Feeding a farm crew during harvest is a labor of love. It's a vital way to show appreciation for their hard work and keep them energized during long hours in the field. This article provides a variety of meal ideas and recipes perfect for nourishing your farm crew, drawing from suggestions from experienced cooks and food bloggers.
Appreciation for Those Who Feed Us
It's essential to acknowledge the hard work of those who feed the farmers. Preparing meals for a farm crew is no small task, and those who take on this responsibility deserve recognition. Knowing that their efforts are appreciated can make all the difference.
Key Considerations for Harvest Meals
When planning harvest meals, keep the following factors in mind:
- Fork-Friendly: Meals should be easy to eat with a fork, eliminating the need for knives.
- Easy to Prepare: Recipes should be relatively simple and not require excessive time or effort.
- Filling: Meals should be substantial enough to keep the crew satisfied and energized.
- Healthy and Well-Rounded: Aim for balanced meals with a focus on nourishment.
Meal Ideas and Recipes
Here are some specific recipe ideas, categorized for easy browsing:
Casseroles
- Swedish Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful casserole that's sure to be a hit.
- Pierogi Casserole: A unique and comforting twist on a classic dish.
- Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: A savory and satisfying option that can be enjoyed any time of day, made with potato, beef, and cheese.
- Vegan Rainbow Lasagna: A veggie-packed and wholesome vegan option.
- Zucchini Potato Casserole: A simple casserole with just 7 ingredients.
- Naomi's Casserole: Stove Top Stuffing on the top instead of bread crumbs.
Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Recipes
- Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast: An incredibly easy and delicious pot roast.
- Crockpot Garlic BBQ Chicken: Perfect for lazy days, this tender chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
- Instant Pot Beef Tips: A hearty, tender, and inexpensive way to feed a crowd.
- Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas: Layers of chicken, tortillas, and cheese create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner: An easy and delicious slow cooker recipe.
Bowls
- Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Bowl: A make-ahead meal that's both flavorful and nutritious.
- Sloppy Joe Bowls: A less messy way to enjoy sloppy joes, served over rice.
- Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls: A family favorite with chicken, veggies, and fruit, made on the grill.
One-Dish Meals
- One Skillet Tuscan Chicken: Made in one skillet with hearty beans and a short prep time.
- Sausage and Spinach Lasagna: An easy and unfussy lasagna perfect for busy weeknights.
Sandwiches/Rolls
- Make Ahead Pepperoni Sliders: A crowd-pleasing option for days when things go wrong.
- Harvest Rolls: Layer ingredients to within 1-inch of edges. Roll up jelly roll style, long side, seal seams and ends. Place seam side down on greased baking sheet. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil and bake 15-20 minutes longer
- Beef on a Bun: A classic and versatile choice with endless variations.
Other Main Dishes
- Elk Meatloaf: A gluten-free meatloaf perfect for hunting season.
- Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry: A forgiving and customizable stir-fry that can be adapted to use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Side Dishes
- Roasted Mini Potatoes: Quick and easy to throw together.
- Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Tender elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked until golden brown.
- Classic Italian Pasta Salad: Gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free.
- Cucumber Slaw: A versatile slaw that can be served as a side, topping, or salad base.
Soups and Salads
- Harvest Kale Salad: I could not love this combo of shredded kale, sweet honeycrisp apples, pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, and crispy prosciutto more. Loaded with flavor, texture and color.
Desserts
- Oreo Mini Cheesecakes: (from my mom who probably found this elsewhere) (Here’s my two cents on cheesecakes: use full-fat, brand name cream cheese.
- Caramel cake: Heat caramels and 1/4 cup evaporated milk, stirring constantly, until caramels melt. Keep mixture warm over low heat, stirring often. Mix dry cake mix, butter, remaining milk and nuts. Spread half of the mixture in a 9 x 13 pan. Bake 6 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips and coconut over baked cake layer. Drizzle caramel mixture over all. Drop remaining dough by spoonful onto caramel layer.
- Apple Pie: Yea for leftovers, so no recipes to share.
Quick and Easy Options
- Fast Food: When time is short, burgers, subs, or pizza can save the day.
- Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken Burgers, Smokies: Simple and satisfying options that are always a hit.
- Buttered Bread: Literally what it means.
Healthy(ish) Recipes
Embracing a balanced approach to eating, here are some recipes that focus on whole ingredients and moderation:
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
- Granola (that tastes like an oatmeal cookie): Made with just 4 simple, healthy, ingredients, all found in your pantry.
- Crepes: These crepes are quick, healthy…ish, and so delicious. Made using a few simple ingredients and some of my favorite spring herbs.
- Homemade pizza : Topped with goat and Havarti cheese, balsamic mushrooms, kale, and fresh herbs.
Tips and Tricks
- Make-Ahead Meals: Prepare meals in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating.
- Utilize Shortcuts: Don't be afraid to use pre-cut vegetables or other convenient ingredients to save time.
- Embrace Variety: Offer a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences.
- Don't Forget the Drinks: Provide plenty of water, juice, or other beverages to keep the crew hydrated.
- Presentation Matters: Even simple meals can be made more appealing with thoughtful presentation.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
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