Feature Recipe: Creamy Roasted Winter Squash Pasta

A cozy, versatile dish that celebrates the best of fall. Smooth roasted squash blends with sage, thyme, and garlic for a rich, velvety sauce — perfect over your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

• ½ small butternut squash, halved and seeded

• (or use acorn, delicata, kabocha, seminole, or pumpkin)

• 2 shallots, coarsely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled

• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• Sea salt & black pepper

• ¾ cup water

• Vegan option: ½ cup raw cashews + 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• Non-vegan option: ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 10 fresh sage leaves

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

• ¾ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste

• For serving: 12 oz spaghetti (or favorite pasta), reserved cooking water

Instructions

1. Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F. Drizzle squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast cut-side down on parchment for ~30 minutes, or until tender. Wrap shallots and garlic in foil with olive oil and roast alongside.

2. Blend: Scoop out 1 cup roasted squash. Peel garlic and add to blender with shallots, water, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add cashews + nutritional yeast (vegan) or half-and-half (non-vegan). Blend until smooth.

3. Toss: Cook pasta, reserve 1 cup water, then combine with sauce. Add pasta water gradually until creamy and smooth. Adjust salt to taste.

4. Serve: Top with thyme, pepper, and optional sides — sautéed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad.

Tips

• Swap the squash: Each variety adds its own flavor twist.

• Make ahead: Sauce keeps 3 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.

• Boost flavor: Try red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan (or vegan Parmesan).

• Versatile: Delicious over gnocchi, roasted veggies, or grain bowls.

Preserving the Harvest

Want your local squash and pumpkins to last?

Check out “Preserving Pumpkins and Winter Squash” — our quick guide to storing, roasting, and freezing local squash for months of meals.

Shop Local. Eat Seasonal. Stay Cozy.

Support our farmers through the cooler months — shop seasonal produce, dairy, meats, and handmade goods at Piedmont Fresh.

Stay connected with your local food community all winter long.

Panzanella Salad Recipe

Orange Tarragon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp minced shallots

• 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the minced shallots and Dijon mustard in a bowl.

2. Slowly whisk in the orange juice and apple cider vinegar.

3. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.

4. Stir in the minced tarragon and season with salt and pepper.

5. Stir or shake before each use.

Panzanella Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 thick slices sourdough bread, diced into large chunks

• 3 large heirloom tomatoes, diced

• Thinly sliced red onion

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn or diced

• 3 avocados, diced

• Microgreens and spring mix

• Orange Tarragon Vinaigrette (from above)

• Optional: orange segments for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss the bread chunks with butter, salt, and pepper, then lightly toast until crispy (like croutons).

2. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onions.

3. Add the mozzarella, diced avocados, and microgreens.

4. Toss with some of the vinaigrette, reserving extra for serving.

5. Mix some spring mix with vinaigrette and plate as a base.

6. Serve the Panzanella salad on top of the greens.

7. Garnish with a drizzle of vinaigrette and optional orange segments.

Serves: 6–8

This salad is a perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and zesty flavors—ideal for highlighting local, seasonal produce. The vinaigrette adds a bright citrus-herb punch that keeps every bite exciting.

Seven Sisters Farm: Rooted in Family, Growing for Community

Seven Sisters Farm: Rooted in Family, Growing for Community

Some farms grow more than food—they grow from stories, roots, and family. Seven Sisters Farm is one of those special places.

It all began with a can of Spaghettios on a college field trip. That simple moment sparked a love of farming for Janice, one of seven sisters raised on a Maryland farm. After spending a few years working the land there, Janice and her husband Michael—a Denton native—returned to North Carolina in 2013. Together, they launched The Fine Farming Company in 2014, which grew into what we now know as Seven Sisters Farm. Along the way, their three children became part of the journey, shaping the farm into a true family-centered way of life.

Today, Seven Sisters Farm stewards 25 acres in Central North Carolina, producing premium fruits and vegetables to feed local families. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to enhance your diet, your life, and our community through the production of quality goods.

Seven Sisters Farm is truly a place of home. Every member of the family works day to day to bring fresh, local food to the community, with a deep commitment to nature, family values, and sustainable farming.

A Farm Built on Connection

Located in Southern Davidson County, Seven Sisters Farm is run by individuals with a passion for growing high-quality produce and connecting it to those who love eating it. Their story is one of family, resilience, and a love for the land—reminding us that farming is about more than just crops; it’s about the people, places, and communities that make local food possible.

Support Seven Sisters Farm by visiting their farm stand, catching them at Charlotte markets, or shopping weekly online at Piedmont Fresh.

What Customers Are Saying

"Wonderful fresh produce, and their cantaloupe are the best and huge!! Very nice and friendly owners. It's worth the trip for great fresh produce!" — Patricia

"Incredibly friendly people. Very knowledgeable. Huge selection. Delicious strawberries. Very impressed and will go back for sure!" — Raechel

Where to Find Seven Sisters Farm

On-Farm Stand
19562 Hwy 8
Denton, NC 27239

• Note: Farm dogs are on property—please do not bring pets.

• Payments: Cash, Check, Venmo accepted (no credit processing).

Regular Season Hours

• Wednesday–Friday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Uptown Market in Charlotte
300 S. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC

• Saturdays, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm (Mid April – Mid December)

• Saturdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Mid January – Mid March)

Charlotte Regional Market
1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217 – Greenery Shed

• Select Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (check newsletter for dates)

Piedmont Fresh
Shop online for seven sisters weekly produce: