Luxurious Chocolates for Valentine's Day

By Jacqueline Hornish
Posted Friday, Feb 12, 2016

Valentine's Day Chocolates

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn'thurt.
Charles M. Schulz

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways….. in chocolate! The gift of flowers, wine and chocolate are romantic gestures, much appreciated by the beloved on Valentine’s Day. Of all of these, the sweetest and most luscious is chocolate. We are so lucky to have three wonderful chocolatiers who create the most sumptuous treats including the decadent cabernet sauvignon dark chocolate truffles from Thorncrest Farm.

Valentine's Day Pink Heart Box

Valentine's Day Pink Heart Box filled with Cabernet Sauvignon Chocolate Truffles

Throncrest Farm is known as the home of the 'single cow origin chocolates' and credit their success (they were voted best chocolate by Connecticut Magazine in 2015) to the 'magic in their milk'. You may imagine a bunch of generic Bessies in the field but it is Karissma, the big black sleek matriach of the farm, who makes the ultra rich smooth cream used in these truffles.

Signature Chocolate Crumb Chocolates

Signature Chocolate Crumb Chocolates from Thorncrest Farm

While you are picking out these delicious chocolates, why not sign up your Valentine for one of their farm classes? There is a one and a half hour class in making Butter, Yogurt and Creme Fraiche that takes place on April 9th, 2016 at 2:30. For more information, click here.

Pretty Pink Box with Chocolates

Pretty Pink Box from Bridgewater Chocolates

Bridgewater Choclates offers a variety of chocolates including turtles, toffees, caramels, truffles, peanut butter patties, hazelnut pralines, and more... All of the selections are handmade from the finest ingredients. This renowned chocolatier in Bridgewater,CT was originalled established by Erik Landefren who came from Stockholm, Sweden to open the highly acclaimed restaurant, Aquivit in NYC. The quality of the chocolates has been recognized by restaurants, retail stores and gourmet shops and their products are sold in many locations.

Hearts with Flowers from Bridgewater Chocolates

Kent Coffee & Chocolate has been a go to stop on Kent’s Main Street for over twenty five years. The store's patrons fill up the store for rich cups of joe while the chocolatiers in the back are busily making truffles and hand-dipped choclates. This is the spot to pick up a sweet selection of lovingly made confections for your favorite Valentine!

They also offer Valentine chocolate roses or the man in your life ..... how about whimsical choices like chocolate alligators, funky jelly bean monkeys or chocolate peanut butter 'bugs'? Have a little fun on Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year!

Shop Locations:

Kent Coffee & Chocolate Company

Address: 8 N Main St, Kent, CT 06757

Phone:(860) 927-1445

Thorncrest Farm and Creamery

Address: 280 Town Hill Road, Goshen 06756

Phone: 860-309-2545

Bridgewater Chocolate Factory and Factory Store

Address: 559 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT 06804

Phone: (203) 775-2286

Other locations include:

Bridgewater Village Store, Bridgewater CT

Good News Cafe, Woodbury, CT

Villarina's Pasta & More, Southbury CT

ENJOY!

Gracious Federal Antique Brick Home in New Hartford, CT

By Pels Matthews
Posted Monday, Nov 30, 2015

tech <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/zw1xWrxmiTaUcvTKNNKaE1-Rqzq1_yAE-6JPqMxCSfk%2CuuuXXlutgQIqfTvScAUXiKeCvesIqCaxoniHOFVgOeM%2CXOLag6hOdnyRSBLfLF_z9rR2nV33Nou9dJlTZp2nUcg.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;" class="featured"> This circa 1829 home in New Hartford has been lovingly restored and sits on 2.2 lush acres with mature English perennial gardens, fruit trees,a meadow and deeded access to Jones Pond. The property is situated in the scenic Farmington Valley which is home to buccolic, historic towns and lovely countryside. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/newbiz.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 390px;"> A View of the Town of New Harford The area has many beautiful outdoor areas that can be enjoyed while skiing or hiking or simply walking through the town and enjoying the boutique and restaurant window fronts. Dining options include many establishments that use farm fresh ingredients and are inspired by the countryside around them. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Sundown.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 315px;"> <a href="http://skisundown.com/">Ski Sundown</a> in New Hartford, CT has a variety of Trails for all Levels <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/fixedw_large_4x.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;"> There are many places to enjoy nature in Farmington Valley during the various seasons. The 80-mile <a href="http://www.fvgreenway.org/pages/default.asp">Farmington Canal Heritage Trail</a> and the 26-mile <a href="http://www.fvgreenway.org/pages/default.asp">Farmington River Trail</a> are spectacular destinations to explore. Of course, after the fresh air and activites, there are a trio of restaurants in New Hartford that should not be missed! <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Quercibella%20Cheese%20Plate.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 667px;"> Exquisite Cheese Plate from <a href="http://www.quercibella.com/#_=_">Quercibella</a> in New Hartford, CT <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/passi6.jpg" style="width: 520px; height: 693px;"> Homemade Sups and Scones from the <a href="http://www.passiflorateas.blogspot.com/#_=_">Passiflora Tearoom</a> in New Hartford, CT <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Blue%20Sky%20Foods.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 375px;"> The Eclectic, Fun Atomsphere of <a href="http://www.blueskyfoods-ct.com/#_=_">Blue Sky Foods</a> known for their Amazing Seafood and Burgers. New Hartford is bordered by Torrington to the west, Barkhamsted to the north, Canton to the east, and Burlington and Harwinton to the south. It is a close knit community with a lot of charm. As the town website mentions, &quot;The Farmington River traverses the downtown area, providing scenic beauty to all who frequent the quaint shops and businesses located there. In the spring, fly fishermen can be seen casting their lines in one of Connecticut&#39;s most well known catch-and-release areas.&quot; <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/00V-zuEicrzYr2-VOCUffr0MaJrPNNvottCjRB-SmqM%2CySlBkur_HHXtL4tfwkkAT2DpZN_M798D5syzNGSpRB8.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 392px;"> Around this historic home you can meander through the gardens and across the covered foot bridge to the shed and greenhouse.The interior of the house features many period architectural details, stunning wide board chestnut and maple floors, built-ins, 5 fireplaces, a first floor bedroom with a remodeled en-suite. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/7nU_QII5Y9G9_sc20O1erIPv7_Ejj1ATZwqMlCHWuIE%2Ck5KdxwfFKHrjBY3vhU7wmqR6F2mYPM4buHnBL4i-VKE.jpg" style="width: 523px; height: 393px;"> Charming Interiors throughout this Historic Home. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/63_sIN4wdYnixGJ_aU1otbYx4Rp9a6h8QS9GHu4yUto%2CX0rfp_52VSVM67UXXN7QzKj9BmcDH0IJCP3QLO0KdRQ.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;"> Gracious Design and Cast Iron Tub. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/F9KTA6sT9CY1bCGpYyoUp_ykf_bXfjMTnY6ZfBrOQgQ%2CP4WCMHIUh4UEprFe8ihPrTHbaaHucNMRVkvwqDFFyMs.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;"> The Master Bedroom with Vaulted Beamed Ceilings. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/tU7exc6EgEZG_vt-7A7e5vqNyNvdFB0AN4Gq66j4B-c%2Cr4lNzhC9oisy8RkuByHtxCBcTbXhJ8fRidtQRrMmWbc.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;"> An Cozy, Comfotable Living Room with Fireplace. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/qCIUUsaduu8SdcejgVEaZHayAovNP_rLmSwcX8FIwf0%2CuLjVPeFP2IPnqJwH6rabAw5W6BdHBh9xr0QXiy6SM2A%2CNtG6b_kLI47LfRqwBsFjdW0vUzaQdgzGKAxC_TomMtU.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;"> A Charming Guest Cottage. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/QYF43y1d8xazME4H8RN2x5f2-W0fbTE-3PA25MZmzZc%2CumB9lrAx5c4NNByVsE3Q3v17T8EDMTTnWvcdSYB5MQU.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 393px;"> Well Lit Interior Spaces with Period Architectural Details. Click on the links to area places and restaurants to be directed to their websites.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Unlocking New Milford: Discover the Charm of this New England Town

By
Posted Thursday, Oct 1, 2015

tech <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/New%20Milford%20Town.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"> On the western border of CT and nestled in the Housatonic Valley, <a href="http://www.newmilford.org/">the town of New Milford</a> is often termed the &ldquo;Gateway to Litchfield County&rdquo;. Incorporated in 1712, the area is rich in history and was the original home of the Paugusett Native Americans who fished on the Aspetuck and Housatonic rivers still popular today with both residents and visitors. The town was active during the American Revolution and became a business hub for industries including buttons, furniture, pottery lime and tobacco in the 19th and 20th centuries. New Milford is actually the largest town by area in the state at approximately 64 square miles and includes the communities of Merryall, Northville and Gaylordsville. Today, the town has blossomed with a variety of unique restaurants, artisanal gourmet shops, specialty boutiques for adults and children, galleries and more&hellip; Most people think of New Milford as the place to go for the big box retailers, you know the store you want close but not too close. However, there are lots of special places in New Milford. Here is a sampling of the businesses I love to frequent. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Lucia's%20Restaurant%20Poached%20Pear%20Salad.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 364px;"> Poached Pear Salad at Lucia&#39;s Restaurant Whether it is authentic Italian cuisine, gourmet Paninis, organic farm to table fare or Thai exquisitely spiced food, New Milford offers a wide range of dining choices. <a href="http://www.luciaofnewmilford.com/">Lucia Ristorante</a>, which was featured in the New York Times, has exceptional dishes that feature homemade pastas including pappardelle, spaghetti and cavatelli. Chef and owner, Antonio Caldaria delivers unmatched flavor with his Gnocchi Piemontese with prosciutto, fresh peas and mushrooms in a pink champagne sauce. <a href="http://www.townvibe.com/Litchfield/September-October-2015/Close-to-Italy/"> Tonio&rsquo;s Panino</a> is not your average sandwich shop with wonderful vegetarian, chicken and meatball parmesan paninis as well as an amazing caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato. Buon Appetito to all! <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Tonios%20Panino%203.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 271px;"> The Menu Board at Tonio&#39;s Panino <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Green%20Granary.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 233px;"> Farm Fresh Food at The Green Granary If you lean towards organic fare, visit <a href="http://www.thegreenspotnewmilford.com/cafe.html">Epicuria</a> located at the garden center &lsquo;The Green Spot&rsquo;. Epicuria has a variety of healthy salads and sandwiches as well as their renowned chocolate covered strawberry smoothie. You can eat al fresco in a sumptuous garden while the weather is warm. Epicuria is a gourmet take out and catering business as well. The <a href="http://greengranary.com/">Green Granary</a> on Railroad St is an organic, non-gmo and sustainable caf&eacute; with a mission of farm to table food. Try their vegetarian, western or avocado omelettes, all made with organic eggs. Yum! They have outstanding chocolate chip cookies and this is my favorite food group! I am a chic chocolate chip cookie connoisseur (friends who know this send me cookies from all over the world). If you crave aromatic, exquisitely spiced food, don&rsquo;t miss <a href="http://www.thaicharmct.com/">Thai Charm</a> where they make a luxurious Tom Yum Goong soup and red, green and panang curries with your choice of chicken, beef, vegetable or shrimp. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Thai%20Charm.jpg" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;"> Thai Charm Dinner with Aromatic Spices There is much more to tempt your palette at the specialty food stores, cooking schools and premier caterers In New Milford. At <a href="http://villarinas.com/">Villarina&rsquo;s pasta</a> there are a host of homemade pastas and you can pick out Italian sauces such as porcini, puttanesca and walnut pesto to pair with them. The have great prepared garlic bread you just pop in the oven and wonderful frozen lasagnas. <a href="http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org/">The Silo</a>, as part of the Hunt Hill Farm offers a variety of cooking classes throughout the year. Upcoming is a Junior Bakers session on October 12th and &lsquo;How to Make a Sublime Vegetarian Meal&rsquo; on October 16th. If you want to leave it to the experts and have your dinner party or event catered, <a href="http://www.executivecuisinect.com/">Executive Cuisine</a> has a full complement of dinners, hors d&rsquo;oeuvres and succulent desserts. Sesame &amp; wasabi crusted tuna skewers, garlicky lamb kebobs with tahini and lemon panna cotta with fresh fruit were recently served at interior designer&rsquo;s event. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Villarina's%20Homemade%20Pasta%20Sauces.jpg" style="width: 535px; height: 339px;"> Villarina&#39;s Homemade Past Sauces <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Executive%20Cuisine.jpg" style="width: 520px; height: 693px;"> A Delectable Table from Executive Cuisine An interesting array of boutiques for adults and children can be found in New Milford. Two delightful children&rsquo;s toy stores, <a href="http://www.nordicatoys.com/">Nordica</a> and <a href="http://iloveplaytoys.com/Play/Welcome.html">Play</a>, are definitely worth a visit and not just for birthday presents! Another great family activity is a visit to <a href="http://www.etflea.com/_/Home.html">Elephant&rsquo;s Trunk Flea Market</a> which is held every Sunday through November 29th from 7 am to 2 pm. You can look at vintage clothing while the kids can check out the toy collectibles. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Nordica%20Toy%20Store.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 420px;"> Games, Puzzles and More at Nordica Toy Store <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Play.png" style="width: 543px; height: 369px;"> A Wonderful Selection at Play Toy Store <a href="http://www.swankonbank.com/">Swank on Bank</a>, a fashion boutique, located on Bank Street directly across from the movie theater, has one-of-a-kind apparel, jewelry and accessories. , I love the super soft cotton tee shirts! After shopping, <a href="http://joessalon.com/">Joe&rsquo;s Salon</a> is a great place for a blow dry, color or cut. They were voted one of the top 200 salons in the US by Salon Today. They also have an excellent spa for facials and massages. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Swank%20on%20Bank.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 403px;"> Chic Denim Vests at Swank on Bank <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Joe's%20Salon%203.jpg" style="width: 590px; height: 395px;"> An Open, Airy Interior at Joe&#39;s Salon Across the street from Joe&rsquo;s Salon is the <a href="http://www.thehartsgallery.com/">Harts Art Galley</a> which recently opened and exhibits mixed media, paintings and photography. Their new show, entitled &lsquo;She&rsquo;s a Changeling &lsquo;opens October 3rd. If you take a stroll around the corner, have a look at the newly renovated and restored United Bank building which is now called <a href="http://www.newstimes.com/business/article/New-Milford-bank-building-restored-to-former-glory-6442409.php"> 19 Main</a>. It will be a rental space for weddings and other events starting with an upcoming wine tasting. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Evan%20Abramson-%20Harts%20Gallery.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 367px;"> Photography by Evan Abramson at Harts Gallery <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/19%20Main.jpg" style="width: 480px; height: 480px;"> The United Bank Building is now 19 Main I am thrilled to &lsquo;unlock&rsquo; some of the treasures in New Milford. Try them for yourself and let us know your thoughts in the comments box. All the businesses mentioned are linked to their websites so you can view directions and contact information. Enjoy! &nbsp;

Washington Art Association Barn Dance at Waldingfield Farm

By
Posted Friday, Sep 18, 2015

tech <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/IMG_2692.PNG" style="width: 360px; height: 640px;"> Love a good old-fashioned barn dance and country harvest festival? Then you don&#39;t want to miss this fantastic evening put together by <a href="http://www.washingtonartassociation.org/home">The Washington Art Association</a> and hosted by the well-loved <a href="http://www.waldingfieldfarm.com/">Waldingfield Farm</a>. There will be finger-lickin&#39; barbeque, grilled foods, fresh garden salads, a pie contest and dancing for all! <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/564055_10150951200115888_801728962_n.jpg" style="width: 556px; height: 319px;"> Waldingfield Farm in Washington, CT During the festivities, The Washington Art Associations invites you to take &quot;a break from dancing, enjoy the art exhibition on the walls of the barn. Featured will be scenes from farm life: landscapes of barns and fields, portraits of chickens and cows, and much more!&quot; <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/images.jpg" style="width: 280px; height: 180px;"> The Washington Arts Association is located in the Center of Washington Depot, CT <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/drawing.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 397px;"> Drawing Classes at the Washington Arts Association <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/web-new-education.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 350px;"> Education and Promoting the Arts is at the Heart of The Washington Arts Association <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/waldingfield-15.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 309px;"> A Lovely Entry to the Farm Stand at Waldingfield Farm Enjoy The Wool Hats band who will be playing your favorite reels and square dances! Family, friends and kids are welcome to enjoy this great night. Place: Waldingfield Farm, 24 East Street, Washington, CT Date: Saturday, September 26 Time: 5:30 - 10 pm Price: Adults -- $40 per person Couple -- $75 per couple Children -- $10 per child Registration is required, please click <a href="http://www.washingtonartassociation.org/events/barndanceoldfashio/"> here</a>. For more information, please contact The Washington Art Association by telephone at 860.868.2878 or by email at washingtonart@snet.net. &nbsp;

Vote for Winivan in USA Today's Most Romantic Inn Awards

By
Posted Monday, Aug 3, 2015

tech <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-81-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"> Luxurious Accomodations at Winivan Farm This ideal retreat for couples has been nominated for &#39;Best Romantic Inn&#39; in USA Today&#39;s Reader&#39;s Choice awards. Travelers from all over the country and abroad have discovered what the locals have always appreciated; luxury accomodations, farm fresh gourmet cuisine in an exquisite setting. You can easily support <a href="http://www.winvian.com/">Winivan</a> by clicking on the USA Today link <a href="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-romantic-inn/winvian-farm-morris-conn/"> here</a>. It will take you directly to the page where you can place your vote. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-5-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"> Luxury Accomodations with Unique Touches <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-1-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"> A Beautiful Setting in Pristine Countryside <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-2-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"> Gorgeous Tabletop Style <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-7-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"> Farm Fresh Ingredients in Gourmet Dishes <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/PoolSlideThree-1533x800.jpg" style="width: 533px; height: 278px;"> Poolside Elegance There are eighteen extraordinary cottages, each with their own style and design as well as the Hadley Suite. <a href="http://www.winvian.com/">Winivan Farm</a> was purchsed in 1948 by the Smith family who have retained ownership to this day. They have a fascinating history which you can read by clicking <a href="http://www.winvian.com/experience/history/">here</a>. Don&#39;t forget to vote this morning by clicking the link to the USA TODAY page <a href="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-romantic-inn/winvian-farm-morris-conn/"> here</a>. &nbsp;

Waldingfield Farm's CSA Program enriches Washington Community

By
Posted Thursday, Feb 12, 2015

tech <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/b6d7090a321aeca0f529ab265a288b1b_L.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 267px;"></div> <div> &nbsp; Listen to your mother- Eat your vegetables! This is a reference to the well-known admonition from parents to children reluctant to eat healthy produce. If only those families had access to the delicious variety of vegetables from the certified organic Waldingfield Farm. Their extensive CSA program is a fantastic way for families and individuals to sample succulent produce throughout the season while also helping support organic farming in our community. Selections include Asian greens, beets, eggplant, cucumber, eggplant, collards, melons (to name a few) as well as their renowned heirloom tomatoes which are the favorite of chefs, elite restaurants and foodies in the Northeast. It is also a very well run and reasonable CSA program with half shares at $450 (good for 2-3 people) and full shares at $650 (good for splits and families) It is $10 more if you purchase online. To read about the Waldingfield Farm CSA Program in more detail, click <a href="http://www.waldingfieldfarm.com/csa-program">here</a>. &nbsp; <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/fc1da7257992fc36032e11db3df7a664_XL.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 400px;"> The farm is a family run business with strong roots in the community. Our friends, Quincy Horan, is the head grower and responsible for all field management, crop planning and machinery while his brother Patrick Horan handles all marketing, sales and operations, as well as day to day farming duties. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/quincy.jpg" style="width: 260px; height: 200px;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/patrick.jpg" style="width: 260px; height: 200px; float: right;"> Quincy, Patrick left to right &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; We recently had a chance to talk with Patrick about Waldingfield Farm and our community: </div> What do you love about living in Washington, CT? Our family has been in Washington since 1919 when our great grandfather, a NYC lawyer, bought the farm from a cousin as a place for his family to spend the summer and be in nature (and it was far closer than northeast Maine) What he loved most about Washington is what we love most about Washington namely its sense of community and the gorgeous rural character of the town. The term organic is often used in discussions on healthy nutrition but how does being a certified organic vegetable farm help the soil/land? The very fact that we apply no synthetic chemicals-like Roundup- in our land management means that our water table below our property (our land is the start of the Sprain Brook which feeds in the Shepaug River) is exceptionally clean. Also, by having zero chemical inputs we maintain and actually increase biodiversity on our land and within our community. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/zucchini.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 308px;"> The CSA program is beloved by many Washington residents, what does the community aspect mean to you personally? The relationship with our CSA members often starts as what it is, namely an investment in a program in return for great vegetables. But what happens is a unique bond between our investors and the farm, the connection to the source of the food often surprises the CSA members, and then the friendships start. The idea is that the impact investment, if you will, which is essentially what a CSA represents, is such a win win for the community, and in turn, for us. Are there any plans to create more products like your delicious marinara sauce? Currently we make two sauces, a crushed tomato line, as well as our Bloody Mary mix. In 2015, people should look for a salsa to be introduced in September. What is your favorite recipe from the web site and why? The fast and fresh heirloom tomato gazpacho is my favorite by far. It just tastes like summer. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/photo-12.JPG" style="width: 250px; height: 250px; margin: 5px;"> Using a blender will make this soup easy to pull off in minutes. Good for two bowls of soup, or four smaller appetizer portions. Ingredients: o 6 medium-large tomatoes, or equivalent o 2 cloves garlic o salt and pepper o 2 bell peppers o 1 avocado o 1 dried out slice of bread (optional) Put the two cloves of garlic in the blender and pulse just to break it up a bit. Cut the tomatoes into quarters or eighths and blend with the garlic until smooth (with bread if you are using it - it will thicken the soup). Add salt and pepper if you like, though the tomatoes may have enough flavor without it. Serve topped with fresh diced peppers and avocado. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/heirloom.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 308px;"> To read more about the history of Waldingfield Farm and to see the extensive vegetable menu, please click <a href="http://www.waldingfieldfarm.com/">here</a>. &nbsp;

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