Yesterday we had about 50 South Western Ontario CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) interns from other organic farms in Southwestern Ontario come to our farm. The  day included an extensive tour of the farm, pot-luck lunch, a soils workshop and demonstration of various horse drawn implements in the main garden. We enjoyed hosting this group of fine young  people who have given the season over to learning about organic farming on various farms in our region.

CSA member Marianne Campbell has shared a couple of recipes that she has enjoyed. With the anticipation of Zucchini coming and for those of you who still have fennel in the fridge and aren’t quite sure what to do with it…keep in mind that any summer squash can be substituted for zucchini.

Zucchini Relish

 5 cups ground zucchini with peel

2 cups ground onion

2½ tbsp. coarse (pickling) salt

1 small green pepper, seeded and ground

1 small red pepper, seeded and ground

1¼ cups white vinegar

2½ cups granulated sugar

1 tbsp. celery seed

2 tsp. cornstarch

1½ tsp. dry mustard powder

1½ tsp. turmeric

1½ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. pepper

Combine zucchini, onion and salt in large bowl. Cover and let stand overnight on counter. Drain. Rinse in cold water. Drain. Turn into large pot.

Add remaining ingredients. Heat on medium-high, stirring often, until it boils. Boil, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into hot sterilized jars to within ¼ inch of top. Seal. Makes 5 to 6 half pint jars.

Source: Company’s Coming “Preserves” by Jean Paré

Shrimp and Couscous Salad with Fennel

1 ¼ cup whole-wheat couscous

1 ½ cup boiling chicken broth

3 tbsp. olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 large orange

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. red pepper flakes

12 large shrimp

½ fennel bulb, diced

½ sweet red pepper, diced

¼ cup toasted slivered almonds

½ cup fennel fronds

Place the couscous in a medium glass or stainless bowl. Pour the boiling chicken broth over top. Stir to combine. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

In a medium glass blow, combine the olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine. Add the shrimp and set aside.

When the couscous is cool, add the fennel and red pepper.

Add the dressing with the shrimp.  Add the almonds and fennel fronds. Toss well.

Season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve.

(Serves 4) Source: London Free Press