Farm to Table dinners are all the rage out here and last night I attended my first one at Appleton Farm in Ipswich MA. It was an extremely pleasant dining experience and the food was excellent. Last nights dinner was promoted as “Dinner in the Field” but because of rain the dinner was moved into the charming carriage barn on the property. We were greeted with a signature cocktail of local rum, local cider and some spices/herbs that were fermented to add a licorice taste. Dinner consisted of a tomato salad with a fennel fritter, the most delicious pork roast (apples, carrots, onion, kale and potatoes) and a side dish of polenta with ?. While everyone had their own individual salad, the pork roast was served family style. Dessert was a fantastically moist spice cake with the recipe provided.
This dinner was part of the Appleton Cooks program at Appleton Farm. Farm Chef Carolyn Grieco and Appleton Cooks coordinator Susan Wood did not disappoint. The rehabilitated “Old House” is home to the industrial but homey kitchen where Appleton Cooks also holds cooking classes. I’ve been able to attend many of the cooking classes and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. Appleton Farm is around 1000 acres and grows enough food to support a CSA of over 500 members.
You can visit Appleton Farm any time to walk the trails. They have a dairy store on site where they sell their own milk, eggs and cheese. Several tours for all ages are offered during the week including “Meet the Cows” and “Cheese making” The visitor center at the “Old House” is open Thursday through Sunday 11-3. The Visitor Center lets people explore Appleton Farm and Family history through family pictures, articles and oral history. Appleton Farm is part of the Trustees of Reservations. The Trustees own, maintain and manage many properties across the Massachusetts that have been entrusted to them. Each property is unique and several offer fun programs and educational experiences for all.
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