Garden Happenings: Soup Subscription Signup, Sesame Ginger Salad, Crispy Garlic Tofu
#38: Winter Happenings @ Featherstone Garden
Welcome to Featherstone’s Winter Happenings Newsletter. Each week we share a rotating variety of garden updates: from heirloom seasonal produce features, to farm fresh subscriptions, veg-ed(ucation) content, plant-centered recipes, community partners, and more. As a subscriber, you will be the first to know all about our Garden Happenings. If you’re not a newsletter subscriber but would like to be, click below to signup.
We’re excited to announce a couple more Holiday offerings…
GIFT a Winter Subscription!
The gift that keeps on giving. Our NEW 6-week Winter Culinary Subscriptions launch mid-January, and are a unique gift idea that any food-enthusiast friend would love. Just in time for healthy New Years resolution eating, too!
We have two brand new 6-Week Culinary Subscriptions for ‘Fun Buns’ and ‘Winter Soup’, and a new cycle of our ‘Weekly Microgreens’. Signing up for our Fun Buns subscription will get you a 6-pack of buns per week; and our Winter Soup subscription will keep you cozy and warm this season with a rotating variety of weekly hearty vegan soups (4 servings) + garnishes + a recipe card for at-home recreation. You can also purchase our Culinary Subscription Bundle set, which includes all three for a discounted price!
Stay Cozy, Rep Local…
With our Featherstone apparel! Our new branded unisex rust colored t-shirts and cornflower blue crew necks will keep you cute and cozy this season.
HOLIDAY PICKUP / DELIVERY DATE REMINDER:
Sesame Ginger Salad w/ Quinoa & Beets
For week #4, our Winter Salad Kit subscribers will be receiving all of the items shown above (sub beets for radishes) for a healthy and robust salad. Click the link below to check out our original blog post for this salad, homemade dressing recipe.
Interested in subscribing for the last 2 weeks of our Winter Salad Kit or Microgreens Subscription? We’re accepting rolling subscription signups throughout the duration of the current cycle. Click here to signup!
Crispy Maple Chili Garlic Tofu
Yields: 3-4 servings
Do ahead: To toast sesame seeds, add the seeds to a dry pan (no oil necessary!) and heat over medium for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Ingredients:
1 package (14oz) block extra-firm tofu, drained
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated
1 Tbsp hot sesame oil (or regular sesame oil if you prefer a mild dish)
¼ cup coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce (I’m using half of each)
2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
2 Tbsp grade A maple syrup
¼ cup corn starch
dash of sea salt
dash of fresh ground black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
1 Tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Garnish suggestions:
1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion stem, thinly sliced
Directions:
Step 1
Drain tofu: To drain off excess water, wrap the block of tofu in a few pieces of paper towel or kitchen towel and place on a large plate for 10 minutes or so, pressing down gently with hands or adding pressure by placing a heavy plate/board on top. Cut tofu in half (hamburger bun style), then cut into 1/2”x1”(ish) cubes. Pat to dry once more. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a large cutting board. Sprinkle with salt, then set aside while you make the marinade (step 2).
Step 2
Preheat oven to 400° F. In a large bowl, combine garlic, ginger, hot sesame oil, coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce, unseasoned rice vinegar, maple syrup, and optional chili flakes and brown sugar, if you wish. Add tofu and gently toss to coat, then sprinkle cornstarch over and mix until combined. Allow the tofu to marinate in the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3
Arrange tofu in a single layer on a large foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes on both sides. (approx. 30 minutes total). The end product should be golden brown with a thin crust. Add extra time if need be.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tofu on top of rice, your favorite veggies, or on a bed mixed greens.
Shop Small & Support Local
E. Warren Farmers Market has just begun their Holiday Nights Market, which is happening every Friday & Saturday from now until December 18th. You can expect to find delicious food, goods by local vendors, and a festive atmosphere!
Post Detroit is another one of our favorite local shops for lovely gifts items, with many products made by local Detroit artists.
Worthwhile reads
For your reading pleasure, the team members at Featherstone will occasionally share an article or link we found to be a worthwhile read. We hope you enjoy our pick of the week.
Jessi’s Pick: Forgotten Harvest is looking for food pantry volunteers, click here for details.
This time of year tends to bring out the volunteer in us all. Here is a great way to help out on a local level. Forgotten harvest is looking for volunteers @ their food pantry locations. Looking to give the gift if service this year? Here is your call to action.
Renee’s Pick: Introducing Ruth Reichl and a Deeper Investment in Food Writing, via Substack.
Substack recently announced their deeper commitment to “hosting and supporting some of the world’s most interesting and talented food writers. Nine new food publications are debuting on the platform, a group of writers that demonstrates the range and quality of food writing on Substack.” Head to the link to check out their list of 9 new writers and subscribe to your favorites!
Thanks for reading!
For more about our garden, follow us on instagram (@featherstone.garden), and check out our website. Feel free to email us or comment below with any questions or suggestions. We’d love for you to share our newsletter with a friend by clicking the button below.
Have a great week,
Annie, Aaron, Renee, Jessi + Chili & Bean (our farm cats)
