what's new

LEAP is Searching for Interns

Posted on
March 15, 2023

LEAP's internship program has expanded to accept applicants year round. Apply now.

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A Garden Transformation

Posted on
September 1, 2023

Morningside Community Garden has grown from barren to bountiful in mere months.

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LEAP Kitchen Accepting New Members

Posted on
September 1, 2023

The LEAP Kitchen has about 30 members, all of whom use the kitchen in different ways to support their businesses.

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Where Food and the Arts Intersect

Posted on
September 1, 2023

Local artists are hosting culture-building events to help residents enter into a larger dialogue about our food system.

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The Gathering Place at The LEAP Hub Opens to Community

Posted on
March 22, 2023

In our new building, we have a space for the community to come together for meetings, conversations, and sharing. Welcome to The Gathering Place.

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Celebrating National Farmers Market Week

Posted on
August 4, 2023

Farmers Market Week begins Aug. 6 and continues through Aug. 12. LEAP has scheduled events at our two farmers markets, on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 12. Read on for details!

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New Community Produce Program Begins

Posted on
July 24, 2023

This month, LEAP kicked off an important partnership and program to serve our community.

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LEAP Accepts 'Healthy Benefits' Cards at Mobile Market Stops

Posted on
July 24, 2023

LEAP can now accept “Healthy Benefits” or “S3” debit cards issued by insurance providers as payment for food on its mobile market, making it one of the first small-scale retailers to participate in Virginia – or nationwide.

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Amazing August at West End Farmers Market

Posted on
July 24, 2023

Join us for a month of free fruits and veggies for kids plus peak-of-season produce and a few fun surprises....

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LEAP Offers ServSafe Certification

Posted on
April 7, 2023

LEAP is now offering ServSafe Certification monthly as a way to help food producers increase their skills and employability.

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A Celebration of The LEAP Hub

Posted on
September 1, 2023

LEAP officially dedicates its new building in the West End neighborhood -- The LEAP Hub

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LEAP Hosts Monthly Community Dinners with the Roanoke Co+op

Posted on
May 3, 2023

Bring yourself and as many friends as you'd like! Dinners are held on the third Wednesday of the month.

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West End Farmers Market Moves to a New Location on May 2

Posted on
April 25, 2023

With its move, the West End Farmers Market is expanding to include more farmers and food vendors.

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New Mobile Market Schedule Begins May 2

Posted on
April 12, 2023

Find LEAP's Mobile Market at an average of 10 stops per week in Roanoke and beyond.

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Powered by the Sun

Posted on
February 17, 2023

LEAP installs a large solar array on the roof of The LEAP Hub.

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Trying New Tastes

Posted on
February 17, 2023

LEAP helps Cave Spring Elementary School students sample new foods and flavors.

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Sen. Tim Kaine Tours The LEAP Hub

Posted on
September 1, 2023

Afterward, he hosted a coffee for Roanoke's young leaders in LEAP's Gathering Place.

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Redesigning Hurt Park Community Garden

Posted on
September 26, 2022

Team of Hurt Park neighbors and gardeners dreams about how this garden might best serve its community.

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A New Home and a New Adventure for LEAP

Posted on
January 27, 2022

An expanded food hub, a farmers market just outside the door, a community gathering area, a small retail space selling fresh food in the West End, office space upstairs, room to park delivery vehicles, and the potential to positively impact a neighborhood we care deeply about. This is what 1027 Patterson Avenue means to LEAP.

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Redesigning Morningside Community Garden

Posted on
September 27, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 1

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Get to Know the Plants in Our Perennial Herb Bed

Posted on
September 27, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 2

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How LEAP's Community Gardens Work

Posted on
September 26, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 3

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Thoughts on Luffa Gourds and Gardening

Posted on
September 26, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 4

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Growing a Food Forest

Posted on
September 26, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 5

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Creating Compost in the Garden

Posted on
September 26, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 6

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How to Volunteer in LEAP's Community Gardens

Posted on
September 26, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 7

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What is a Cover Crop?

Posted on
September 26, 2023

Morningside Community Garden Discovery Walk: Number 8

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How to Make the Most of Summer's Bounty

Posted on
July 24, 2023

Your freezer is your friend in these months when the veggies come fast and furiously.

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Why Create a Roanoke Foodshed Network?

Posted on
December 2, 2022

Since 2020, LEAP has been working with a suite of community partners to build a foodshed network for our region.

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The Cost of Food

Posted on
November 21, 2022

What are the hidden costs of the conventional food system?

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The Power of a Network

Posted on
November 21, 2022

What is Virginia Fresh Match? How does it connect to LEAP? Here's a quick explainer.

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New Life for 'Ugly' Produce

Posted on
September 26, 2022

Processing local, in-season produce extends its shelf life, reduces food waste, and creates more nutritious meals for everyone.

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Learn More About Local Food

Posted on
February 7, 2022

What grows in our region? What do the terms "artisan" or "naturally grown" mean? What is a CAFO? There's a wealth of information about local, sustainable food. Here are a few resources to help you dig in to this complex topic.

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Why Eat Local?

Posted on
February 7, 2022

What is "local food" and why should you go out of your way to eat it? These are foundational questions to the work LEAP does. Read on for an explanation of how local food promotes healthier people, more resilient communities, and stronger economies.

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Soil Health is Your Health

Posted on
January 27, 2022

As an inspirational farmer used to tell me, "healthy soil, makes healthy plants, makes healthy people."

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LEAP Puts ARPA Funding to Good Use

Roanoke Valley Television
February 2023
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Keeping 'Ugly' Produce From Going to Waste

WDBJ7
January 2023
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Build Back Better and keep building to improve school meals

The Roanoke Times
December 2021
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Prescribing tomatoes and carrots could help some Americans eat better

Politico
September 2021
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Governor Northam applauds LEAP Mobile Market in providing affordable fresh groceries

WSET 13
September 2021
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Grown Here at Home: Botetourt County farm raising money for food justice

WDBJ7
August 2021
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Roanoke Partnership Launches New Farm to School Program Featuring Locally Grown Produce

Roanoke Star
January 2021
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Food Justice: What is it and how can we fix it

WSLS
October 2020
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More locally-grown food heading to schools in the Star City

WSLS
October 2020
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LEAP and VA Cooperative Extension Receive Farm to School Grant to Get Fresh Food to Roanoke City Students

Roanoke Star
October 2020
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Pure Farmland (TM) Awards $100,000 to Local Gardens and Farms

Inside NOVA
October 2020
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Helping to provide food to families affected by the pandemic

WFIR
July 2020
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Roanoke-based LEAP shifts online to provide local food

WVTF / Radio IQ
June 2020
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Shifting Landscapes for Our Local Farmers

Valley Business Front
May 2020
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Feeling freer at the farmers market

Roanoke Times
May 2020
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Farmers markets switch to online orders and drive-thru pickup

WFXR
April 2020
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Sponsor Spotlight: Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region 5 Adult Education

Posted on
April 19, 2023

'Region 5' is a Level 1 Sponsor of LEAP.

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Sponsor Spotlight: Anthem Healthkeepers Plus

Posted on
April 19, 2023

Here is an important message from LEAP sponsor Anthem Healthkeepers Plus.

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Sponsor Spotlight: Mast General Store

Posted on
January 31, 2023

Mast General Store is a Level 1 Sponsor of LEAP.

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Sponsor Spotlight: Cox Communications

Posted on
January 31, 2023

Cox Communications is a Level 3 sponsor of LEAP.

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Kitchen Spotlight: Spice Titan

Posted on
September 26, 2022

In 2021, Matt Rose had some time on his hands. He made the most of it by starting a new business of top-quality seasoning blends. Meet Spice Titan.

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Vendor Profile: Wingstem Farm

Posted on
February 7, 2022
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Intern Spotlight: Sophie Bartholomaus

Posted on
February 7, 2022
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Farmer Feature: Singing Spring Farm

Posted on
January 25, 2022

When husband-and-wife farmers Adam Taylor and Elizabeth Spellman were looking for farmland, access to a spring was a priority. Having lived in coal country in West Virginia, they lacked access to drinkable water and drove an hour one-way to fill-up and stockpile spring water. “We love spring water,” the pair effuse. “It’s the best you can drink.”

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Farmer Feature: Bramble Hollow Farm

Posted on
January 25, 2022

To hear Anna and Brent Wills tell their story, you’d think they were accidental farmers. And they kind of were. But 17 years later, after pouring their passion and dedication into raising layer chickens and heritage breed pastured poultry and pork at Bramble Hollow Farm, and being one of the original vendors of the Grandin Village Farmers Market, being farmers is very much a part of their identity.

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Vendor Spotlight: Folklore Ferments

Posted on
November 5, 2021

It’s always nice to be invited back, isn’t it? Such was the case for Andrew Kingery of Folklore Ferments, who, one Saturday in June was called to fill in for the bread vendor at LEAP’s Grandin Village market. Market goers couldn’t get enough of his sourdough boules and baguettes and requested that Kingery return.

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Vendor Spotlight: Rivenwood Gardens

Posted on
November 5, 2021

Photo courtesy Rivenwood Gardens By Layla Khoury-Hanold Between the two of them, farmers Christine Mann and Corey Hamza have experience farming in California, Oregon, and New Zealand, but it took moving to Franklin County to find a farm to call their own. This year, Rivenwood Gardens made their Grandin Village Farmers Market debut, and the couple have made Virginia home. Initially, the pair looked for land on the West Coast, but it was too expensive (to say nothing of the challenges with irrigation).

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Roasted Squash Chowder

Easily customizable, sweet without any added sugar, creamy without any dairy, this flavorful fall soup celebrates the flavors and colors of the season. We used candy roaster squash in our batch but any winter squash can easily be substituted!

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Pumpkin Pancakes

A great fall weekend breakfast when you need something quick and cozy. In this recipe, you can use fresh pumpkin puree (see our recipe!) or use canned -- whatever you have on hand

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Homemade Pumpkin Puree

This walks you through how to turn a whole pie pumpkin into something you can eat. Once you make this puree, you can use it like pumpkin puree from a can in all of your favorite fall recipes!

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Cheesy Potato Soup

This recipe is a traditional thick, rich cheesy potato soup perfect for the colder months.

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Potato Leek Soup

This French classic is a great basic soup. Serve with a sandwich or salad. Or add bacon, fresh herbs, or roasted vegetables to stir up new variations, depending on what's available locally.

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Summer Succotash

Try this twist on traditional succotash (lima beans and corn) by mixing together green beans, corn, okra, and tomatoes. Stir up a batch for dinner or bring it to your favorite summer potluck.

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Cucumber Fennel Quick Pickles

What to do with all that fennel (and a bounty of cucumbers too)? Why not try your hand at a batch of quick pickles? These make for a great side to everything from fish to sandwiches.

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Fennel and Cabbage Slaw

Ever find yourself with cabbage, fennel, and scallions, wondering what to make? Slaw. The answer is slaw. Here's a fun recipe to try!

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Peach and Tomato Salad

These summer jewels ripen together and each bring so much flavor to the plate. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a handful of pecans, and a sprinkling of feta to really make this dish shine.

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Sesame Snow Peas

Snow pea season is so short and these crunchy treats are so good that you might never need to seek out a recipe for them. But if you do, this is a good one, capturing their sweetness and cooking them ever-so-slightly. Swap out the sesame seeds for everything bagel spice to bring a new flavor to the table.

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Roasted Radishes

When bunches of radishes abound on farmers market tables or in your farm share, reach for this recipe. It's easy and will make you fall in love with radishes all over again.

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Greek Kale Salad

For a simple way to add green to your table, try this tasty salad, perfect for fall, winter, and early spring when kale is abundant and sweet. This recipe was first published in Edible Blue Ridge.

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Oven-Baked Lentil Soup With Greens

Root vegetables and greens are mixed with lentils for a hearty, soul-warming meal. Stir up this dish when you need an easy weeknight dinner. The oven does the hard part for you!

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LEAP Vegan Chili

Have you tasted LEAP Kitchen Manager Jeff Bland's vegan chili at the West End Farmers Market or picked up a quart from the Mobile Market? If you have, you know how delicious it is. Today, Jeff shares the recipe so you can stir up a batch anytime you've got a hankering.

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Vegetarian Spring Rolls

This recipe is a spring-time go-to for Director of Marketing and Communications Christina Nifong. It's versatile, easy to pack for lunch or a picnic, and oh-so delicious!

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Applesauce Cake

This recipe comes from one of LEAP's Mobile Market customers. This is her signature sweet! With a cup of raisins, a cup of walnuts, and four cups of applesauce, it's not a bad way to top off a meal.

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Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

If you've been visiting the farmers markets lately, you've likely got some beets in your fridge. It's a great time to roast them and stir them into a dish of November's abundant greens. Dinner doesn't get any tastier -- or much easier.

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Delicata Squash Cassoulet

Delicata squash is one of the most approachable winter squashes. No need to peel. Easy to cut in half. Smaller to handle than some of its cousins. This vegan version of the classic French comfort food should satisfy your taste buds and your belly.

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Spaghetti Squash With Kale and Chickpeas

Of all the winter squashes, LEAP's Marketing and Communications Director Christina Nifong finds spaghetti squash to be the hardest to love. Spaghetti squash doesn't really taste like squash -- or spaghetti! What if we stop trying to make this healthy veggie into something it isn't and simply embrace the flavor and texture it offers? Here's a recipe that does just that.

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Zucchini Feta Pancakes

When stacks of zucchini start piling up on farmers' tables, LEAP's Marketing and Communications Director Christina Nifong reaches for this easy, delicious meal. Shred some squash, toss in a little feta, crack a few eggs, and there you go -- dinner.

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Classic Stuffed Peppers

Peppers are everywhere in late summer. Why not make them the star of your meal? LEAP's Marketing and Communications Director Christina Nifong has tried many stuffed pepper recipes; she likes how this one roasts the peppers before stuffing them. Feel free to make this recipe your own. Try stuffing with tofu rather than ground beef. Swap out the type of cheese. Definitely bring on your homemade marinara if you've got some!

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No-Cream Fettuccine Alfredo

Instead of cream, this recipe uses hummus to make the alfredo sauce. Sounds weird, right? LEAP Food Hub Manager Kyra Crawford LOVES it. Adapt this recipe to whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.

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Sauteed Baby Turnips with Greens

This recipe was shared with us by LEAP Kitchen member and market vendor Theresa Allen of Peace & Harmony Farm. It's a great choice for early spring when turnips -- and their greens -- are most tender, sweet, and tasty.

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Citrus Tahini Dressing

When the greens and the herbs and the salad fixings are at their finest, not just any salad dressing will do. Here's a new discovery by Director of Marketing and Communications Christina Nifong. She's loves the little bit of sweet and the little bit of smooth that this dressing brings to the table.

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Maple Cider Vinaigrette

The greens are plentiful every spring, as are radishes and sprouts and broccoli. What we all need are delicious dressings to top our seasonal salads. Here is a keeper, from LEAP Kitchen Manager Jeff Bland.

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Bistro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

LEAP Director of Programs Kelly Key reaches for this recipe in early spring when root vegetables are still the season's staples but fresh greens and eggs are finding their way to market. Top it with locally raised bacon to shift this dish from side show to main attraction.

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Turnips Anna Livia

This tasty twist on the French classic Pommes Anna is a delicious way to eat one of our area's most bountiful winter crops. Turnips never tasted so good!

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Asparagus and Greens Soup

When you look for asparagus soup recipes, nearly all of them are pureed. Not this one. This recipe, a favorite of LEAP's Marketing Director Christina Nifong, is hearty and delicious and not too complicated.

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Green Souffle Omelette

LEAP's newest team member, Administrative Services Manager Laura Weatherford Burns, is a brunch fan. So when we asked what to make from the plentiful eggs and abundant greens of April, she pointed us to this recipe. Feel free to substitute other greens for the spinach or other cheeses as your taste buds guide you.

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Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup

Try this tasty vegan soup for a warm-up on a cold winter's night.

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Winter Squash Soup

LEAP Kitchen Manager Jeff Bland has been making this recipe for more than 20 years. In addition to the squash, the onions, broth, cream, and honey can all be sourced locally.

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Roasted Cauliflower

This recipe couldn't be more simple -- or tastier. Stir it together for a quick side or toss it atop a grain bowl.

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Ginger Scallion Ramen Noodles

When the farmers are harvesting garlic and ginger and scallions, this recipe is the one to reach for. It's simple, delicious, and lets those fresh flavors shine.

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Colcannon (Irish potatoes and cabbage)

If you aren’t familiar with this Irish dish, it might just become your new favorite way to eat cabbage. (See the notes for a turnip version, as well.) This is tasty comfort food all the way, sure to warm you on a cold winter’s night.

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