Dec 092012
 

Know Your Vegetables Workshop 


What can you make with all your CSA vegetables?

Are you storing them properly to prolong their freshness?

How can you get your kids to eat them? 

To all existing, new, and future CSA members:
Come join us at Member Melanie’s house, 12752 Edenbridge Court, Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, December 15th, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET for our second Know Your Vegetables workshop. During the workshop you’ll enjoy free samples as you hear firsthand from Vivian as well as Florida Coastal Cooking’s Dawn Hutchins on the best ways to clean, store, prep and cook your organic vegetables. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new members and swap your own favorite recipes and tips as well. 

Specifically, you will learn how to: 

•          Wash, prepare and store your greens, root vegetables, and citrus

•          Various cooking methods such as roasting, baking and sautéing as well as tips on how to sneak them into your kids’ meals! 

$15 for members (per family) and $20 for non-members. All proceeds go directly to supporting KYV Farm. 

Questions? Contact:

Vivian Arroyo 787-232-2234

info@kyvfarm.com 

Dawn Hutchins 904-534-4252

chefdawn@hotmail.com

 Posted by at 7:18 pm
Oct 292012
 


Yesterday kicked off the first event of the new CSA farm season at KYV Farm.  It was a crisp, clear and PERFECT day for a potluck, hayrides and bean picking.  We even got to pull a few sweet potatoes!

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Join a CSA!  www.kyvfarm.com

(p.s. If anyone there would like copies of the photos – please contact me at chefdawn(at)hotmail(dot)com. I could not get all the photos uploaded to if I took one of you and it is not on here, shoot me a request!)

 Posted by at 11:19 am
Sep 172012
 

KyV Farm’s Second Annual Farm-to-Table dinner will be the talk of the town with their fresh, seasonal vegetables showcased by the expert chefs at the Floridian,
St Augustine.


 

People are getting more excited about fresh vegetables and especially organic, seasonal and local foods.  Farm shares are the perfect way to incorporate these foods into a diet. On Thursday, November 29th the Floridian and KYV farm will team up once again to celebrate the start of a new the season. 

 The Floridian (http://www.thefloridianstaug.com/) is a casual restaurant in historic St Augustine that showcases fresh, seasonal and local meats, dairy and produce from these very farms in order to support the local community, environment and the economy.  Head chef Genie McNally has been working in the restaurant industry for fifteen years.  She learned many of her culinary skills through a catering company and later opened a stand at the local farmers market called dujour market. 

 Their stand was so popular that she moved on to the next step to open her first restaurant, the Floridian, that has recently celebrated its two year anniversary.

Genie is excited to participate in this farm to table event because fresh, local and seasonal foods are exactly what the Floridian focuses on.  It’s been really amazing to see, even over the past year, the community’s growing awareness of the need for Farm-to-table food and what it does for the region’s farmers and producers.”

 

The feature farm for this event is KYV farm (http://www.kyvfarm.com/), a certified organic farm located in Switzerland Florida is owned and run by farmers Francisco Arroyo and Vivian Bayona.  They offer a seasonal farm share program, tours, workshops and an apprenticeship program. KYV farm opened their doors in 2006 after relocating to Jacksonville to be closer to Francisco’s sister who had been living in the area since 1988. 

  The biggest challenge they faced was promoting the CSA/farm share product when little was known about it at the time; however the hard work has paid off as the biggest reward has been the growth over the years through the entire community’s support and participation. In 2011 KYV farm gained their USDA Organic certification to meet the public’s demand for local organic produce to support their healthier lifestyles. They are so excited about participating in this farm to table event to showcase that their fresh produce can be used in both basic preparation and can be taken to the next level in a gourmet setting such as this event.  Vivian stated “Last year’s event at the Floridian was such a success, I know this year will be even better!”

______________________________________________
Tickets for this event will go on sale beginning October 1st.  Ticket prices are $65 for a meat option and $55 for vegetarian. The dinner consists of a four course menu with the option to buy wine or beer separately. The first seating will be at 6pm and second seating may be offered at 8pm if the earlier seating sells out.

Parking the night of the event will be subject to availability around the St Augustine area.  There is a parking lot located across the street with meters spaces.


Contact the Floridian St Augustine to purchase tickets (904) 829-0655 or contact Dawn Hutchins directly for more information at (904) 534-4252.
 Posted by at 9:38 am
Aug 192012
 

Easy Mexican Mila Tortilla Bake

Easy Mexican Mila Tortilla Bake

 

Friday night was my second wine and Mila soirée.
We laughed, we talked nutrition, we drank and we ate dishes made with Mila.

All is quiet after work – waiting for my friends to arrive!
 
What is Mila?
(Those of you that follow me regularly already know but for those of you that are new, here is the info.)
 
Mila is an organically grown, non-genetically modified blend of chia seed that is cold pressed and sliced to make it more bio-available. 
 
It is RAW, GLUTEN FREE, AND VEGAN, perfect for cooking and baking.
 
It is super high in OMEGA 3s – equal to 6 to 10 fish oil pills per serving.  
 
A single serving also has FIVE GRAMS OF FIBER, more antioxidants than blueberries, more iron than spinach and many more benefits.
 
This little seed has anti-inflammatory properties, is excellent for brain function, energy, elimination, sleep and the best part?  It’s a FOOD!
 
My friend Jodi and my mom Diane.
We discussed the fact that Mila is a FOOD, not a pill, supplement, shake, powder or bar. It does more than just anti-aging or help you lose weight – it offers so much more! The nutrition of this food is amazing; it has 3000mg Omega 3s, antioxidants, 5 grams of fiber and only 70 calories. It will absorb many times its weight in liquid to help you feel full as well as offer tons of plant based vitamins and phytonutrients. Many shakes and pill supplements state that they have more nutrients than ten oranges, three pounds of kale, a whole salmon – blah, blah, blah.  When it comes down to it, your body is going to recognize the nutrients in an actual food much faster than a man made pill, shake or smoothie.
 
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. — Hippocrates, father of medicine, 431 B.C.
 
Da Food

I also love the fact that Mila can be used as an egg replacer for baked goods – which is awesome because my daughter is allergic to eggs.  Instead of using a powdered egg substitute, this is a great way to both bind and add all the benefits I listed above.

Lots o’ Glorious Wine

I made my world famous seven layer dip – with Mila mixed into the black beans.

Vegan 7 Layer Dip with Mila and Cashew Sour Cream

These cookies were baked with Mila – super soft and chewy.

Oatmeal, Raisin and Almond Cookies made with Mila

My mom brought a strawberry spinach salad with a red wine and Mila vinaigrette.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Red Wine and  Mila Vinaigrette

Jodi contributed a cheesy rice with Mila.

Cheesy Rice with Mila

A great time was had by all! A special thanks to my mentor Rachel, Megan who shared the first bag of Mila with me, my fabulous team members, Diane, Jodi, Suzanne, Chris and a long distance hug to Cara, thanks to those who stopped by and congratulations to my friend Jen who is the newest member of the team!!

Some of the fabulous ladies.
Mom enjoying her glass of wine.
 
Finally, the grand finale, my Mexican style tortilla bake - a super easy version of a lasagna. This versatile dish can be made vegan and gluten free or made with any regular tortillas you like, and any shredded cheese you have on hand.  This was an AWESOME way to slip Mila into my family’s diet.  Both my hubby and daughter polished off their serving and asked for more – little did they know they got half their day’s supply of Mila!
 

Instead of beef, I added a can of Amy’s Chili; it added tons of flavor and heartiness without the meat.  The tomatoes created a rich sauce and the black beans and fajita seasoning tie the whole dish together with a Mexican flair.  This one is definitely going under the favorites.  It is one of those casseroles that get even better the next day.

Want to try Mila for yourself?  Click HERE!

Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake with Mila

Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake with Mila

Vegan, Gluten Free
Serves 4
 

Ingredients

1 can (14.5oz) chili, I used Amy’s Medium Vegan Chili
1 can (14.5oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2-4 scoops Mila
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes of choice (I used Muir Glen Fire Roasted, diced tomatoes with chilies), drained
2 Tbsp adobo or fajita seasoning (be sure to use a from scratch version or check the label for gluten free)
1 pkg (10oz) rice tortillas (or for non-gluten free use any you like)
1 cup shredded Daiya cheese (or any shredded cheese of choice)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Mix chili, beans, Mila, diced tomatoes and fajita seasoning in a medium bowl.

2. Spray a 9×13 with cooking spray.  Cut the tortillas in strips and layer on layer on the bottom of the baking pan.  Top with 1/2 the bean/Mila mixture, spreading with spatula, repeat.  Top with cheese, cover and bake 25 minutes or until heated through.

**This also freezes well!  Simply use two 8×8 pans and do not add the cheese to the half you are freezing.  Wrap tightly after layering and freeze for up to 1 month.  When ready to heat, bring to room temp, top with cheese and bake at 350F for 25 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts (with Mila)
8 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 296.5
Total Fat 8.7 g
Saturated Fat 1.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 664.1 mg
Potassium 197.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 42.1 g
Dietary Fiber 10.3 g
Sugars 4.5 g
Protein 11.3 g

Vitamin A 11.4 %
Vitamin B-6 6.5 %
Vitamin C 32.9 %
Calcium 8.2 %
Copper 6.5 %
Folate 16.0 %
Iron 18.1 %
Magnesium 12.5 %
Manganese 15.0 %
Niacin 6.1 %
Pantothenic Acid 4.0 %
Phosphorus 16.5 %
Riboflavin 1.5 %
Selenium 0.7 %
Thiamin 12.0 %
Zinc 5.2 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Jul 132012
 
I promise to get back to some recipes soon but first I want to thank all that attended the Wine and Mila tasting last night.  Candles, music, wine and amazing food – I think we all had a great time! My only regret is that I didn’t get more photos.
I made some cookies with Mila instead of eggs and my seven layer dip was a big hit.  No one could believe that the sour cream was actually made with cashews and Mila was mixed in with the black bean layer.
Lots of wine (and notice my Vegan 7 layer dip in the background)
Great mix of friends!

Michele, Larissa, Dan and my mom

Strawberry Salad with Mila See Dressing
I can not wait until my next wine and Mila tasting!  What a perfect excuse to have a get-together.  :)

What is Mila?
Mila is an organically grown, non-genetically modified blend of chia seed that is cold pressed and sliced to make it more bio-available. 
It is RAW, GLUTEN FREE, AND VEGAN, perfect for cooking and baking
It is super high in OMEGA 3s – equal to 6 to 10 fish oil pills per serving.  
A single serving also has FIVE GRAMS OF FIBER, more antioxidants than blueberries, more iron than spinach and many more benefits.
This little seed has anti-inflammatory properties, is excellent for brain function, energy, elimination, sleep and the best part?  It’s a FOOD!
Try some for yourself!  (Click here)
 Posted by at 2:40 pm  Tagged with:
Mar 112012
 
Yesterday was the KVY Canning and Preservation Workshop.

We learned about some great resources – books and websites.
This is the one I want to buy.  I’ll add this to my Shop as well as some of these others.

Member Melanie Harris graciously allowed us to use her canning kitchen to host our workshop.  Many thanks to Melanie!

Member Karin demonstrates one method of placing the jars into the hot water bath.

Melanie shows us some of the gadgets for making jellies, jams, sauces and sauerkraut.
And my favorite part…the tasting!  We got to sample all of these delicious canned, pickled and fermented foods.

 Posted by at 10:50 am
Jan 292012
 
This weekend was the KYV Farm Know Your Vegetables workshop-what a great success!  With almost 30 people in attendance we all snuggled up, and since space was limited we unfortunately had to turn a few back-but don’t despair!  We will plan another soon.

Click here if you attended the workshop and need a copy of the workshop materials.

We shared how to wash and store some of the lesser known vegetables, tips and tricks, four great dishes, ways to get your kids to eat veggies, and lots of laughs. Thanks so much to everyone who participated!
Throughout the workshop the chickens kept peeking their heads in to see what the ruckus was.


Vivian graciously extended her kitchen to members and future-members-treating us all like family.


 My friend Jaclyn helpped with prep and serving.  Thanks so much Jaclyn!

 Vivian’s daughter, Veronica, helped set up this gorgeous spread with our handout, some great recipe books and fresh veggies from the farm.

The kids enjoyed the gorgeous day during the workshop.

Some of our fabulous attendees-You guys rocked!

Folks were still filing in and in the end we had people out the front door


I started working on the veggies to roast and the big pot o’ soup-veggies, beans, lentils and barley with home made veggie broth.  Come to the next workshop for that great tip! 


Here I am doing a quick taste test.


The hostesses

 Vivian discussing steaming.
Here I am probably yapping about the roasted veggies.

Jaclyn serving up the samples-first up was the soup.
It got very quiet in there for a while….

Giving the kale a nice massage. Even kale needs a spa day.

 My mom-the photographer-snapped this great photo of her plate…soup veggies, roasted veggies, sautéed collards and kale salad.
 Posted by at 1:39 am
Jan 172012
 
Know Your Vegetables


What can you make with all your CSA vegetables?
Are you storing them properly to prolong their freshness?
How can you get your kids to eat them?
To all existing, new, and future CSA members:

Come join us at 1670 Borrow Pit Road, Switzerland, FL on Saturday, January 28th, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET for our first-ever Know Your Vegetables workshop. During the workshop you’ll enjoy free samples as you hear firsthand from Vivian and Francisco as well as me, Dawn Hutchins, on the best ways to clean, store, prep and cook your organic vegetables. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new members and swap your own favorite recipes and tips as well.
Specifically, you will learn how to:
           Wash, prepare and store your greens, root vegetables, and citrus
           Roast, bake, steam, grill and sneak them into your kids’ dinner
$15 for members (per family) and $20 for non-members. All proceeds go directly to supporting KYV Farm.
Vegetables will be for sale until 1:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact:
Vivian Arroyo 787-232-2234
info@kyvfarm.com
Dawn Hutchins 904-534-4252
chefdawn@hotmail.com
Jaclyn Schweitzer 678-362-8056
jacnmike@gmail.com
 Posted by at 4:35 pm