By Alexis
We have a ritual here on the farm. It is simple, but heart warming. This ritual is called “morning circle” where we take no more than five minutes before we begin our workday to stand in a circle and share space together. Sometimes we stretch, other times we recite poems - but most days, we have a moment of silence. I think for most of us, this moment is an emotional moment, as it is used as a remembrance of gratitude - a prayer if you will. I remember when I was working in elementary schools, the most effective way to create smooth transitions between activities was to make everything a “ritual” - a practice of doing things in the same manner each time. We’d use small cues like chimes, songs or role play. When the day got busy or rushed it was easy to forget time for ritual. And it affected the flow of the day for the kids. Rituals allow us to slow down, hold space for the present and ground ourselves in mindfulness. Moving forward this year I hope to create more space for ritual (and time management) both within work and as I extend myself into other activities that call my spirit. Ritual may look like setting an intention or affirmation, listening to a specific song or mantra, or a moment of silence. How will you move forward with ritual this week? Whatever you choose, make sure to include the two simple strawberry recipes below :)
Upcoming Events: Farm Potluck Friday 6/14 at 5:30 pm!
Open Field Farm 2024 | The "ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW" guide for members
CSA Barn Hours:
Current Summer hours: 2:30-6:30 PM
(Winter hours: 2:30-6PM)
Pick List:
Eggs
Fresh garlic
Scallions
Kale
Mei Qing Choi
Spinach
Parsley and Basil
Strawberries
Pick your own flowers and herbs, mostly in the herb circle and perennials
Sonora Wheat Flour
Tea Blends (Please BYO jars!)
Beef Bone Broth for sale! (Made by Olla Products)
Saltonstall Olive Oil for sale (Please BYO jars!)
Revolution Bread on Tuesday and Friday
Strawberry Reduction
What is strawberry reduction? Strawberry reduction is essentially strawberry sauce. Strawberries are cooked down, reduced, and blended to create a smooth, concentrated sauce. It is a strawberry puree that is not sweetened and can be used as an ingredient in many recipes.
32 oz fresh or frozen strawberries
2 oz sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 pinch salt
Defrost strawberries if frozen or cut up strawberries if whole.
Blend your strawberries.
Place strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and sugar into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over med heat.
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let slowly reduce until berries begin to break up and the liquid is almost gone. This can take between 40-60 minutes depending on how much liquid you have.
Occasionally stir the mixture to prevent burning. Transfer to another container and let cool before use. If storing for later, store in airtight container for 2-3 days.
Use in your favorite baking recipes!
Strawberry Balsamic Reduction
balsamic vinegar
strawberries
honey
sea salt
Combine all ingredients in small sauce pan, bring to simmer and reduce by half. (approx 8-10 minutes).
Strain into small container and cool.
Reduction will thicken as cools.
Serve as a dipping sauce, on sandwiches or salads.
