Since moving, we have found wonderful new places to explore and support. As a kid I would drive by this farm on my way to ballet class, which was held in the basement of the church just down the road. I never did take to ballet (I think it was the required precision and discipline - oh, but I love watching it), but this farm stand sure held my attention.
It was smaller at the time, perhaps just strawberries? Now they seem to have nearly everything that is typically grown in a proper New England garden. The selection rotates through the summer months as you would expect, but I especially love the variety of fruit that is offered! On the day I took these pictures, in addition to the fruits listed on the sign, there were also plums and pears.
There seems to be a lot of land, but I get the sense the 'operation' is one that has grown slowly over decades, generations perhaps. There is not a whole lot of formality to this place. For instance, the first time I noticed they had peaches I asked if they did pick your own. The girl working the stand told me they aren't able to do that because the fruit trees are so scattered here and there across the acreage, they could never really direct people to "the orchard." It's more a gathering of peaches than a localized harvest.
The farm is about a ten minute drive from our home, back roads the whole way. Kind of lovely to drive over once a week to round out our own garden. Did I mention all the fruit!!?
A small batch of refrigerator dill pickles made with the two pounds the farm had available over the weekend.
We are growing pickling cucumbers in our garden, they're doing well but nothing quite to maturity yet. (I really did get some things in on the late side.) I thought it would be nice to round out our own slow harvest with a half bushel from the farm. Their cucumbers were a tad slow this year too, but were soon to be ready. I put in an order.
Through a short series of events (that neither adult in this house is taking responsibility for - ahem), TWO half bushels of pickling cucumbers were ordered for our family. (Okay, so we may have been a little eager checking in with the farm and separately placed orders. Gah!)
Of course they understood our zealous ways and were not expecting us to purchase both boxes, but I saw it as an opportunity. Or a moment of craziness.
Friends, a full bushel of cucumbers will make a lot of pickles... and relish... and... well, I don't know what else to do with them! Pickles and relish it is. Lots of it!
If you have any suggestions about other recipes (something frozen perhaps?), please do share. I'd be so grateful.
Meanwhile, Scout is allowed to snack freely on cucumbers while I wash jars and measure pickling spices... thank goodness the temperatures have dropped to the low 80s, perfect pickling weather!
Our basement pantry is filling so quickly, I'll give you a tour soon. It's just a big shelf at the bottom of the stairs, but one that is lined with such summery delights.
