Easter Eggs

Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever if of good repute, 



if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Philippians: 4 v.8

During this holy week when we celebrate both Passover and Easter it's a wonderful time to remind ourselves of Henry James' four rules for life: 

• Be kind
• Be kind
• Be kind
• Be kind

Kindness as the poet Michael Blumenthal reminds us is "the best audition for a worthier world."

Each of us tends our own corner of the world and tames our own heart's wild and woolly impulses the wicked witches of our impulses eclipsed as the winds of spring and hope blow across our patch.

A housekeeping note, at the end of this post you'll find a recipe for tarragon deviled eggs. This recipe is my dear, sweet friend Kae's favorite deviled egg recipe which I made this week just for her. If you're in a hurry, scroll to the bottom of this post for the recipe.

My own patch of the world was blessed this week by a visit with Lindsay Kaiser from Kaiser Farm. Lyndsay spends her time cultivating tasty delicious and soon to be organically certified vegetables for 60 families who subscribe to her Consumer Supported Agriculture shares.

Lyndsay, her husband, Travis and son, (photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

Lyndsay and Travis have been cultivating their own patch of earth; three acres on Travis' third-generation family dairy farm about eight miles north of Waverly for the past four years. 

(photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

"We believe that it is essential to feed our community safe and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Our farm specializes in growing heirloom and European varieties that should inspire new culinary adventures in all of the households we feed," Lyndsay says.

(photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

What I wanted to talk with Lyndsay about this week is their chicken flock.

Since 2015, Kaiser Farms has been experimenting with adding chickens to their mix of produce available for purchase as an a la carte item for their CSA customers for $3 per dozen .

(photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

The chickens are free range and also eat some the leftover produce. They produce beautiful eggs.

 (photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

Egg comparison, the one on the left is a store-bought egg, the one on the right is a Kaiser Farm egg from what Lyndsay calls "our runaround chickens".

 (photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

The chicken flock consists of Buff Orpington, Australorp and what Lyndsay calls "random breeds". The birds are both meat and laying hens.

How do brown eggs take Easter egg dyes? Beautifully is the answer.

 (photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

The brown eggs when dipped create these luscious jewel toned eggs.

I'm off to dye my own eggs, but before you go, Lyndsay has a few slots left in her CSA.  If you'd like to sign up you can contact her through Kaiser Farm's website sign-up, or by texting Lyndsay at (319) 325-0606. Or stop and say "hi" to Lyndsay at the Cedar Falls Farmer's Market, opening May 6th for the season on in Overman Park.

(photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

New this year in the CSA boxes are two tomatoes; Pink Boar, a pink and green striped tomato and Jaune Flame, a yellow medium-sized tomato that reminds Lyndsay of every one's favorite sweet orange cherry tomato. 

(photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com)

They also have two new green beans; E-Z Pick and Striped, as well as bringing back a German Butter Ball potato that Lyndsay says is "the best tasting potato ever."

As promised here is Kae's favorite tarragon deviled egg recipe, courtesy of Epicurious.

1. • 6 hard-boiled eggs
   • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
   • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
   • 2 tablespoons minced celery
   • 4 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
   • 1 tablespoon minced drained capers
   • 2 teaspoons minced shallot
   • Sliced celery

2. PREPARATION
1. Shell eggs, then cut in half lengthwise. Transfer yolks to small bowl and mash with fork. Mix in oil, mayonnaise, and mustard. Stir in minced celery, tarragon, capers, and shallot. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Spoon yolk mixture into whites. Garnish each with celery slice. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover loosely and refrigerate.)
2. 
   

   

   photo courtesy of KaiserFarmFresh.com

3. Hoppy spring!
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If you know a local producer or great cook I should interview, drop me a note at feleciababb@gmail.com, I'd love to hear from you.