Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Urban Oaks in the Hartford Courant


A great shot of Carlos and a caption from today's Courant :


"I LIKE DOING THIS during the winter," Carlos Rosario, 18, of New Britain, said as he prepared soil for arugula seedlings at the Urban Oaks Organic Farm in New Britain. Urban Oaks grows a variety of lettuces, spinach, herbs and endives all year long. The farmers market is open to the public in the winter and spring on Friday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m. Rosario said he has worked part time at the farm for the past three years. (PATRICK RAYCRAFT / February 18, 2008)

Monday, February 18, 2008

Greenhouses 5 & 6 at Night

Our rosemary, baby Russian kale and peppers inside greenhouse five:



A shot of what's growing now in greenhouse six:



The snap peas are just flowering and should be producing soon!

Pete's Progress II

Some more photos of the progress of our new building. It is now totally gutted, the land around it has been graded and pipes have been laid. Work on the roof is starting soon. Its coming along!



Thursday, February 14, 2008

Roasted Roots

BAKED PARSNIPS AND RUTABAGA
(SERVES 4 -- Very good and easy.)
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1-1/4 pounds rutabaga, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried or 3 tablespoons fresh oregano, rosemary or winter savory
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup water
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or buttered breadcrumbs (optional garnish)
Preheat oven to 400° F. Place all of the ingredients except the water and cheese into a baking dish and toss until well combined. Pour in the water. Cover tightly and bake until just tender, about 40 minutes. Remove the cover and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with the grated cheese or buttered breadcrumbs before serving.

ROASTED BEETS
(SERVES 4)
INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 pounds medium red beets, peeled and quartered
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375° F. Place the beets in a small roasting or baking dish in one layer. Drizzle with the oil. Add the garlic, salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Roast until fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Serve hot or room temperature.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Pete's Progress





The former Pete's Automotive building is the future home of Urban Oaks' office and retail farmstand. Watch this space for its progress in the coming months.

November Garlic Planting

Planting hardneck garlic.






Grumpy the farm-cat looks on.

Video excerpt about Urban Oaks