Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Egg Puff- A Christmas Tradition

I do apologize for such a gap in my posts, but with this holiday season I feel like I could never catch up! So here it is, finally winding down, and I finally made the Christmas dish (yes, I made it 2 days later than the actual holiday, but Tom was still a happy man).

This recipe came from my hometown church cookbook and my mom made it for us every Christmas. I always crave this around the holidays. It's called egg puff and it's pretty good, and very rich!

The recipe:
Egg Puff

  • 10 eggs
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 lb of pepper jack shredded (you can use monterey jack, but Tom loves the pepper jack instead)

Mix and pour into a buttered 9x13 pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees.


Hope you all enjoyed Christmas, I can't believe it came and went already!


The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Have I mentioned that I spend a lot of my time on Pinterest? Well I found this recipe on there and printed it out about a month ago, and came upon it yesterday in my recipe binder. I figured it was time to finally make it!

Tom and I go to a Monday School in lieu of Sunday School and we bring finger foods, desserts, etc. I had all the ingredients on hand, so I whipped it up, and should I say, that people loved it! The only thing they weren't happy about was the 3 sticks of butter used, oh well!

To make it yourself, here's the link.

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, December 4, 2011

White Trash Leaf Removal

I remember watching this cartoon when I was a kid that had a goat eating everything-cans, trash, lemon peels, grass, you name it! Little did I know how true this was.

I have just come to the realization that it's time for me to start raking leaves. The seasons are changing and all the trees are naked now, so I need to pull out that rake! Or.....I could be totally lazy and tie my goats up outside to munch on the leaves themselves! They love these things. I put them out for hours to vacuum up all my leaf piles. Does this make me white trash?

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Realities of a Farm Life

I went outside to feed the animals this morning, and lo and behold, Ginger has brought me another gift.

It's so yucky, but what can I do?
During the night she scavenges and brings back treasures she finds, this was her late night find.

Yes, it's a cow leg (the cow has been dead for awhile, Ginger didn't kill it) and she even brought back another leg and hip which is on the front lawn. On our walks around the farm fields she'll bring me cattle hides and organs as well. My question is, how does she tote all these back from the pastures. The cows are miles off and yet she still seems to keep bringing me new parts every morning.

Our entire front yard is a bone yard. I've tried to throw all the parts over the fence and she just keeps bringing them back. Oh joy!

The Farmer's Wife

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Chewy Chunky Blondies-Yum!

I was going to take a picture of the blondies I made, but sadly they are all consumed, so I found this picture online which closely portrays this cookie masterpiece.

I got the book "Baking: From My Home to Yours" by Dorie Greenspan from the local library. The book was huge-very thick and heavy. This had me thinking that there was bound to be a delicious recipe in there somewhere, and then I found it- Chewy Chunky Blondies. This recipe is extra delicious and I make them in bars not as cookies.

Here's a link to her recipe. I hope you enjoy them!

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Tom's Creations

Necessity is the mother of invention.

That specific quote goes a long way here at the house.
I was tired of stacking all the wood on the brick and was heading to True Value to buy a metal wood rack. Tom stopped me in my tracks. "Why spend $30 on one of those things when I can make one for you?" he says.

So I let him go to work and voila, here we have it, a new wood rack to stash it in the house. And the rack behind that is to dry our wet clothes from outside.

Boy did I marry a handy man!

The Farmer's Wife

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Kitty on a Line

When my brother and mom came to visit a couple weeks ago my mom cam across my hoard of cats, oh heavens (it's almost embarrassing how many there are!).

My mom has taken home a number of my barn cats and so she loves to see how many more grace our farm. This particular one that she's hanging out to dry is Moo Shoo or Moo for short. He's pretty easy going, as you can tell since mom has him on a laundry line.

What I love is that my mom is having a blast with this! Love you mom!

The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Nature's Decorations

With the wind out here, all the pine cones are falling off our tree. I usually go through the yard collecting them and using them for fire starter. However, after I gathered them my brain sparked.

They're so pretty! Like little roses. So I decided that I would make something with them, and this is what I came up with, just some adornment for a candle centerpiece.

Granted bugs could come out of those things at any moment, but for now, I'm happy with my rustic creation.
The Farmer's Wife

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Home Improvements

When Tom had left for deer hunting about a month ago, I was awake all through the night addicted to Pinterest and making a list of things I wanted to update in the casa that I had seen on Pinterest.

Sadly, once Tom returned, my free time was next to nada and my list of improvements laid dormant in my to-do folder.

But today I had some time and a nice little burst of energy, and I accomplished number 5 on my list: hang measuring cups and spoons.

In my kitchen I only have 1 drawer, yes, that's right, just uno. So to free up some space in there, I decided that I would hang them on the inside of my cabinet door instead. Now my little drawer has an extra area of space that I can actually put more utensils in, imagine that!

Granted, every time I open this cabinet door, it's met with a nice plastic banging sound from the cups and spoons, but it's starting to grow on me. To-do list, here I come! Again!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Jumbos!

Well Ginger doesn't look very excited, but I am! This is one of our jumbo pumpkins that we plucked to carve, and we haven't carved yet. Better late than never!

There are still some jumbos on the vine out in the garden that we're letting get super-big!

We might carve this jumbo tonight or tomorrow, so I'll be sure to put up more pics of those!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Berries!

After trying countless times to grow berries from a single stick (well it was an actual cutting) I pulled them out and went to True Value and bought berries that were already started, imagine that!

I bought raspberries, boysenberries, grapes, and blueberries. With the weather still warm in these later months, the berries have started to flourish.

This picture is actually the boysenberry, yes I thought they were raspberries ( I forgot where I planted what) and imagine my surprise at the tart taste! Wow, that was a pucker moment.

I did however find the dark boysenberries and while I was gardening, continued to pop them in my mouth, they were absolutely delicious! I saved two for Tom to eat when he came home last night, and he agrees! We'll just have to wait a couple more weeks to collect enough for a pie!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Pinterest Fool!

So my good girly friends got me hooked, no, I should say addicted, to this site called Pinterest.

You can pin things you like: DIY crafts, outfits, recipes, etc onto your online board. Needless to say, I've spent hours (yes hours) searching through this vast library of great ideas!

One of them was a cute wreath with flowers and wood numbers of their address. Loved the idea, but instead I adorned my own wreath with a "C".

I did this one all by myself and am pretty proud. I bought everything from Wally World so I made my own wreath for under $20. Whatcha think?

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Garden Finds

Since Tom is still gone, my "Kristi-Do" list consisted of harvesting the garden.

And I did just that. I got through the okra, tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, pumpkins, cucumber, and squash until it was finally time for the eggplant.

Since they're mostly hidden inside the lush foliage, I didn't see this odd shape until after I cut it. I feel like I should draw some eyes and a smile, and I'd have my own little eggplant man! With this unique shape, I don't even know if I want to eat it.

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, October 7, 2011

Good Morning!

It's almost been a month since my last post, and this is because I'm a slacker.

The farming season has been a push, and now the guys are out hunting so I'll have more time to keep this blog updated.

I took this picture as the sun was rising and the rain was dwindling, what beautiful scenery we have out here in Weldon, feel free to visit and enjoy this yourself!

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Newest Addition

As our neighbors call him, "The Russian Goat" is now gracing our goat pen.

It's breeding time, so Grandma Winnie's billy is paying a visit to our two ladies.

He's stinky, big, has an attitude, and absolutely loves those lady goats.

This picture doesn't really do him justice. He's about 125 pounds and is a massive goat. He's already horned me once and I won't let it happen again. Note to self, don't get in between him and his women!

The stink is also pretty nasty. The only way I can describe it is a batch of roasted hazelnuts gone wrong. He pees on his beard and his scent wafts past our house each and every morning.

Let's just hope he gets to go back to grandmas pretty soon!

The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Kitty Central

I would like you all to take note of how different my life is since becoming a farmer's wife.

When I lived in the city I was allergic to cats, now that I'm out here, we have to keep them for rodent control, and who knew that they breed faster than rabbits?

This batch on our bench is only 1 litter, can you believe it? There's still the mama cat, daddy cat, and big brother that are out hunting while these ones lounge on all my outdoor furniture-lazy bones!

So in total, 10 cats? Oh my goodness, does that qualify me for animal hoarding? But one good thing-I haven't seen a rodent in years!

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, September 2, 2011

The 2011 Garden

So this year, Tom plowed the whole backyard to get this garden ready. As you can see, there is the before and after picture of what has been planted.

There are 4 rows which include everything from: okra, eggplant, giant pumpkins, jalapenos, tomatoes, leeks, strawberries, squash, regular watermelons, giant watermelons, bell peppers, anaheim peppers, regular pumpkins, cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, cantaloupe, garlic, onions, and some corn. And yes, I do harvest this at least everyday, it's a job in itself.


The weeding is the most time consuming job ever! But it's definitely a workout. No more gym for me, I have a free membership out here!

The Farmer's Wife



Saturday, August 27, 2011

Concrete Work

Tom finally had the chance to do something for him here on the home front. We're pouring some concrete around the backside of the barn (now the kitties have to find someplace else to do their doo, it was a huge cat box for them).

With the nice pad out back, now I can park my car even closer to the house and have a nice wind protection.

It's still drying and Tom is putting a layer on top that's way smoother.

This is the biggest reconstruction we've done since.... well, I just can't remember!

The Farmer's Wife

Monday, August 15, 2011

The True Farmer in Me

First of all, I apologize for slacking with these posts, it's been forever, I know.

I had the opportunity to vacation in Hawaii with my siblings and just got back to the mainland.

The first day in Hawaii we drove to the Dole Plantation, and here is where the true farmer came out, I saw how pineapples grow!

I thought they were on trees! Not little yucca bushes! I was so perplexed, so I took tons of pictures! I think I was the only tourist there who really cared how pineapples are grown. I mean there's a crystal clear beach a mile away and I'm going through the pineapples rows, I've been bit by the farming bug pretty bad!

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, July 29, 2011

Everything's Growin'!

Summertime is here again and our garden out back is flourishing!

It has just started producing veggies so I'm trying to be more on top of it and harvest at least 2x a day.

Here is our first batch of pickling cucumbers. I'm so excited! Last year none of our cucumbers came up. I've never pickled cucumbers before, so we'll see if it's Tom approved. Last year I made bread and butter pickles out of the huge cucumbers and it was pretty nasty. Tom's more of a dill man. So I'll wait 24 hours before taste testing!

The Farmer's Wife

Thursday, July 14, 2011

One of These Things is Not Like the Other


Thankfully, our cat breeding herd is very diverse (that's a joke). The same mama cat keeps getting pregnant by who knows and we keep getting cats that look the same.

I had happened to open the door just as the sun was coming up this morning to find the Older Tomcat cuddled up on the one nice outdoor pillow. "Good morning" I said as I scratched his head. I went back inside.

I came out again to feed the goats, and who do I see but the second Brother Cat (we're very original with names) sitting on the same pillow hoping for me to scratch his head too (so jealous and also very smart).

I can hardly start to tell them apart, but if you look closely, one of these matching cats has two different colored eyes, so pretty.

Oh the joys of living on a farm!

The Farmer's Wife

Monday, July 11, 2011

A Good Read

I always love finding a good read, and this one was awesome!

The only time I ever find to read is at night after the hubby dozes off. I sit there and read until my eyes cross. Sadly, it takes me weeks to finish a book since it's just a nighttime read, but boy this one was worth it.

I saw this book in Family Circle or Real Simple one of those "new books of the summer" it seemed interesting enough in the blurb under the picture, but nothing prepared me for how good it actually was.

So if you have time (even if it's 1 hour a night) I'd urge you to grab this one!

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Pasta Time!

My farmer husband is still not much of a fan of pasta, but I think he really liked this one.

This is really simple and has leeks in it (I'm growing them in my garden, so we'll see how they do). It's really yummy! I made it when my sis was here months ago and we couldn't stop snacking on it.

It seemed a little too foofoo for my kitchen, but trust me, you'll love it, and yes of course, it's Pioneer Woman, are you surprised?
Here's the recipe!

The Farmer's Wife

Monday, July 4, 2011

Peach Cobbler!

Every 4th of July my mom makes this delicious peach cobbler. Now that I'm married I love to chow down on the peachy deliciousness.

And yes, it does kinda look like mac and cheese, but my cheapo camera doesn't do it justice.

Want to add it to your recipe collection? It's very simple!

Patti's Peach Cobbler
  • 1 1/2 sticks of butter
  • 2 cups Bisquick
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 cups peeled and sliced peaches (yellow or white)
Melt butter in 9x13 pan at 350 degrees.
Mix Bisquick, sugar, and milk in bowl then add to melted butter.
Place drained peaches on top of mixture, don't stir.
Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes.

Enjoy!

The Farmer's Wife

Monday, June 27, 2011

Cal Poly Memories

I had the great privilege of going to Cal Poly SLO.
When I first moved there, my roomies and I climbed Bishop's Peak.

This is the view. And yes, the view of my love handles as well.

But whenever I needed that break from life or just a breather to remember my goals, I'd always hike this peak or one other and just turn my brain off.

I think we all need to climb a mountain once in a while!

What a view!

The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, June 25, 2011

The Spoiled Farm Animals

I can't believe I'm even posting this, I'm so embarrassed.

Animals should not be allowed in the house, this is true; especially dirty, smelling, farm animals.

But, it was a 100 degree day, I did have the cooler on, and they were just too cute to refuse! I let them both in, yes, even the cat that I'm still allergic to. And there they lay in the same position as if they were cut from the same cloth taking their little afternoon naps.

So spoiled!

Until next time,

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, June 10, 2011

Gabby's Visit

I got to have my little niece come and visit Aunt Kristi's house on Wednesday. This is Gabby Bigler!

She loves animals and my dog, Ginger, always remembers Gabby. Ginger is extra spoiled when Gabby comes around. Gabby got to visit with the goats, feed the chickens, play with the kittens and even play in the water.

I was so proud to see her drinking out of the hose, what a true little farm girl!

As a small child I always had such fond memories of friends' farms, I hope Gabby enjoyed her visit.


The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Carbs!

I love carbs, but sadly, my nutritionist is not too happy about it. I figure that bread is all natural if I make it myself right? But then I hear that still small voice: "man can not live by bread alone", well nuts!

So I caved in and found this delicious recipe for home made bread, and yes it's Pioneer Woman (are you surprised?). Anyways, this recipe is so very easy, and you can use whatever herbs you want. Make it today if you crave carbs as much as I do.....

The Farmer's Wife

Monday, May 30, 2011

Life on the Farm

We all know how much men love getting their picture taken, so finally getting around to taking pictures together after our wedding was a big deal.

I got my favorite photographer (Jocelyn and here's her website: http://lykinsphotography.com/blog/) to take these pictures for me. My husband actually wanted to do this pictures, I was surprised at his willingness!

This picture is taken out in the East Onyx field-east of our house, they're farming this land right now, and yes, haying season has begun! But this picture subtly reminds me what this farm, marriage, and life is all about.

Until next time,

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Good Memories

Back in the day, we had a big 'ol great dane, Bobo. Everytime I would come home from college bobo would great me as only a huge dog could-doggie kisses and a wagging tail so strong it broke things.

I was just thinking about him and all the good memories that entailed. It was like having a small calf/pony living in our house, maybe that's why I'm a little more prepared to live on a farm.

Bobo was the best dog ever (besides Ginger of course) and we'll see if I can get the hubby to agree on getting a great dane in the future.....

The Farmer's Wife

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Bad Kitty!

Beside the fact that I'm allergic to cats, and beside the fact the the only time I opened the front door was a mere two hours ago, how long has this cat been sleeping on my previously cat-free bed?

Yes, he's very sneaky, and yes, his eyes look a little questionable (I think I woke him up from the cat nap), but he's sooo cute, how could I even get mad at this face?

Just when you think you have everything under control, you walk in on a cat nap....

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, May 13, 2011

It's A Miracle!

I have tried so hard to resist my Starbucks addiction. So I decided to make my own here at home to save some moolah and the 15 minute drive into town.

Many recipe variations have failed me, but today I found one that perfectly imitates the Starbucks Mocha Frappucino.

Iced Mocha Frappe:
  • 2/3 cups cold strong brewed coffee
  • 2/3 cups cold milk (I use whole, it tastes yummier)
  • 2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
  • 4 tsp. sugar (the real stuff)
  • 2 cups ice cubes
Blend all together (I use my magic bullet, they're so awesome, and if you do, it won't hold 2 cups of ice, so just fill it to the top) and serve immediately!

Enjoy!

The Farmer's Wife

Thursday, May 12, 2011

A Life Long Dream













Me with Trixie/Roo (Both of my heifers looked similar) My new heifer with Stephanie-her owner


In high school I decided to raise a dairy heifer in FFA after years of sheep I was ready to progress. It had never been done in our FFA chapter, but I was going to buck the trend.

I had two dairy heifers, one never took (never got pregnant-twice!) and my second one aborted before fair which was an instant disqualification. Needless to say, I never really had any good luck with both heifers, but they were by far my most memorable years in high school.

I had always dreamed of having my own small herd of dairy heifers (Holsteins) and had the opportunity to buy one from a high school FFA student down here in the valley. She was going through the same trouble I had encountered in high school so my heart went out to her. When I asked my hubby if we could purchase this girl's heifer, he said we definitely didn't need another milk cow, I was so bummed!

The girl called again in a last minute effort to save her poor heifer from the hamburger auction (this is the sad reality, both of mine went there). My husband has such a good heart, he couldn't say no twice, so guess who has an eartag that says "Kristi" in it? My new holstein heifer! I'm so excited, Tom even said that I can keep the calf! Here's to fresh farm milk!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

This Makes My Day

All heck was breaking loose on this day. My shower was leaking, we had to cut out the wall, there was soil in the walls of the shower, and all the water to the house was off.

But when I stepped outside to help with the water, here was Spotty, lying in the sun, even smiling (I think that's a kitty smile, there were sharp teeth involved).

This made my day. Here I was stressed and all I had to do was look for the little things.

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Time to Plant

Today we decided it was time to start planting our garden, again. We started a great one in these mini greenhouses pictured about a month ago, but with the cold front they all froze.

So today we started again.
Eggplant, spinach, okra, oh my! Anything and everything you can think of!

We'll see how these ones work out!

The Farmer's Wife

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Nacho Time

I was feeling pretty lazy last night so I looked into my cupboard and fridge to see what I had on hand.

I had just bought Tostitos chips with a hint of jalapeno, which by the way, are delicious! Check.

I had bell peppers, onion, and steak strips, so of course I looked up some recipes on Pioneer Woman and voila, here it was!

My husband is really into big dinners and isn't really a fan of a sole dinner salad or pasta, but last night he seemed to love these! The cheese, the sauteed veggies and the delicious steak strips from Costco, and it's so easy!

To view the recipe click here.

Happy cooking!

The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Eureka!

I knew that our mama cat had her kittens due to the deflated belly, but we just didn't know where. We would spy on her and try to track her, but she'd always take us in different directions (very smart cat!).

So today I came home from lunch and there in my bathroom rested 6 kittens and 1 mama.

My hubby and his brother were loading hay from our barn, and apprently that's where she had them, very smart! Warm and protected from this Weldon wind. Tom said this was my birthday gift from him, his brother, and Mother Nature. Thanks!

The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Auto Show

I know today's post isn't very" farmey", but I volunteered at an Auto Show today located at the middle school up here in the South Fork region.

There were very pretty classic cars and this one happened to be my neighbors! This neighbor is actually 90 years old and lives in a big red barn with his sweet wife.

This truck is a 1943 1 1/2 ton Ford and on the side it says the "Big Red Barn". I had to get a picture, he had enough time to clean up this truck and get his own home painted on the side, bless his heart!

The Farmer's Wife

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Wedding Memories

I've decided that since I haven't written in so long and since my wedding anniversary came and went that I would share a special moment with you all.

With all the wedding plans, Tom had told me not to have a first dance song picked out-he would take care of it.
The day of the wedding when it was time to dance together, Tom pulled out the piano and played me a song, right there in front of everyone!

To understand more of this surprise and romantic event, I'll take you back to our first couple of dates:
-I came back to visit the farm, I think it was my third or fourth time out there. I loved to visit. Tom sat down on the piano and started playing this beautiful melody. Tom-with the huge calloused farmer's hands was playing this musical tune! My heart softened and from then on, I knew he was the one for me.

So, on our big day, this is what he had planned. He played the same tune that I fell in love with him to months before.

It's just a constant reminder that Tom has such a great heart, boy am I lucky!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Lemon Marmalade?

I had lemons and lots of them, so I decided I'd venture out and make some lemon marmalade.

Look how vibrant and pretty it all looks in the pot, it has to be yummy right?

After canning them I opened a celebratory one for breakfast yesterday, only to find that it's bitter! (Duh, you might say, it's lemons!) I put 5 cups of sugar in, I thought it would be sweeter!

So here's where I learn that you have to make many mistakes in life to figure out what you really enjoy-lemon marmalade is not on that list.
The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Happy St. Pattys Day!

Top of the morning to ya!

Yes, I know I'm a couple days behind, but I wanted to share this pic with you.

Tom was very spoiled:
Corned Beef
Cabbage Salad
French Bread
Au Gratin Potatoes
and some Guinness beer... (shhh that's on the down low)

I thought that since Tom was Irish that we'd go all out. And of course I got mini leprechaun hats to boot! I do love making food that he enjoys, he said this dinner was the most delicious he's had (thank heavens!).

Until next time,
The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Goats & Kids!

It's true! I'm now a goat owner, but not just of one, but 6!

Tom brought home 2 mama goats a week ago to have as lawn mowers out here on the farm, and they both had their babies a week apart. So now 2 mama goats and 4 kids, whew!

They're so cute. Kids (baby goats) actually hop around and jump sideways, I've never seen anything like it!

This one pictured is our only male and the only multicolor one, the other 3 are girls and white with brown ears.

I feel like we're a real functioning farm now, who knew all I needed were some goats to top it off!

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, February 27, 2011

The New Batch

The mama cat did it again, we're on litter number 3, wait 4? She's preggie again, but we've just let batch 3 out into the farm life.

This is M&M (mini me) he looks the same as Poofycus in batch number 2 (hmm, they're all starting to look alike).

This is one of their first days romping around the farm, and M&M went right for the old engine, he's a natural.

He has the same demeanor as Poofycus in batch number 2, we're pretty lucky. M&M follows me to the chicken coop to help me feed (and keep a close watch on the chickies, I've seen him pounce at the fence a couple times). He helps Ginger finish up the milk, food, and water in her dishes, and even catches me an occasional mousie from the hay stack, I think I'll keep him!

The Farmer's Wife

Friday, February 11, 2011

Recipes Passed Down

My dear grandma-in-law, Winnie (pictured center with my friend Jennie & my mom) passed down an old recipe book.

I love getting recipe books, especially older ones. It's so much fun to find one that looks good and try it out.

As you know, Tom is an avid deer hunter, and currently, I have 3 years worth of 3 deer in my freezer (the 4th on it's way). I'm trying desperately to cook, bake, and grill this venison up. Lo and behold, Winnie's cookbook housed a tried and true recipe, the boys loved it! And, you can't even taste that gamey venison taste. It's Kristi approved!

Here's the recipe:

Venison Teriyaki

2 lbs venison (or any meat) sirloin or round

Marinade:
1 can condensed beef consomme (or beef broth)
1/4 c. chopped onions (this soaks up the gamey taste)
1/3 c. soy sauce
1 clove garlic
2 Tbl. lemon juice
2 Tbl. brown sugar
1 tsp. seasoned salt (Lawrys)

Pour over meat, refrigerate-overnight is best.
Then grill when ready!

Enjoy!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

I Met a Celebrity!

I'm starting a bucket list right now, and my first is crossed off.

#1. Meet the Pioneer Woman

My girlfriend Amee and I had the opportunity to drive to Los Angeles for Ree Drummond's book signing.

I had diarrhea of the mouth, didn't stop talking, and Amee never got a word in edgewise. I don't even remember what I talked to her about. The few choice words I remember coming out of my mouth: Tom, farming, cooking, hero!

She was the nicest person I have ever met, she signed my cookbook too!

Oh my life is complete!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Old Yeller

We found out the other day that Ginger is actually a pure bred. Weird, I know. But I knew there was something cool about her when I adopted her.

Her breed is a Black Mouth Cur.

I googled it.

I read about her. It's all true.

And, the amazing thing? Old Yeller was a Black Mouth Cur too. Ginger is famous!

To learn more about her breed and see her breed pictures, here's a good link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackmouth_Cur

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, January 30, 2011

And he signed his name with a rainbow!

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while.

I had Lasik eye surgery last week and then with it being so sunny out I've been gardening and working outside!

Enough with the excuses though. Our weather finally decided that it was winter and started to rain today. I woke up to this view.

I love seeing rainbows. When I was in 5th grade, my house was flooded, and every time I see a rainbow, I'm reminded of what God promised us, there will never be a world flood again. And my mom always sang us a Sunday school song that said "God signed his name with a rainbow". Clear as mud?

All I'm saying is that when I see one I feel peace. Enough rambling! I'm headed to church!

The Farmer's Wife