For Mother's Day Nourish Mom With Local Herb Bouquet and Tasty Meal

Mother’s Day began as a humble event almost a century ago, but is now one of the most popular days of the year. It started back in 1907 when Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), a Philadelphia schoolteacher, began a national movement to set up a special day in honor of her mother Anna Maria Reeves Jarvis.

The first observed Mother’s Day was a church ceremony honoring Anna’s mother. Anna handed out white carnations, her mother’s favorite flowers, which represented sweetness, purity, and patience. Anna worked with legislatures and prominent business men to make a special day to honor mothers and her hard work was rewarded in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May as a national holiday.

To keep the tradition personal many people have chosen to honor their mothers – or other special motherly caregivers - with a gift that is sustainable. Here in Rohnert Park there are plenty of opportunities to say thanks in a way that brings Sonoma County’s beautiful rolling hills indoors. For example, consider giving an organic herb bouquet. It is not only unique, it also communicates the message of caring for others, as the herbs are grown in an earth-friendly way free from chemicals.

Another wonderful perk of choosing locally grown and organic herbs and even flowers is that you can actually smell the fragrance; it hasn’t be lost as a result of genetic altering as is the case in most if not all commercially produced flora. And what’s not to like about that?

Valley End Farm grows many types of herbs in small quantities. We also source local herbs from nearby farms that meet our high quality demands. In May we are offering special herb mixes to the first 24 customers who sign up for our veggie and/or fruit box options.

Plus we’ve planned a special culinary treat for May 7. Chef Chris Ludwig from Grapevine Catering is going to prepare some seasonal produce samplings at the farm at 2 p.m. The tasty demo which includes recipes is free for CSA members (including those who join that day), $5 for others. Reservations for this fun event need to be made by May 3.

To ensure your herb bouquet stays fresh you can place it in water. Choose a vase that has a wide mouth to accommodate the herbs. Pour 1-2 inches of water, let the shape of the vase guide you. Trim off any branches below the water line. You can also dry your herbs. We recommend you check out TheHerbCompanion.com as a resource for different techniques.

If an herb bouquet is too traditional, consider using fresh, organic herbs to flavor a specially prepared meal for your mother. Herbs are a wonderful way to enhance pasta, omelets and salads. Remember that organic herbs - free from chemicals that can pose health risks – also tend to be strong in flavor. We recommend you start with just a pinch and adjust from there.

Here is a simple tortellini with lemon and herbs recipe that can be made in ten minutes. This recipe is especially good for those of us that lack prowess in the kitchen; the only skill required is boiling water. The meal is perfect for a spring or summer day as the sauce is light and tangy, and is pairs well with local herbs.

•             1 garlic clove, sliced thin
•             2 tbsp. olive oil
•             the zest and juice of 1 small lemon
•             2 tbsp. butter, softened
•             ¼ cup fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley and oregano
•             crushed red pepper flakes to taste
•             grated Parmesan to taste
•             8 oz. tortellini (or other fresh pasta)

Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water and heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute just until golden, then remove from the heat.

Combine the garlic and oil with the lemon juice, zest, butter and herbs in a large bowl.

Toss with the cooked, drained pasta until the butter is melted and the pasta is well coated.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Parmesan as desired.

For flair, add asparagus sprinkled with olive oil or perhaps a small mixed green salad with green onion and celery leaves and your favorite dressing.

Everyone here at Valley End Farm wishes everyone who nourishes others a happy and joyous Mother’s Day!

For more information visit valleyendfarm.com, email valleyend@hotmail.com or call 707-585-1123.