EARTH DAY

Good morning Friends!

Just a reminder that today in Portland at Oxbow’s Earth Day 2022 , we’ll be helping to fundraise for Farms for Food Equity. This non-profit, founded by Penny Jordan of Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, is tackling food waste and hunger, issues at the core of what drives Family Dinner. If you're in the area, come on down Joe and I would love to buy you a beer!

Note: Equal Exchange Avocados have been paused for the time being due to inconsistencies in production and quality issues. Until they are back online with avos, we will be sending organic avocados from California!

--The Family Dinner Team

EARTH DAY

We're penning this Earth Day newsletter from Maine, looking out over the bay with the argentine shimmer of the ocean in the distance. Sipping Tandem coffee and taking in the view it's hard not to grow wistful, especially on Earth Day, wondering how much damage lies under that shimmery splendor, how much loss.

The scientific reporting on climate change is grim to say the least. But if we squint, we can see small incremental changes happening at the local and state level that can inspire confidence. In addition to boasting a rich community of regenerative farmers, Massachusetts and Maine also have excellent energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy programs. Mass Save has everything from free energy audits to 0% interest loans for heat pumps and battery backup. Efficiency Maine also has a ton of very generous incentives for homeowners. And if you rent, you can always choose to buy community solar from your local utility or a national provider like Arcadia. (Tim is an energy super nerd and would have written a novel on this subject if I let him.) Feel free to reply to this email if you have more questions!

We can even sniff out this optimism at the neighborhood level with the proliferation of tiny compost buckets on our stoops and porches from places like Bootstrap Compost and Garbage to Garden.

There is so much more that can be done, but right now we're in an "every bit counts" kind of vibe.

SPEAKING of every bit counts, we wanted to share with you a bit about what we're doing at Family Dinner to be good stewards of the Earth - just so you didn't think you were dealing with a bunch of environmental riff-raffs over here:

Packaging: We pack your meats and cold items in compostable bags made of corn. Your shares are delivered in reusable bags that we collect back every week, clean sanitize and re-use. No wading through an ocean of single use packaging every week that ends up in the trash.
Receiving: When farms, fisheries and producers deliver to us, THEY deliver in reusable containers that are returned to them for reuse each week.
Ordering: Each week we order to meet exact demand. If we spinach for 650 shares, we order 651. This means keeping near zero inventory and preventing food waste on our end. We also work closely with farmers to help move their beautiful crops if they have too much to eliminate waste on their side.
Composting: Of course we always run into a potato or two that have passed their prime, or an apple that fell a little too hard from the tree. These guys are first offered to the team to salvage or lovingly composted if their time has come.
Recycle Mania: Besides cardboard and our after work beer and seltzer cans (come join us sometime!) , we are also paying to recycle plastic bags and films, and recycle all printer cartridges and e-waste.
Energy: While we don't yet have solar panels atop our rented building, Saturday and Tuesday packing days are run on snacks from A&J King, High Fives and 90's Hip-Hop which are all excellent alternative fuel sources.

We are always looking to do more and welcome your suggestions. Happy Earth Day, friends. Go out there and get some sun on your face. It'll do you some good.

WHAT'S IN THE BAG? (MA)

Delivery dates: Saturday, 4/23 and Tuesday, 4/26

Note: If you order a "Meat and Fish Share" you will receive just the meats listed, not the "dairy" items (i.e., eggs, yogurt, etc). If you order a "Fish and Seafood Share" you will receive the fish listed, not the dairy items.

Add-on Bread of the Week - Popeye Bread from Great Harvest Bakery
Add-on Cheese of the Week - Feta from Seal Cove Farm
Add-on Fresh Pasta of the Week - Black Pepper Angel Hair from Dave's Fresh Pasta
Add-on Gluten Free Grain of the Week - Maine Maple Chips from Vintage Maine Kitchen
Add-on Grain of the Week - Granola from Forge
Add-on Mezze of the Week - Tzatziki from Dave's Fresh Pasta
Add-on Pastry of the Week - Sticky Buns from A&J King
Add-on Vegetarian Soup of the Week - Chickpea Peanut Stew from Forge

HALF SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House
Pescatarian Protein - Flounder from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House
Vegetarian Proteins - Dumplings from Mei Mei; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House
Paleo Proteins - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Lettuce from Queen's Greens; Tomatoes from Backyard Farms; Mushrooms from Fat Moon Farm; Potatoes from Brookford Farm
Grain - Pizza Dough from A&J King
Special Treat - Whole Wheat Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies from A&J King

WHOLE SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Yogurt from Sophia's
Pescatarian Protein - Flounder, Salmon from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Yogurt from Sophia's
Vegetarian Proteins - Dumplings from Mei Mei; Gyro Seitan from Littleburg; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Yogurt from Sophia's
Paleo Proteins - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Lettuce from Queen's Greens; Tomatoes from Backyard Farms; Mushrooms from Fat Moon Farm; Potatoes from Brookford Farm; Arugula from Kitchen Garden Farm and Queen's Greens; Carrots from Brookford Farm
Grain - Pizza Dough from A&J King
Special Treat - Whole Wheat Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Croissant from A&J King

DOUBLE SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Pork Chops from Feather Brook Farms; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Yogurt from Sophia's; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Pescatarian Protein - Flounder, Salmon, and Clam Chowder from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Yogurt from Sophia's; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Vegetarian Proteins - Dumplings from Mei Mei; Gyro Seitan from Littleburg; Shiitake Pot Pie from Dunk's Mushrooms; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Yogurt from Sophia's; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Paleo Proteins - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Pork Chops from Feather Brook Farms; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Lettuce from Queen's Greens; Tomatoes from Backyard Farms; Mushrooms from Fat Moon Farm; Potatoes from Brookford Farm; Arugula from Kitchen Garden Farm and Queen's Greens; Carrots from Brookford Farm; Spinach from Cedar Rock Gardens; Apples from The Apple Farm
Grain - Pizza Dough from A&J King; Maple Oat Bread from Forge
Special Treat - Whole Wheat Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Croissant from A&J King

WHAT'S IN THE BAG? (ME/NH)

Delivery date: Saturday, 4/23

Another Note: We're pretty excited to get the first scallions of the season. Beth from Dandelion Spring passed this on (which we thought was interesting and a good teachable moment):

"This time of year we cut them just above the roots (to get them out of the compacted winter soil without damaging them). This can seem alarming to folks, but we guarantee that it doesn't actually take away from any usable scallion!"

Add-on Bread of the Week - Bialys from Rosemont Market & Bakery
Add-on Cheese of the Week - Feta from Pineland Farms
Add-on Fresh Pasta of the Week - Fresh Pasta from Terra Cotta Pasta Co.
Add-on Gluten Free Grain of the Week - SeedNola from 88 Acres
Add-on Grain of the Week - Crackers from Brewer's Crackers
Add-on Mezze of the Week - Hummus from Rosemont Market & Bakery
Add-on Pastry of the Week - Blueberry Scones from Two Fat Cats Bakery
Add-on Vegetarian Soup of the Week - Chicken Peanut Stew from Forge Baking Co.
Add-on Sausage of the Week - Portuguese Hunter's Sausage from Broad Arrow
Add-on Treat of the Week - Spice Cookies from Rosemont Market & Bakery

HALF SHARE

Omnivore Protein & Dairy - Haddock from True Fin*; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Pescatarian Proteins & Dairy - Haddock from True Fin*; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Paleo Proteins - Haddock from True Fin*; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Vegetarian Proteins & Dairy - Chili from Rosemont Market & Bakery; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Romaine from Springworks Farm; Scallions from Dandelion Spring; Tomatoes from Backyard Farms; Northern Spy Apples from The Apple Farm; Shallots from Brookford Farm (Paleo Shares only); Arugula from Goranson Farm (Paleo Shares only)
Grains - Gnocchetti Sardi Pasta from Amolitta Pasta
Special Treats - Spice Cookies from Rosemont Market & Bakery

WHOLE SHARE

Omnivore Proteins & Dairy - Haddock from True Fin*; Chicken Italian Sausage from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Pescatarian Proteins & Dairy - Haddock from True Fin*; Tuna Mince from True Fin; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Paleo Proteins - Haddock from True Fin*; Chicken Italian Sausage from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Vegetarian Proteins & Dairy - Chili from Rosemont Market & Bakery; Tofu from Heiwa; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Romaine from Springworks Farm; Scallions from Dandelion Spring; Tomatoes from Backyard Farms; Northern Spy Apples from The Apple Farm; Shallots from Brookford Farm; Arugula from Goranson Farm; Beets from Dandelion Spring (Paleo Shares only); Carrots from Two Farmers (Paleo Shares only)
Grains - Gnocchetti Sardi Pasta from Amolitta Pasta
Special Treats - Spice Cookies from Rosemont Market & Bakery; Peanut Brittle from Two Fat Cats

DOUBLE SHARE

Omnivore Proteins & Dairy - Haddock from True Fin*; Chicken Italian Sausage from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Bacon from Broad Arrow; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Pescatarian Proteins & Dairy - Haddock from True Fin*; Tuna Mince from True Fin; Monkfish from Harbor Fish; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Paleo Proteins - Haddock from True Fin*; Chicken Italian Sausage from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Bacon from Broad Arrow; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Vegetarian Proteins & Dairy - Chili from Rosemont Market & Bakery; Tofu from Heiwa; Veggie Burgers from Blue Mango; Garlic & Pepper Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Romaine from Springworks Farm; Scallions from Dandelion Spring; Tomatoes from Backyard Farms; Northern Spy Apples from The Apple Farm; Shallots from Brookford Farm; Arugula from Goranson Farm; Beets from Dandelion Spring; Carrots from Two Farmers
Grains - Gnocchetti Sardi Pasta from Amolitta Pasta; Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Company
Special Treats - Spice Cookies from Rosemont Market & Bakery; Peanut Brittle from Two Fat Cats

*Super frozen to -60ºC which means zero ice crystals rupturing cell structure while defrosting which means zero difference from fresh and zero issues searing. ❤️

RECIPES (MA)

(from Shannon)

Ground Beef and Potatoes - Comforting ground beef and mushrooms on top of a bed of mashed potatoes, what more could you want from a dinner?

Baked Flounder in Tomatoes - Thirty minutes and one pan to get this yum yum!

Pizza! - All you need to know about working with fresh dough! Yours will already be made but good info for handling the dough!

Salmon and Arugula Salad - Nice and light spring inspired recipe!

Pork Chops and Apples - Y'all know I love a one pan dinner! and here's another great one!

Carrot Salad with Feta - If you don't regularly make yourself carrot salads, I am here to tell you, friend, you need to make some!

Greek Yogurt Dressing - Adapt this recipe with different spices in your pantry and enjoy on all the incoming spring greens!

Tips and Tricks for storing your food and getting the most from your shares can be found here.

RECIPES (ME/NH)

(from Joe)

Baked Goat Cheese Pasta - The Gnocchetti Sardi pasta from Amolitta, garlic and pepper chèvre from Seal Cove and cocktail tomatoes from Backyard Farms. Check, check and check.

Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula & Apple - A small amount of ingredients doesn't have to mean a small amount flavor.

Roasted Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives - This with some crusty bread? Yes please.

Spicy Tuna Donburi Rice Bowl - Last time we had tuna mince, I linked to this amazing recipe. Here's another great one that's easy to throw together. Togarashi might not be in your pantry but grab some for this and use it on everything. A little spicy, a little nutty, lots of flavor.

Skillet Scallions - As mentioned, we're pleased as punch to get in some scallions from Dandelion Spring this week and this recipe not only does them justice but is dead easy and will become a staple. (And is plenty riffable.)

Sausage and Fish One-Pot - Sausage is amazing. It's its own thing but also a stellar ingredient that adds a ton of flavor to other dishes. This with some crusty bread. Uh-huh.

Arugula Pesto - Simple, quick, tasty on just about everything. Including crusty bread. Ayuh.

Tips and Tricks for storing your food and getting the most from your shares can be found here.

Posted on April 22, 2022

Erin Baumgartner

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