Classic Basil Pesto
Toss it on pasta, add it to salad dressings, drizzle over heirloom tomatoes—the possibilities are endless with this classic sauce!
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh basil leaves (from about 3 large bunches)
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
⅓ cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
½ cup freshly grated Grana-style cheese
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Method:
1. Combine basil, pine nuts, cheese and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until paste forms, stopping often to push down any basil caught on the sides of the bowl. Then, with the motor running, add the olive oil in a steady stream and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt, and then transfer to a small bowl.
Sunday Supper Recipes
In the tradition of our own Nonna Pat’s long-standing Sunday suppers, this week’s box includes fixings for a truly satisfying Italian-style spread: Appetizer provisions like freshly-baked focaccia and plump olives; fresh bucatini pasta topped with Nonna’s signature marinara sauce and Grana-style cheese; and finally, our signature lemon olive oil-polenta cake mix to whip up for dessert. Also included: Local duck eggs, fresh garden herbs and a lineup of produce favorites like Lacinato kale, Hakurei turnips and Meyer lemons—mangia!
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Grana Cheese with Honey & Red Pepper Flakes
The success of this lovely appetizer depends entirely on the quality of the ingredients, so don’t scrimp!
Brown Butter Kale
Simple and irresistible, this Tom Douglas recipe combines quality ingredients to bring out the inherently nutty flavor of this protein-rich green.
Grilled Turnips with Mint & Lime
The combination of mint and lime adds summery appeal to these tender-crisp grilled turnips.
Glazed Hakurei Turnips
These buttery glazed turnips are sure to delight.
Lemon Olive Oil Polenta Cake
This rustic cake has a slightly-crunchy texture courtesy of polenta and is beautifully flavored by olive oil.
Mushroom Risotto with Roasted Squash
Mixed with our own duxelles and sautéed mushrooms, then topped with roasted squash, this creamy and delicious risotto is a favorite here at the farm.
Ingredients:
1½ cups Arborio rice
4 cups chicken stock
½ cup white wine (if desired)
½ finely chopped onions or shallots
1-2 tablespoons chopped garlic (if desired)
8 tablespoons butter or olive oil (can use a mixture)
1 cup duxelles
¼ cup grated Grana cheese
2 cups cubed and roasted Black Futsu squash
1 cup Hedgehog mushrooms, sautéed in butter
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil and then turn down to a simmer to keep hot.
2. In another large saucepan over medium low heat, melt 4-5 tablespoons of butter and cook the onions until soft but not brown. Add garlic and continue cooking for about 2 minutes. Turn the heat up and add the Arborio rice, stir for about one minute. Add a ladleful of stock to the rice and continue stirring until almost absorbed.
3. Add another ladleful of stock and the wine (if using) and continue stirring. Repeat until all the stock is gone and the rice is creamy and tender.
4. Stir in the remaining butter, the duxelles and grated Grana until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add generous helpings of the roasted squash and sautéed mushrooms to each portion of risotto, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a grating of Grana-style cheese before serving.
Risotto with White Chanterelle Mushroom Ragout
Crafted with our own mushroom ragout, this creamy and delicious recipe is a favorite here at the farm.
Ingredients:
1½ cups Arborio rice
4 cups chicken stock
½ cup white wine (if desired)
½ finely chopped onions or shallots
1-2 tablespoons chopped garlic (if desired)
8 tablespoons butter or olive oil (can use a mixture)
F&L white Chanterelle mushroom ragout
¼ cup grated Grana cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil and then turn down to a simmer to keep hot.
2. In another large saucepan over medium low heat, melt 4-5 tablespoons of butter and cook the onions until soft but not brown. Add garlic and continue cooking for about 2 minutes. Turn the heat up and add the Arborio rice, stir for about one minute. Add a ladleful of stock to the rice and continue stirring until almost absorbed.
3. Add another ladleful of stock and the wine (if using) and continue stirring. Repeat until all the stock is gone and the rice is creamy and tender.
4. Stir in the remaining butter, the white Chanterelle mushroom ragout and grated Grana, until the ragout is warmed through and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with fresh parsley, then serve.
