Friends of the Farm-
Happy Friday!
This week's cooler temperatures brought a lot of productivity on some bigger projects here at the farm. Repairs, planting of our Fall pumpkin crop, potato prep, weeding, seeding, transplanting and more. Our orchards continue to plug along with plums, pluots, apples and more getting close. We've also hatched new chicks from a hen in our chicken coop this week. Lots to celebrate in another week of farm work at Live Oak.
A produce note about this week's cucumbers- this variety is developed by Chef Dan Barber's team at Row 7 Seeds. These 7802 Cucumbers are ideal for pickling or....GRILLING! Try them halved lengthwise, marinated and grilled over medium high heat until charred. The flavors work nicely with a touch of yogurt or labneh. Try either the raw or grilled version in this week's featured recipe...
It's summer time and if you're like us that means we live outdoors this time of year. Our cooking too. This week's recipe combines the Nasturtium Pesto, Cucumbers, Basil, and Salad Mix in your CSA box with the almighty grill for a Pesto Salmon & Grilled Peach Salad. Warning, grilled peaches are a real game-changer, if you've never tried. Combined with the savory edge of Aleppo Chili & complimented by a good Balsamic Vinegar this is a nice summer dinner with clean and vibrant flavors.
Lastly, we welcome you to enjoy our weekly music playlist.
One of my favorite album covers of all time makes an appearance this week - The Who Sell Out. Roger Daltrey sitting in a tub of Heinz Baked Beans always brings a smile. Invoking some summer travel, car trips, and vacation-time landscapes this album gives us I Can See for Miles. With our mind to the road, another favorite this week is Barbara Keith's - Detroit or Buffalo. A bit of prog-rock (vintage Genesis, classic Yes), African sounds from Mali, and 80's rips from Japan and Duran Duran round out the mix. Lastly tunes like The Sun (Portugal. the Man), Happy Day From Me to You (Sir Victor Uwaifo), and closer Pump Me Up (Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff) are playful reminders of the summer season and block parties or kitchen dance parties waiting to happen.
All our best from the farm,
Tom & William and Live Oak Farm team
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