Well, we have reached a milestone of each season, Common Ground Country Fair.  The fair is a great chance to see farm and artisan products, eat great food, see amazing speakers and musicians, as well as taking in all the educational materials offered.  The fair is held this weekend in Unity.  Likely you all know about it already, but if you would like more information go to the website: http://www.mofga.org/TheFair/tabid/135/Default.aspx

The fair usually indicates to us that we are headed “down the mountain” so to speak in terms of production here at the farm.  We harvested our sweet onion crop this week and have been preparing for the big winter squash, potato, and storage onion harvest.  Hopefully those things will all be checked off the list by the beginning of October!  I am getting a bit nervous as I get closer to having this baby. . . I suppose the list of “to-do’s” is never ending, but the last thing I want is to stick my interns with all those big projects alone.  I suppose you just have to let it go as things will be how they are without much of my control.

This week you have a more classic fall share basket: beets, fingerling potatoes, sweet onions, garlic, chard, and green peppers. By now you are likely experts at using all these crops and have even experienced the incredibly delicious fingerling potatoes.  I would recommend a soup for you this week!  Also, if you are feeling adventurous, try slicing up your sweet onion into 1/4″ thick slices and frying in oil.  YUMMY!  Not the healthiest option, but certainly tasty.  We made some beer battered onion rings the other night to accompany baked haddock.  What a treat (in moderation!).  The fingerlings are incredibly tasty boiled or roasted with some salt and rosemary.

If you are looking for a special night out at the beginning of October that features all local food, you should buy tickets to the Harvest Dinner put on by the vendors of the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market on Sunday October 2nd.  The tickets are $35 per individual or $60 per couple with a drink included with each ticket.  The event will take place at The Club House at the Lakewood Golf Course with a fantastic menu and live music.  The event will open at 5:00 for appetizers and a social hour.  Dinner will be served to you by the farmers and food producers behind the ingredients.  Some of the items on the menu are pumpkin risotto, beef and veggie kabobs, green salad, and beet chocolate cake along with many other options.  If you are interested in getting tickets, let me know as soon as possible and I can get them to you.  Seating is limited!

Have a great week and maybe we will see you at the fair.  We always go as a family on Sunday just to wander around and see friends (and eat!).

Sarah