Happy New Year! The holidays are history and here on New Oak Ranch we’re busy with our winter farming activities. Fall and winter rains have produced a bumper crop of weeds so we’re busy mowing, rototilling and weeding. The pixie tangerines are ripening (check out www.pixietangerine.com for information on where to buy these seedless, sweet, easy-to-peel lumpy, bumpy wonders) and the lavender has been pruned. New on the ranch this year is a greenhouse so we’re now propagating our own lavender plants to replace those that have succumbed to the dreaded root rot (remember lavender needs well drained soil…sadly our clay soil does not drain well so we’re constantly replacing our plants).
For the last couple of months Jane Weirick has been "baking for the bowl." Creating and delivering her special cakes to friends and neighbors. 
Thanks to her efforts, many dollars have been raised to help save Libbey Bowl and at the same time, the awareness of this very important community project has been strengthened. If we are going to preserve this valuable Ojai asset, THE TIME IS NOW to help out and to make your contribution. In order to "sweeten the pot" and encourage more contributions, Jane has recruited myself and Peggy Russell to help. The menu of "sweets" has been expanded so whether you're a chocoholic or a fruit fancier, there is something to excite your pallet. And we're making it easy. Just contact Anna Cho at the Festival's office (805) 646-3117 or acho@libbeybowl.org or give me a call (640-1189) if you have any questions. If you have already made a contribution, thank you very, very much (but you could still consider a special dessert) and thanks for considering the future of Libbey Bowl. Click Here for the Baking for the Bowl Menu. To visit the Save Libbey Bowl Website please visit libbeybowl.org.
In addition, Karen is busy working with the 2010 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival committee to plan what promises to be a very exciting Festival. This year’s Festival will be held Saturday, June 26th in Ojai’s Libbey Park. Mark your calendars and make your plans. As always, the Ranch will be open for visits: U-Pick lavender, distillation demonstrations and great lavender product shopping, including our new additions … beautiful lavender-scented Veris Candles plus Lavender Tomato Jam and Lavender Strawberry Jam. (www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org).
Lavender Tomato Jam is guaranteed to become a favorite! This surprising flavor combination has rapidly become an addictive addition to many pantries. It’s a tasty topping for your breakfast bagel, it creates an easy, attractive and delicious hors d’oeuvre when spread on top of cream cheese and served with crackers (try garnishing with a sprig of fresh or dried lavender for a real “wow” presentation) and it’s a yummy glaze for seafood, pork or chicken. So good. So easy.
Years ago we discovered that strawberries gently infused with lavender was a match made in heaven. (Think: strawberries sweetened with lavender-infused simple syrup or strawberries topped with lavender whipped cream). This year we decided to take this combination one step further and develop a recipe Lavender Strawberry Jam. The combination is a winner! Spread it on your toast, plop a spoonful on your bagel, swirl it over ice cream or drizzle it on pound cake. No matter where you spoon it, Lavender Strawberry Jam is sure to generate lip-smacking smiles.
Both of the jams are available in 3.5 and 8.5 ounce sizes.
All new products (along with old favorites) are now available…check out our “BUY OUR PRODUCTS” and place your order today … or give us a call (805 )640-1189 to arrange for shipping or to stop by the Ranch and pick up our products.
Thank you,
Bill and Karen
