Week of June 23
My Dear Community,
As I walk the farm each week, I’m reminded that this food doesn’t just grow from the earth to magically appear harvested— it’s brought to life by hands. Real, skilled hands. Hands that know the rhythm of the seasons, the language of soil, and the weight of hard work.
There's a heaviness in the air right now. As conversations swirl about borders, ICE raids and removals, I can’t help but feel protective of the people who keep farms like ours running. Most Californians know that immigrants — many undocumented — are the backbone of agriculture and the service industry in this country. They pick, pack, plant, prune, and do the hard physical labor most Americans don’t want to do. Quietly, proudly and consistently.
We're more than a team on our farm- a family really, bound by purpose. So as you unpack your CSA box this week, I invite you to pause. Let your gratitude extend beyond the produce. Think about the people behind the strawberries. The hands that pulled those carrots. The early mornings. The dusty boots. The dedication that never makes the headlines.
This is what patriotism looks like to me — growing good food, feeding our community, and standing up for the people who make it possible.
If you believe in protecting local food systems and the people behind them, share this newsletter or invite someone to join the CSA. Every sign-up is a small act of resistance and show of defiance to Big Ag — and a big step toward a more connected, compassionate community.
Quick reminder: If you’re traveling this summer, don’t forget to place a hold on your CSA box ahead of time. While we allow changes through Monday, giving us advance notice really helps us plan. Thank you!
Be good to each other.
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
Roasted Chickpeas
2 (14 ounce) cans chickpeas
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, optional
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 heaping teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Kale Salad
1 medium-large bunch of kale, equal to about 8 cups chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Caesar Dressing
1/2 cup hulled hemp seeds
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup lemon juice, about 1 ½ medium lemons
3 tablespoons water, to thin
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
10 medium garlic cloves
1 tablespoon capers in brine
1 teaspoon brine juice
1 teaspoon coconut aminos
1 teaspoon maple syrup, to taste*
Find the full recipe and insurance here at Fit Mitten Kitchen
Lemon Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup grated zucchini (see notes)
3 cups (335-340 grams) blanched almond flour
¼ cup (30-35 grams) gluten free oat flour (see notes for substitute)
1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ – ⅔ cup maple syrup or agave, adjust for desired sweetness
¼ to ⅓ cup lemon juice + 1 Tablespoon zest
Optional: lemon extract
Optional Garnish: lemon slices to top
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Cotter Crunch
Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
TOFU
1 12-ounce package extra firm tofu
MARINADE
2 Tbsp sesame oil (divided)
4 Tbsp reduced-sodium tamari (or soy sauce if not GF)
3 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp almond butter (or sub peanut butter)
2 Tbsp lime juice
1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce (or 1/2 tsp red pepper flake // or 1-2 Thai chilies, minced // amounts as original recipe is written)
VEGGIES
1 pound green beans (trimmed)
2-3 small spicy peppers (use bell peppers for less heat)
FOR SERVING optional
Brown rice*, white rice*, or Cauliflower Rice
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at Minimalist Baker
Blackberry Chocolate Crumble
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh blackberries (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon tapioca starch (can sub cornstarch)
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
The Crumble Topping
½ cup almond flour
½ cup flaked coconut
½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
¼ cup coconut sugar
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Find the full recipe and inspiration here at The Endless Meal