Autumn in Connecticut, September IV

Dear Mad Hatters,

Autumn is here and if you are like me, this may be your favorite season of the year.  The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, and the bugs are on their way out - bye-bye!  There is still a good mix of Summer and Fall veggies at the farmers markets, and this is a great time to have salads as the greens thrive in cooler weather.

For those of you who can't wait for next year, our 2010 CSA waiting list is available for sign-up on our website www.madhatterfarm.com.  We will use the waiting list to contact people interested in the CSA; in early spring of 2010, we will open enrollment and have CSA details (days/pick-up locations) all hammered out.  So if you'd like to be on the list, please visit our website and sign-up.

Spaghetti Squashes are available, packed with nutrients and great as a side dish or to replace pasta as a main course.  If you've never cooked one before, spaghetti squash can be baked, roasted or boiled:

Bake Poke holes in the outer skin with a fork,place on a baking sheet with a rim, and put the whole thing in the over at about 375 degrees for approximately 1 hour.  Squash is ready when it gives in to touch (use an oven mitt and give it a squeeze).

Roast Cut the squash in half, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper, place face down on a baking sheet and cook at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.  You can turn it over and put a little bit of shredded parmesan or borwn sugar, depending on your tastes, and to give it a little color.

Boil Cut the squash in half and place in a large stock pot, cover with water and bring to a boil.  Let boil for a few minutes and then bring a to a rapid simmer, cover pot.  Check for tenderness approximately 30 - 45 minutes.

This week at the Woodbury Farmers Market (Wednesdays 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) and the Ridgefield Farmers Market (Fridays 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.), Mad Hatter Farm will have:

• Gourmet Lettuce Mix
• Spicy Greens Mix
• Cardinale Head Lettuce
• Green Beans
• Brussle Sprouts
• Green and Red Cabbage
• Carrots
• Beets
• Radish
• Leeks
• Scallions
• Sweet Peppers
• Jalapenos
• Onions
• Garlic
• Swiss Chard
• Spaghetti Squash
• Acorn Squash
• Butternut Squash

Hope to see you there!  And thank you for your support!

Alix and Jeff

Mad Hatter Farm

135 Music Mountain Road

Falls Village, CT 06031

T: 860-824-7635

www.madhatterfarm.com