Crop Talk, August 1: Week 9
Three Sisters

  They say the Native Americans who lived around here used to grow corn, beans, and squash in the same garden plots because the plants complement each other: the beans fix nitrogen for the corn, the corn provides poles for the beans to climb, and the broad leaves of the squash discourage weed growth.

   And the three sisters work just as well together in the kitchen as they do in the garden. Three Sisters Succotash is a complete, one-pan meal. Here's our version: Put some beans on to boil or steam. Sautee a large onion for a couple of minutes before adding chopped summer squash or zucchini. Cut the kernels off several ears of corn and add them to the skillet, along with some butter. By the time you're done with that, the beans should be getting tender, so toss them in with the other stuff, and add a little of their cooking water and some salt -- we use both green beans and black beans at our house. Take the pan off the heat before the squash gets mushy. Garnish with copped scallions and cilantro before serving. 

Got Allergies?  Eat Real Food
By Nicole Seevers, www.colesmoveablefeast.com

   My family has been visiting Great Country Farms for nearly ten years.  We love everything about it: the rope swings, the goats, pick-your-own! A few years ago I decided to take the next step and sign up for a CSA share.  We love getting our box of ripe local produce every week, and my kids especially love taste tests . . . our CSA cantaloupe vs. the grocery store cantaloupe that was picked 2000 miles away before it was ripe.  You can guess which one wins.

   Read more here.

Shenandoah Valley Cake Festival 

   Nibblins is excited to host the first annual Shenandoah Valley Cake Festival in Winchester!  Ms. Kerry Vincent from the Food Network will be here as the judge. Nibblins will offer cake-related classes on Friday night and Saturday in our demonstration kitchen with vendor demonstrations throughout the day.  The festival moves Saturday evening to the Reception Room at Omps for the Cupcake Gala, and to The George Washington Hotel on Sunday for the cake show.

Saturday, August 13

9:00 Introduction to Cake Pops with Beckaboo’s

9:30 Kerry Vincent Live at Dominion Tea in Purcellville

11:00 Magic Chocolate 101

1:00 Introduction to Sugar Cookie Decorating

7:00  Cupcake Gala

Location: Reception Room at  1600 Amherst Street Winchester, Virginia 22601

Sunday, August 14

10:00 Cake Show

Location: The George Washington Hotel 103 E. Piccadilly Street Winchester, Virginia 22601

Get your tickets here!

Great Country Farms | 540-554-2073 | CSA@GreatCountryFarms.com | www.GreatCountryFarms.com