corn and skyBlog

Farm-to-Table with Chef Tim: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

August 26, 2020By

 

We know that vegetables fresh from the farm are healthy and delicious. But we don’t always know what to make or how to prepare them! Chef Tim is here to show us just how easy it is to turn butternut squash into a yummy soup. Also, did you know squash blossoms are edible? Stuffing them with feta cheese and lightly frying them was so tasty!

Become a member of our Autumn Vegetable and Herb CSA today and start receiving farm fresh veggies and easy to follow recipes like this next week! That’s right, you can pick up your first share next Wednesday and get to cookin’!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Adapted from Cookie and Kate (https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/)

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), halved vertically* and seeds removed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 stick of butter (4 ounces)
  • 1/2 tsp of sage
  • 1/2 tsp of thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash on the inside (about ½ teaspoon each). Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

Turn the squash face down and roast until it is tender and completely cooked through, about 40 to 50 minutes (don’t worry if the skin or flesh browns—that’s good for flavor). Set the squash aside until it’s cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.

Use a large spoon to scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Discard the tough skin. Add the heavy cream, sage, thyme, and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to the blender.

Securely fasten the lid. Blend on high (or select the soup preset, if available), being careful to avoid hot steam escaping from the lid. Stop once your soup is ultra creamy and warmed through.

Serve and enjoy! Oh, and don’t forget to garnish with basil if you have it!

Yield

4 servings

 

Tempura-fried Squash Blossoms

Adapted from Cypress (GreenEarthBooks, 2009)

Ingredients

  • Canola oil, for frying
  • 1 cup cold soda water
  • 2/3 cup cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 squash blossoms, with stems
  • Fine sea salt

Method

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with at least 4 inches of canola oil. Heat the canola oil to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cold soda water, cornstarch, and flour. Whip the mixture with a whisk until the batter is fully incorporated. Keep the batter cold until you’re ready to fry.

Holding the squash blossoms by the stem, dip only the flowers into the tempura batter. Working in batches, remove the blossom from the batter and place it in the hot oil. Fry for 4 minutes, until the flowers are crispy and translucent. Drain the blossom on paper towels to absorb excess grease and season them with fine sea salt. Repeat with the remaining blossoms. Keep the blossoms warm until ready to serve.

Yield

4 servings

Bon appétit, y’all <3
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Farm at GreenHouse17Blog

Field Note from “Laurel”

August 14, 2020By

This article was written by “Laurel,” a survivor who participates in our farm’s healing programming.

Working in the garden is such an amazing and humbling honor.

The sense of accomplishment and appreciation after a day’s work out on the farm is something I haven’t felt in a very very long time. On the farm, there are so many hoop houses to protect the plants from the elements… I watered three of the hoop houses.

Each greenhouse took an hour to water because the ground was so dry. I harvested the squash and zucchini again. The cucumbers still aren’t doing very good. All the peppers look great and some are huge and just perfect, not a spot on them. Thank you for allowing someone like me to feel appreciated and useful.

Not only is this an amazing program for a lady who has been through so much abuse and trauma to work through her issues, as well as rebuild her self-confidence and self-esteem, but we are also learning something. That is important to me.

Learn more about our local, sustainable Autumn Vegetable and Herb CSA

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Blog

Where does our food come from?

August 13, 2020By

This article was written by Savannah McGuire, one of our farms co-managers.

It’s easy to not think much about where your food comes from. We shop at grocery stores where quality, quantity, and diversity of food options are abundant.

When you can even get meal kits delivered straight to your front door, it’s important to consider how our consumption habits influence the communities and the ecosystems where we live. Here are seven ways that you can contribute to a more environmentally sustainable food system:

1. Buying local means that the number of miles that your food travels is minimized, which can reduce the amount of fossil fuels required for transportation.

2. Consider reducing consumption of commercially produced animal products, or buy animal products that are sustainably raised (grassfed, pastured chicken, etc) if you can afford it.

3. When dining out, eat at restaurants that source ingredients from local farms.

4. Shop at your local food co-op and buy in bulk with your own containers to reduce plastic waste.

5. Consider minimizing consumption of products like chocolate, coffee, bananas, avocados, and other products that are usually imported from long distances.

6. Buy fewer packaged, processed foods (even if they say organic!). Make your own snacks and package them in reusable containers.

7. Grow your own garden or grow food in containers if you don’t have space.

Learn more about our local, sustainable Autumn Vegetable and Herb CSA

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Blog

Autumn Vegetable & Herb CSA

August 8, 2020By

As our summer flower season continues, we look forward to autumn vegetables and herbs from the farm. And we want to share this year’s harvest with you! We are committed to sustainability, so shares are limited. Don’t miss out on your chance to nourish your body and support survivors.

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SIGN UP TODAY

HOW IT WORKS

Membership includes 12 weekly shares of our farm’s vegetable and herb harvest beginning September 2 and ending November 18. Your shares will be ready for pickup on Wednesdays between 4 – 6 pm at the High Street YMCA, 239 E High Street, Lexington.

You’ll receive a generous selection of seasonal vegetables and herbs each week. Typical shares include 5-7 items with enough fresh veggies for a family of 2-4 people or split with a friend or neighbor. We’ll send you an email with produce listing and recipe ideas the Friday before each week’s share is distributed, so you can meal plan over the weekend.

WHAT YOU GET

Each week’s share will change with the season, but we anticipate the following monthly harvests:

  • September: basil, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cilantro, dill, kale, kohlrabi, peppers, radishes, yellow squash, zucchini
  • October: arugula, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, Chinese cabbage, cilantro, collard greens, collard greens, dill, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuces, pac choi, peas, pumpkin, radishes, snap peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips
  • November: arugula, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, collard greens, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuces, parsnips, radishes, rutabaga, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips.


WHY IT MATTERS

Your membership supports nature-based healing for survivors of intimate partner abuse, and you receive fresh local produce from a farmer you know. Our farm is committed to sustainable agricultural practices. We use organic fertilizers and compost, and our pesticides and sprays are derived from natural sources. Drip irrigation and hand labor control our farm’s carbon footprint.

We farm to make healthy meals for adults and children living at our emergency shelter. Survivors grow strong in body and mind while tending to the vegetables and herbs on the farm. We share the harvest with the community to raise awareness and support for the mission.

Our farm is supported by research related to trauma-informed care for women veterans, studies exploring the restorative and healing outcomes of therapeutic gardens, and examinations of “social farming” as a means to promote healing and community networks in rural areas.

Follow this link to sign up today.

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Bread from Sunrise BakeryBlog

Healing Power of Community and Bread

July 15, 2020By

While hardship continues here in Kentucky and across the world, we are continually inspired by the compassion and generosity of those around us.

There is nothing we love more than supporting and providing services to survivors of intimate partner abuse. What allows us to do this work is the immense amounts of support we receive from community partners and donors here in the Commonwealth.

As soon as COVID-19 hit Kentucky, a generous long-standing donor who wishes to be unnamed called Kristy Matherly of Sunrise Bakery and said, “I have an idea.”  

The donor wanted to support both Sunrise Bakery, a small family business in Lexington, KY and GreenHouse17 – and that is exactly what they did. Ten weeks later, 200 loaves of bread have been purchased by the donor and delivered to survivors at GreenHouse17.  

“Sunrise provided and is supported and GreenHouse17 is nourished. THIS is the perfect example of CommUNITY. So grateful for people like [this donor] and organizations like GreenHouse17 that life ones to higher vibrations.”
– Kristy and Steve Matherly of Sunrise Bakery  

When asking the donor who made all this local bread magic happen why they chose us and Sunrise Bakery, this is what they shared: 

Sunrise Bakery “… is owned and operated by generous, wonderful people who love this community and I wanted to support them as one of my favorite small businesses. I have always believed in GreenHouse17’s mission to protect and heal survivors and buying bread from Sunrise for survivors to enjoy seemed like a triple win.

Making fresh bread is a daily act just as being kind and loving is a daily choice; every day we have an opportunity to choose how to respond to what life brings. Sunrise and GreenHouse17 walk that daily walk with joy and inspire me.”  

Both Sunrise Bakery and our donor have gone above and beyond to support survivors both now and many times before. They both embody what it means the show up for community, and we are deeply grateful and inspired by their generosity and commitment to supporting survivors.  

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Farm at GreenHouse17Blog

Celebrating Jubilee Jobs of Lexington

July 8, 2020By

We say it a lot, but mean it every time when we say that we couldn’t do what we do without the help of our extremely supportive community here in the beautiful commonwealth.  

One of our many beloved community partners is Jubilee Jobs of Lexington. This relationship has been on-going since 2014, and is continuing to deepen as we both collectively respond to the needs of Central Kentuckians. 

In response COVID-19, the JUST Feed Lexington program (Jubilee Unites Services To Feed Lexington) partnered with Fayette Sheriff’s Office, Local Taco Lexington, and Selma’s Events and Catering to bring nine different shelters in Lexington hot meals twice a day and we were so lucky to be one of those nine shelters.   

“We have always been advocates for those who we consider trying to ‘survive at a disadvantage’ and the women at GreenHouse17 are a true example of that. So anytime we can reach out and assist in any way, we do and we will” – Darralesa Bryant, Supervisor of Job Counseling at Jubilee Jobs.  

“We had so much to navigate and manage to figure out how to keep domestic violence victims safe from both those who were harming them but also from the pandemic, but because of Jubilee Jobs I never had to worry about how we were going to feed survivors and their families at two different locations” – Darlene Thomas, Executive Director at GreenHouse17. 

“Our biggest challenge during this quarantine was feeding two different locations. Because of the help of Jubilee Jobs we were able to make sure everyone both at shelter and at hotels off-site were well nourished and fed, we can’t thank you all enough for all of your help” – Chef Tim of GreenHouse17. 

Serving a total of 16,922 meals over nine weeks Jubilee Jobs truly rocked it. We are so grateful for Darralesa Bryant and the rest of the Jubilee Jobs team. You’ve served our community so well.  

Our relationship with Jubilee Jobs is one that we cherish and look forward to continuing to nurture and grow.  

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LGBTQ+ Progressive Pride FlagBlog

Pride 2020

June 30, 2020By

Progress Pride Flag redesigned by Daniel Quasar to be more “inclusive and progressive” 

It goes without saying that Pride month this year looks very different. With COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and the continued momentum of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, it has been inspiring to see communities come together to demand justice for Black lives and celebrate Pride.  

Across the country and here in Kentucky, BLM protest and Pride parades have been combined with the deep understanding that protecting Black lives must be prioritized.

As we challenge the idea that this is not merely a moment and, actually, a movement, we are able to reflect on the harsh reality that until there is liberation for all people in this country there can be no pride.

Just over 50 years ago, the Pride Movement began with the Stonewall riots and protest against police brutality and LGBTQIA+ oppression in 1969. What we cannot forget, especially as we continue to oppose police brutality against Black lives, is women of color — including Stormé DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera, and Marsha “Pay It no Mind” Johnson — are the mothers of the trans and queer liberation movement. 

Our mission is to end intimate partner violence, and we mean that for all people regardless of sexual orientation or race. Both the Pride and the Black Lives Matter movement mean a lot to us and our vision that all people deserve the right to live a life free of violence.  

Under-reporting and barriers to services has been directly related to fear of police retaliation. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, “Transgender people were 7 times more likely to experience physical violence when interacting with the police compared to cisgender survivors and victims.” 

We must demand justice for all, and not settle for anything less. We owe this to our ancestors and the future generations to come.  

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different sizes of moving boxesBlog

Moving Forward – Local Partners Support Survivors transitioning to a Life Free of Violence

June 30, 2020By

Everything we do here at GreenHouse17 is to support the healing, safety, and stability of survivors.

To the extent that we are able nurture lives harmed by intimate partner violence is dependent on community support. While there are many touchstones along the healing journey, one that is unlike any of the others is the moment when a survivor is ready to launch and transition into an independent life free of violence.  

Just like every healing journey, every launch or transition is also unique to the survivor.  

Last year nearly 60% of domestic violence victims and their dependent children exiting the emergency shelter operated by GreenHouse17 moved to temporary destinations, with the majority moving to shared housing with family and friends, a housing status considered “at-risk for homelessness”.   

There are all the typical moving challenges survivors face plus those that come with healing from financial abuse and other various traumas that come with intimate partner violence. Our job is to ensure that survivors feel supported every step of the way, including emotional and financial support.   

Since COVD-19 began we have had a total of 7 moves, and on average we support a minimum of 25 moves per year.  

When a survivor transitions out of our emergency shelter program, they often have only what they were able to take with them when leaving their abusive relationship. With the generous support of local moving companies and Habitat ReStore, we are able launch survivors into furnished independent living accommodations. For many, this is the beginning of a life free of violence.  

This article is dedicated to celebrating our community partners who make this life changing transition possible for survivors in our 17-county service area.  

Special thanks to Wildcat Moving, 2 Dudes Moving, College HUNKS Moving, and Habitat ReStore. 

Wildcat Moving has been our longest standing moving partner, and we so appreciate their commitment to supporting survivors and building strong community here in the Commonwealth!  

“The Dudes” at 2 Dudes Moving have been such a support when it comes to moves for survivors and large-scale donation pick-up and transport. So much gratitude for “The Dudes”!  

Our newest mover, College HUNKS Moving is a franchise that is female owned! We are so excited to partner with the HUNKS and for their commitment to supporting survivors.   

Then last but not least, our phenomenal community partner Habitat for Humanity ReStore. This wonderful organization provides furniture vouchers for each of our families who launch from our program. Thanks to them and other community partners who donate furniture, our survivors are able the settle into a home full of furniture and prepare for the next step in their healing journey.  

Congratulations to all of the courageous survivors in our community who are now able to live a life free of violence.  

We are so deeply grateful for our community and its longstanding commitment to showing survivors that they care and support ending intimate partner abuse.   

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Ballet After Dark Movie PhotoBlog

Lunafest Film Preview: Ballet After Dark

June 16, 2020By
LEARN MORE & PURCHASE YOUR VIRTUAL EVENT TICKETS

BALLET AFTER DARK
FILMMAKER: B. MONÉT

Based on true story, Ballet After Dark explores how a young woman finds strength after an attack by creating an organization to help survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through dance therapy.

This film is a product of The Queen Collective, an initiative of Queen Latifah, Proctor and Gamble, and Tribeca Studios to mentor and develop women directors of color.

The Baltimore-based organization Ballet After Dark provides holistic dance therapy to trauma survivors and other disenfranchised individuals. The 12-month curriculum introduces participants to self-care while infusing beginner’s ballet and athletic conditioning.

Survivors develop ballet fundamentals such as technique and terminology, while being encouraged to heal in an empowering, trauma-informed environment. The program culminates in a showcase performance that highlights ballet technique learned throughout the program.

Watch this short film and others from the comfort of your home during this year’s virtual Lunafest Lexington event on Friday, June 26. Tickets from $10 are on sale now, and proceeds benefit our services for survivors of intimate partner abuse.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Brittany “B. Monét” Fennell is a writer/director who hails from Silver Spring, Maryland. She graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta with a BA in English and holds an MFA from New York University in Film and Television with a concentration in writing and directing. In her films, she poses questions about identity, society, race, and culture. It is vital to her that underrepresented people are shown in film, media, and television. Her award-winning short film Q.U.E.E.N. has screened at dozens of festivals, including Cannes Short Film Corner, and premiered on Magic Johnson’s channel, ASPiRE. Additionally, she was a runner-up in Women and Hollywood’s First Time Female Filmmakers Contest.

LEARN MORE & PURCHASE YOUR VIRTUAL EVENT TICKETS
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