Farm Journal
In subtle and blatant ways, farmers are professionally discounted and personally discouraged. I adamantly believe agriculture can be a rewarding, and healthy full time career. By writing about my work and sharing my progress, I hope to show how organic farms and farmers enrich and strengthen the communities they serve. ~April
Joyful Farming is:
aligning life, land, and community
believing in power and possibility
restoring health and home
nurturing relationships
honoring abundance and vocation
celebrating creativity and change
“I love your newsletter. The produce is so delicious, but the spirit of the farm lives in how you both communicate with us. So grateful for you all.”
— April Joy Farm CSA Member
Simple Heat Of The Summer Risotto
In a small saucepan warm broth (or water). Warm oil and butter and cook onions until translucent, add the rice and cook until the outsides of the grains are translucent and centers remain opaque.
Roasted Tomatillo, Poblano, Avocado Salsa
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Place tomatillos, chiles (both types), onion, and garlic on the parchment and drizzle on olive oil.
Herb Green Bean and Summer Squash Salad
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 3-5 minutes.
Blistered Green Beans with Tomatoes, Summer Squash and Pounded Walnuts
Transfer walnuts to a zip lock or cloth bag and bash with the back of frying pan until the nuts are in coarse pieces and have released some oil.
Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water, then reduce to a simmer until they can be pierced with a paring knife, but are not fully cooked; about 15-20 minutes.
Swiss Chard Salad with Lemon and Breadcrumbs
Wash and dry the chard and remove the stems from the leaves. Dice stems into small pieces. Stack a few of the leaves on top of each other, roll them like a cigar and cut the cigar into thin (1/8-inch) ribbons. Repeat until all the leaves are shredded. Put the stems and leaves into a large salad bowl.
Community Voices
“Your writing is superb, April! Profound, insightful, clear, honest and generous - like you. I always find some wisdom to share with the kids or illumination of my own journey. Thank you.”