Grilled Asparagus with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
A fresh blend of Meyer lemon juice, olive oil and garlic adds big flavor to grilled asparagus stalks.
Ingredients:
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1 Meyer lemon, plus 2 teaspoons lemon zest
½ cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and garlic. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.
2. Set a grill cooking grate or basket in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. While the grill is preheating, place asparagus in a large bowl and toss with the tablespoon of olive oil, coating evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add asparagus to grill and cook, turning occasionally, until well charred and tender, about 6 minutes total depending on the thickness of the stalks. Transfer asparagus to a serving platter and drizzle the vinaigrette over the top. Serve immediately.
Variation: Make it a meal by adding flaked smoked salmon and a fried duck egg to each portion of asparagus!
Spring Delights Recipes
Just in time for your Easter weekend gatherings, this week’s lineup sings of spring with bright and fresh ingredients. Starring fixings for a homey, flavorful meal comprised of locally-smoked ham hocks, heirloom dried beans, and corn muffins, this delivery also includes multigrain bread, farm-fresh eggs, our handcrafted chicken stock and an array of fresh produce from the garden—baby golden beets to fragrant garlic and French fingerling potatoes to collard greens. Enjoy!
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Smoked Ham Hocks with Braised Collard Greens & Beans
This recipe yields a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the smoky richness of ham hocks with the earthy flavors of collard greens and beans.
Roasted Baby Golden Beets with Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Glaze
This side dish is bright, fresh and bursting with flavor!
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Chive Butter
A lovely side to this week’s suggested main dish.
Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
A quick and easy way to enjoy spring carrots.
Charred Spring Onion Gremolata
This smoky sauce is wonderful slathered on toasted bread.
Smoked Ham Hocks with Braised Collard Greens & Beans
This recipe yields a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the smoky richness of ham hocks with the earthy flavors of collard greens and beans.
Ingredients:
2 smoked ham hocks
1 pound dried beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 quart chicken or vegetable broth
1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Method:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked and drained beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken or vegetable broth.
2. Add the smoked ham hocks to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling off the bone.
3. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
4. Return the chopped ham hock meat to the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir well to combine. Simmer uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the collard greens are tender and cooked to your liking.
5. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors of the dish. Serve the smoked ham hocks, collard greens, and beans hot, garnished with a dash of hot sauce if desired.
White Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto
Creamy and delicious, this recipe is a favorite here at the farm—just remember to stir!
Ingredients:
1½ cups Arborio rice
4-5 cups warm chicken stock
½ cup white wine (if desired)
½ finely chopped onions or shallots
1-2 tablespoons chopped garlic (if desired)
½ cup sautéed white Chanterelle mushrooms
8 tablespoons butter or olive oil (can use a mixture)
1¼ cup grated Grana cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Method:
1. In a sauce pan, bring the chicken stock to a boil and then turn down to a simmer to keep hot. In another large saucepan over medium low heat, melt 4-5 tablespoons of butter and cook the onions or leeks until soft but not brown.
2. Add garlic and continue cooking for about 2 minutes. Turn the heat up and add the Arborio rice. Stir for about one minute.
3. Add a ladleful of stock to the rice and continue stirring until almost absorbed. Add another ladleful of stock and the wine and continue stirring—repeat until all the stock is gone and the rice is creamy and tender.
4. Stir in the remaining butter, sautéed mushrooms and grated Grana until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional cheese, if desired.
