Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
The temperatures have been dropping and we’ve already seen a bit of slush this month. Last night, it began to sleet after dark, pinging off the windows and frosting hard surfaces with ice. This morning, the trees were wearing heavy ice coats like oversized suits of armor. All that weight caused branches to break off trees and, unsurprisingly, caused the power to go out. Here’s how the morning went…
We like our baked goods, so we recently purchased some cast iron pieces that we hope will replace less sturdy and often poorer performing bakeware, like our everything-sticks-in-them muffin pans. This time, we’re using a cast iron loaf pan.
Like it or not, the sheer beauty of the season inspires me to continue writing verse – and the chill in the air is positively invigorating. Rest assured, I’ll continue to post about cooking, fermenting, and the other content you’re used to seeing here, but there will be poetry, too. Just be aware: I also enjoy limericks!
As someone who believes in the value of clear communication, I appreciate the tidy succinctness of haiku; as “mood” poetry, it’s particularly well-suited to capturing moments in nature. Consider this classic haiku by Matsuo Basho (from the Academy of American Poets website):
An old pond!
A frog jumps in—
the sound of water.
Doesn’t it create a very vivid image in your mind? And sound, along with that image? I “see” a still garden pond, with lily pads floating on it, and a small frog leaping from the bank into the water with a splash that belies the frog’s small size. Then – if you run with it – the concentric circles, ripples flowing out from the center of the splash. Yes, the last part is clearly an extrapolation, but poetry encourages you to let your imagination run wild!
May the wonders of the season awaken your muse, too.
Looking for a vegan alternative to egg salad? This recipe uses organic extra firm tofu to create a very convincing “eggy” base, with lots of protein and a dash of powerhouse turmeric.
I ❤️ muffins, but my muffin pans were getting on my last nerve. They scratched very easily and – worse yet – the last batch of muffins stuck so badly that I tore several trying to get them out. They stuck despite the pans being non-stick (which I don’t care for, anyway) and heavily greased with coconut oil. It was like an oil slick in those muffin cups – nothing should have stuck. And to make matters worse, the pans had become nearly impossible to get completely clean. #$&*!! A new muffin pan was needed.
Continue reading “Cast Iron Chronicles: Lodge Mini Cake Pan”
Audrey II may be a bit of a diva – she creates some spectacular loaves, but can be very particular about her conditions. Too warm and she’s unhappy; too cold and she’s unhappy. We know the key to great sourdough is a happy, bubbly culture, so we strive to keep our girl happy.
Continue reading “Audrey Tales: Finicky About Flour And Temperamental About Temperature”