Hearty Harvest Meals: A Voice From the Farm Table

Harvest Excitement

canola field harvest | www.canolaeatwell.com

For many the end of summer brings a twinge of sadness. Not so for farmers. It’s an exhilarating time filled with excitement, gratitude and relief. Another growing season is behind us and it’s finally time to reap the rewards. The hum of combines is music to our ears. Country roads are bustling as trucks roll up and down hauling crop from fields to bins.  Eyes are always to the sky as we hope for ideal harvest conditions. This is our final ‘dance’ with Mother Nature for the year and we hope it is a smooth one.

The days can be long and hectic, so keeping the harvest crew fueled with healthy, nutritious meals is key. Thankfully, fresh local produce is abundant whether it be from your garden, the farmers’ market, a roadside stand or the grocery store.

Harvest Meals

Braised Beef and Vegetable Stew recipe made with canola oil by Mairlyn Smith

Simple recipes packed with vegetables, which can be prepared ahead of time, are perfect for harvest. Convenience is key – whether taking meals to the field or looking for something which warms up easily if your crew prefers to keep working until weather conditions shut them down.

Beef Braised and Vegetable Stew fits the bill perfectly, using onions, carrots and rutabagas.  Stew gives you the versatility to change up the vegetables if you wish. Corn-on-the-cob is a quick, easy side and Cheddar Baking Powder Biscuits are ideal to mop up your plate. Pie is always appreciated for dessert but is something this cook has never mastered. This simple, no-fail, fuss-free Apple Galette is every bit as good!

Meals on the Go

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins as seen on CTV

On those really hot days your may prefer more picnic-like fare. ‘Grab and go’ desserts are convenient and can do double duty for lunch boxes and snacks.  Zucchini is always plentiful in the fall. Zucchini Chocolate Chip muffins make a perfect finish with fresh fruit. Jenn’s Chewy Granola Bars are another great option and handy to have on stock in the freezer.

No matter the meal-time choices, this time of year your efforts are always appreciated.  Taking a break is good for the soul, enhances farm safety and give you time to connect with your family and friends.  Everyone is always happy to sit down to a hearty meal.

I sometimes think back to the days of wood stoves, no refrigeration and large threshing gangs that needed to be fed three times a day. I admire the hard-working women who labored from dawn to dusk to get the job done.  It makes me grateful for modern conveniences, the ease in which a meal can be prepared and many choices we now have.

{Giveaway} Grocery Gift Card

Be sure to check out the contest below for all canola association members (for example Alberta Canola Producers and Manitoba Canola Growers).  Connect with us on social media, sign up for the newsletters or leave us a comment and you’ll be entered for your chance to win a $100 grocery gift card or store credit at a grocery store location of your choice.

Wishing everyone a safe and bountiful harvest.

Eat Well…Sandi Knight
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