CSA week #17

 We kicked this greenhouse's ars... I mean seriously, that was quick!

Mr. and Mrs. Fixit here

As the season winds down, projects begin which is what has definitely been the case this year. We received the greenhouse on Monday and got everything constructed and all the poles up before the weekend was over. Now we just need to put some lumber on it to help hold the plastic on that still needs stretched. We are fortunate to have some friends that are good with construction :)

We have had our first fire in our wood burning stove and have come to a realization that despite this Indian Summer we are currently experiencing, it is almost time to need firewood up at the house. We haven't begun to split more wood, but luckily in the past couple of years, we have built up our supply. We have been getting the other greenhouses ready for cold weather too. We have to make sure we have it airtight for when it's really cold and needs to retain as much heat as possible.

We are doing the same thing with our house right now replacing a few really old windows and a new storm door. Before we moved in, the house had not been insulated and the windows were pretty much ancient. All of them being made of wood has led them to just rot with contact with moisture, making it impossible to open them in the summer and impossible to close them in the winter time.

After these windows are replaced though, we have just the sliding glass door to replace which will be another year's project. Moving into an old house means lots of upkeep, but for us it also means learning how to fix things as new things break. You know, my parents always made me go to Home Depot with them while we were going out to dinner or something like that, and I hated it, now I can't imagine my life without going to a hardware store. Oh the joys of being all growed up...

What's included this week?

1. Braising mix- greens for cooking. I have been using the greens recipe and adding some brown sugar... sweet and savory!
2. Lettuce mix- Same idea as a spring mix, only a fall mix
3. Turnips because they were so yummy last week
4. Lg pumpkin from Anderson Orchards in Pickerington. For decoration or carving.
5. Butternut Squash
6. Bell peppers

Recipe of the Week

Squash Pot Stickers

1 lb. Butternut squash peeled and seeded, flesh cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger

1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds

20 wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen

1/4 cup canola oil

Put squash, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sugar, and salt in a med saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil over med-high heat. Cook until squash is very soft, about 12 mins; drain. Transfer to a med bowl; mash with a fork until smooth. Stir in scallions and ginger. Stir together sesame seeds, 1/4 cup water, and remaining 1/2 cup soy sauce in a bowl; set sauce aside. Place 1 scant tablespoon filling in the center of each wrapper; brush edges with water. Bring up corners to make a triangle; press to seal. Place on a baking sheet; freeze until firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 10 potstickers, and cook, shaking pan frequently, until bottoms are golden brown. Turn pot stickers over; very carefully pour in 1/2 cup water, and cover. Steam until most liquid is evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish; cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and pot stickers. Serve with dipping sauce.

Thank you for your support, Gretel and Steve