Winter recipe from a Champion Chef

Here’s a wonderful recipe from Toby T. Hill, Executive Chef at Pain D’Avignon in Hyannis and a great friend to Cape Abilities as one of our Champion Chefs. Thanks for sharing, Toby!     Chef Hill’s Onion Soup Gratinee Serves 5-6 4 ea.                 Spanish Onions (Sliced thin) 2 oz.                Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sachet (Wrapped in Cheesecloth and tied with twine):        2 ea.          Bay Leaves        10 ea.        Thyme Sprigs  3 qt.                 Chicken Stock (Substitute low sodium...

Great finds at our Consignment & Thrift Shop!

Here are a few wonderful “new” pieces that arrived this week at Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop in Barnstable Village. Call 508-362-3417 for more details, including prices — and be sure to stop in for more great finds! Our winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.     This impressive pine “Welsh Dresser” features a marble inset top, and has lots of display cubbies, a plate rack and plenty of drawers. The lowest shelf extends fully across the bottom, providing space for baskets, crocks and odd sized items.       A...

A Year of Filling Pantry Shelves

Back in 2010, Cape Abilities launched a pilot program aimed at helping fill the shelves at a local food pantry and at the same time create community service opportunities for people with disabilities. It started with a single team: Andrew Edes, a Cape Abilities participant who lives in North Falmouth, with a Cape Abilities coach working with the Falmouth Service Center. They would go to the Falmouth Stop & Shop, post signs on the shelves highlighting foods the Falmouth Service Center food pantry needed, then transport the food to the pantry each week. Stop & Shop loved the idea and...

Thank You, Shepley!

  Shepley Wood Products has donated $2,000 from its Annual Golf Tournament to Cape Abilities, a nonprofit organization that provides jobs, homes and services for people with disabilities across Cape Cod. The 16th Annual Shepley Wide Open Charity Golf Event was held Sept. 30, 2011, at Hyannis Golf Club. Cape Abilities is grateful to everyone at Shepley Wood Products for their support. It’s wonderful to have such a community-minded firm as a friend and neighbor. Thank...

Save the Dates!

As we begin the new year, we at Cape Abilities are busy planning events that will not only help support our mission but also keep us linked with the larger community, allowing us to meet new friends and keep us in close touch with the many good friends and supporters we have here on Cape Cod. While not all the details are firmed up, we have some dates to mark down on those shiny new calendars: Saturday, May 19: Our Annual 5K Walk/Run at Hyannis Village Green. Now is a great time to begin training! Monday, July 16: The Cape Abilities Golf Tournament will tee off Ocean Edge Resort and Club...

Thank You to the ‘Santas’!

A big thank you to Nelly Sheehan, owner of Suits You Swimwear in Hyannis, and Florence Lowell, chef/co-owner of the Naked Oyster Bistro, for organizing the First Annual Santa Pub Crawl to benefit Cape Abilities. Some 30 people in Santa costumes, reindeer hats and other fun holiday apparel turned out on a chilly December evening for drinks and appetizers at five Hyannis establishments — the Naked Oyster, Embargo, Five Eighty Six, Seaside Pub and British Beer Co. — and had an “absolute blast,” as Nelly put it. The event raised an impressive $450 for Cape Abilities, and...

Our Thrift Shop is open!

Perfect cure for the winter doldrums? A visit to Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop, of course! Not only will you find wonderful treasures for your home at bargain prices, you’ll have fun chatting with our friendly staff and volunteers. Our Thrift Shop, located on Main Street in Barnstable Village, is now operating on winter hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. New items are coming in weekly, so be sure to check in often. And if cleaning out those closets was on your list of New Year’s resolutions, please consider donating or consigning to our...

Year-End Sale at Cape Abilities Farm!

Cape Abilities Farm is holding its amazing year-end sale, when everything is discounted an additional 10 percent each day, culminating in a whopping 50 percent off everything on December 24, Christmas Eve, when the farm will close at 2 PM for the season. Until then, the farm is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Stop in today for deals that won’t last long, on produce, jams and jellies, locally made soaps, oils and vinegars and lots more. Christmas trees and holiday wreaths are also on sale, it’s not too late to decorate! Everyone at Cape Abilities Farm would like to wish you and...

Shaw’s supermarkets supports Cape Abilities

Shaw’s supermarkets has donated $2,500 to Cape Abilities, to help support its programs for people with disabilities. All of us at Cape Abilities are grateful for this generous donation. We value our relationship with Shaw’s, which employs several Cape Abilities participants in its stores on Cape Cod, and we look forward to expanding our partnership.

Recipe from a Champion Chef

  Anthony Cole, Exectutive Chef at Chatham Bars Inn and one of our Champion Chefs, shares this recipe for an oft-overlooked winter vegetable that’s rich in vitamins, delicious and makes a colorful addition to your dinner plate! Many thanks to Anthony for sharing, and for supporting Cape Abilities.   Roasted Heirloom Beet and Aged Goat Cheese Vanilla infused Olive Oil and Sea Salt   Roasted Heirloom Beet 2 pounds assorted heirloom beets 2 ounces  Light olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste Trim the tops and roots of the beets. Wash and scrub the outside of the beets. Place...

Gift cards

Cape Abilities now has gift cards, redeemable at Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis, Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop in Barnstable Village and Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham. Perfect for gift-giving, these gift cards are available in any amount and they are reloadable, for environmentally-minded gift-giving! Our gift cards are available at Cape Abilities Farm and Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift...

Trees and wreaths at Cape Abilities Farm

Cape Abilities Farm has your Christmas trees! Come on down to the farm on Route 6A in Dennis for a great selection of fresh-cut trees. We also have beautiful holiday wreaths, all hand-decorated by our farm workers. These fresh wreaths are available in four designs: Balsam with gold accents, juniper berries, apples with copper tones, and a Cape Cod wreath with seashells and starfish. All proceeds help support Cape Abilities Farm, which provides employment for people with disabilities. The farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 23, and will close for the season at 2 p.m. on...

Apps Abilities

Cape Abilities has a new program Apps Abilities. Click on image below to see slide show.

Snow’s Home and Garden

When the traditional train set is up and running, you know that Snow's Home and Garden in Orleans is all ready for the holidays. The store has been owned and operated by members of the Snow family for five generations. Snow's is the go to place on the lower Cape for your Christmas shopping, and for anything else you might need. In the summer months, Snow's is a sponsor of the Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets.

Recipe from a Champion Chef

Toby Hill, executive chef at Pain D’Avignon in Hyannis, is one of our Champion Chefs. He has supported Cape Abilities in a number of ways, starting with being a faithful customer of Cape Abilities Farm.  You can find Pain D’Avignon breads at Cape Abilities Farm on Route 6A in Dennis. Here’s a wonderful recipe from Toby Hill that’s perfect for the season. Thanks for sharing, Toby!   Chocolate and Butterscotch Bread Pudding Serves 5-6  2 lb.               Pain D’Avignon Brioche (large cubes) or the Chocolate Hazelnut Bread that is available on Fridays...

Cape Abilities Transportation

Cape Abilities provides transportation services for people with disabilities. We have 19 wheel chair and passenger vans that travel more than 500,000 miles every year across Cape Cod staffed by our dedicated team of 23 drivers. On a daily basis, Cape Abilities helps people with disabilities from Provincetown to Sagamore Beach get to their jobs, appointments, and community activities. Click on image below to see a slide show.

Cape Abilities 5K

The annual Cape Abilities 5K Walk/Run held in May is a very special event. It features a scenic, flat course with beautiful views of Hyannis Harbor, the JFK Memorial, and Nantucket Sound. Click on image at right to view more pictures.

Cape Abilities connects

Kudos to Cape & Plymouth Business for putting together such a vibrant Business Connect event. Held November 16 at the Resort & Conference Center in Hyannis, the conference featured a full slate of helpful workshops and scores of exhibitors. For the first time ever, Business Connect included nonprofit organizations, and more than a few people remarked on the dimension that added to the conference. To us, it was a natural next step. Cape & Plymouth Business, like other savvy firms, recognizes the importance of nonprofits to the business community. Businesses need nonprofits for...

Cape Abilities Residential Programs

Cape Abilities provides residential services for Cape Codders with disabilities. In each of our homes, every individual receives the care and support that they need to have an active life in the community. Cape Abilities residences provide affordable housing for individuals with disabilities. Each home tailors activities depending on the personalities and choices of the residents. Some of these activities include going to the beach, shopping, volunteer work, and the daily responsibilities of residential life such as cooking and cleaning. Cape Abilities offers many residential choices including community homes, shared living, adult foster care, and independent living supports. Also, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Head Injury Program (SHIP), Cape Abilities provides round the clock supervision for people who have suffered severe head trauma.

Cape Abilities Partnership with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Cape Abilities has teamed up with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to create jobs for people with disabilities. A group of Cape Abilities participants are working in a lab at the Institution's Woods Hole campus creating electrodes that are a key component of Magnetotelluric (MT) instruments used to collect data that image deep into the earth. These instruments are likely to be used off the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States where geologic conditions mirror the area in Japan that suffered a catastrophic earthquake. A grant of $1.5 million from the National Science Foundation is providing the funds for the MT instruments. Senior Scientist Dr. Rob Evans turned to Cape Abilities as a means of incorporating people with disabilities into the project to produce 20 new MT instruments. The Cape Abilities team will assemble the 150 electrodes for the MT's. Trevor Harrison of Cape Abilities manages the project. This pilot project may well pave the way for more partnerships between Cape Abilities and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Growing Tomatoes at Cape Abilities Farm

At Cape Abilities Farm, our mission is to grow high quality local produce and to provide jobs for Cape Codders with disabilities in all aspects of farm management. Cape Abilities operates a farm with greenhouses and a farm stand at458 Route 6 A in Dennis. The farm has attracted a local following of people who crave high quality, locally grown produce and plants. The farm workers plant the seeds, make the "tomahawks" ( heavy strings used to train the plants), harvest and package the tomatoes. We grow the tomatoes using 2 different hydroponic techniques: with micro mix seed composites and individual planting in beto buckets. Besides being sold at the farm stand, these award winning tomatoes are also featured on the menus of some of Cape Cod's finest restaurants. Cape Abilities farm grows much more than tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, and beautiful annuals and perennials. Cape Abilities Farm grows futures.

Life Skills at Cape Abilities

The Life Skills program at Cape Abilities enhances the quality of life for the people we support through a variety of therapeutic approaches. Cape Codders with disabilities take part in activities designed to maintain and improve skills for daily living, communication, personal safety, and wellness. The Life Skills program provides Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services along with opportunities for a wide variety of classes and programs to fit participant's individual needs. Our various programs include: cooking, music, horse therapy, horticultural therapy, exercise classes, food shopping, community volunteerism, and many other activities.

The Singing Trooper

Dan Clark, "The Singing Trooper," performed a wonderful benefit concert for Cape Abilities on Sunday, Nov. 6 at Nauset Regional High School in Eastham. His show was a hit from start to finish, moving the audience from laughter to tears with a varied program that included patriotic songs, Irish tunes, ballads and show numbers. "Impossible Dream," "American Soldier" and "Proud to be an American" were among the songs he covered; a truly diverse performer, he threw in an Elvis number and an Irish dance tune. He dedicated the classic "Danny Boy" to the late Chris Nickerson, who was a Cape Abilities participant and whose sister, Janice Nickerson, serves on the Cape Abilities Board of Directors and organized the concert. A big thank you to our sponsors: Arnold's Restaurant, Ben & Jerry's of North Eastham, Cape Associates, Cape Cod Broadcasting, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, the Cape Cod Times, Eastham Hardware, the Eastham Superette, Fairway Restaurant, the Gift Barn and Nickerson Service Center.

Chatham Schools recognize Farm to Table partnership

  The Chatham School Committee honored Cape Abilities Farm to Table with a Certificate of Appreciation for providing employment to students in Chatham High School’s Special Needs Vocational Program. Speaking at the November 2 meeting of the Chatham School Committee, Judy Fratus, director of the Special Needs Vocational Program at Chatham High School, said the ten students employed at the shop over the summer and through October learned new skills, built confidence and loved their jobs. She praised the shop for offering a diversity of jobs for students of different skill levels,...

Cape Cod Potato Chips

For over 30 years, Cape Cod Potato Chips have been a favorite chip not only of Cape Codders but also of people throughout the world. These chips are kettle cooked and are famous for their classic crunch. Every summer, people with disabilities employed by  Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets insert samples of these tasty chips into 30,000 beach buckets. Realtors give these beach buckets as gifts to families renting summer homes in the area. Cape Cod Potato Chips has been a sponsor of Welcome to Cape Cod and Cape Abilities for several years. Families can tour the factory Monday through Friday...

Annual Meeting

Cape Abilities held its 43rd Annual Meeting at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in Bass River. Tom La Tanzi, Board Chairman presided over the business meeting. Beth Patkoske, Paul Zuest, and Nancy Lowery were voted in as new members of the Board of Directors. Shaw's Supermarkets in Orleans and South Yarmouth received the Business Partnership Award. The South Yarmouth store has employed David Connelly for over 29 years, and the store in Orleans has employed Eric Hussey for close to 13 years. Ann Mell and Freida White received the Helen Risch Staff Achievement Award. Robert Jacobson received the Harold Russell Volunteer Award. Bernyce Donalson, Director of Production and Safety recognized 19 individuals in our organization that have had continual employment in local businesses throughout Cape Cod and with a US Government contract at Coast Guard Station Cape Cod at Otis. Jamie Devlin, a participant in the Life Skills program in Eastham spoke elequently about his experiences at Cape Abilities and his home town of Wellfleet. It was a wonderful evening.

Two great stores in one

The next time you are in the Orleans area, be sure to stop into Cape Cod Photo, Art, and Framing and All Wound Up. All Wound Up features a unique selection of toys, novelties and gifts – fun stuff to wind up or wind down with! With Halloween coming soon, Cape Cod Art and Framing can take care of all your photo needs.  Make sure that all your favorite ghost, goblin, and witches  pictures are processed, framed, and ready to go on display. Mike Donovan can also help you choose the proper camera and photographic equipment you need to capture all those special holiday moments. Make it easy...

Farm to Table closing weekend sale

Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham will be closing for the winter on Oct. 30, 2011 following a successful first season. Cape Abilities would like to thank everyone who supported the shop. Special thanks go to the Chatham Special Needs Vocational students who worked at the store, earning paychecks, learning new skills and making shoppers feel welcome. The students will return to work in the shop when it reopens next spring, in early May.   The shop, located at 193 Main Street in the Old Village (on the way to the lighthouse), is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday...

Cranberry Harvest Season

From mid- September until mid- November cranberries reach their peak and are ready for harvesting.  Ocean Spray’s growers harvest close to a million pounds of cranberries every year.  These cranberries are used in various Ocean Spray products. Ocean Spray has been a sponsor of the Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets for several years.  Every summer, workers at Cape  Abilities insert craisins and fruit juice mixers into these buckets that are delivered to families renting summer homes on Cape Cod. The Ocean Spray products are a big hit in the beach...

Picnic at Flax Pond

Each fall, Cape Abilities holds an annual picnic. It's an opportunity to share fun, food, and friendship. The picnic, held at Flax Pond in Yarmouth, is a chance to spend time with people from all of Cape Abilities programs: residential, vocational, life skills, and transportation. Everyone brings along their favorite dessert, and when the sun sets, the participants are sad to see the picnic end.

Cape Cod Maps

Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets is gearing up for the 2012 summer season. In January we will be printing 60,000 maps.  30,000 of these maps will go into the Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets, and another 30,000 will be distributed throughout Cape Cod to visitor centers, restaurants, and hotels.  Businesses who advertise in the beach buckets have the opportunity to advertise on the maps as well. During the winter months, people in our work center will be very busy folding all 60,000 maps.  In the high season, 70 individuals with disabilities are employed by Welcome to Cape Cod beach...

The Singing Trooper Dan Clark – Benefit for Cape Abilities

Dan Clark, “The Singing Trooper,” performed a wonderful benefit concert for Cape Abilities on Sunday, Nov. 6 at Nauset Regional High School in Eastham. His show was a hit from start to finish, moving the audience from laughter to tears with a varied program that included patriotic songs, Irish tunes, ballads and show numbers. “Impossible Dream,” “American Soldier” and “Proud to be an American” were among the songs he covered; a truly diverse performer, he threw in an Elvis number and an Irish dance tune. He dedicated the classic “Danny...

Gourmet Ice Cream at its Finest

If you haven’t stopped by Cape Cod Creamery this season, you are missing a great treat.  The Cape Cod Creamery has over thirty delicious and unique flavors of ice cream named for Cape Cod towns.  It is quite the place! Cape Cod Creamery will only be open through next Sunday, October 16th, and it is only open on the weekends. Don’t miss this opportunity to sample some of the best ice cream on Cape Cod. Cape Cod Creamery is a sponsor of the Welcome to Cape Cod beach...

Cape Associates donates ramp

  Cape Abilities is grateful to Cape Associates for donating a handicap-accessible ramp for use at Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham. The ramp is much appreciated by both customers and employees. Cape Abilities Farm to Table employs students from Chatham High School’s Special Needs Vocational Program, who have enjoyed learning new skills and earning paychecks. The shop is still open Thursday through Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Personal Journey of Giving

The Planned Giving Council of Cape Cod held a panel presentation titled “A Personal Journey of Giving: Three Unique Perspectives”  at their latest luncheon meeting. The panelists included Norma Schmidt from Citizens Bank, Shawn DeLude, owner of Nauset Disposal, and Dorothy Halmstad, a retiree who devotes her time to volunteering at several Cape Cod nonprofit organizations. Norma, a loan services administrator at Citizens Bank in Hyannis, volunteered at Cape Abilities this spring for three months as part of a Community Service Sabbatical from the bank. She worked on various...

Fall Harvest at Cape Abilities Farm

The fall harvest is one of our favorite times at Cape Abilities Farm. Our farm workers have been very busy harvesting the fall crops and getting ready for the change in seasons. Our farm stand at 458 Main Street, Route 6A in Dennis is open daily from May through December. You can purchase your favorite plants, pumpkins, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. For directions to the Cape Abilities farm click here. Cape Abilities farm provides paid employment for people with disabilities who work in all aspects of farm management. Here are some great recipes from Cape Abilities Farm.

Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets

Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets are delivered to families vacationing on Cape Cod every summer. People at Cape Abilities assemble and deliver close to 30,000 beach buckets. The delivery crews are out and about Cape Cod 5 days a week, and they log close to 4,000 miles in their travels. During the season, we deliver the beach buckets to over 100 realtor offices throughout Cape Cod. We also have 50 national and local sponsors who advertise with us, and an additional 44 local restaurants that are in our Restaurant guides. We would like to thank all the realtors and businesses that work with us. The support of Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets by local and national businesses, realtors throughout the Cape, and summer vacationers provides paid employment to 70 individuals with disabilities.

The Winners Circle

After finishing their games, the players relaxed with cocktails and hors d'eouvres while the scores were tallied. There was a silent auction featuring rounds of golf on various Cape Cod courses, gift certificates from local restaurants, and other goodies. The prize presentation was followed by a delicious dinner. Everyone had a great day at Willowbend.

Cape Abilities Golf Tournament

The 10th Annual Fall Harvest Golf Tournament was held on Monday at the beautiful Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee. The proceeds from this tournament benefit people with disabilities on Cape Cod.  Many thanks to our sponsors Cape Cod Broadcasting, BackOffice Associates, SBLI, La Tanzi,Spaulding & Landreth, P.C., Cape Cod 5, and Falmouth Toyota.  Many thanks also to all the golfers and teams who participated, as well as our dedicated volunteers and the talented staff at Willowbend. It was a perfect sunny fall day.   Peter Abraham

Chefs Auction at the Naked Oyster

Cape Abilities 2011 Chef's Auction held at the Naked Oyster Raw Bar & Bistro in Hyannis was a fun-filled party that raised money for Cape Abilities Farm and people with disabilities on Cape Cod. Many thanks to Florence Lowell, all the Champion Chefs who support our work, and of course, all the bidders.

Seaside LeMans

The Seaside Lemans was held on Saturday, September 10 at the Mashpee Commons. This year, Cape Abilities was one of the local non profit organizations designated as a recipient of the proceeds. Thanks to the Davenport Companies and to all the corporate sponsors of the race for the Cape Cod Community. Click images below to view as a slidehow.

Water Taxi Adventure

If you haven’t taken Outermost Harbor Marine’s water taxi to South Beach and North Monomoy Island, you are missing a real treat. During these lovely September days, you can taxi to South Beach, one of Cape Cod’s truly unspoiled and beautiful beaches. South Beach also has some of Cape Cod’s warmest waters as well, so swimming and sun bathing are still an option. North Monomoy Island, another stop on the water taxi, offers some of  the best fishing and bird watching in the area. The taxis run on a limited schedule until October 8.  Don’t miss enjoying the last...

Just Jars

“Just Jars” is a wonderful line of attractively packaged mixes and dips produced by Chatham High School’s Special Needs Vocational program. Mixes for cookies, soups, dips, marinades and drinks are presented in mason jars with fabric-covered lids, with recipes tied on with ribbon, making them great gifts — perfect for presenting to a hostess or including in a college care package. Just Jars also makes hand-dipped dog treats, yummy lollipops and pretzels. Members of this clever group of students work at Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham, which includes Just Jars in...

Pamper Yourself

The next time you are shopping in Hyannis, be sure to stop by Crabtree & Evelyn located in the Cape Cod Mall. Along with the Cape Cod Mall, Crabtree & Evelyn are sponsors of the Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets. Brooke Mackay, Manager, and Devon Gruenstern, Selling Supervisor, are pictured in front of many of Crabtree & Evelyn’s wonderful products for bath, body,  and your home.  These products provide luxurious experiences that can be enjoyed every day. When you enter the store and sense the natural aromas, you almost feel as if you were in a botanical garden. You can...

Cape Associates Builds Ramp for Cape Abilities

Many thanks to everyone at Cape Associates for donating their services to build a portable ramp at Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham. The shop in Chatham employs students from Chatham High School’s  special needs program. The students recently stopped by the offices at Cape Associates to say ‘thank you.” Photo: Back row, Cape Associates staff: Vice President Mark Kinnane, Vice President Matthew Cole and Project Manager Trevor Meyer. Middle row: Students Patrick Ohm, Jeffrey Carranand Daniel Brady; front row, students Taylor Jaques and Amanda...

Surf’s Up

Hurricane Irene has passed, but the waves are still rolling in on the Cape Cod beaches. If you are heading to the lower Cape this weekend to any of the beautiful beaches in that area, be sure to visit the Nauset Surf  Shop at the Orleans Rotary. They carry everything you might possibly need for all your beach activities – from sunglasses to wetsuits and surfboards. Molly McIntire and all the staff have been sponsors of the Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets for many...

Beach Buckets for WeNeedAVacation.com

For the past 4 years, Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets and WeNeedAVacation.com have worked together.  Home owners who rent their summer homes through WeNeedAVacation.com give these beach buckets to their summer clients as gifts. Throughout the summer, Welcome to Cape Cod provides jobs to 70 Cape Codders with disabilities. They assemble, collate, and deliver these buckets all summer long. It’s a great time of the year to be out and about on Cape Cod! As this summer season wanes, we are looking forward to working with everyone again in...

Chocolates Galore

Sue Carroll and Kim Marsh give the “Chocolate Salute” from the kitchen at the Chatham Candy Manor.  This store has been a destination and a tradition for vacationing families on Cape Cod since the mid 1950′s. Chatham Candy Manor creates all kinds of chocolates of distinction and character.  They are also famous for their homemade fudge. For the past few summers, the Candy Manor has been a sponsor of the Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets. Each summer the workers at Cape Abilities insert pieces of their delicious taffy into these beach buckets that go to vacationers on Cape...

New Store in Chatham

Millie’s of Chatham General Store just opened in Chatham this summer.  They are located at “The Cornfield”, 1291 Main Street in Chatham.  Millie’s is a traditional general store specializing in New England made products. They are also sponsors of the Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets. Stop by when you are in the area.  Co-owners Barbara Hansen and Susan Noakes will help you find that special gift or unique item to remind you of Cape Cod and New...

Cape Abilities Turtle Team – Saving Endangered Turtles on Cape Cod

Our Tomatoes are Tops!

For the fourth year in a row, Cape Abilities Farm tomatoes have placed in the top 10 at the Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest. Cape Abilities farm is the only farm on Cape Cod with this distinction. These wonderful award-winning tomatoes are available at Cape Abilities Farm on Route 6A in Dennis and at Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham. The Tomato Contest, held August 22 at Boston City Hall Plaza Farmers Market, was sponsored by the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Congratulations to all our...

Cape Abilities Champion Chefs

Thank you to the local chefs who “champion” Cape Abilities mission every day. They have helped us expand Cape Abilities Farm and provide paid jobs for people with disabilities on Cape Cod. We’re honored and grateful for their support.

Cape Abilities Prepares VIP Baskets

Cape Abilities assembled 150 baskets for the VIP tables at the 26th Annual TD Bank Pops by the Sea Concert on August 7.  The baskets contained snacks and products from Cape Cod businesses. Despite the inclement weather, concert goers listened to a wonderful concert and a special Cole Porter tribute performed by Broadway stars Kelli O’Hara and Jason Danieley.  Peter and Bobby Farrelly served as guest conductors.  A good time was had by all.

Hingham Institution for Savings Support Cape Abilities

Thank you to the Hingham Institution for Savings for their generous support for Cape Abilities. Founded in 1834, Hingham Savings is a full service community bank headquartered in Hingham, Massachusetts. Cape Abilities provides jobs, homes and other services for people with disabilities across Cape...

Martignetti Companies Supports Cape Abilities

Thank you to the Martignetti Companies of Norwood, Massachusetts for their generous support for Cape Abilities. Established in 1908, Martignetti Companies is a leading distributor of wine and spirits in New England. We’re grateful for their donations. Cape Abilities provides jobs, homes and other services for people with disabilities across Cape...

Gov. Patrick visits Cape Abilities Farm

Cape Abilities Farm at Marstons Mills

If you’ve ever wondered where some of our award-winning produce is grown, here’s a behind the scenes photo from our farm in Marstons Mills. This year, we’re growing lettuce, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, eggplant and plenty of summer squash and zucchini. Our pumpkins are also ripening on the vine and will be ready in time for the fall harvest. Our farm team works hard each morning harvesting the crops and tending the fields. Phil Roy (left) supervises the work. Joe Capello (center) and Steve DaLomba are part of the team. We’re grateful to everyone who helps support...

Cape Cod Mall

The Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis has been a sponsor of the Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets for the past several years.  Every summer, we insert the Mall Directory into our buckets to help shoppers find their favorite stores. Macy’s and Crabtree & Evelyn, which have stores in the mall also provide product samples and coupons for the beach buckets. Visit the Cape Cod Mall, Macy’s, and Crabtree & Evelyn when shopping on Cape Cod.  Simon Giftcards make a perfect gift for birthdays and celebrations as well. During the summer months, assembling and delivering beach buckets...

Local art at Farm to Table

Works created by local artists have proved popular at Cape Abilities Farm to Table, which sells fresh produce from Cape Abilities Farm, a variety of locally-made products, cold drinks and snacks, kites, T-shirts — and some wonderful original art. Included in the roster of artists at the seasonal shop in Chatham is Marstons Mills artist Elaine Cohen, who does colorful paintings and delightful collages. You’ll also find works by her husband, Skip Treglia, who creates amazing sculpture out of found objects. Noted photographer Christopher Seufert is also represented. He captures...

Captains Course and Cape Abilities

More than 100 women golfers gathered at the Captains Golf Course in Brewster on July 19 for the 18-Holers Women’s Association’s annual member-guest tournament, which this year was a benefit for Cape Abilities. With a raffle and a very lively auction called by Pat O’Keefe, the event raised $2,500 to donate to Cape Abilities. In addition, each participant brought an item to donate to Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop, representing hundreds of dollars for Cape Abilities. All proceeds from the shop, located in Barnstable Village, benefit Cape Abilities...

Harvest at Cape Abilities Farm

Farm workers from Cape Abilities harvested over 150 pounds of summer crops at our fields in Marstons Mills this morning.  The vegetables that were ready for market included summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, and green and yellow peppers. The produce is sold at Cape Abilities Farm, 458 Main Street (Route 6 A) in Dennis.  Don’t wait for a farmer’s market – our farm stand is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.  Besides our delicious vegetables, you can also purchase our award winning...

Stem to Stern Estate Sales

A big thank you to Stem to Stern Estate Sales for their support of Cape Abilities through donations to Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop. Based on Cape Cod and covering Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, Stem to Stern has consistently helped our Consignment & Thrift Shop with donations. Owned by Cape Cod native Kerry Aylmer and managed by Aylmer and Robert Lavery, Stem to Stern Estate Sales is active in the community, and supports a number of charitable organizations. We are glad and grateful for such good neighbors — and...

Beat the Heat

Beat the record temperatures this weekend and come to Cape Cod to escape the heat. The Maney family from Chicago is receiving their Welcome to Cape  Cod Beach Bucket as they check in for their summer rental with their realtor John C. Ricotta in Chatham. Realtors give the beach buckets as gifts to families who are renting homes on Cape Cod. They are filled with product samples, maps, coupons, brochures, and other information that helps these families plan their vacation. During the summer months, the people at Cape Abilities assemble and deliver 30,000 beach buckets to over 90 realtor offices...

Turtle Protectors at Wellfleet Sanctuary

Jamie Devlin (pictured) and other members of the Day Habilitation program at Cape Abilities make cages to protect the endangered Diamondback Terrapin Turtle population. This  spring they made 25 cages. These protective cages are delivered to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary when finished.  The staff there knows just where to put the protective cages, since the turtles nest in the same areas every year. At the end of the summer, the cages are removed after the turtles have hatched.  The terrapins, about the size of a quarter, make their way back to the...

Turtle Protectors at Wellfleet Audubon Sanctuary

During the Spring months, members of the Cape Abilities Day Habilitation Program made turtle protectors  for the Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary in Wellfleet Bay. These wire cages protect Diamondback Terrapin Turtles eggs from predators. Staff members at the Wellfleet Sanctuary place the protectors over the nesting areas to protect the eggs during the incubation period.  They are removed in late summer just before the eggs hatch. All the members of the “Turtle Team” at Cape Abilities are pleased to be able to help the endangered Diamondback Terrapin...

Ocean Spray, Beach Bucket Sponsor

Ocean Spray, one of Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets sponsors is having quite the summer.   They are running a “Summer Recipe Contest” to encourage consumers to incorporate their cranberry products and juices into recipes for food and beverages. To further highlight the benefits of its products, Ocean Spray has created a mobile sampling tour where they provide freestanding cranberry bog environments in busy metropolitan areas throughout the country. Consumers can sample the new tasty Ocean Spray sparkling drinks and get coupons. Be on the lookout for special appearances by the...

Marston Mills Farm Harvesting Crops Daily

The Cape Abilities farm in Marstons Mills grows vegetables that are sold at the Cape Abilities farm stand in Dennis and also at the Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham.  There are 10 fields planted with various vegetables including summer squash, eggplant, zucchini, lettuce, pepper and pumpkins.  Also seven different varieties of tomatoes are starting to grow and should be ready for harvesting soon. Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis is located at 458 Main St. (Rte. 6A) and is open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM. Cape Abilities Farm to Table is located at 193 Main St. in Chatham, just a short...

Beach Buckets at Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in August.  Many children vacationing on Cape Cod use their Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets here and at many other beautiful beaches on Cape Cod. These beach buckets are great for building sand castles and collecting shells. Each summer, Cape Abilities packages and delivers 30,000 welcome beach buckets to vacationing families. Each beach bucket provides paid employment for people with disabilities on Cape Cod. If you have any photos of your family with the beach buckets – email us at news@CapeAbilities.org or...

Cape Abilities on WXTK Radio

Liz Eagan from Cape Abilities recently appeared  Century 21 Real Estate Show on WXTK radio.  They talked about the Welcome to Cape Cod beach buckets business which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary and other Cape Abilities businesses. Over 30,000 beach buckets are delivered each summer to Cape Cod visiting families. The hosts of the show last Saturday were Century 21 realtors Sam Ingram and Brian Cobb. The show is hosted by Jamie Regan. The Century 21 Real Estate Show is on WXTK FM 95.1 every Saturday morning from 10 – 11...

Governor Deval Patrick visits Cape Abilities Farm

Governor Deval Patrick visited Cape Abilities Farm on Rte. 6A in Dennis, Massachusetts on June 25, 2011. Click on images to view slide show.   Governor Deval Patrick & Ann Marie CAmpbell Governor Patrick with Tom Zurn

New ATM at our Thrift Shop!

Thanks to a new ATM at Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop, banking is back in Barnstable Village! Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank opened its new ATM in the rear of the shop on July 1, just in time for the busy holiday weekend. The Village has been without a bank branch for some time, so the new Automated Teller Machine is good news for residents, employees of local businesses and visitors alike. Right now, the ATM is for cash, but it will be enhanced by the end of the year to accept deposits as well. The shop is located at 3239 Main Street, Route 6A, next to the fire station and...

Dance beneath the stars

We can’t think of a more quintessentially Cape Cod evening than the one our friends at Chequessett Yacht and Country Club in Wellfleet came up with to benefit Cape Abilities: A clambake with all the fixings, followed by dancing under the stars steps from the shores of Cape Cod Bay. It all happens this Friday, July 8, beginning at 6 p.m. There are still a few tickets left, so dust off your dancing shoes and come have some fun! All proceeds benefit our programs in support of people with disabilities across Cape Cod. Come join old friends and meet new ones too, as we dance the night away...

Fresh picks: Summer squash

Our farm workers have been busy picking summer squash and zucchini, making them this week’s summer bounty! Try grilling sliced squash and zucchini (make the zukes a bit thicker, say 1/4 inch, and the summer squash thinner) in foil with dots of butter and seasoning. Or try this yummy main dish recipe, adapted from eatingwell.com:   Ingredients 1 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 tbs. chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried ½...

#1 – Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop

Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop has been voted the #1 Consignment Shop in Barnstable/Hyannis by the Readers Choice Awards.  They received thousands of ballots from Gatehouse Media Readers (including The Cape Codder and the Register) across New England. The award is especially meaningful because our shop has only been open for a few months in its new location. Congratulations to all of our treasured volunteers and staff who have made the shop such a success. We appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. The shop, on Route 6A in Barnstable Village, is open Monday –...

Governor Patrick visits Cape Abilities Farm

Governor Deval Patrick toured Cape Abilities Farm on Saturday, June 25 to learn more about our work. The governor spent part of the afternoon touring our greenhouses and meeting with members of the farm team. This season, workers at the farm have cultivated over 50,000 seedlings and plants. The governor was particularly interested in our methods for growing our award-winning tomatoes. Cape Abilities provides jobs, homes and other services for people with disabilities across Cape Cod. Joanne Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, joined the governor on the tour along with...

Don’t miss the Barn Sale!

Here’s an opportunity that may not come around again: Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop is cleaning out its storage barn! The sale will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 46 Bow Lane in Barnstable Village. There’s lots of furniture and other great items, and everything is priced to sell — treasures at bargain prices! Cash and carry. Directions: Heading north from Hyannis on Phinney’s Lane, make a right turn onto Bow Lane just before the traffic light in the village. Pleas park carefully as directed. Happy...

‘Summer Soiree’ in Chatham Saturday

A week after opening its doors on June 15, Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham has enjoyed a warm welcome from neighbors, passers-by and folks who heard about the shop and came to check it out. Shoppers seem to love the fresh produce from Cape Abilities Farm, breads from Pain d’ Avignon and pies from Centerville Pie Company, and they also appreciate cold drinks, ice cream novelties and snacks. Students from Chatham High School’s Special Needs Vocational Program are enjoying working at the shop, doing a variety of jobs from stocking shelves to working the register and greeting...

Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets

It’s almost summer and the Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets are making their way across Cape Cod. The beach buckets contain maps, information and snacks for summer visitors. The Roubian family (first row) stopped by our Hyannis office by to pick up their beach buckets – ordered through WeNeedAVacation.com Many thanks to all our sponsors, realtors, customers and WeNeedAVacation for supporting Cape Abilities and our mission. This summer, we will deliver 30,000 beach buckets to families vacationing on Cape Cod.

Jeffrey Lowery

Compassionate, dedicated, caring.  Cape Abilities has lost a great friend and advisor, Jeffrey Lowery of Cotuit. Jeffrey was a long-time member of Cape Abilities Board of Directors, and served as Chairman of our Human Rights Committee. As a teenager, Jeffrey was seriously injured in a diving accident. But his physical limitations did not limit his talents and his boundless spirit. He was a highly respected psychologist, and a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities. He was a great listener and with that gift touched thousands of lives across Cape Cod, helping people achieve their...

Cape Abilities Farm to Table Now Open

Cape Abilities Farm to Table in Chatham is now open. The shop, at 193 Main Street, near Chatham Lighthouse features fresh produce from Cape Abilities Farm and other local Cape Cod specialties. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. It  sells cold drinks, snacks and ice cream, along  with fresh salad greens and our famous tomatoes. We’ll have art from local artists and all sorts of locally-made products – including fresh bread from Pain D’Avignon and fruit pies from Centerville Pie Company. Cape Abilities Farm to Table sells the complete line of “Just...

Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop

There’s something new every day at Cape Abilities Consignment & Thrift Shop in Barnstable Village. The shop is filled with an ever-changing array of antiques, fine furniture, home decor, houshold goods and collectibles. You’ll also find paintings, photographs and works by local artists and artisans. The shop is located on Route 6A in Barnstable Village, across from the post office and next to the fire station. All proceeds from the shop benefit Cape Abilities. The shop is open Monday – Saturday, from 10 AM – 4 PM.

Barnstable Award for Cape Abilities & Centerville Pie

Kristin Broadley and Laurie Bowen, owners of Centerville Pie Co. and Larry Thayer and Cape Abilities received the prestigious Barnstable Award from the Town of Barnstable in April. The award recognizes the “power of partnerships” – especially Centerville Pie Company’s support for Cape Abilities. Centerville Pie established a pie kitchen at Cape Abilities that employs people with disabilities and they donate 5% of their profits to Cape Abilities. Centerville Pie Co. received national attentions from Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King for their pies in 2009. The pie ladies...

Benefit Clambake and Dance

Join us on Friday, July 8th at the beautiful Chequessett Yacht and Country Club in Wellfleet for a clambake and dance to benefit Cape Abilities. Watch the sun set over Cape Cod Bay while enjoying cocktails* at the boathouse. Then sit down in the club house dining room to a traditional Cape Cod clambake from Outer Cape Clambake - steamers, sweet corn and, of course lobster. Wellfleet’s famous The Rip-It-Ups, will provide live music – they’re a traditional rock & roll band – with lots of Blues, Rockabilly – plus Country Jazz & Soul. Something for...

Turnip – Purple Top White Globe

This is the most popular turnip because of its handsome shape, fine quality and attractive appearance. Our strain produces uniform roots, each one as smooth and round as the next, with a creamy white color below the soil line and bright purple above. The flesh is white and crisp with a mild, pleasant flavor. Excellent for fresh use and winter storage.( from Harris Seeds)

Sugar Snap Peas

Cape Abilities Farm is growing the improved version of the AAS Gold Medal Winner, Sugar Snap. Super Sugar Snap has the same delicious and sweet edible pods and peas, but are plumper. Enjoy it raw in salads, cooked or stir-fried, Super Sugar Snap is wonderful. (from Harris Seeds)

Green Beans – Ambra

Ambra Beans at Cape Abilities Farm are a consistent crop.  Ambra is a prolific yielder that develops straight and smooth, medium dark green 6 in. pods. (from Harris Seeds)

Green Beans – Caprice

At Cape Abilities Farm, we love green beans. High yields of very attractive beans have been reported from growers who have grown Caprice. Caprice has straight, smooth pods that have a fine eating quality and an attractive medium dark green color. (from Harris Seeds)

Wax Beans – Slenderwax

An excellent choice for roadside farm stands like Cape Abilities Farm. The attractive, rich yellow pods are straight and smooth with excellent quality. Delicious flavor. (from Harris Seeds)

Radish – Cherry Belle

This is a most attractive radish; smooth, uniform and of highest quality. The round red roots have pure white flesh of delightful flavor and crispness. (from Harris Seeds)

Rutabaga – American Purple Top

A real old-timer that has been popular for many years. Its large roots are purple above ground and light yellow below. Tops are big and the necks are of medium size. Fine-textured and good to eat, its flesh is creamy yellow in color.(from Harris Seeds)

Sunflower – Mammoth

These plants will be 8 ft. and more in height when well grown and make an effective screen or background. The impressive flower heads have brown centers surrounded by yellow petals and are often 12 in. across. When dry, the seed heads can be cut and sold as is for wild bird food. Or spread them out under cover until seeds loosen and shatter out of the head, then package them as snack food and for baking. (from Harris Seeds)

Carrot – Scarlet Nantes

Nantes carrots have a well-deserved reputation for fine flavor and attractive appearance, and this strain has proven to be exceptionally popular. Tender and crisp with delightful sweetness, Scarlet Nantes has brightly colored interiors. The flavor holds up whether eaten raw or cooked. Fine for freezing, too. (from Harris Seeds)

Carrot – Purple Haze

Purple Haze is sure to liven up any relish tray with its deep purple exterior color and contrasting orange core. The 10-12 in. carrots are smooth and taper to a point. It’s best to use Purple Haze raw, since cooking will dissolve the purple color. (from Harris Seeds)

Carrot – Nantindo Pelleted

Tender and sweet 6-8 in. carrots have a beautiful deep orange color that carries well into the crisp and tender interior. The tenderness of the small core is exceptional. (from Harris Seeds)

Collard – Champion

Champion is a Vates type. The plants produce thick leaves. (from Harris Seeds)

Radish – Icicle Short Top

This long radish has crisp flesh that is crystal white and unusually tender with a mild flavor. (from Harris Seeds)

Beet – Bulls Blood

Deep cabernet leaves even at the seedling stage are an ideal color choice for  a spring and fall salad mix ingredient. The red round beets develop a candy cane striped zoned interior. ( from Harris Seeds)

Beet – Red Ace

A hybrid version of Detroit Short Top,  this beet  has the fine eating quality of the Detroit with the added value of uniformity. (from Harris Seeds)

Endive – King Pelleted

The long, curled and deeply cut leaves are dark green with a pale green midrib and surround the hearts that blanche to a beautiful light yellow. Endive adds a delightfully bold flavor to salads, as used in fine restaurants. (from Harris Seeds)

Parsnip – Harris Model

The smoothest and whitest of them all! Harris’ Model has a well-deserved reputation as higher quality than other parsnips. These medium-length parsnips are very smooth, well shaped and free from side roots. The fine-grained flesh is sweet and has superior flavor. (from Harris Seeds)

Spinach – Samish

Samish is a hybrid that has a dark green, medium savoyed, thick leaf on semi-erect plants. (from Harris Seeds)

Radish – Champion

From early edible to larger, silver dollar size, these radishes stay mild and delicious without a trace of pithiness. (from Harris Seeds)

Brussel Sprouts

The best early variety. Large, flavorful, medium-green sprouts mature quickly. (from Harris Seeds)

Cabbage – Early Thunder

The 3-4 lb. blue-green heads have attractive blue-green wrapper leaves and an excellent interior that has a mild texture and sweet taste. (from Harris Seeds)

Cauliflower – Apex

The vigorous plants have upright jacket leaves with exceptional internal wrap. (from Harris Seeds)

Kale

A very uniform, close selection for a finely curled, vigorous plant with a lush, blue green color. (from Harris Seeds.)

Swiss Chard

The leaf textures range from smooth to lightly crumpled at the young stage, to lightly crumpled to crumpled at the mature stage. The stalks are broad, very tender and fleshy, even at full maturity. A great item for adding color to salad mixes. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Speckled Swan

This is a unique gourd. The long necks curve gracefully and enlarge at the end to resemble a swan’s head. The bulbed base measures 6-8” in diameter and has a flat bottom for easy displaying. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Big Apple

Apple shaped gourds that have a mottled green color and measure 6-8 in. in diameter. A variety of sizes are produced and the shape can vary from round to an upright shape that resembles a Delicious type apple. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Lunch Lady

Large warted gourds that can weigh from 5-20 lbs each. It produces an array of fruit sizes, shapes and colors, all with hard shells and warts. Here is a large-fruited gourd that will make a terrific addition to your fall ornamental gourd offering. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Goblin Egg Mix

Goblin Egg Mix is truly a unique mixture of egg-shaped gourds. Unlike the typical egg-shaped gourd which is white, Goblin Egg Mix gives you a varied selection of striped, bicolor, solid colors and unique patterns. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Birdhouse

Large pear-shaped 10 in. fruit have smooth skin and can be dried and used as birdhouses for Purple Martin, Bluebird or Wren. Harvest green and dry with good circulation for several months. Clean the outside with a bleach bath prior to drilling a birdhouse hole. Coat with linseed or paint. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Turk’s Turban

This private strain is outstanding for uniformity of size and its various rich colors. The flattened fruit are 8-10 in. in diameter, brilliant orange-red with prominent turbans striped and spotted with scarlet, orange, cream, white and green. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Little Guys Mix

The delightful bright colors and interesting varied shapes of this small fruited mixture will add a nice touch for fall decorations. It includes Orange, Pear, Apple, Crown of Thorns, bicolor and striped types, spoon, warted varieties and others. Little Guys includes a greater variety selection than competing mixtures. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Small Warted Mix

This decorative mixture contains a pleasing variety of shapes and color combinations. Some have solid colors while others are multicolored in either random or striped patterns. All are small and very warted. (from Harris Seeds)

Gourd – Daisy

Mixed colors of green, orange, yellow and white with most having a unique daisy pattern look on the stem end. The small gourds measure 2.5-3″ high by 3″ wide. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Silver Moon

Silver Moon is a hybrid, white variety. The 10-15 lb fruit have wide ribs and a very uniform size and shape. Its flesh is dark orange in color. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Long Island Cheese

This old heirloom variety has a smooth, tan skin with medium ribs and a flattened shape that resembles a wheel of cheese. The flesh is a deep orange color that is moderately sweet and great for pies. Good for long-term storage. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Jarrahdale

Jarrahdale is actually a very good quality winter squash but it also makes a very interesting fall ornamental. Its decorative fruit are a slate-gray color with heavy, rounded ribs and weigh 6-10 lbs. As a squash, it is the favorite of Australians because of its thick, sweet, orange flesh of good quality. Jarrahdale is an excellent storage squash and will add interest and color to your fall displays (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Howden

Howden is a beautiful big pumpkin. It is a Connecticut Field type but far superior. Its size is more uniform, averaging 20-25 lbs., and the deep-round fruit are quite symmetrical. Very solid with extra-thick flesh, it is much less apt to produce lopsided fruit. Its skin is hard, ridged, of a wonderful rich color, and it keeps in prime condition for a remarkably long time. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Lumina

The best white pumpkin. Here’s a unique pumpkin. The fruit average 10-15 lbs., vary in size and are a globe to a flattened globe shape. The flesh is a bright orange and these beauties add excellent contrast for carving and painting. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Neon

Uniform, 7-8 lb. fruit are produced in abundance and have a vivid, almost florescent orange color. These small Jack O’Lanterns have a medium rib and a thick black handle. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Lil’ Ironsides

Long lasting, rock hard ornamental. Although Lil’ Ironsides is a true pumpkin it has a tough hard shell much like an ornamental gourd and is not carveable. Its shelf life takes it well into the spring and it has a hard, smooth shell, great for painting. The dark orange, 2 lb. fruit has dark handles. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Oz

This semi-bush plant produces several small round fruit that average 6 in. diameter and 3-5 lbs.. Its long, solid stems make strong handles and the smooth fruit, nearly free of sutures are great for painting. Oz hybrid offers an interesting, unique combination of characteristics for Halloween use. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Mystic Plus

The round to slightly flattened shaped fruit, measure 8 in. W x 6 in. H and weigh 7-8 lbs. The pumpkins have a deep orange color and a large, sturdy handle with a strong attachment. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Munchkin

Rated the best miniature ornamental pumpkin. Children love it and it’s perfect for fall decoration. Munchkin is only 3-4 in. wide, has a bright orange color and deep sutures. Munchkin is a fascinating novelty for dried arrangements and other decorations. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Aladdin

Dark orange fruit that tip the scales at 25-35 lbs. set near the crown on vigorous semi-full vines. The 12 in. W x 15 in. H fruit have large handles that are firmly rooted into the fruit and moderate ribbing. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Hooligan

The fruit have a white, green and orange mottled color pattern on their deeply ridged bodies and measure approximately 2 in. H x 3-4 in. W. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Baby Boo

Baby Boo is a creamy white version of the very popular Munchkin. The fruit average 2-3 in diameter by 2 in. high and have a white flesh that is edible. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Cinderlla

This attractive ornamental is actually a squash. The flat, round shaped fruit weigh 10-15 lbs. and look like a cheese wheel. The orange flesh is moderately sweet and can be used for pies. (from Harris Seeds)

Pumpkin – Howden Biggie

It has a true pumpkin shape and sits upright with shapes ranging from globe to tall globe with variable ridging. The dark orange fruit have a thick flesh, which helps maintain its uniform shape. The stem is dark and strong, suited for carrying. Howden Biggie averages 40 lbs (from Harris Seeds)

Broom Corn – Mixed Colors

Colored seeds in red, deep brown, purple and other mixed shades cover the seed heads of this mixture. The colored brooms are ideal for dried arrangements as well as hand tied brooms and crafts. (from Harris Seeds)

Ornamental Corn – Wilda’s Pride

The most unique Indian Ornamental type you’ll ever find. Tall sturdy plants produce 8-11 in. ears ranging from yellow and white, deep maroon red, solid yellow, black-red, and a wide assortment of multicolored ears. This one is a must for ornamental displays. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Burgess Buttercup

One of the highest quality squashes sold in the Northeast. Extra rich and sweet in flavor, the deep orange flesh is firm and smooth. The blocky 6-8 in. wide x 3½-4 in. long dark green fruit have a small gray button at the blossom end and grow on a full vine. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Sweet Meat

An old-time favorite. This distinctive squash has a loyal following throughout the country. Consumers appreciate the smooth, fine texture of its golden-yellow flesh. The medium-sized fruit average 10-15 lbs. and the flesh is extra-thick. Round and quite flattened with a hard, slate-gray skin, they will keep for many months in storage. A high quality squash. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Bush Delicata

Also known as sweet potato squash, this variety has a compact 3-4 ft. vine. The 8 in. long fruit has a bright yellow-orange flesh that is very sweet and smooth with a nutty flavor. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Red Warty Thing

This old heirloom variety is from the U.S. Seed Bank. Its bright orange fruit are heavily warted and can weigh up to 20 lbs. This variety makes a great decorative item but it is also known for its good eating quality and has a Hubbard type flesh and a very hard, thick rind. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash -Galeaux D’Eysine

This unique squash is pink with beige bumps that resemble peanuts covering its surface, making this pumpkin-like squash truly unique! It’s not only a variety for fall decoration but it is also has a very high quality, orange flesh. The sweet, moist flesh of Galeaux d’Eysines is great for baking and is also used in soups. The 10-20 lb. oblate-flattened shaped fruit are produced on full-sized vines. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Harris Betternut

Medium-sized fruit are produced on semi-bush plants. The color, texture and flavor of this variety are rated very high. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Blue Magic

Blue Magic is a unique, small, hybrid Blue Hubbard that is more size friendly to the smaller families of today. It still has the same great eating qualities that a normal size hubbard has, with its fine-grained, tasty flesh. (from Harris Seeds)

Squash – Blue Hubbard Standard

This is the original strain of the high quality Hubbard squash. Although smaller than the New England strain, it still produces the classic Hubbard shaped fruit and measures 12 in. long by 7 in. in diameter. The 7-10 lb. fruit will have a blue-gray rind and a sweet, fine textured orange flesh. (from Harris Seeds)

Tomato – Old German

The yellow fruit of this heirloom have a variable ribbed shoulder and are shaded with a reddish-pink stripe. The bicolor interior is yellow, marbled with red, has a delicious fruity flavor and a smooth texture. (from Harris Seeds)

Tomato – Cherokee Purple

Rumored to be a descendant of a variety used by the Cherokee Indians, this odd looking and interesting heirloom has a distinct look. Medium-large, deep oblate fruit have a pinkish-purple appearance with pinkish-purple interiors. (from Harris Seeds)

Tomato – Mr. Stripey

This unique heirloom dates back to the 1800’s and was brought here by the Virginian Mennonites from the old country. Vigorous indeterminate vines produce large, 1-3 lb., yellow fruit that have red streaks running throughout them. The fruit are deep oblate in shape and have a rough shoulder. The flavor and color of this variety make it one of the most popular heirlooms available. (from Harris Seeds)

Pepper – Jupiter

The large, blocky, dark green fruit turn red at maturity. Jupiter’s thick-walled fruits are predominantly 4 lobed and 4 in. to 4½ in. square. (from Harris Seeds)

Pepper – Lady Bell

The rich green fruit that ripen red have a uniform deep bell shape with 3-4 lobes and medium-thick walls. (from Harris Seeds)

Eggplant – Ghostbuster

Imagine, a white-skinned eggplant with sweeter flavor than purple-skinned varieties. The attractive fruit is deep oval in shape, about 6-7 in. in length. (from Harris Seeds)

Eggplant – Ophelia

Ophelia is a small fruited, mini eggplant. Its 2 oz. fruit are produced on medium tall, bushy plants and have an oval shape. The fruit are borne in clusters, have a deep purple color and are good for stuffing or frying. (from Harris Seeds)

Eggplant – Classic

The hybrid by which all eggplants are measured. Produces longated oval, calyxed fruit. (from Harris Seeds)

Pepper – Cubanelle

This is the standard early, open-pollinated, frying type. 7 in. long fruit have a slight taper from 2½ in. shoulders to a rounded end and are somewhat creased into 3 lobes. They ripen from yellow-green to orange-red and have fairly thin walls for quick cooking. (from Harris Seeds)

Pepper – Habanero

One of the most pungent hot peppers. The productive plants support large numbers of thin-fleshed, wrinkled fruit that turn from light green to golden orange at maturity. These peppers are roughly 2 in. long x 1½ in. wide and are used both fresh or dried. Use care in handling seed and fruit! (from Harris Seeds)

Pepper – Hungarian Wax

An early, highly prolific hot pepper with bright waxy yellow fruit, turning orange-red when ripe. (from Harris Seeds)

Tomato – Brandywine

Heirloom tomatoes are known for their great eating quality and Brandywine is one of the best. It has very large fruit with deep pink skin and red flesh. (from Harris Seeds)

Mesclun Mix Lettuce

Mesclun is a mixture of young salad greens that is sown, grown and cut all together.

Boston Bibb Lettuce

Rich green and very fresh, Boston lettuce is deliciously mild in taste. These premium greens form a loosely folded head surrounded by a rosette of delicate soft leaves. It is the most refined of all the butter head varieties

Bush Beans

Nutritionally speaking, bush beans are one of the most beneficial vegetables we can eat. Low in calories, they’re packed with vitamins A and C, calcium and iron, and contain good amounts of potassium, phosphorus and protein.

Jarrahdale Pumpkin

This pumpkin has a deep color with a soft, melon like aroma. From the town of Jarrahdale in New Zealand

Ambercup Squash

This squash is very sweet with golden orange meat, fine-grained. Great stuffed or baked. Brilliant orange shell.

Table Acorn Squash

A popular squash named for its resemblance to a large ribbed acorn.  Has a firm yellow-orange flesh. Native to the Americas, the first European settlers thought squash to be a type of melon since they had never seen them before.

Bush Sugar Pumpkin

Good for pies. The skin is a deep orange-yellow. It is very fine-grained, sweet and sugary, and keeps well.

Grilled Corn on the Cob – Janiak Family Recipe

Grilled Corn on the Cob is popular at clambakes and barbecues. With all the fresh, native sweet corn now available at the farm, this recipe makes a delicious dish. Ingredients: 6 ears of freshly picked, unhusked corn on the cob. Prepare: Soak the still-in-husk corn in a pot of water for 20-30 minutes. Grill: Place corn (still in husks) on a grill at medium heat for 20 minutes occasionally turning the corn. Eat and joy – fresh sweet corn is a great summer treat.  

Corn Fritters from Shanda Hiller, Cape Abilities Farm Team

“This is a great recipe if you have left-over corn on the cob. It is perfect as a side dish at lunch or dinner, or for breakfast.” Shanda Hiller, Cape Abilities Farm Team Ingredients 2 cups “light” pancake mix 1 cup corn cut off the cob, whole kernels 1/2 cups water (more or less, depending upon the thickness of fritter/pancake that desired) Prepare Mix ingredients well. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto hot well-oiled pancake griddle. Cook until fritters are brown on each side and dough is completely cooked. Makes about 25 to 30...

Corn Relish

This is easy to make and very tasty – a great use for leftover corn on the cob. Ingredients: 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp dry mustard 1/4 tsp tumeric 1 1/4 cups corn 1/4 cup diced onion 2 tbsp sweet red bell pepper 2 tbsp sweet green bell pepper Preparation: Combine vinegar, sugar, mustard and tumeric in a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the corn, onion and peppers. Cook for 4 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Makes 1 1/4 cups corn relish.

Oysters in Tomato Water

From Rick Horton of The Naked Oyster Oysters with Tomato Water Ingredients A dozen oysters Six tomatoes Salt Chop up the tomatoes then lightly salt them. Push the juice through a coffee strainer. It should come out clear. Place the juice in a fine sieve. Let stand for 24 hours in a refrigerator. Directions Shuck oysters then place a spoonful of tomato water on each raw oyster and serve

How to Freeze Corn – It’s Easy

It’s easy to freeze corn – just follow these simple steps. 1. Remove husks from your corn on the cob 2. Prepare a large pot of boiling water 3. Prepare a large bowl of ice water 4. Put corn (4 or 5 ears at a time) into the boiling water 5. Boil for 1 minute 6. Remove corn on the cob from boiling water and plunge into the ice water (to stop the cooking) 7. Cut corn off the cob, place in freezer bags 8. Freeze immediately When you are ready to use it, simply heat (on low heat) with a little milk, or add the corn to chowder, stews or other recipes.  

Cape Abilities Farm Buttercup Bisque from Chef Fizell of The Regatta

Ingredients 2 buttercup squash, peeled 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons brown sugar Nutmeg, cinnamon 1 onion, chopped 6 cups Vegetable stock 1 cup heavy cream Directions Cut squash in quarters, remove the seeds and place on baking pan. Sprinkle with half the butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Bake covered for 1 hour or until the squash is tender. In large pot melt remaining butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until onions are tender. Transfer squash mixture to a blender...

Radish Sandwich Recipe

At Cape Abilities Farm, we grow 3 varieties of radishes – Champion, Cherry Belle and Icicle Short Top Don’t be fooled by the simple ingredients – the humble radish sandwich is a real treat. Ingredients: Radishes, thinly sliced – chilled is nice French baguette, cut into ½ inch slices – or any coarse, dark bread Butter Kosher salt Directions: 1. Butter bread – don’t be stingy with the butter 2. Place sliced radishes on butter

Tomato – Brandywine

Heirloom tomatoes are known for their great eating quality and Brandywine is one of the best. It has very large fruit with deep pink skin and red flesh. (from Harris Seeds) Tomato Recipes  

Pasta with Fresh Basil and Tomatoes

This dish is a usually a great summer treat – at Cape Abilities Farm, fresh local tomatoes and basil are available begininning in May. You don’t have to wait until August to enjoy this recipe. Ingredients: 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped 1/2 cup of olive oil, extra virgin 1 large clove of garlic, mashed 1 pound of tomatoes 1 pound of pasta, shells – or your favorite Fresh ground peper and salt to taste Directions Bring five quarts of water to boil and put in pasta. Chop tomatoes into small pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl with garlic, basil, and oil. When pasta is cooked...

Pickled Swiss Chard Stems

Nancy Chudacoff sent in this delicious recipe for Swiss Chard stems. She says it goes particularly well with rainbow stems. Ingredients Stems from 2 bunches Swiss chard 2 cups water or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Directions Cut pieces 1/2-inch wide and 2 inches long. Place in saucepan with stock and bay leaf, and simmer 10 minutes, until tender. Drain, and place in shallow glass dish with bay leaf. 2. Mix oil and vinegar together, and pour over chard stems. Season with...

Green Beans With Peppers and Onions

This is a delicious recipe for a summer treat that will spice up the fresh green beans you buy at Cape Abilities Farm. To INGREDIENTS: 16 ounces cooked green beans 1 red bell pepper, sliced in strips 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced in strips 1 small onion, sliced 2 cloves minced garlic 2 tablespoons butter salt and pepper Directions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add green beans, peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook slowly, stirring, until peppers are crisp tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.

Sugar Snap Peas With Mint

This is a spritely dish for a hot night. Sure to add a dose of sweetness to your meal. Ingredients 2 teaspoons olive oil 3/4 pound sugar snap peas 3 chopped green onions 1 chopped clove garlic 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint DIRECTIONS Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peas, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 4 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the mint leaves.

Three Bean Salad

Three Bean salad is a traditional summer dish. This recipe is a delicious variation of a tried and true formula. Find out more about green beans here Ingredients: 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper Ten ounces lima beans Nine ounces cut green beans 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Directions: In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, and oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Add all beans; toss to combine. Let marinate at room temperature or in the refrigerator, tossing occasionally, at least 30 minutes and up to a...

Basic Pesto

Hot or cold. Winter, Spring, Fall or Summer. This is a favorite. Ingredients Leaves from 2 bunches fresh basil 2 tablespoons pine nuts 1 garlic clove 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Salt and freshly black pepper Directions Combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a blender and blend. Add the cheese, salt and pepper.

Pasta with Shrimp, Snap Peas, and Basil

A filling and fulfilling pasta dish that’s healthy too. Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound shrimp, peeled 3/4 pound snap peas, cut into pieces 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan 1 pound pasta Directions Bring a large pot of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil. When the water boils, add the pasta and cook until it’s al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the shrimp and let them cook, 1-2 minutes per side. Add the snap peas and...

Cucumber Salad

The perfect summer dish from Cape Abilities Farm. Serve as an appetizer or a side dish. Ingredients: 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced 1 cup white vinegar 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt dash ground pepper chopped fresh parsley or dash dried parsley flakes 1/8 teaspoon black pepper chopped fresh basil or dash dried basil leaf Directions: Combine all ingredients except cucumbers; heat until sugar melts. Pour warm mixture over cucumbers. Store covered in refrigerator.

Spinach Gratin

A tasty grouping of fresh spinach and other fresh ingredients. Ingredients: 1 pound spinach 2 minced cloves of garlic 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/3 cupmilk 1/3 cup mayonnaise Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon olive oil Directions: Preheat oven to at 450°F. Coat a gratin dish withcooking spray. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat; stir in milk and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper. Place the spinach mixture in the baking dish and top...

Baked Brussel Sprouts

This dish provides a nice change of pace for those diners who feel they are bogged down in an endless round of broccoli and cauliflower dishes. INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds Brussels sprouts 1/2 cup butter 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F Place the Brussels sprouts in a casserole with a lid. Arrange pieces of butter on top of the sprouts. Season with salt, pepper and lime juice. Cover with the lid. Bake for 25 minutes or until sprouts are just barely tender. Stir now...

Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

A sweet and delicious and spicy treat. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup water 1/2 cup wild rice 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground steak 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper 2 green onions, chopped 4 cubanelle peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese DIRECTIONS: Bring the rice and water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice...

Baked Eggplant

A tasty traditional dish that combines comfort food with healthy food. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 small eggplants sliced in 1/4-inch thick rounds 1 red bell pepper 4 ounces mushrooms 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 jar (about 24 ounces) spaghetti sauce 2 cups mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese Directions: Line two baking sheets with foil. Brush foil with olive oil. Arrange slices of eggplant over the bottom of one of the baking sheets; brush slices with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange bell pepper and mushrooms on the other baking...

Kale Soup with Beans

You will not only enjoy eating this soup, you will feel virtuous. It’s so healthy. Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 cloves of garlic 1 medium yellow onion 4 cups raw chopped kale 4 cups vegetable broth divided 2 cans navy beans undrained 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 teaspoons herb seasoning One cup of cheese (your choice) Directions In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic and onion; saute until soft and the onion is transparent.Wash the kale. Saute, stirring, until wilted about 15 minutes. Add 3 cups of the broth, reserving 1 cup, 2 cups of the beans, reserving 1 cup, all...

Pak Choi With Garlic

STIR-FRIED GARLIC PAK CHOI Serves 4 to share Ingredients 1 tablespoon groundnut oil 4 garlic cloves finely chopped 350g/12oz baby pak choi, washed and sliced in half 1 generous pinch of salt Directions Heat wok over a high heat and add the groundnut oil. Add the garlic and pak choi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened and wilted.

Radish Recipe – Crunchy Pea Salad

This is a great recipe for our fresh radishes. Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) package frozen peas. 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained 1/4 cup diced radishes 1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper 1/3 cup diced red onion 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 teaspoon dill weed 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds Directions In a large serving bowl, combine the peas, water chestnuts, radishes, red pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over vegetables and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate until...

Fresh Tomato Soup

The problem with many tomato soups is the tomatoes come fresh…..from the can. Not so with this, which has a fresh, garden flavor. Ingredients 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 sliced onion 4 whole cloves 2 cups chicken broth 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons white sugar, or to taste Directions In a stockpot, over medium heat, combine the tomatoes, onion, cloves and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and gently boil for about 20 minutes to blend all of the flavors. Remove from heat and put the mixture through a food mill into a large bowl, or...

Strawberry Almond Salad

Here’s a wonderful, light summer recipe using strawberries. Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese 1/2 cup nonfat sour cream 1/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 pint (2 cups) fresh strawberries 1/2 pint (1 cup) fresh raspberries 1/2 pint (1 cup) fresh blueberries 1/2 cup sliced almonds, dry roasted Instructions: Process cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container; refrigerate for 8 hours. Place cottage cheese in a bowl gently fold in sour cream, honey, almond extract. At serving time, slice strawberries and gently combine with other berries in ...

Zucchini Bread

There are few things in the world more comforting than zucchini bread. Here’s a nice recipe. Ingredients 3 cups of flour 1 tsp of salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 3 tsp ground cinnamon 3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 2 1/4 cups sugar 2 cups grated zucchini 3 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup walnuts Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour two 4-8 inch pans. Sift salt, flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon together. Beat eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla together, then add sifted mixture and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts and place in pans. Bake 40-60 minutes....

Peach Cobbler

Ingredients one cup flour half cup unsalted butter two cups sugar one tablespoon baking powder Pinch of salt one cup milk one cup fresh peach slices one tablespoon lemon juice DIRECTIONS Melt butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Combine flour, one cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; add milk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter over butter (do not stir). Bring remaining 1 cup sugar, peach slices, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly; pour over batter (do not stir). Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. Bake at 375° for 40 to 45...

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients 2 cups mashed, cooked pumpkin 12 ounce can evaporated milk 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup shortening 1/2 cup cold water Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F . Halve pumpkin and scoop out seeds and strings. Cut pumpkin into chunks. In saucepan over medium heat, in 1 inch of boiling water heat the pumpkin to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain, cool and remove the...

Pumpkin Bread

Here’s a great recipe for pumpkin bread from Cape Abilities Farm. Ingredients 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups shredded fresh pumpkin 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds Directions Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and fold in the shredded pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Once the...

Hot Spicy Apple Cider

We’ve got great cider at our farm stand. Here’s a recipe for hot cider using a coffee maker. Ingredients 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1 large orange, quartered with peel 2 quarts apple cider Directions Place filter in coffee basket, and fill with brown sugar, allspice, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, nutmeg, and orange wedges. Pour apple cider into coffee pot where the water usually goes. Brew, and serve hot.

Apple Cider Cake

6 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. grated nutmeg 1 cup butter, softened 3 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup cider mix together the flour, soda, salt and nutmeg and set aside. In amixer, cream butter well, add sugar gradually, until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time and beat thoroughly. On low speed, add the flour mixture alternately with the cider, beating until smooth after each addition. Grease two loaf pans (or four smaller ones) and distribute batter evenly. Bake at 350 F for about one hour until a toothpick comes out clean.  

Turkey Stuffing

We can’t sell you the turkey, but you can get most of the fixings for this stuffing at our farm stand. INGEDIENTS 114 oz. bag of bread croutons 2 cups chopped onion 1 1/2 cups chopped celery 1/2 cup butter 1 egg, beaten 1-2 cups chicken broth 2 tsp. sage 2 tsp. poultry seasoning 1 tsp. marjoram 1 tsp. salt, or to taste 1 tsp. pepper, or to taste 1/2 tsp. thyme optional – 1 or 2 tart apples peeled and chopped Melt butter over medium heat on the stove in a large skillet. Add the onions, celery, and optional apples. Cook until onions become soft. If not using apples, the onions and...

Cape Abilities Farm

Cape Abilities Farm on Route 6A in Dennis is open daily. The farm features a wide variety of seedlings, plants and hanging plants - everything for your garden and deck. The farm also sells fresh local produce – including tomatoes and lettuce – grown at Cape Abilities Farm. Cape Abilities Farm provides jobs and job training for people with disabilities in all aspects of farm mangement. The farm is open daily, from 10  AM – 6 PM. Click here for directions.