Winter CSA, Week 11: Chipotles, Tofu & Popcorn

Spring CSA, Right Around the Corner!

Tired of winter storage squash and sweet potatoes? Spring is right around the corner! There is only one week left of the winter CSA, so fresh outdoor raised produce will be available soon. If you haven’t done so, please let us know if you plan to stay on for the Spring CSA. Beginning April 12, the Spring CSA goes through the end of June. Click here for all the Spring CSA details and to sign up.

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What’s New

Fresh Greens from Veggie Boy Produce

Kale, Spinach & Swiss Chard – $6.90 / lbs

Baker Creek Seeds

We have a variety of heirloom Baker Creek Seeds available. Please let us know if there are any specific seeds you want us to carry this year.

• $2.50 / packet
• 5 packets – $8.75 (select seeds only)

MOFU Tofu

Firm & Extra Firm – $5.50 / package

Bellews Creek Farm Products

• Dry Black Beans – $3.50 / lbs
• Popcorn – $3.50 / lbs
• Chipotle Peppers (smoked jalapenos) – $0.25 each

Todd Geisert Pork Products

• Bacon – $8.15 / lbs
• Brats & Sausage – $6.35 – $7.05 / package – Andouille, Apple & Cinnamon, Beer & Onion, Chorizo, Italian, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese, Tomato & Basil

Wild Alaska Salmon

• Large Fillets – $13.05 /lbs

Blue Heron Orchard – Certified USDA Organic

• Applewood Smoked Jalapeno Peppers – $9 / jar
• Apple Ambrosia (apple syrup) – $8.50 / jar
• Apple Butter – $6.50 / jar
• Applesauce – $4.90 / jar

Sandhill Farm Mustard & Sorghum – Certified USDA Organic

• Sorghum – $6.15 / 22 oz jar
• Mustard – $5.10 / each

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On Sale

All Marcoot Cheese &
Windcrest Yogurt is 20% off

Caramel House Caramels

• 6 for $6.50 (Save $1)
• 12 for $11.50 (Save $3.00)

Baker Creek Seeds

We have a variety of heirloom Baker Creek Seeds available. Please let us know if there are any specific seeds you want us to carry this year.

• $2.50 / packet
• 5 packets – $8.75 (select seeds only)

Harmony Hill Goat Farm Moisturizing Creams

• 8 oz – $6.50 (regularly $8.50)
• 4 oz – $3.25 (regularly $5)
• 2 oz – $2 (regularly $3)

Maude’s Market 2013 Calendar

Photos by customers, staff and friends of events, seasonal meals and the beautiful and delicious products at the Market – $6.00 (regularly $8.05)

Maude’s Market Canvas Shopping Bags

$9 each (regularly $11)

Bottom shelf meats are always 25% off

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Winter CSA Menu – March 22 & 23

Produce

• Bellews Creek Farm Chipotle Peppers, 6
• Blue Heron Orchard Applesauce, 1
• More Greens from Veggie Boy Produce, Choice of Chard, Kale, OR Spinach, ½ lbs,(Choice of 2 for Veggies & Large Shares)
• Double Star Sweet Potato 1.5 lbs (2 lbs for Large Shares)
• Choice: Ozark Forest Heirloom Dried Tomatoes, Lemons 4, Navel Oranges 2, OR Apples 4-5 (Choice of 2 for Veggies & Large Shares)

Meat

Todd Geisert Bratwursts or Large Sausage – Andouille, Apple & Cinnamon, Beer & Onion, Chorizo, Italian, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese, OR Tomato & Basil (Choice of 2 for Large Shares)

Staple

MOFU Tofu – Firm OR Extra Firm (Double for Veggies & Large Shares)

Treat

Bellews Creek Farm Popcorn, 1lbs

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Recipe Ideas

Kale Chips

Sauce Magazine just shared a recipe for kale chips. If you haven’t make these before, do. They are wonderful.

Braised Greens with
Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Ingredients

• ¼ – ⅓ lbs chard, spinach or kale, sliced into strips
• About 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3-4 garlic cloves, diced
• 4 chopped sun-dried tomatoes (soak in warm water for about 10 minutes)
• ½ cup del Carmen vegetable broth
• About ½ tbsp lemon juice

Preparation

Add olive oil and garlic to a skillet on medium heat, saute until garlic is translucent, add the sun-dried tomatoes, saute until tomatoes start to soften. Add the greens and stir as it wilts down (1 to 2 minutes). When the greens have wilted add the chicken broth and simmer until most of the liquid is gone (5-10 minutes). Add a dash of lemon juice and and serve on the side.

Tofu with Grilled Orange Chipotle Sauce

Ingredients for Grilled Orange Chipotle Sauce

• 2 oranges, halved
• Sorghum, as needed
• 1 tbsp Sandhill Farm mustard
• 1 chipotle pepper
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 garlic clove

Ingredients for Tofu and Veggies

• 1 package tofu, excess water removed by pressing or patting dry, cut into ¼” thick pieces, any preferred style (triangles, strips, squares, etc)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup of Hilty green beans, drained
• 1 Tbsp honey
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Smoked Gouda (or any available Marcoot cheese) as needed
• Gringo George tortilla chips

Preparation

Grease a skillet (oil, honey or lard). Spread a little sorghum on the cut side of the orange halves and grill, cut side down, on a skillet over medium heat until brown (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the oranges and allow them to cool

Drizzle honey salt and pepper over the onion and green beans and grill over medium-high heat until onions are browned.

Once cool, juice the oranges and add to a food processor. Add mustard, chipotle, olive oil, and garlic. Puree until smooth (add more olive oil if needed). Pour the mixture into a small baking dish.

Lay the tofu slices in the sauce and marinate 20 minutes.

Grill the marinated tofu about 4-5 minutes per side.

Lay tortilla chips on the skillet, top with green beans & onion, then tofu, the excess marinade and slices of cheese. Cover and heat over low heat until cheese melts (about 1 minute) then serve.

Enjoy!

 

Winter CSA, Week 5: Mardi Gras & Valentine Treats

Spread the Word: Maude’s Market Rocks!

Do you love Maude’s Market? Do you use Google Reviews? Help spread the word about why you shop at Maude’s. Take 2-3 minutes to tell folks on Google Reviews why Maude’s Market rocks.

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What’s New

Mardi Gras Whoppie Pies

by Just Sweets Desserts – $4.50 each

For Valentines Day, Kakao Chocolates

Valentine Chocolate Pops – $1.10 / each
Baies Rose Bars – $2.30 each
Sea Salt Caramels – $6.50 / Pack of 4
Chocolate Barks – $3.10 / each

• Strawberry & Black Pepper (Dark)
• Raspberry Star Anise (Milk)
• Stringbean Coffee (Dark & Milk)
• Toasted Missouri Pecans (Dark & Milk)
• Mexican with Cinnamon & Chile Peppers (Dark)

del Carmen Black Beans & Rice

Beans & Rice for Mardi Gras!

• Black Beans & Rice, Cuban Black Beans & Black Beans Soup – $6.25 / 12 oz
• Vegetable Broth (naturally gluten free)  – $6.60 / 64 oz

Ozark Forest Mushroom Products

Pesto - Green Basil, Purple Basil and Arugula Spinach – $7.35 each

Dried Mushrooms

• Shiitake & Woodland Medley -  $6.80 / 1 oz
• Oriental Mushrooms Mix – $6.15 / 1 oz

Mushroom Meals – $6.80 / 5 oz

• Buddha’s Delight
• Jungle Curry
• Monsoon Mushroom

Elderflower Cordial – $9.25 / 6 oz
Tomato Marmalade – $7.15 / 8 oz
Shiitake Mushroom Soy Sauce – $6.15 / 55 ml
Hot Red Pepper Sauce – $6.15 / 55 ml
Mushroom Rub – $4.65 / 1 oz

Produce

Carrots, Deep Mud Farm – $4 / bunch
According to the USDA, carrots have high levels of Vitamin A and, when cooked, the beneficial levels of Vitamins B6, E and K increase dramatically.

Tatsoi, Double Star Farm – $3.50 / head
Tatsoi is a member of the Bok Choy family It’s dark green leaves are high in beta-carotene and Vitamins A, C, and K; they also have good amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorous and iron. (Source: Tufts University)

Scarlet Queen Turnip, Deep Mud Farm – $1.80 / lbs
These sweet turnips are another good source of Vitamin C and according to the USDA when cooked, contains helpful levels of Vitamin B6, Potassium and Phosphorus.

Acorn & Butternut Squash, Double Star Farm – $1.50 / Pound
The USDA states that winter squash, like Acorn and Butternut, are an excellent source of Vitamin A, B6 and C. As well a omega-3 fatty acids and many minerals.

Yellow Onions, Mast Produce Farm – $1.80 / lbs

Meat

Todd Geisert Pork

See this video about Geisert’s farming practices.

• Ham Sausage (5-6 oz), Summer Sausage (6 oz)  & Braunschweiger (8 oz) – $4.15 / each
• Bacon – $7.75 / lbs
• Chops – $7.75 / lbs
• Sausage including: Andouille, Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Links & Patties, Chorizo, Italian, and Potato & Green Bean – $6.15 to $6.50 / lbs
• Snack Sticks, Regular and Jalapeno Cheese – $3.90 / 5 oz package

Troutdale Farm Boneless Trout Fillets, $12.35 / lbs

See this video about the history of Troudale Farm.

The USDA say trout is an excellent source Phosphorus, Vitamin Bs, Vitamin D and Niacin.

Canned Goods

Olea Extra Virgin Olive Oil – USDA Certified Organic

• $20 / 500 ml bottle
• $15 / 250 ml bottle

General Store

Handmade Notecards by Sisters Gra – $2 each – Thank You Cards & Blank Cards with Flowers, Fruits and Veggie Prints.

BuzzBros Lipbalm – $3.35
Blueberry Acai, Scent Free, Mango & Tangerine, Spearmint (New Formula!), Vanilla

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On Sale

Cosmetics

Harmony Hill Goat Farm Moisturizing Creams

• 8 oz – $6.50 (regularly $8.50)
• 4 oz – $3.25 (regularly $5)
• 2 oz – $2 (regularly $3)

General Store

Maude’s Market 2013 Calendar - Photos by customers, staff and friends of events, seasonal meals and the beautiful and delicious products at the Market – $6.00 (regularly $8.05)

Baker Creek Seeds – Buy 5 for $10 or $2.50 each

Maude’s Market Canvas Shopping Bags – $9 each (regularly $11)

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Winter CSA Menu – February 8 & 9

Produce

Carrot Bunch, Deep Mud Farm (2 bunches for Large Shares)

Frozen Cherries, Missouri Highland Farm – To thaw, store in the refrigerator. Excellent on top of yogurt and in smoothies.

Tatsoi, Double Star Farm OR Butterhead Lettuce, B&H Produce – Tatsoi is excellent raw or lightly steamed or sauteed. Season with rice vinegar and serve on the side of the Tasty, But Fake, Andouille Sausage Gumbo recipe at the bottom of this email. (Both for Veggies & Large Shares)

Akin’s Apples about ½ lbs – Apple fatigue? Check out this recipe idea from CSA member Hilary Hitchcock (1 lbs for Veggies & Large Shares)

Choice for Regular Shares: Squash, Turnip 1 lbs, 1 Blood Orange, 2 Mandarins OR 3 Lemons

Choice for Veggie Shares: Mushrooms 1/3# OR Choice of 2: Squash, Turnip 1.5 lbs, 1 Grapefruit, 2 Oranges, 3 Mandarin, OR 4 Lemons

Choice for Large Shares: Mushrooms 1/4# AND Choice of 1: Squash, Turnip 1.5 lbs, 1 Grapefruit, 2 Oranges, 3 Mandarin, OR 4 Lemons

 

Meat

Choice of Todd Geisert Sausage including: Andouille, Apple Cinnamon, Chorizo, Italian, and Potato & Green Bean (Choice of 2 for Large Shares)

Staple

Del Carmen Black Beans & Rice (Green Label is Gluten Free) – They are not Red Beans & Rice, but I figured they were close enough for a St. Louis Mardi Gras celebration

Treat

Mardi Gras Moon Pie, Just Sweets Desserts (Gluten Free Receives 2 Kakao Chocolate Pops, Dark, Milk OR White)

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Recipe Ideas

Tasty, But Fake, Sausage Gumbo

Ingredients

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup Maude’s Market whole wheat flour
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced carrot
• 1 cups thinly sliced sausage (about 3-4 sausages)
• 4 Hilty canned tomatoes, chopped
• 1 container of del Carmen vegetable stock (about 64 oz)
• 4 bay leaves
• 4 garlic cloves finely chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons Adventures in Spice Cajun Seasoning
• salt, to taste
• 2 cups of cooked rice

Preparation

Combine oil and flour in a large stock pot. Cook over medium-high to high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture turns the color of milk chocolate, about 20 minutes. Watch carefully, preventing the mixture from burning. Add onion and carrot, and cook over medium-high heat until tender. Stir in sausage and tomatoes. Combine well. Pour in vegetable stock. Add bay leaves and garlic. Bring to boil, then add Cajun Seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.

Sever on top of cooked rice.

Enjoy!

 

Beautiful Butterhead, Sweet Potato & Succulent Citrus

What’s New

Produce

Season California Citrus

• Blood Oranges – $2.10 / lbs
• Organic Navel Oranges – $2.10 / lbs
• Mandarin Oranges – $2.70 / lbs
• Pink Grapefruit – $1.90 / lbs
• Lemons – $1.90 / lbs

Green & Red Butterhead Lettuce, B&H Produce – $3.15 / head

Sweet Potatoes, Sweet’s Mulberry Farm – $1.90 / lbs

Meat

Todd Geisert Pork
Watch this great video that shows Geisert’s Farming practices.

• Bacon – $7.75 / lbs
• Chops – $7.75 / lbs
• Sausage including: Adouli, Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Links & Patties, Chorizo, Italian, and Potato & Green Bean – $6.15 to $6.50 / lbs
• Snack Sticks, Regular and Jalapeno Cheese – $3.90 / 5 oz package

Elixir Farm Beef – USDA Certified Organic

• Sirloin Tip Steaks – $10 / lbs
• Brisket – $10 / lbs

Dairy

John Miller’s Free-Range Chicken Eggs $4 / dozen

Marcoot Jersey Creamery Cheese

• Fresh Mozzarella – $7 / ½ lbs
• Smoked Gouda – $5.50 / 6 oz
• Plain Gouda, Havarti, Jack (Plain, Pepper and Tomato Basil) – $5.25 / 6 oz
• Cheese Curds (Plain, Garlic & Herb and Taco), Quark (Similar to Cream Cheese) – $5 / 7 oz
• Heritage Cave Aged (Similar to Parmesan) – $3.80 / 4 oz

Dry Goods

Stringbean Coffee – Fair Trade, Locally Roasted – $11.50 / 12oz

• Good Vibe – Light Roast
• Midnight Run – Medium Roast
• Star Clipper – Medium-Dark Roast
• Sumatra – Single Origin, Dark Roast
• Redeye Roast – Bold Espresso Blend

Canned Goods

Olea Extra Virgin Olive Oil – USDA Certified Organic

• $20 / 500 ml bottle
• $15 / 250 ml bottle

General Store

Maude’s Market 2013 Calendar – Photos by customers, staff and friends of events, seasonal meals and the beautiful and delicious products at the Market – $8.99 each

Handmade Notecards by Sisters Gra – $2 each – Thank You Cards & Blank Cards with Flowers, Fruits and Veggie Prints.

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On Sale

Produce

White Acorn Squash – $1 / lbs (regularly $1.50 / lbs)

Meat

The bottom shelf meats are priced to move – always 25% off

Cosmetics

Harmony Hill Goat Farm Moisturizing Creams

• 8 oz – $6.50 (regularly $8.50)
• 4 oz – $3.25 (regularly $5)
• 2 oz – $2 (regularly $3)

General Store

Maude’s Market Canvas Shopping Bags – $9 each (regularly $11)

Snack Food

Selected Askinosie Chocolate – 50% off!

• White Chocolate with Pistachios – $5.25
• Askinosie Malted Chocolate – $5
• Some Dark Chocolates – $4

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Winter CSA Menu – January 25 & 26

Produce

Red or Green Butterhead Lettuce, B&H Produce
According to LiveStrong.Com, butterhead lettuce provides 15 to 35% of daily Vitamin A needs and is an excellent source of Vitamin K. the lettuce also contains mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Sweet Potato, Sweet’s Mulberry Farm, about 1.25 lbs (About 3.5 lbs for Veggies & Large Shares)
High in Vitamins A and C, WHFoods.com suggests that our bodies best process the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes when steamed and served with a little bit of fat (vegetable oil, butter or animal fat).

Choice of Citrus: 3 Oranges, 4 Mandarin, OR 5 Lemons (Choice of 2 for Gluten Free, Veggies & Large Shares)
We all know citrus is high in Vitamin C, but they are also high in fiber which helps to reduce high cholesterol, controls blood sugar levels and may serve as a guard against colon cancer. Source: WHFoods.Com

Choice of Akins Orchard Apples 1.5# OR Squash, Three Girls and a Tractor, 1 large squash or 2 small, including Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, or Spaghetti (Both for Veggies & Large Shares)

Meat

Todd Geisert Pork Chops (Two packages for Large Shares)
Watch this great video that shows Geisert’s Farming practices

Staple

Choice of Companion Bread: Kalamata Olive, Millers 5 Grain, Multigrain Sandwich Bread OR Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Treat

Choice: Blue Heron Orchard Apple Sauce, Pappy’s Gourmet Pepper Jelly or River Hills Harvest Elderberry Jelly

January Monthly CSA Menu
January 25 & 26

Produce

Red or Green Butterhead Lettuce, B&H Produce
According to LiveStrong.Com, butterhead lettuce provides 15 to 35% of daily Vitamin A needs and is an excellent source of Vitamin K. the lettuce also contains mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Sweet Potato, Sweet’s Mulberry Farm, about 2 lbs (About 4 lbs for Veggies Shares)
High in Vitamins A and C, WHFoods.com suggests that our bodies best process the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes when steamed and served with a little bit of fat (vegetable oil, butter or animal fat).

Choice of Citrus: 3 Oranges, 4 Mandarin, OR 5 Lemons (Choice of 2 for Gluten Free & Veggies Shares)
We all know citrus is high in Vitamin C, but they are also high in fiber which helps to reduce high cholesterol, controls blood sugar levels and may serve as a guard against colon cancer. Source http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=37#healthbenefits

Choice of Squash: 1 large squash OR 2 small including: Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, OR Spaghetti, Three Girls and a Tractor

Akins Orchard Apples, about 2 lbs

Choice of Canned Produce for Veggie Shares ONLY

Meat

Todd Geisert Pork Chops OR Spare Ribs
See this great video that shows Geisert’s Farming practices

Choice of Elixir Farm Beef or Sayersbrook Bison Kabob, Circle B Ranch Pork Meatballs OR Todd Geisert Jowl Bacon

Ground Turkey, 1 lbs, Country Neighbors Specialty Meats

Staple (and a Treat)

Choice of Companion Bread: Kalamata Olive, Millers 5 Grain, Multigrain Sandwich Bread OR Sourdough Sandwich Bread

John Miller’s Free-Range Chicken Eggs

Maude’s Market 2013 Calendar – Photos by customers, staff and friends of events, seasonal meals and the beautiful and delicious products at the Market

1 lbs of Pecan Pieces for Veggie Shares ONLY, Missouri Northern Pecan Growers

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Recipe Ideas

Simple Steamed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1.25 lbs sweet potatoes, diced ½ inch pieces
• ½ medium onion, sliced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped or pressed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs chopped pecans
• 2 tbs fresh chopped rosemary or sage

Preparation

Fill bottom of steamer with about two inches of water. Once boiling steam the sweet potatoes and onions for about 6-8 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl and immediately toss with the remaining ingredients.

Enjoy!

 

Honey Harvest & Bee Banquet THIS Sunday 7/15

Honey Harvest & Bee Banquet

THIS Sunday, July 15 from 11am to 1pm

FREE Potluck – Please bring a dish and serving utensil to share with other guests.
RSVP Required – Limited Space – Children welcome
Jackson-Mills City Bees
Compton Heights, St. Louis City
(Address will be shared with registered guests)

See the origin of Maude’s Market’s honey at the Jackson-Mills home in the Compton Heights neighborhood. Scott Jackson & Shane Mills will harvest the honey from their city beehives. Afterwards, we’ll have a bee banquet! Bring a bee, honey or summer inspired dish to share with other guests.

Click here to register or call 314-353-4219

What’s New

We have lots of options for the grill this week from Todd Geisert including pork chops, spare ribs, brat burgers, sausages. We also restocked on is ham sausages.

Peach Cobbler & Death by Chocolate cupcakes ($6 for a package of two) from Love at First Bite Cupcakery.

On Saturday we will have a new order of duck eggs ($7./15/dozen or from Harr Family Farms .

We still have a wonderful selection of cantaloupe ($5.25 each) and the blackberries ($5.50/pint) from Akins Orchard are divine.

 

On Sale

• Onion bunches, Yellow Dog Farm, $2/bunch (regular $2.75/bunch)
• Stringbean’s decaf coffee, $10.75/lbs (regular $12/lbs)
• Garlic scapes, Double Star, $1 buch (regular $1.50)
• Pasta, Midwest Pasta Company, options include fettuccine, linguine or angel hair. 9 ounce $3 (regular $3.50). 1 pound $5 (regular $6).
• Cheese spreads, River City Savories, flavors include blue cheese, Greek, horseradish & bacon, morel mushroom, and peppercorn. $6.75 each (regular $8)

Summer CSA Menu – July 6 & 7

Produce

• Yellow & red tomatoes, Buttonwoods Farm, 1 each
• Eggplant, Buttonwoods, 1 large or 2 small
• Green peppers, Buttonwoods or Seven Cedars Farm,  2
• Banana peppers, Seven Cedars, 6 – We do have a limited number of anaheim and jalapeno peppers that you may substitute for a banana pepper.
• Green beans, Yellow Dog Farm, 1lbs
• Choice: Blackberries, Cantaloupe, Cherry Tomato, OR Okra 1# (gluten free, veggie & large shares)
• Choice: squash or cucumber, 1lbs (veggie or large shares)

Meat

• Bratwurst or large sausage, Todd Geiserts Farm, Choice: Regular, Beer & Onion, Potato & Green bean, Jalapeno, Hot Polish, Andouille, Apple Cinnamon, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese, Tomato Basil     (2 packages for large shares)

Staple

• Black Beans, Bellews Creek Farm, 1lbs

Treat

• Cupcakes, Love at First Bite Cupcakery, 1 package of Peach Cobbler & Death by Chocolate (2 packages for large shares, none for gluten free)

Recipe Ideas

How to Prepare Dry Beans

Soak the beans (about 1 part beans to 3 parts cold water) for 6 hours or overnight. The longer you soak beans, the more water they absorb, which helps them cook faster and also helps to dissolve the starches that cause intestinal discomfort.

Drain the soaked beans and place them in a cooking pot with fresh water (about 1 part bean to 3 part water).

Bring the beans to a boil, and then lower the heat and simmer for 45 to 90 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Check the beans every so often after the first 30 minutes. If you are flavor to your beans with vinegar, tomatoes, salt or other acidic spices and flavors, add them towards the end of the cooking process.

Serve beans hot or cool on the stove and then place in the refrigerator.

Summer Salad

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or other favorite vinegar)
• ⅛ cup cilantro or parsley, chopped
• To taste, salt and pepper
• ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber
• 3 banana peppers (
• ½ cup cooked black beans, chilled

Directions

Mix the vinegar, oil and chopped herbs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix in tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Scoop the black beans into another bowl. Top the mixture from the other bowl.

Braised Eggplant

Served at room temperature or colder, this is a great side dish for your grilled meats and veggies.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large or 2 small eggplant, ¾ inch cubes
• 1 onion bunch, each onion halved and thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of garlic scapes, chopped very small
• 2 bell peppers, cored & cut into 1/2-inch strips
• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin or turmeric
• 2 large tomato, diced
• Pinch of sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• To taste, salt & pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed eggplant and sauté until golden (about 5 minutes). Transfer eggplant to plate.
• Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to same skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until onions are tender and golden, (about 5 minutes).
• Add bell peppers, garlic scapes, and cumin or turmeric to skillet and sauté until peppers are almost tender (about 5 minutes).
• Add tomatoes and sugar. Boil until mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
• Add eggplant; reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 5 minute).
• Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Transfer to bowl and cool to room temperature.
• Sprinkle with cilantro.