The Peace Tree Farm dinner came and went once again and it all seems like a dream. This was our third annual dinner and marks another year passing. This year was particularly challenging for me.

Though I have done it before, it is intimidating to pull this type of event off. In an oppressive political climate it is difficult not to feel hopeless and defeated, but I had the realization that it is now more important than ever that we gather our community.

The farmers that helped make this dinner possible work thanklessly every day to ensure that our community is able to eat real food, and it's such a thrill to showcase their efforts at our dinner.
I learned this event format out in California while working for Outstanding in the Field (OITF). I was so inspired by the grandeur of the table, the hyper-local menu, and the story of the farm, but I wanted to take it a step further. In those 200+ events I worked for OITF, I perfected the art of the tablescape and couldn't wait to share it with my community. I really wanted my dinners to be about the community, about the farmers, and to be for a greater purpose.

When The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) came on board as the benefactor last year, all of the elements of this dinner became clear. This dinner is about the Pennsylvania Agricultural community. PASA cultivates healthy and sustainable foodways and inspires and supports farmers. Being able to give back to PASA accomplishes what Eclectik Domestic aims to achieve, connecting communities around the power of food! This dinner would not have been possible without the farmers, producers and my friends and family.

Of the 110 guests we hosted at Peace Tree this year, we raised $900 for PASA. There were so many hands that made this dinner possible and I can't thank everyone who was able to contribute enough.

Here's to more unforgettable evenings in the greenhouse and continuing to support, connect and inspire our community even in seemingly terrible times.

The Greenhouse quilt// Kintnersville, PA, photo by Rob Cardillo

The Menu// Design Collaboration with Jonathan Childs & Emily Eder

Bay Laurel Forest// Kintnersville, Pennsylvania

Lupin Madness// Kintnersville, Pennsylvania

Succulent Dreams//Kintnersville, Pennsylvania

Herb Salt

makes a little over a pint

1 cup coarse sea salt

1/4 cup packed oregano

1/4 cup tarragon

1/4 cup packed fresh lemon thyme leaves

1/4 cup sage

handful dried lavender flowers

1/4 cup pink sea salt

In a food processor pulse together sea salt, oregano, tarragon, thyme and sage until combined. Pick out any large stems or twigs. Add lavender flowers and pink salt. Store in a mason jar.

Art by the endlessly talented Lunaria Gardens aka Kristen Jas Vietty// Kintnersville, Pennsylvania

Glorious Eggs from Conklin Farm// Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania

Emily Eder's Beet Pickled Eggs

Emily Eder has been pickling for years in the central coast of California. Her knack for recipe production and distinct palette give her pickles an incredible uniqueness that brings any dish to life. She most recently developed the Pantry Program at The Cremer House of Felton, California and now farms in the Hudson Valley.

BEETS

7lb beets boiled & peeled
1 yellow onion halved and sliced
Two 4" cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp. all spice berries
1 tsp cloves
5 whole star anise pods

BRINE
1 cups sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp kosher salt
1 quart apple cider vinegar
2 cups water

In a large resealable jar, add beets and spices. In a medium stock pot prepare the brine. Combine sugars, salt, vinegar and water. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Pour over beets. Can if desired or store in fridge for 2 weeks.

EGGS
1 cup pickled beet brine from pickled beets (let pickle at least a day or two)
1 cup distilled vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
1/2 tsp whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf
1 red onion sliced
12 hard boiled eggs, peeled

Prepare hard boiled eggs and place in jar. Add brine and spices. Let sit for 2 days. Enjoy!

Alex's Greenhouse Salad

Salad Dressing

makes about a pint

6 oz extra virgin olive oil

6 oz tahini

1 oz truffle oil

3 oz balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp dijon mustard

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a pint jar with a lid and shake to combine.

Salad

A big salad bowl full of fresh greens

2-3 watermelon radishes, sliced thin

handful of goat cheese crumbles

handful toasted almonds

pepper, to taste

Assemble salad. Pour dressing over greens and sprinkle with cheese, radishes and almonds. Enjoy!

Castle Valley Mills's Rye Berries

1 1/2 cups dried rye berries

2 bay leaves

Salt, to taste

Place rye berries in a medium saucepan and cover with water by 2 inches. Add 1 bay leaf and season heavily with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until rye berries are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain in a fine mesh strainer and run under cool water until well chilled. Discard bay leaf. Place strainer over a large bowl and let drain for at least 15 minutes.

Blooming Glen Celeriac Porridge

3/4 pound celeriac, peeled and diced

1 quart whole milk

1/2 cup rice

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons sour cream

Place celeriac and milk in a medium sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Add rice and cover for 20 minutes until rice and celeriac are tender. Drain off and save excess liquid. With an immersion blender or a blender, blend to desired consistence. Add sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Great Road Farm Roasted Carrots

1 pound carrots, cut lengthwise

1/4 cup olive oil

4 sprigs oregano and thyme

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss carrots in olive oil and salt. Bake for 30-45 minute until tender and caramelized, stirring every 15 minutes. Toss with fresh herbs and season to taste.