Our personal favorite for lunch is sauerkraut or kimchi straight out of the carton and piled on top of hot, fragrant brown rice. Not only is the dish satisfying and very tasty, but also you haven’t destroyed the probiotics of the fermented foods by cooking them. Should you ever get tired of that simple and nutritious presentation, here are a few recipes we have enjoyed.

SAUERKRAUT SALAD

From: Rodale’s Naturally Great Foods Cookbook by Nancy Albright

1 1-lb. can sauerkraut, chilled (fresh, non-pasteurized sauerkraut is best)

1 cup grated carrots                                                  1 medium-sized onion, chopped

2 medium-sized apples, chopped                                  6 large ripe olives, pitted and sliced

2 Tbsp vinegar                                                         1 Tbsp horseradish

3 Tbsp oil                                                                crisp lettuce greens

Toss ingredients together with two forks until well mixed. Chill. Serve on crisp greens.

STIR-FRIED NAPA CABBAGE AND SAUERKRAUT

From: Hans Röckenwagner of Röckenwagner Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA

2 Tbsp sesame seeds                                                         1 Tbsp peanut oil

2 tsp blended sesame oil                                             medium red bell pepper,

1 cup very tightly packed and well drained sauerkraut        seeded and sliced, divided

4 cups tightly packed chopped or shredded napa cabbage

Heat a large skillet or wok. Add sesame seeds, tossing until they begin to pop and turn golden brown. Remove at once and set aside. Heat peanut oil and sesame oil in the skillet or wok; add half of the red pepper slices and the sauerkraut. Stir-fry on medium heat until sauerkraut begins to brown. Add cabbage and stir until it begins to wilt. Add sesame seeds and stir-fry gently. Turn off heat. Garnish with remaining red pepper slices and serve.

Our tomato sauces, marinara and enchilada, are made from tomatoes we grew here on the farm. Their processing was overseen by Farmer John, using Sweet Creek Foods' excellent canning facility in Elmira. Use them in any Italian or Latin dish. Here are a couple of ideas.