Sloppy Joe, Slop, Sloppy Joooe.

Yesterday we had the joy of visiting Tad (handsome guy featured above) at Feather Brook Farms. Tad and his farm are the origin of much of your eggs and meat. He raises chickens, hens and rabbits and sources our beef and pork. Tad is a joyful smiling guy with a deep faith in and commitment to sustainable food practices and top-notch animal husbandry. We are excited and proud to bring you his products, especially this week's ground beef. Check out our recipe recommendations for the perfect burger and Sloppy Joe, below! 

WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

HALF SHARE

Protein and Dairy - Ground Beef from Feather Brook Farms; Quark from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Certified Organic Red Potatoes, Onions, Beets and Kale from Brookford Farm; Apples from Kimball Fruit Farm
Grains - Brioche Rolls from Iggy's Bakery 
Special Treat - Pain au Chocolat and Almond Croissants from Iggy's Bakery

WHOLE SHARE

Protein and Dairy - Ground Beef, Pork Belly, and Chicken Tenders from Feather Brook Farms; Quark and Maple Greek Yogurt from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Certified Organic Red Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Beets, Kale, and Kimchi from Brookford Farm; Raspberries and Apples from Kimball Fruit Farm
Grains - Brioche Rolls from Iggy's Bakery 
Special Treat - Pain au Chocolat and Almond Croissants from Iggy's Bakery

 

RECIPES
 
The Perfect Burger: There are limitless ways to prepare a burger but the basics are very simple:

1. Don't over-handle the meat
2. Flip burgers just once on the grill
3. Never flatten burgers with your spatula

This recipe from the folks at Kitchn will guide you to the path of deliciousness. We are going to grill our brioche buns in butter and slather some quark on instead of a traditional melting cheese. Yum.

The Sloppiest Joe: If you have ketchup, mustard and some sugar lying around- you are ready to revisit your childhood and make some amazing Sloppy Joes. Adam Sandler WANTS you to have them.

Beet and Apple Salad: This recipe calls for horseradish but leave it out if you aren't a fan. This would pair nicely your burgers as a side dish or even stand alone if you serve over greens. Fancy Kale and Beet salad, anyone? 

Don't throw away those beet greens! They are 100% edible and delicious. Treat them they way you would treat kale or collard greens. Saute in oil and garlic, or cook them in a pan with any fat until they are wilted. They will do well with a pinch of salt and pepper.


TIPS AND TRICKS 

Let's talk about Quark. Quark is a soft, mild and creamy cheese that is common to German speaking countries whose production dates back to the 14th century.  Luke has flavored his with garlic and herbs. It is a perfect spread for a grilled bagel or toast, a delicious addition to a burger or grilled veggie sandwich and nice crudite dip. You could also mix a few tablespoons in with roasted potatoes, or add a dollop to a spicy chili or soup to cool things off.

And yes, for the Physicists out there, Quarks are also elementary particles that form to make Hadrons such as protons and neutrons. Those little guys are make up the nucleus of atoms- the smallest unit of ordinary matter. Atoms make up everything. So what we have learned here today is that Cheese is Everything.