It certainly doesn't feel like October, with the record setting heat, but one look at the calendar alerts us to the fact that our season is coming to an end soon. Many of you have been asking when your last pickup day is, so I thought I would send reminders so you could mark your calendar for your last share pickups. Although this has been a record heat setting, drought ridden, freak freeze year, the thought of the end of the season brings sadness. We have so enjoyed seeing you all each week and hope you have enjoyed your shares this season. The last Half Share pick up will be Saturday, October 20th and the last Full Share pick up will be Saturday, November 3.

We are going to offer an extended season this year for those who might want to continue on for a while longer. The extended season will consist of 4 weeks starting November 7th. The shares will be every other week, so the dates for the extended season will be November 10, November 24th, December 8th and December 22nd. These dates will take us throught the holidays and offer pickups close to each holiday so you will have fresh greens and veggies for your holiday meals. We will only be at 3 locations: Here at the farm, Linden Corner and the Turnip Truck. The cost of the 4 week extension is 100.00. We will be limiting the number of shares, so be sure to let us know soon if you want to participate, so we can get you on the list. The share content will consist of a variety of greens, lettuce, root crops like turnips and potatoes. There will be winter squashes as well. With good planning, we hope to have tomatoes and peppers in the first couple of extended shares by using row covers for protection. We want to provide you with as much variety as possible for your holiday meals.

If you are interested in continuing on, email me soon and we'll hold a spot for you.

I will be working on the directory this week and have it for you next week. I am still receiving entries and will be finalizing it by next week. Thank you all for your interest and participation. I hope it will be a good source of information, networking and get-togethers!

This week you will enjoy:

Turnip Greens
Mustard Greens
Bell Peppers
Tomatoes
Joe's Long Hots (these dry very nicely for winter use as well)
Sweet Potatoes
Butternut Squash
Acorn Squash
Eggplant
Cucumbers
Zephyr Squash
Zucchini

Drive safely and we'll see you all tomorrow!
Cindy

Spicy squash and coconut soup

Spicy soups are served throughout the Caribbean , but you can enjoy those same flavors through the cold winter months and have a taste of the Caribbean right here at home! Here's an easy recipe that, paired with a nice salad and rolls, makes a delicious meal you can enjoy with a nice cozy fire to take the winter chill away!

5 tbsp sunflower oil
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tsp good curry powder br> 1/2 tsp chilli flakes plus a large pinch for garnish
1large butternut squash (or any sweet winter squash.)
1 can chicken stock
14 0z can coconut milk

Directions:

Heat three tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large saucepan over a medium low heat. Stir in the onions and garlic and gently fry for 10 minutes or until soft. Mix in the curry powder and chilli flakes and fry for 3 more minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the squash by cutting away the skin. Cut in half, scoop out and discard the seeds, then cut the flesh into medium chunks. Stir into the onions with a further tablespoon or two of sunflower oil. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the squash begins to soften. Add the stock, bring up to the boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes or until very soft. Remove from the heat. Take out four tablespoons of the coconut milk from the can and set aside. Add the rest of the contents of the can to the soup and liquidize. Return to a clean pan, thin with about 6 0z. of water and season to taste. Reheat when needed and serve with a swirl of coconut milk and an optional sprinkling of chilli flakes. Serve with piping hot rolls and salad for a completely delicious meal!