At the Farm is located on Highway 5 in Carver County, Minnesota - 2.5 m. East of Waconia - 4.5 m. West of Victoria - 10 m. West of Chanhassen
Donna Frantz, Proprietor - 8880 East Highway 5, Waconia MN 55387 - imthefarmer@earthlink.net - 952-442-4816

At the Farm Newsletter

Sent January 28, 2009 Happy New Year! Things will be fine in 2009! A new year and a new idea . . . I will have many new varieties of pepper plants for your gardening needs this spring. I have expanded my selection of pepper varieties to enhance your cooking and salsa making. Sweet Peppers-Ariane (orange), Early Sunsation (yellow), Red Knight, Bianca (ivory), Carmen Red, Marconi (great for stuffing), Sweet Spot (yellow banana), Marcato (red), Jimmy Nordello (red), Buran (red), Muscato (orange), Karisma (red), Purple Beauty, Lady Belle (green). Hot Peppers-Garden Salsa, Jalapeno, Ancho (poblano), Serrano, Habanero, Hot Portugal, Georgia Flame, Cyklon, Quadrato Krimzon Its very difficult to start your own pepper plants. Pepper plant seeds need to be started in the hothouse by Feb. 1 so the plants are ready to be planted in the spring. We use a seed-start soil for starting them. Its so exciting to get ready for spring! Remember to Eat Fresh, Eat Local and Shop At the Farm! My Organic Eggs are Available All Winter Plan now for spring planting! Donna

January Recipe - Black Midnight Chocolate Cake Invite someone to share this wonderful cake. I have made this for 50 years and never tire of it! Cream together: 2/3 cup shortening 1 2/3 cup sugar Beat in thoroughly: 3 eggs (eggs from At the Farm) Blend together but set aside: 2/3 cup cocoa 1 1/3 cup water Put in sifter: 2 1/4 cup cake flour 1/3 teaspoon baking powder (make sure your baking powder is fresh) 1 1/4 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon salt Alternately stir in sifted ingredients and cocoa mixture. Start with sifted ingredients and end with sifted ingredients. Pour in greased 9x13 inch metal cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. I bake mine about 40 minutes. Test with toothpick, should come out clean. Fluffy White Frosting 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup water 1/3 teaspoon cream of tarter Bring syrup slowly to a boil. Cover the pan for 3 minutes. While syrup is cooking, beat 2 egg whites with mixer until stiff enough to hold a point. When the syrup spins a thread (242 degrees) pour slowly over the beaten egg whites. Increase speed of mixer to high and beat until stiff. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix in a bit before spreading on cooled cake. Enjoy!