The Farmplate Blog

Beet Tartine with Marinated Caper Berries
Jan 29, 2013 Recipes 1 comments
On Saturday I picked up our very last CSA share of the season from one of our favorite local farms — a stellar little organic operation called Your Farm. We typically pick up our share boxes at the Norwich Farmers' Market, however, the market schedule has trickled down to a once-per-month affair, so this week we made the one-hour trek up to Fairlee, Vermont, to collect our bi-weekly bag of veggies. Your Farm is located right on the beautiful Vermont bank of the Connecticut River, where hills roll and river breezes blow. Farmers Kevin and Laura Channell run a tight ship. The quality of their products is top-notch and we are never disappointed with flavor or freshness....
Food is Free: Cultivating Food in Front Yards Around the World
Sarah Hebbel-Stone Jan 24, 2013 News 1 comments
  The Food is Free Project launched in Austin, Texas, in January 2012, and within a few short months the project had spread to more than 40 cities across the world. Their mission? To grow fresh healthy food, build community amongst neighbors and line urban streets with front yard gardens. We think they're doing awesome work and want to share with you an Urban Gardens story that we found about the project. Here is an excerpt from the article: "Participants build the free gardens using salvaged resources that would otherwise be tossed in a landfill. The project introduces a very easy method of growing organic food with very little work using low maintenance drought-tolerant,...
Lemon Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes with Rosemary
Sarah Hebbel-Stone Jan 17, 2013 Recipes 1 comments
Brussels sprouts have made a big comeback in the past few years. No longer the mushy vegetable you refused to eat as a kid, Brussels sprouts are being cooked in bacon fat, tossed with wheat berries and pomegranate seeds, and even served with eggs for breakfast. If you're still not a Brussels sprouts fan, try these Lemon Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes- I promise they'll make you a convert! Image from Hipsterfood.tumbler.com LEMON BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND POTATOES WITH ROSEMARYAdapted from Hipsterfood 6 large potatoes1 stalk brussels sprouts, cut from the stalk1 large red onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, chopped2 large pinches fresh rosemary, minced1 lemon, sliced2 Tbs. olive oil2 tsp. salt Boil the...
California Food Trucks Bring Lunch to the Hungry
Sarah Hebbel-Stone Jan 15, 2013 News 1 comments
The United Samaritan Foundation has been operating food trucks since before they were cool. Since 1992, their fleet of four Daily Bread Mobile Food Trucks has distributed free meals and groceries in Turlock, California. With donations from area food banks, grocery stores, and local farms, they provide a vital service to those who don't have access to a soup kitchen - by bringing the soup kitchen to them. "'This feels like Christmas!' says the woman at the front of the line as she tucks eggs, milk, large orange carrots, and a loaf of whole wheat bread into her sweatshirt. It’s Friday in Turlock, California, grocery day for those who are served by the United Samaritan Foundation’s fleet...
Small Planet, Small Plates: Earth-Friendly Vegetarian Recipes
Sarah Hebbel-Stone Jan 10, 2013 Recipes 1 comments
Eating local during the winter can be a challenge, especially here in New England. Local meat dishes are plentiful, but if you're a vegetarian or simply made a New Year's resolution to eat less meat, try these warming recipes from Small Planet, Small Plates: Earth-Friendly Vegetarian Recipes that are good for both your health and the planet. PUMPKIN CURRY 3 cups pumpkin, cut into small cubes 1 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon turmeric ¼-½ green chili, de-seeded and cut finely 5 cloves garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon ground ginger or ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or chopped finely 5 cloves 2 tomatoes, chopped 1¼ cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro/coriander, chopped oil salt  First,...