Editor's note: The Marshfield area is abundant in locally grown and made foods. From the apple trees laden with fruit to the world-class cheeses produced at community dairies, there's a wealth of possibilities. Every Tuesday, the Marshfield News-Herald will feature "Home Grown," a series compiled by photographers Laura Schmitt and Dan Young, both in print and online at www.marshfieldnewsherald.com. The Web site features recipes and an audio slideshow.
Community Supported Agriculture offers city-dwellers and non-gardeners the opportunity to have fresh, locally grown produce throughout the summer months.
A bonus to buying fruits and vegetables through a CSA is that you are supporting an area farmer, said Rob Zahradka, who with his wife Aimee helps to organize and deliver the produce from the Amish farm of Albert and Mary Borntrager of Chili.
The Borntragers began delivering produce from their farm about 15 years ago, Zahradka said.
"They live close by and my wife started helping them with deliveries. About five years ago, when it could no longer fit in the back seat of her car, I started with my pick-up (truck)," Zahradka said.
In 2009, the Borntrager CSA had 56 customers. "This was our best year," said Zahradka, who added that participation is growing each year.
These photos are from a series based on a CSA delivery day in Marshfield of produce from the Borntrager farm.
Although area CSAs offer produce starting in the spring, eggs from the Borntrager farm are available all year long.
Pumpkin Custard Pie
1 1/2 C. pumpkin
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 T. flour
1/4 t. cinnamon
4 eggs separated
1 1/2 t. nutmeg
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. lemon (opt)
4 C. hot milk
In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks. Mix flour and sugar together, stir in pumpkin, egg yolks and dry ingredients. In a separate bowl beat egg whites until stiff. Add vanilla and hot milk, and then the beaten egg whites. Pour in pie crust. Sprinkle cinnamon to top if desired.
Bake at 350
Yield- 2 Pies
Egg Plant Patties
Take two cups egg plant (peeled cooked and mashed), one cup cracker crumbs, bread crumbs or crushed corn flakes, 2 eggs, 1/2 t. dry mustard, 1/2 t. paprika, salt to taste, pinch of garlic salt or small diced onion. Combine all ingredients, fry in hot skillet, dropping by spoonfuls in hot grease, turning when brown. (Tastes like fish patties)
Recipes Courtesy of Rob and Aimee Zahradka and Albert and Mary Borntrager