Homeless Garden Project Celebrates Retail Store with a Night of Sweets and Treats

Homeless Garden Project Retail Store brings organic homemade products to Santa Cruzans made by people who need the help. At the new traffic circle close to the wharf, retail store opened its doors Friday for the first “Sweets and Treats” party. Over 120 people got a jump on their holiday shopping as they sampled locally-donated wines and project-made organic treats, …

Beauty

“Beauty saves. Beauty heals. Beauty motivates. Beauty unites. Beauty returns us to ourorigins, and here lies the ultimate act of saving, of healing, of overcoming dualism.” – Matthew Fox One of the qualities of our farm that engages me and sustains my work at HGP is beauty. In this article, I want to celebrate the farm’s beauty and invite you …

I’m Part of A Solution

Roughly seventeen years ago I first began my training experience making wreaths and working at the WOFE gardens on Washington Street and up at Natural Bridges Farm.  Then in the year 2000, I worked at the farm primarily digging and planting beds and harvesting for that year.  I also had the creative outlet making bouquets for CSA.  Now I work …

Braised Turnips with Poppy Seed Bread Crumbs

Ingredients:For turnips:3 tablespoons unsalted butter2 pounds medium turnips (not Japanese), peeled and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges1 1/2 cups water1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice For bread crumbs:2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 garlic clove, minced1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs from a baguette1 tablespoon poppy seeds1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley Directions:Braise turnips:Melt butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, then …

Leek and Greens Risotto

Ingredients:1 cup risotto (can also use barley but good old arborio is what we had)½ -1 cup chopped leek2 tablespoons olive oil½ cup white wine¼ teaspoon fresh thyme and/or sage1 cup canned or precooked beans5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth½ cup parmesan cheese2 tablespoons butter3 cups chopped choy and/or chard Directions:Heat broth in a sauce pan one the stove …

Gingered Fennel with Garlic

Ingredients:2 medium fennel bulbs (about 2 lbs.)2 garlic cloves, sliced2 teaspoons vegetable oil2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root½ cup orange juice (or sherry)2 teaspoons sugarSalt and pepper to taste Directions:Slice off the root end and trim the stalks and feathery fronds of the fennel bulbs, reserving a few fronds for garnish, if desired. Cut the bulbs into halves, remove and …