The folks from Outstanding in the Field (www.outstandinginthefield.com) will be setting up their famous “Long Table” at Thornhill Farm on Sunday, September 26, 2010! Their mission is tore-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999 they have set the long table at farms or gardens, on mountain tops or in sea caves, on islands or at ranches. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table. Ingredients for the meal will be almost all local, with much of the produce coming from Thornhill Farm.

The meal will be prepared on site by award-winning Chef Sean Brock, of McCrady’s Restaurant in Charleston with the Our Local Foods team providing the assist!  We encourage you to come join us and have a wonderful day on the farm!

We are so happy that the folks from Outstanding In The Field have chosen to include Thornhill Farm as part of their 2010 National Tour. We are also grateful that a portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Thornhill Farm’s resident non-profit organization, Adaptive Gardens of the Lowcountry. Please visit www.outstandinginthefield.com to learn more or to purchase tickets.

Collards!!

Collard Greens are considered to date back to prehistoric times.  The ancient Greeks and Romans grew kale and collards.  Collard greens came to North America with the arrival of African Americans, and became an important satisfying meal for members of the slave community in times of poverty of nutrition.  It is said that scraps of meat from slave owners tables were left over for meals for the slave component of the family, and it is still traditional to cook low value cuts of pork with greens for a flavorful dish.

Collard Greens can be enjoyed without meat as a flavor base, instead sautéed lightly in olive oil with garlic.  They will maintain their bright green color and high degree of nutrient value when cooked this way.  A dash of good quality balsamic vinegar when served will provide the acid needed to help the flavor pop. 

If you are taking a break from the CSA right now, our next season starts March 8^th, and we are signing up now on line at http://ourlocalfoods.com/products-page.  Please join us in 2010 as we continue to grow and provide fresh, certified organic produce from the farm to your kitchen table.