Visiting Farmhouse Farm

Last week, we visited From the Farmhouse Farm. April and her son, Cody showed us around, and Ely got to meet their baby chickens, baby pigs, mama pigs (huge!!), turkey, and adult chickens. The farm produces all organic vegetables and fruits. April told us, "If I don't want to eat food that has chemicals, why would I want to sell them?" They are always at the Saturday Farmer's Market on "F" street. You can find out what other farmer's market they go on their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/fromthefarmhousefarm). April makes fruit jams and flavored almonds that are so good. You can buy them at the farmer's market, too.

April gave us Armenian Cucumbers, and I made Cucumber Agua Fresca at home. I learned about this drink when I was working at a Domestic Violence Shelter in Chicago. One of the women made this and I could not believe it was from cucumbers!

Cucumber Agua Fresca: recipe adopted from "put 'em up!" by Sherri Brooks Vinton

Cucumbers (I used two big Armenian Cucumbers, but you can use any kind. If you are using regular cucumbers, make sure you peel them and seed them. With Armenian, I did not have to do this).

Filtered water

2 table spoon of sugar (or to your like)

lime or lemon juice

Set a fine-mesh sieve or colander lined with dampened cheese cloth over a bowl.

Puree the cucumbers in a blender, and pour them over the cheese cloth. Let drain fully for a few minutes (might take about 10 minutes or so)

Pour the cucumber juice into a pitcher and add water, sugar and lime/lemon juice and stir together. Chill it in the refrigerator.

On Sunday, Ely, nephew Jeremy, and I met up with grandma and cousin Blanca at the Sunday Farmer's Market on Ming Avenue. Here is what we got.

At home, I made Peachy Guacamole. I usually make this with mango, but mangos are not in season yet. So I used yellow peaches. It is super easy and delicious!

Peachy Guacamole:

2 ripe peaches

2 avocado

2 tomatoes

1/2 onion

juice from 1/2 lime

handful of chopped cilantro

salt

Chipotle Chille (if you like it a bit spicy)

Mince onion and soak in water for one minute. Drain and put it aside

Dice peaches and avocados and tomatoes.

In a bowl, combine onion, peaches, tomatoes and avocado. Add salt to your taste (1/2 -1 tea spoon). mince Chipotle Chille if you are using it and add to the guacamole. Add lime juice and cilantro. Mix them together until they are all combined together. Taste it and add chille, salt, lime juice or cilantro if you need more. Enjoy it with your choice of chips.