Tag: Food

Posted on

Seasonal Pantry

Fresh radishes

Not so long ago we started getting regular “harvest boxes” from a CSA style organization in Bend. Agriculture Connection has, for nearly a decade, been offering boxes with locally sourced produce. Unlike the typical CSA, the produce comes from many different area growers. This means offerings are a bit more diverse than a single farm could offer.

Carrots

The seasonal nature of the produce has meant we are putting veggies in the fridge that normally wouldn’t be there. In the midst of a supply chain crisis this works in our favor. The grocery stores we normally shop have a smaller selection and poorer quality. The AG connection boxes are quality vegetables. There are the usual winter crops and there have been a few twists. The unique veggies force us to plan meals a bit differently.

For example, a recent box had a white cabbage that weighed in at 7 lbs. Life throws you cabbage …  you make soup (recipe below). We have also gotten a lot of cold weather greens and more beets than we typically pick up. The greens, kale and collards, are something we buy, but haven’t found good selection in the produce section. As for the beets? Well JQ pickled a bunch and we’re enjoying them on salads and sandwiches.

Farm fresh eggs

The service is year-a-round, so we are looking forward to what Central Oregon farmers have growing during the winter months. I’m sure there will be interesting treats to fill our plates.

Print Recipe

Hearty Cabbage Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 oz bacon cut into ¼ inch pieces
  • 1 med onion, minced
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp minced fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 lbs cabbage, cored and cut into ¾ inch pieces
  • 2-3 med potatoes cut into ¾ inch pieces
  • 3 med carrots chopped
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a large dutch oven over medium heat until crisp and rendered, 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the onion and butter and cook until the onion is softened, 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer.
  • Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer until nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken and vegie broth, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
  • adjust seasoning ... add pepper
Posted on

Food Sourced Local and Fresh

Romaine lettuce leaf

During the last couple of months we’ve had to replace most appliances in our house. The result …  better ‘fresh storage,’ as well as additional space in our fridge. In turn, this allows us to have more fresh fruit and vegetables on hand.

Since moving to Central Oregon we’ve not missed working in the garden … but we do miss fresh produce.

We’ve been looking for a CSA farm (Community Supported Agriculture). CSA memberships are a great way to eat seasonally and connect with a local farm. Sure, there are local small “truck farms,’ but few of them offer subscription services. Farmer Markets in Bend are OK, but not dog friendly and are only open a few months of the year.

Carrots, beets, tomatillos, kale, and zucchini are part of this week’s box.
It all comes in a insulated bag

JQ found “Agriculture Connections” and it’s an ideal solution. This organization offers farm direct sales from a collective of area farmers. Their weekly, or bi-weekly boxes are available all year with seasonal market fresh vegies and fruit from different farms, most within 125 miles of Bend. Vegetables for each box are typically harvested the morning of delivery. It doesn’t get much fresher.

At the same time we’ve started to notice that other shortages are showing up at grocery stores. This pandemic has dropped a wrench in the supply chain.

Whoa, that isn’t a good look at the grocery store

Our interest in locally sourced foods lead us to a cattle ranch near Sisters, Oregon. The Sisters Cattle Company practices ‘regenerative grazing’, and is a great source for beef. Their IG stories and TicTok vids are entertaining and packed with information.

The addition of an upright freezer has made buying in quantity possible. It saves a bit of money, but more importantly,  we get better quality food. We cut out a big chunk of an inefficient supply chain while supporting local agriculture.

We’re only a couple of weeks in, but so far we like the results. The Ag Connection is allowing us greater access to the local food distribution system. This is not buying into rhetoric from conspiracy theorists or SHTF preppers.  As America’s market basket burns it seems like a perfect time to connect with a food supply that is closer to where we live.

Posted on

With or Without Sprinkles

Wickiup Junction’s fresh donuts begin to run low by late morning. If we are lucky we can snag our favorite … Cinnamon Sugar Raised.

Many … perhaps too many road trips begin at a local landmark, Wickiup Junction to fuel our car and sweet tooth.

Fifty years ago a sporting goods store opened at the junction of Burgess road and Highway 97. For years it was the only general store in the La Pine area, but as the population grew it added a gas station and deli. It is after all on a major access route to the water ways and trails along the Cascade Highway and Upper Deschutes River.

A warm chocolate covered raised donut with a heavy sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
Tip is a big fan of nuts.

But the main reason to add Wickiup Junction to a trip itinerary is for the donuts.

We’re not sure when they started offering fresh baked goodies in addition to a well stocked cooler and deli, but it was a good move.

We’re kind of donut snobs, The word connoisseur doesn’t quite fit for this basic pastry, that said, we rarely miss an opportunity to try a new donut shop. Wickiup Junction is at the top of our list for now.

Wickiup does offer classic cake donuts … but for us Raised reign supreme.

Let’s talk raised just so we have a level field. In Portland there’s Blue Star (don’t even try to add VooDoo to a list) and Bend has Richard’s. Any of which are good morning pastry offerings.

However, hit Wickiup Junction, between 7 and 9 am and you’ll be able to get warm goodness that literally melts in the mouth.

Sometimes we manage to save our morning pastry to savor next to a fishing stream. Mugs of coffee in hand we are living our best life!

Our favorites are Cinnamon Sugar or Glazed, but really anything with maple frosting is delicious.

They do offer embellishments; chunks of candy, sprinkles and Hole-less rounds oozing custard or jelly.

But these only serve as distractions from a soft dough fried to an even golden brown featuring a slightly sweet flavor … and no greasy aftertaste.

.

Posted on

A Slice of Breakfast

We’ve upped the protein on our morning toast and it’s a really great way to start the day. It is also perfect for camping/eurovan.

Onto a slice of toast spread about a tablespoon of your favorite peanut butter. Then peel and slice a banana, about ¼ inch pieces work great, and spread these out on top of the peanut butter. Finally we sprinkle it with cinnamon.

Its a pretty good way to start the day.