Spring Rhubarb Crisp
Sweet and tangy, this dessert is easy to make and sure to win over your guests!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 bag sliced fresh rhubarb
2 cups sliced peeled apples or sliced strawberries
1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Your favorite vanilla ice cream to go on top!
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add rhubarb and apples or strawberries; toss to coat. Spoon into an 8-in. cast-iron skillet or another ovenproof skillet, or an 8x8 square glass pan.
3. In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350° until the crisp is bubbly and fruit is tender, about 45 minutes.
4. Serve warm with your favorite ice cream or fresh whipped cream and enjoy!
Recipe/ photo credit: Tasteofhome
The Benefits of Buying Organic Food Direct from Local Purveyors
If you are looking for the best food purveyors in Portland Oregon, then Cascade Organic is a perfect choice. We offer a wide range of organic foods that are delicious and nutritious.
Our food is made from scratch with high-quality ingredients, and we never use preservatives or additives. We also offer various delivery options, so you can get the food you love delivered right to your door!
What Is Organic Food?
Organic food is food grown or produced naturally without any synthetic additives. It is healthy for both people and the environment. Additionally, organic farming practices help to conserve soil and water resources.
There are different types of organic food like produce, meat, dairy, and processed foods. Organic produce like Cascade mushrooms in Hillsboro Oregon are grown without using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
Meat and poultry are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Dairy products come from cows that are not given artificial growth hormones or antibiotics.
Why Invest in Organic Food?
There are several reasons why investing in organic food is a wise decision.
Healthier Than Conventional Food
First of all, organic food is healthier than conventional food. It contains more nutrients and is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Organic food also supports sustainable agriculture, which is essential for the health of our planet.
Safe for Environment
Another reason to invest in organic food is that it is better for the environment. Conventional farming practices use a lot of harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can contaminate groundwater and soil. Organic farming doesn’t use toxic chemicals or pesticides, so it is more environmentally friendly.
Affordable
Finally, organic food like Cascade mushrooms in Hillsboro Oregon is often more affordable than conventional food. Organic food prices have come down in recent years, so it is now more affordable than ever to buy organic.
Why Choose Home Delivery?
Home delivery is the perfect option if you are looking for a convenient way to get your hands on some delicious organic food. We offer various delivery options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
We also have a wide selection of organic food available, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. With home delivery, you can enjoy the convenience of having organic food delivered right to your door!
You can save time and money by ordering your organic food from food purveyors in Portland Oregon. We are the best food company in Portland, Oregon, and we offer a wide range of delicious and nutritious organic foods.
We also have various delivery options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
If you are looking for a company that offers delicious and nutritious organic food, Cascade Organic is perfect. We offer a wide range of organic foods ideal for any occasion.
The Benefits of Having Meat Delivered to Your Home or Restaurant
If you're a home chef or restaurant chef, meat is a crucial part of any dish. But sourcing quality meat can be difficult and expensive. Many chefs are turning to Cascade Organic to get the high-quality meat they need.
There are many benefits of having meat delivered to your home or restaurant. In this blog post, let's discuss the benefits of meat delivery in Portland.
Save Time
The first advantage of meat delivery is that you can save time. When you order meat from a local grocery store, you have to go to the store, find the meat section, and select the right meat cuts.
With a meat delivery service like us in Portland, all of this work is done for you. You choose the type of meat you want, and we will deliver it to your doorstep. This is a great option for busy families who don't have time to cook dinner every night.
Better Quality Meat
Another benefit of meat delivery in Portland is that you can get better quality meat. When you purchase meat from a grocery store, you typically have to select the cheapest cuts of meat. This isn't always the best quality meat, and it can be tough to cook correctly.
When you order from a delivery service, you can choose the type of meat you want and get the highest quality cuts. This is perfect for people who care about where their food comes from and how it is processed.
Convenient Delivery
You will find that meat delivery at home or a restaurant is convenient. You can have your choice of meat delivered right to your doorstep with a delivery service. This eliminates the need to go to the grocery store and search for good cuts of meat.
You also don't have to worry about packing up all of your groceries and taking them home. We here at Cascade Organic will do all of the work for you, from packing to delivering.
Affordable Option
Another benefit of meat delivery is typically cheaper than buying meat at the grocery store. It is because you are accepting the meat in bulk, which allows you to get a discount.
One can typically purchase organic meat through a delivery service at a fraction of the cost of what they would spend on similar cuts of meat at the grocery store.
Variety of Meat
Meat delivery by Cascade Organic gives you access to various meats. When you go to a grocery store, you typically only have a few options for meat.
A good delivery service provides a wide variety of meats, including beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and seafood like Oregon pink shrimp. This allows you to try new things and expand your culinary horizons.
We hope that this blog post has convinced you of the benefits of meat delivery in Portland. If you are interested in trying out a meat delivery service, please visit our website for more information.
Different Types of Natural Food to Order Online
Organic food is becoming more and more popular for a good reason. It is healthier for you and better for the environment. If you are looking to order organic food online, this article puts together a list of the different types of organic food that you can get.
1) Wild Plants
If you are into foraging, you will love the variety of wild plants that you can order online. Many different websites for wild foods home delivery in Portland, like wild organic plants, typically have a wide variety of options. You can order everything from fiddlehead ferns to wild mushrooms.
Wild vegetables are typically more flavorful and have a more nutritional value than farmed and mass-produced vegetables because they grow freely in nature and haven't been sprayed with pesticides or artificially altered in any way.
2) Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a staple in any organic diet. You can order them online from many local and national sources.
Many places offer home delivery services, so you can have your healthy produce delivered right to your door. Some companies also offer subscription services, which will send you a box of fresh produce every week or month.
Organic fruits and vegetables are an excellent way to get your daily dose of nutrients, and they are also very affordable.
When ordering organic fruits and vegetables, be sure to look for the certified organic label. This way, you will know that the produce is grown without pesticides or other chemicals.
3) Local Meat
If you want a local meat delivery in Portland, your best bet is to get it from a local farm. Many small farms raise their animals organically, and they are typically happy to sell their meat directly to the public.
Buying local meat is a great way to support your community, and it also helps reduce your carbon footprint. If you think of animal welfare, you can ask the farmer how they raise their animals.
4) Seafood
If you are looking for wild seafood, your best bet is to order it online. Many different websites sell seafood, and they typically have various options.
Wild seafood is typically more expensive than farm-raised seafood, but it is worth the extra cost. Wild seafood is often more sustainable and has a lower risk of contamination.
When ordering wild seafood online, be sure to look for the sustainable seal on the package. This way, you will know that the seafood is responsibly sourced.
Conclusion
Natural food is becoming more popular, and it can be challenging to find in your local grocery store. There are innumerable places where you can order natural food, and each type of food has its benefits.
Top Health Benefits of Choosing Organic Food Delivery Online
More and more people are choosing to order their food online. There are many benefits to this, including convenience, time savings, and quickly comparing prices. But did you know that organic food delivery can also offer several health benefits?
This post will explore the benefits of switching to organic food home delivery in Portland.
1) Organic Food Has More Antioxidants
Organic produce contains higher antioxidants than conventionally-grown produce. Antioxidants can help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the environment.
Free radicals contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer and aging symptoms such as fine lines or wrinkles on your skin. Organic produce has been shown to contain up to 69 percent more antioxidants than non-organic produce, making it an excellent choice for your health.
2) Organic Food Has Lower Levels of Pesticides
Not only does organic food contain fewer pesticides than conventionally-grown food, but it also has been shown to have lower levels of toxins. Toxins can cause various health problems, from headaches and nausea to cancer and infertility.
3) Organic Food Is GMO-Free
Genetically modified organisms are plants that have been altered in a lab to have specific traits. For example, a GMO plant may be engineered to resist herbicides or pests. Research suggests that GMOs can cause health problems, and there is evidence to support this claim.
Organic food home delivery in Portland provides GMO-free products, meaning that it has not been genetically modified in any way.
4) Organic Food May Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a severe and often deadly disease. While many factors can increase your risk of cancer, eating organic food may help reduce your risk. Organic food contains lower levels of toxins and pesticides, both of which have been linked to cancer.
5) Organic Food Is Fresher and Tastes Better
Organic food like local produce in Tigard, Oregon, is fresher than conventionally-grown produce. It is because it does not contain the preservatives found in conventionally-grown food. In addition, organic food often tastes better than non-organic produce.
Conclusion
Organic food has many health benefits over non-organic foods. You must get organic produce from an online grocery store to ensure you get the best quality food.
Also, find out what the cost is and how long it would take to get your order delivered.
How to Care for Yourself and Your Family on a Time Crunch
Simple Self-Care Activities That Fit Into Any Schedule
As an adult, incorporating self-care into your daily routine is important. But, often you may find yourself struggling to maintain healthy habits. This may be due to the activity demanding a greater investment of time than what you can afford. To help you get back on the right track, this article by Cascade Organic brings you three healthy habits which can fit seamlessly into your schedule.
Start Eating Healthy
To maintain good health, it is important to eat at least three meals a day. But, your busy schedule may not permit you from having the luxury of cooking on a daily basis, let alone three times a day. The easy answer to this obstacle, which most individuals choose, is to put convenience over nutrition by eating from office canteens, restaurants, or food stalls. While these meals may taste good, they are devoid of nutrition and filled with empty calories which makes you feel full, but deprives your body of the essentials it needs.
So what’s the solution you ask? The answer is twofold:
Buy fresh produce: You are bound to have a farmer’s market in your neighborhood, where local farmers sell fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. These products are free from preservatives, packed with nutrients, and often brought to the market straight from the farm. Additionally, when you buy in bulk, it’ll cost you less than what you currently spend on eating outside.
Meal Prep: Rather than spending hours each day cooking, dedicate one or two days per week to cook your meals in batches. Whether you are an avid meat-eater or vegan, there are various recipes to choose from. Moreover, cooking your meals allows you complete control over your nutrition, which is one of the biggest contributors to good health.
Engage in Stress-Busting Activities
According to research, 2 in 3 adults in the United States report feeling extremely stressed. While the COVID-19 pandemic has been the main driver of stress in the last few years, other reasons include financial uncertainty, job insecurity, and health concerns.
Self-care has now become more important than ever, to help you keep stress in check and develop the confidence to tackle challenges. Here are some simple self-care activities to include in your everyday routine:
Spend time doing what you love; this can include painting, journaling, watching movies, listening to music, reading a book, etc. Engage in activities that promote a calm state of mind and satisfaction.
Participate in some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day such as lifting weights, doing bodyweight exercises, cardio training, etc. While exercising your body will release hormones such as endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin which are guaranteed to boost your mood and improve self-esteem.
If you find that your job is the main source of stress, work towards making a change. When looking for a new position, focus on those which you feel will provide you a sense of satisfaction and an environment where you’ll feel comfortable. Your new position can be in an entirely different field as well. For instance, if your heart is in healthcare, you can pursue an online nursing degree, which allows you to learn all necessary skills and expertise while opening greater pathways in the industry.
Be Social
In the current culture of remote work, it’s easy to become isolated and live in our bubbles. Moreover, social media becomes our biggest companion which exaggerates the problem by constantly exposing us to negative news. In the long term, such behavior can lead to stress, social isolation, and living in constant uncertainty.
To break this cycle, make it a point to engage with one or more of your friends or family members each day. This can include:
Texting throughout the day
Having a short conversation on call
Taking a walk around the neighborhood
Meeting for lunch or coffee
As reported by Everyday Health, engaging in frequent social activities will alleviate stress, improve cognitive health, increase self-esteem, and develop the confidence to tackle short and long-term challenges with ease.
So there you have it, three simple activities you can engage in each day without having to tweak your schedule or make major changes to your routine.
Article written by: Sheila Olson
Pasture Raised Meat Part 2. How to choose your cut of beef!
Ordering or buying and cooking beef can be a bit overwhelming. There are easily more than a dozen cuts of beef and not all types of steak are the same: Some are tender and rich with fabulous marbling, while others are lean and require a little more preparation —often in the form of a marinade—to yield moist, tender results. However, prepared correctly any cut will be delicious. The next time you’re in the mood for a steak dinner, do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with the most common cuts of beef, what they’re good for, and the best way to cook each one.
At Cascade Organic we have a wide selection of pasture raised beef and there is a steak for every cooking or dining occasion. If you are feeding a crowd from the grill flank steak is a great choice. Grab sirloin steaks for dinner with friends. New York Strip Steak or ribeye make great date night dinner for two. Here are some of our favorite cuts with delicious recipes to get you started!
Flat Iron Steak
Flat iron steak is an extremely tender, grill-ready cut. It’s more marbled with fat than a chuck roast or short ribs, and doesn’t require slow cooking. In fact, a flat iron steak is best when grilled quickly over high heat. This cut is quite flavorful and can deliver delicious results when done right. Try marinating it before cooking to tenderize the meat and slice thinly against the grain.
Flat Iron Steaks with Asian-Style Marinade
Ingredients
1 pound pasture raised flat iron steak
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup cooking sherry
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions for garnish
Directions
Mix all ingredients for the marinade together.
Let flat iron steaks marinade in the mixture for a couple of hours in the fridge.
Remove steaks and grill them hot and fast on a pre-heated grill.
Pull steaks from grill when it hits your desired doneness. Let steak rest for 10 minutes.
Slice steak and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Flank Steak
Flank steak is a large, flat cut from the underside of the cow. Similar to skirt steak, it’s thin and cooks quickly. While very flavorful, flank steak is a leaner cut that can become chewy if not cooked correctly. To counteract this, avoid cooking flank steak past medium and slice it thinly and against the grain before serving. It’s best when marinated and grilled such as in this Sweet and Spicy Flank Steak recipe or sliced thin and stir-fired.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Flank Steak
Ingredients
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped scallions
1 tablespoon peeled and finely chopped ginger
1 fresh jalapeño, seeded if desired, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
Zest of 1/2 lime
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (or to taste)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 ½ pounds pasture raised flank steak
Directions
In a food processor, pulse together scallion, ginger, jalapeño, garlic, sugar, lime zest and juice, and sriracha. With the motor running, pour in oil until smooth.
Season steak with salt. Place in a large bowl and pour marinade over meat. Turn to coat well with the mixture. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When you are ready to cook the steak, heat the grill to medium-high heat, or heat the broiler with the rack set 4 inches from the heat source. Transfer meat to the grill and cook, covered, until it reaches the desired doneness (about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare), or broil until charred and done to taste, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Ribeye Steak
Ribeye steaks are famed for their rich, deep flavor and outstanding marbling. They’re not quite as tender as the tenderloin steak or strip steak, but offer more flavor in compensation. As long as it’s properly cooked, this super-fatty steak will melt in your mouth. You can grill ribeye but it has so much fat that you could easily encounter a flare-up when you’re grilling so sure you keep a close eye on your steak throughout. Otherwise, pan sear ribeye in a smoking hot cast iron pan.
Cast Iron Ribeye with Garlic Mushrooms
Ingredients
2 pasture raised boneless ribeye steaks, 1-1.5 inches thick
Vegetable oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 Tablespoons butter, divided
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Remove the steak from the packaging and allow it to rest at room temperature while the oven preheats. Brush both sides of the steak with vegetable oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Place a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and coat with about a Tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat the pan until the oil is shimmering. Add the steaks to the pan and allow them to cook until seared on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the steaks over and then place in the oven to continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees for medium, or about another 4-6 minutes.
Remove the steaks from the oven, transfer to a warm plate and place a Tablespoon of butter on each steak. Tent with foil and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the mushrooms. Melt 2 Tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and allow them to cook undisturbed until well browned on one side. Flip them over and continue to sauté until the mushrooms are soft and browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Serve the steaks with the mushrooms on top.
New York Strip Steak
Strip steak is from the short loin of the cow (the portion of the back behind the ribcage), and is sold either boneless or bone-in. This cut is prized for its excellent marbling and bold beef flavor. The New York strip steak is better suited to grilling than the ribeye. Since there is less marbling on this cut, you should experience fewer flare-ups. Pan seared is also an excellent choice for this cut. Either way the best method is hot and fast, coaxing out the tenderness of the cut.
New York Steak with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Steaks:
4 Pasture raised New York Steak strip steaks
Salt and pepper to season
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Garlic Shrimp:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
8 ounces (250 g) shrimp deveined, tails on or off
4 cloves garlic (or 1 tablespoons minced garlic)
1/4 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Directions
Pat steaks dry with paper towel. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Sear/grill steaks for 4-5 minutes each side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
Transfer steaks to a warm plate; set aside.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper and sear until just cooked and pink -- about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; set aside.
To the same skillet, add the remaining butter, add the garlic, sauté until fragrant (about one minute).
Pour in the white wine (or broth), and allow to reduce to half, while scraping any bits off of the bottom of the pan.
Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the cream and bring to a simmer, while stirring occasionally. Add in the parmesan cheese; allow to melt through the simmering sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Add the shrimp back into the pan; sprinkle with the parsley, and stir through.
Serve with steaks.
Sirloin Steak
Top sirloin is a naturally lean, thick cut of steak with a bold, beefy flavor. This versatile steak is delicious on its own, adds huge flavor to recipes, and cooks well with marinades and sauces. It can be broiled, grilled, skillet-cook or stir-fried. When cut into cubes, sirloin steak is also great for quick-cooking kabobs. A favorite way to enjoy this cut of meat is with a simple pan sear, and a dollop of garlic butter on top.
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds pasture raised top sirloin steak
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley or chives, plus more for garnish
Directions
Pat each steak dry with a paper towel. Heat a large cast iron skillet or other heavy pan over medium high heat.
Pour the olive oil into the pan. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper.
Place the steaks in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until browned. Use a thermometer to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness.
While the steak is cooking, place the butter in a bowl along with the garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes off the heat. Place a dollop of butter on top of each steak. Slice the steak. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, then serve.
Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing Online Organic Food Delivery
Eating healthy food has been a challenge to most people, including those who are health conscious.
Yet many people do not know how to access good food purveyors in Portland, Oregon, and then make mistakes because they do not have enough knowledge about organic food.
Here are some major mistakes you need to avoid:
Not Reading Reviews/ Ratings
Rather than depending on the organic food delivery company's claims, it is advisable to read reviews or ratings about them. These reviews are written by previous customers who have already used the company’s services.
The comments they write depend upon their experience with the company. So before choosing any online food shop, check whether it has excellent reviews/ratings or not.
If you get a good review, it is clear that they are a reliable organic food delivery company.
Choosing the Company with Low Price
Many people opt for the cheapest service without considering whether it offers quality services or not. Though an inexpensive rate initially seems to be an attractive offer, choosing the cheapest service will cost you in the long run.
The food may not taste as flavorful, and you won't get the same amount of nutrients. The best idea is to compare different companies' organic food delivery prices before choosing one of them.
Forgetting to Check the Terms and Conditions
It is natural for customers to shop around without spending too much time reading the terms and conditions. But these terms and conditions are essential as they offer information about the service provider and their policies.
Each company has its terms and conditions that they display on their official website. So, you need to read them carefully before finalizing the deal with any specific company.
Not Checking the License of the Company
Many people do not check whether their chosen company is authorized to offer organic food delivery services or not. When you choose an unlicensed company, you will receive a low quality of food and experience a lot of problems.
Licensed companies pay taxes on time and follow all legal policies that assure them a good name in the market.
Also, they provide excellent quality food like cascade mushrooms in Hillsboro, Oregon. So, it is better to check whether the company has a license before choosing its services.
Not Choosing a Company with Variety of Organic Food
As you are choosing food manufacturers in Portland, Oregon, it is advisable to check whether the company has a wide range of organic items or not. Many online shops offer diverse foods, including fresh vegetables, fruit juices, ready-to-eat food, etc.
You should be careful while finding an online shop with a wide range of organic foods.
Pasture raised vs grass fed vs organic. What does it all mean? Part 1 of 2
Is it organic? Grass-fed? Grass-finished? Pasture-raised? Food producers use a baffling number of terms and claims to describe their products. These labels can be confusing, but understanding what these terms mean can help you make the best choices for the environment, your personal preferences, and the health of your family when purchasing meat.
There is a lot of overlap between organic and grass-fed beef because both practices represent a dedication to raising healthier, less chemically-contaminated cows. However, not every cow raised on the pasture is USDA Certified Organic, and not every organic cow is fed a 100% grass diet or allowed unlimited access to the range. According to the USDA, organic cattle are raised in conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and are not administered antibiotics or hormones.
When you see the term “grass-fed,” this means the beef is produced from cattle that consumed grass and foraged as part of their diet at some point during their lives. Pasture-raised refers more specifically to where an animal eats (a pasture) as opposed to what (grass) an animal eats. It is an important distinction that pork and chicken can be pastured-raised but not entirely grass-fed as pigs and chickens can not survive solely on grass and require some grain in their diets.
A grass-finished label means that cow ate nothing but grass or forage for their entire lifespan. Grass-finished beef tends to have a beefier texture and flavor- like wild game. Cattle that are grain-finished are fed grain for a few months leading up to when they are butchered. This is typically done in order to fatten them up. This beef tends to have higher fat levels overall and the flavor might be perceived as bolder and juicier.
At Cascade Organic we are committed to sourcing from farmers and ranchers who are committed to using the most sustainable and humane practices. Get to know some of our family of producers!
Painted Hills Natural Beef has been owned and operated by seven ranching families since 1996. They believe good land stewardship and humane animal welfare practices are essential for an exceptional product. The cattle of Painted Hills Natural graze on family farms throughout the Pacific Northwest, are fed a 100% vegetarian diet of locally-grown alfalfa, hay, barley, and corn, and are never given hormones or antibiotics. Painted Hills Natural Beef is consistently tender, juicy with a slightly sweet, buttery flavor, as a result of the custom grain blend their cattle are finished on.
Marion Acres is a two-family farm located in Hillsboro, Oregon, offering pasture-raised chicken, turkey, pork, beef, and eggs. They practice holistic land management and their animals are moved onto a fresh, thick section of pasture every day giving you the healthiest and most nutritious meat possible. Marion Acres processes their own poultry ensuring that each bird is treated humanely and processed with care.
Champoeg Farm’s turkeys and chickens are pasture-raised in St. Paul, Oregon, just 30 minutes south of Portland. Their birds live in open paddocks where they are moved frequently to fresh pasture to yield healthy, flavorful poultry. By exposing the animal to a variety of edibles and decreasing stress, the pasture method fosters a distinct, deep flavor. Humanely raised, and always antibiotic-free, Champoeg Farms poultry is processed at the peak of flavor right on the farm.
Revel Meat Co. is one of the last USDA meat processors in Oregon and they are committed to helping small and mid-size ranchers gain market access in Portland and surrounding areas. By supporting these farmers to get a fair price for the animals they raise, we can ensure that we will continue to have local meat in Oregon. Revel Meat partners with ranchers who practice environmental sustainability, unique raising practices, and humane handling practices.
Look for part two of this blog post where we talk about some of the different cuts of meat available at Cascade Organic and the best ways to prepare them!
The Winter Black Trumpet Mushroom
What is a black trumpet mushroom?
Craterellus Cornucopioides, or black trumpet mushrooms as they are commonly known due to their color and horn-shaped cap, are wild mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest during the winter months. Other common names are the “Horn of Plenty,” and “Black Chanterelles.” In Europe they are called “Trumpet of the Dead,” perhaps because they resemble trumpets being played from underground. Despite the morbid name black trumpets are safe to eat and delicious too!
An interesting fact about black trumpets is that they are one of few mushrooms thought to be both saprotrophic (feeding on dead organic matter) and mycorrhizal (creating symbiotic relationships with the roots of plants). Western black trumpets grow in symbiosis with conifers and hardwoods such as Douglas fir and madrone. They thrive in rainy, dark, mossy forests and can be found starting in November going through March.
Identifying these mushrooms isn’t difficult due to their unique appearance, but finding black trumpets is an entirely different story. Foraging for these elusive mushrooms has been described as “searching for holes in the forest floor”. But the search is worth it for this culinary delight.
Black trumpets are a member of the chanterelle family but have a taste like no other mushroom. They are earthy, rich and smoky with a delicate texture. They're a great addition to sauces, pasta dishes, seafood recipes, or meals with any sort of meat. Black Trumpets are also an excellent pizza topping. Basically, anything without a lot of other strong-tasting ingredients that will let your trumpets be the star of the show.
To prepare, pinch off any woody stems, gently tear them apart by hand and brush away any dirt and debris. If there is a lot of dirt it’s ok to give them a quick rinse, but don’t allow them to absorb too much water or your mushrooms will get rubbery. Being thin and hollow they cook up quickly when fresh. Keep in mind that the black color stains anything they are cooked with, so you need to either go with it, or cook them separately.
Black trumpets have virtues beyond their flavor. They are high in vitamin B12, which helps maintain normal brain and nervous system functions as well as being excellent immune system boosters.
Try these recipes featuring Black Trumpets.
Steelhead with Trumpet Sauce
Ingredients
• 4 Steelhead filets
• 1 bag fresh black trumpets, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 shallot minced
• 1/2 cup broth (vegetable, chicken, fish)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
• In a heavy skillet on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and shallot and cook for 1 minute.
• Add your cleaned and chopped black trumpets and sauté them for 5 minutes.
• Add the wine and broth. Continue to cook until the volume of all the liquids is reduced by about half.
• Meanwhile season the steelhead with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the oil in a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Turn and cook for about 3 minutes longer. Reduce the heat and cook for about 3 minutes longer. Reduce the heat and cook about 3 minutes longer, until the steelhead is opaque in the center.
• Remove mushrooms from heat and season with any desired salt and pepper. Serve on top of the cooked steelhead.
Black Trumpet Risotto
Ingredients
• 1 bag black trumpet mushrooms
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 cups homemade chicken stock or low-sodium canned
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup finely chopped shallots, (about 2)
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh chervil or parsley, for serving
• Course salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
• In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
• To clean, slice the mushrooms in half lengthwise. Quickly dip them in cold water and gently rub both sides. Lay flat on a towel or paper towel to dry.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add black trumpets, season with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Heat a dollop of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or risotto pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot, and sauté until golden brown (about 3 minutes).
• Add the rice and toast until nutty and fragrant (about 3 to 4 minutes). Deglaze with the wine and stir until absorbed.
• Ladle 3/4 cup hot stock into the pan. Stir frequently and continue to keep the rice covered in the stock. Add ¾ cups of stock at a time until the risotto is ‘al dente’ (about 20 minutes).
• Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, the reserved mushrooms, and 1 cup Parmesan.
• Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the risotto and top with grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chervil or parsley.