
1/2 cup water
5 med carrots, sliced
1/4 tsp lemon juice
2 T maple syrup
2 T fresh rosemary, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan. Add the carrots and simmer until carrots are almost cooked tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer on low for about 5 more minutes.


Farm Stand Info:
The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Thank you for visiting our farmstand.
Have a great week!
The Furlongs
www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Farm – November 1, 2007

Fresh cut sunflowers are still available (sold by the stem) – these flowers are hardy and make a great autumn addition to your home. We have them priced at $1.00/stem.

Check out our Lavender Cool Paks. Our cool packs are hand made with a cotton cover and filled with buckwheat, organic lavender buds and organic chamomile. Keep them in the freezer so there are ready to go whenever you have a headache, tired eyes, a need for relaxation or an area that just needs a little special attention. Great for kids and adults.Paks are $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Currently In the Farmstand:
1. Green Onions (new this week)

2. Braising Greens (new this week)

3. Sunflowers

4. Salad Mix

5. Squash
6. Fresh basil
7. Jalapeno peppers
8. Garlic
9. Turnips with greens
10. Handmade soaps
· lavender mint
· oatmeal chamomile
· rosemary mint
· orange scrub
· grapefruit
· unscented carrot

In The Shade House (plants):
1. Chives (new this week)

2. Mini windowbox basil
3. Cilantro
4. Lemon Balm
5. Oregano
6. Parsley
7. Sage
8. Epazote

In The Field:
1. Tomatoes
2. Broccoli
3. Cabbage
4. Bell peppers
5. Green onions
6. Beets
7. Carrots
8. Fennel

9. Kohlrabi

In the Kitchen:
Greens are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber - they liven up dishes, add texture and flavor to help round out the meal and make it nutritionally complete. Braising greens are great alone or in soups, stews, and wilted winter salads.

Our mix is a beautiful blend of baby cooking greens, whose bite-sized baby leaves don't require cutting and create an impressive presentation. The mix includes Mizuna, Red Russian Kale, Komatsuna, Red Giant Mustard, and Tatsoi.

To prepare our 12 ounce bag of braising greens: Heat 1-2 T olive oil in a skillet or wok until hot but not smoking. Add greens & 4 cloves minced garlic; stir-fry for 1 minute. Add ½ cup vegetable broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, reducing liquid by half; add more both if needed. Leaves should be soft but not wilted. These are great alone or for a change, try adding some crisp bread crumbs and/or diced tomatoes sprinkled on top of the greens to add a contrast of texture.

Farmstand Info:

The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Thank you for visiting our farmstand.

Have a great week!

The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Update - October 26, 2007

The farmstand is open!

Don’t miss the great fall addition to your table – fresh cut sunflowers are ready to buy (sold by the stem).

We are glad you are all enjoying the soap! We will do out best to keep you with the soap demand – if your favorite is gone it will be back as quick as we can make, cure and wrap it. We can take special orders for Christmas if you would like to be sure to have your favorites scent to give as gifts.




Here’s what is available in the farmstand and shade house. As the weeks go by the list will grow. See below for what is expected and when.

Currently In the Farmstand:

1. Sunflowers
2. Salad Mix
3. Squash
4. Fresh basil
5. Jalapeno peppers
6. Garlic
7. Turnips with greens
8. Handmade soaps

• lavender mint
• oatmeal chamomile
• rosemary mint
• orange scrub
• grapefruit
• unscented carrot

In the Shade House (plants):

1. Mini windowbox basil
2. Cilantro
3. Lemon Balm
4. Oregano
5. Parsley
6. Sage
7. Epazote

In the weeks to come:

1. Tomatoes
2. Broccoli
3. Cabbage
4. Bell peppers
5. Green onions
6. Beets
7. Carrots
8. Braising greens
9. Chives (plants)


In the Kitchen:

Now is the time to make ahead and freeze your pesto – the fresh garden taste can take your through winter until the basil starts to grow again. Basil doesn’t like it when it freezes!

Basil Pesto
1 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
5 cloves garlic (peeled)
1/4 cup nuts (we use pine nuts, walnuts or a combination)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice


Put the basil. garlic, nuts and parmesan cheese in a blender. Turn the blender on low and drizzle the lemon juice while blending. If it seems a little too thick you can add some olive oil.


Roasted Turnips
1 1/2 pounds turnips, peeled and quartered
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Canola or olive oil
3 small bay leaves
2 rosemary sprigs or 6 thyme sprigs


Preheat oven to 375◦F. Lightly oil a shallow roasting pan or baking dish. Boil the turnips in salted water for 3 minutes and drain well.

Toss with enough oil to coat them lightly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the turnips and fresh herb sprigs in baking dish and bake, uncovered, until tender when pierced and slightly browned (about 25 – 30 minutes).

This recipe works well with other root vegetables – you can mix and match turnips, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, etc. Don't throw away the greens! You can quickly sauté them with a little olive oil and garlic for a tasty side dish (you may want to cut them into smaller pieces before sautéing).


Farmstand Info:

The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.


Have a great week!

The Furlongs
www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Update - October 19, 2007

The farmstand is open! Thanks to everyone who came by this past week! Your purchases of produce and soap have been so encouraging. We are excited as the weather cools to have so much more to offer.

Here’s what is available in the farmstand and shade house. As the weeks go by the list will grow. See below for what is expected and when.

In the Farmstand:
1. Salad Mix
2. Mini Summer Squash
3. Cucumbers
4. Fresh basil
5. Jalapeno peppers
6. Garlic
7. Turnips with Greens
8. Handmade soaps

• lavender mint
• oatmeal chamomile
• rosemary mint
• orange scrub
• unscented carrot
• grapefruit
  

In the Shade House (plants):
1. Mini windowbox basil
2. Purple basil
3. Cilantro
4. Epazote
5. Sage
6. Parsley

In the weeks to come:
1. Tomatoes
2. Bell peppers
3. Green onions
4. Beets
5. Sunflowers
6. Carrots
7. Braising greens
8. Chives (plants)

Here is one our family favorite dressings for those fresh salad greens that are now available!

Garlic Vinaigrette

1 cup olive oil (or mixture of olive and canola)
2 tsp pepper
2 tsp salt
1 lemon, juiced
2 T Worcestershire sauce
15–20 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup balsamic vinegar

· Combine all ingredients
· Refrigerate

The Farmstand:
The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter dollar to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted.

Have a great week!

The Furlongs

www.crookedcarrot.com

Crooked Carrot Update - October 10, 2007

The farmstand is finally opening!
We will open by noon on Thursday, October 11, 2007.

Thanks to everyone for your patience. The farmstand is self-serve and open dawn to dusk. We make an effort to stock the stand most every morning so that you will have the freshest veggies and herbs. We round all our prices down to the nearest quarter to make things easier for you (and us) as we do not make change. Checks are accepted (made payable to Crooked Carrot Farm).

Following is a list of what is available in the farmstand and shade house.
As the weeks go by the list will grow. See below for what is expected and when.
Currently In The Farmstand:
1. Cucumbers
2. Fresh basil
3. Jalapeno peppers
4. Garlic
5. Handmade soaps
~lavender mint
~oatmeal chamomile
~rosemary mint
~orange scrub
~unscented carrot
~grapefruit

Currently In The Shade House (plants):
1. Mini windowbox basil
2. Purple basil
3. Cilantro

In The Weeks To Come:
1. Salad mix
2. Tomatoes
3. Bell peppers
4. Green onions
5. Turnips
6. Beets
7. Sunflowers
8. Carrots
9. Braising greens
10. Chives (plants)
11. Parsley (plants)
12. Sage (plants)

Strawberries
We are trying a new variety of strawberries this year so stay tuned for updates.

Our Handmade Soap
People love our soap. We make it in small batches with olive oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, essential oils, and Crooked Carrot Farm botanicals when available.

We look forward to meeting many of you at the farm stand.
Our updates should be coming out weekly now through the end of the growing season to let you know what is currently available, recipes to try and fun things about the farm.

Have a great week!

The Furlongs
www.crookedcarrot.com

Summer Update

Summer’s end can be seen and things are starting to pick up on the farm. The little bit of rain we’ve had recently has sprouted lots of weeds and we’ve been diligently pulling them.

The tomato seedlings are in the ground. The broccoli, cauliflower, beet, green onion, cabbage, turnip, and other seeds are in flats in the shade house. We’re working compost and manure into the soil and planting cover crops to build soil fertility. The tomato house is being lengthened to make room for more tomato plants to satisfy our tomato loving customers. We are trying a few new varieties of tomatoes this fall, cherry and grape tomatoes, and romas.
Fall can be a difficult tomato season - say a prayer, we are!

Here's Clark with our kids.....weeding and seeding.

Some things just like it hot........


We hope to have the farmstand open by mid to late September. We will have six great handmade soaps to choose from this fall (they are all made and just curing so they will be ready for opening day). And now is the time to let us know if you have a favorite veggie that you want us to grow, shoot us an e-mail and we will give it a try.


Soon we’ll be pouring the slab for our new strawbale home on the farm. It may be a bit ambitious, but we hope to spend Christmas in our new home on the farm. We’ll keep you posted.

This is the site for our new house.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for our farm blog/update. The postings will be a little more regular now and back to once a week when the farmstand opens. We appreciate all of you that have stayed in touch and look forward to bringing you (and our family as well) fresh, great tasting produce again very soon.