Fail Better Blog

Broccoli Raab (also called Broccoli Rabe or Rapini) is a wonder, under-appreciated vegetable and here at Fail Better Farm we grow a wicked good Raab: sweet with just a touch of bitterness.  Willing to try it but not sure how?  Below are a few recipe suggestions.  (Note that we’re liberal recipe-adapters and are happy to drop an ingredient if it’s not available at market or to substitute for another that is available.  We’ve made some notes below.)

Sausage and Raab Pizza (about 1/2 way down page) from NPR – Fennel is usually available at market in the fall, we’d leave it out if you can’t find and perhaps carmalize the onions instead.  We might substitute a simple chevre for the provolone.  (That link also features Anchovy And Broccoli Raab Pasta and Raab Fritatta.)

Rapini with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts (also about 1/2 way down page) from Mariquita Farm, a great CSA farm in California.  (Also features recipes for Rapini with Asian Flavors and Penne with Broccoli Raab, Pine Nuts, and Currants.)

Enjoy!

At this point, I’ve put at at least 5 hoophouses and assisted in various parts of many others. I feel like I’ve got a pretty good grasp of the process, but I just stumbled on a handy publication of high tunnel construction tips (PDF) from UVM.  If you’ve never put up a hoophouse, it spells it out pretty well.  I definitely picked up a few things that I’ll do differently (and many that I’ll keep doing my way).

Don’t let the “we’re looking for a new farm” thing put you off; we’re safe and secure for this year and we’re looking forward to another productive and bountiful harvest.  There are still CSA shares available; see the original announcement.

Updated: We’re sorry to say that we have canceled our 2010 CSA.  If you would like to pre-purchase produce from our farmers market stands in Waterville and/or Orono, please contact us.

Kendra and I are beginning the search for a permanent location for our farm and bakery.  (And our family!)  Please help us by downloading our farm wanted flyer (also linked on the above image), printing it out and posting at your local general store, post office, deli/cafe … you get the idea.  Thanks!

(CSA Shareholders please rest assured that we’re not going anywhere until after the 2010 growing season.)

Blogger recently informed us that they would stop allowing us to publish our blog to our own website.  I took the opportunity to move everything over from our old (but still viewable @ http://failbetterfarm.blogspot.com/) blog into this shiny, brand new blog. Most everything is setup and working, but if you find something that doesn’t please let us know.