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Elk Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled & cubed Salt & pepper to taste 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup half-and-half cream 1/2 lb ground elk meat 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 small onion, chopped 1 parsnip, peeled & diced 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Directions: 1. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two, then mash with salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, half-and-half. Set aside.
2. Preheat over to 400 degrees F.
3. Meanwhile, stir together the elk meat, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a skillet over medium-high heat until crumbly and no longer pink. Spread the cooked elk meat into a 9-inch pie plate and return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Place the onion, parsnip and garlic powder in the skillet. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Cook until the parsnip has softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook an additional 5 minutes. Then spread in the pie plate over the elk meat. Finally, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Brush the melted butter on the top of the potatoes.
4. Bake in preheated over until the potatoes begin to turn golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
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Mom's Shredded Elk Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1.5 cups ketchup 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons celery salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 drops hot pepper sauce 1 (4lb) elk roast, cut in half 10 hamburger buns, split. Directions: 1. Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard powder, lemon juice, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg and hot pepper sauce in a bowl. Place the elk roast in a large slow cooker and pour the sauce over top.
2. Cover and cook on high until the meat shreds easily with a fork, about 5 hours. Shred and serve on the hamburger buns.
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Don't forget about Dairy!
The Minnesota Grown Directory isn't only about fresh produce and meats, you can also find some amazingly good dairy producers too!  There are currently 11 producers of dairy products, either goat, sheep or cow. Fresh milk, cheese and yogurt - you can taste the difference!
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Do you know of a farm who should be listed in the Minnesota Grown Directory? we are currently taking applications
for the 2013-14 Minnesota Grown Directory. Have them call us today!
651-201-6170
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2012-2013 Minnesota Grown Directory
Find your local Christmas tree farm, meat producer, farmers markets (winter markets too!) and more in the 2012-13 Minnesota Grown Directory. Make sure you get your FREE copy today!
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THANK YOU!!
We appreciate every person who reads this newsletter and supports Minnesota Grown. If you have something related to Minnesota Grown foods that you'd like to know more about- please tell us! :)
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Community Supported Agriculture Farm
Community Supported Agriculture (often abbreviated as CSA) Farms are an ever popular way for consumers to get fresh, healthy and local food directly from the farm. A CSA farm sells subscriptions or memberships to their farm before planting begins, generally in late winter or very early spring. These members pay up front and then receive a share of that farms produce, generally once a week for 14-18 weeks. These shares are either picked up on the farm or delivered to a arranged drop site.  Joining a CSA is a great way to connect with a local community and your local farmer. Each farm varies in what it offers, how much it costs, the delivery/pick-up locations and the length of its season. If you are thinking about joining a farm - here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1) Compare farms and what they offer! Not every CSA farm will be a good fit for your family. Of course, begin by looking at their deliver/pick up locations - is there one that is close and convenient for you? If swinging by the farm once a week sounds like a great activity for your family, then find a farm that offers on-site pick up (lots do!). See what types of produce they grow and if they offer any additional products.
2) Stay open minded! Most farms will include a few vegetables that you may not be familiar with - this is okay! Don't be afraid to try the new recipe your farm or fellow member shared with you. Also, try the vegetable a few different ways before you decide if you like it or not. You tell your kids to do this anyway, so set the example! 3) Plan prep time! It's important to plan some time on your pick up day or the day after to prep your share. You may need to wash, separate, cut or freeze your produce right away. Taking some time right away will make preparing your foods much easier and faster throughout the week. Exploring the contents of your box can be a fun family activity! 4) Get connected! Give feedback to your farmer about what you like and don't like. Talk to other members about their experiences. If the farm allows, get out for a visit at least once. Read the newsletter to find out whats happening and what's changing at the farm. Truly make it "your farm". Joining a CSA farm does not only have great benefits for you and your family, but it also does wonders for the farm and your local community! Making a commitment to the farm allows the farm to make commitments to their workers and families. To find a CSA farm, visit our website or call to order your FREE copy of the 2012-13 Minnesota Grown Directory in print. Now is the ideal time to join - so call now!
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Valentine's Day is almost here!
With Valentine's Day only a week away, are you still trying to find your special someone a gift? Give them something unique by giving them something Minnesota Grown!
Roses & other flower s - Did you know that Minnesota's own Len Busch Roses is one of the top growers of cut flowers in the central United States? Starting back in 1965 Len Busch started his dream in Plymouth, MN. LBR is still family owned and operated and now grows roses, alstroemeria, lilies, tulips, snapdragons, gerberas and potted flowering plants. They have 15 acres of greenhouses where they grow over 7 million stems & pots! Visit them online to see their florist directory - they have over 1,000 florists in the upper Midwest carrying LBR flowers. Wine - Minnesota is becoming know for its delicious wines. Check out your local liquor store or wine shop and pick up your sweetheart a local variety and turn your night into something special. Or stop by a winery to take in the views, enjoy a relaxing glass of wine and each others company. You may even find some bonus items, like gift baskets or other locally made crafts. Visit Minnesota Grown Directory online to find a winery near you!  Specialty Gifts - Just like over the holiday season, the Minnesota Grown Directory is a great tool to find a unique, personal  ized or special gift. You could give that special someone the taste of summer in a jar with jams, jellies or spreadable fruit. Do you have a knitter on your gift list? Give them the best yarn around, from a Minnesota producer! Do you want to keep an important person warm? Purchase some wool or alpaca sweaters, socks, mittens, hats or more! The Minnesota Grown Directory also has lotions, soaps and other personal care items made from local ingredients by local producers! You can head to www.minnesotagrown.com and search are full list of products to find the perfect gift! 
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Elk... It's whats for dinner!
Are you looking for something a little different for dinner? Have you thought about elk? Elk is a tender, lean and delicious option for any meat lovers out there. Elk generally feed on oats, grass and hay making their meat naturally lean and low in cholesterol. The meat can be ground in to hamburger, cut into steaks or roasts.  When cooking elk, it's important keep the temperature low. Since elk is naturally lower in fat, if its cooked a too high of a temperature the meat will dry out. For best results, try not to cook meat past medium doneness. If you prefer your meat well-done, it's recommend you remove from heat at medium, cover and let rest for 10-20 minutes. You can substitute elk for almost any recipe that calls for beef, whether that's a steak, roast or ground elk. You could have elk meatballs, lasagna, burgers - the possibilities are endless! You can find a list of local producers in the Minnesota Grown Directory online or visit our friends at the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association for more information! Below is a recipe from the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association: Barbequed Elk Roast
Ingredients:3 lbs elk round, leg or rump roast 12 oz can of beer 3 cloves garlic 2 onions, sliced 3 bay leaves Salt & pepper to taste 2 cups barbecue sauce Directions:Trim excess fat. In large bowl, mix beer, garlic, salt, pepper, onions and bay leaves. Add elk meat (marinade should cover meat). Marinate in refrigerator for 12-24 hours, turning occasionally. Remove elk and onions from marinade and place in crock-pot. Pour 1 cup barbecue sauce over top. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours. Serve with remaining barbecue sauce. |
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Minnesota Grown Facebook Page!
Don't forget to like us on Facebook and to add us to one of your interest lists! An interest list is a new way to organize your friends, fan pages and sort your news feeds. Adding us to one of your interest lists will make it easier for you to follow our page and see our posts. Of course, the best way to stay in touch is to like our comments and photos, participate in our conversations and post to our page. The more active you are with us, the more active we can be with you and also, the more likely you are to see information from us!  |
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Sponsors
Minnesota Farmers union is the lead sponsor for The Minnesota Grown Directory. They work to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. They are a nonprofit membership-based organization. Did you know you don't have to be a farmers to be a member?
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