Souvenirs [Search results for baking] 

the feeling of Christmas has started early here...

it started as soon as that wonderful smell of gingerbread was baking in my oven

what is it about these little guys that makes me chuckle? they are funny to me... little gingerbread people

i adapted an old recipe i had and am super happy with the way they came out... fluffy/thick/delicious!

i will be selling them all bagged up and ready for you at Christmas in the Alley this weekend in Sycamore

If you haven't been to Sherrie's store, A Ruffled Nest, it is completely all decked out for Christmas... as I have been over there helping her get things ready... all I can say is it is SO fun in there and having other dealers participate next door amongst the twinkly lights and live sounds of Christmas... going in and out of the old brick buildings while meandering through all the Christmas decorations... well... it's going to be so much fun I cannot wait!

My daughter has made the most delicious homemade hot cocoa mixes she has nestled inside vintage mugs that will be there for sale at Christmas in the Alley...

each mug with 2 generous helpings of cocoa for those chilly evenings (with mini marshmallows and a candy cane:) are $10 each

she has also made some snow globes from vintage mason jars! (I'll be sharing that tomorrow)

Jason has also been working on some terrific handmade/ hand carved gifts...

there are knives, baby spoons, honey dippers, serving spoons, buttons, lunch boards, cutting boards, rolling pins... We are so very excited to share these with you!!

more information on all of Jason's hand carved items and the other items, will be all up this week...

everyone is feeling creative... and getting back to crocheting and knitting in the early mornings before we start school...

there is always a hearty breakfast... and to see the kids work together like this every morning warms my heart more than any cup of coffee...

on a personal note, a new fitness regime has started... and it's due to how baby Daniel isn't snuggling up to his Mama to nurse any longer... it's always such a sad time for me... I already miss him warm in my arms... his independence is surfacing... as is his personality!! He has this laugh that is hilarious... like a sneaky laugh "hah hah"... if I can catch him, I'll record it, because it cracks me up...

he'll sit there in my bedroom and hide from me... I'll say "where's Daniel... I don't see him anywhere??" and I hear in the closet a slight "hah hah"...

I don't know what is going to be more time consuming for me this week;
preparing for Advent
or baking for Christmas in the Alley

I have been changing up the decorating around here too... it's been a lot of fun putting up new curtains... moving furniture... totally changing up my bedroom too...

sharing all of it in good time...

hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... we all needed that break around here!!!!

xo+ a bit of Christmas blessings,

you have heard me say this before, but a nice comfy vintage sofa in my kitchen would be perfect, if only i had the room...

thermos's at the ready (the small new one from Jen Rippenger's booth at Past & Present Shops)

a vintage clay mug from the Open Air Market... it's holding all of Jason's newly carved spoons, knives and honey dipper we'll be selling in the shop online soon

there's always room in my kitchen for Her

I also bought this little dust broom at Open Air Market hosted by Cheryl Hunt in Sycamore

a little treasure by a bird that once resided in my grandmother's home and a shelf from someplace along the flea market path from years ago... it is the simplest room of the house... and has to be... it's where all the baking happens... the baking nook i like to say

peace + blessings,

Hello!! I hope you all had a very blessed day with your family and friends

A special thank you for everyone who takes the time to stop here and say hello, leave comments, and read... thank you

We were unexpectedly blessed with having our Christmas here at the farm... alone... so peaceful and quiet

it was wonderful

here's an inside look all around the house... and a bit outdoors too

the mudroom...

the kitchen...

the three oldest when they were little in front of our old barn as "the nativity" scene... a treasure for us

can you tell I love the shelves Jason made for that wall?

my little snowman that our 11 yr. old son hand carved and made for me... i love him so so much! he even made the little mittens out of felt!
the tree...

the living room...

I set up a little wine bar on the bookshelves in the living room

we added shutters in the bathroom, and i hung a jar my younger sister made with some lavender and spruce

upstairs in the kids rooms...

the boys' tree and decorations (they love to do it themselves)

and the girls' room... much different than the boys:)

and in the master...

a very special birthday gift from some good friends:)

my dresser was temporarily a wrapping station

made in Germany... these little angels lull me to sleep with their beauty

a view out the master... the first snow...

little Daniel's blue woolen coat hanging in his room

going back indoors, we are baking and feasting and loving this wonderful life...

Hope you are all celebrating all 12 days of Christmas...

with love and blessings,

Jason, Anne Marie, and all of the children

you are on your way through life

i didn't know you

i don't know the day or life you have had
we are seperated by many miles and a few years

while i was wearing leg warmers you were swaddled in your mother's arms

would it matter if i knew your name + background + the shoe size you wear?

i didn't know you
you might be a passerby... your on your way while i am on mine

the nest you have woven amongst the golden hues and gray skies will never be forgotten

i stitched it for them, and they hung it in their window... so sweet... if you were here this past weekend, you would have noticed a turquoise truck + camper on the old barn foundation

on Thursday of last week, my oldest son and I were headed to our neighbor's farm to get some straw to lay down in the prairie lounge... we passed this turquoise truck... hood open... one with his head in the engine, the other behind the wheel... I stopped to see if help was needed... no was the answer I received...

again, we passed them, now with our truck filled with the straw

I thought to myself how they looked familiar without knowing them... how I needed to get home and get to work... how if they really needed my help they would have said so right??

Jason left for work when I came home... but called me 45 minutes later telling me he was towing a couple to the farm who were stranded... not surprised, I put on my shoes to greet them onto the farm

She recognized me

We started talking... and talking... and talking... not knowing how our paths are so very similar in life... deep within our souls, our experiences...

If you saw a naturally beautiful soul behind the bakery counter at the sale this past weekend, it was her...
moving to their new home

passing by the farm but never leaving my heart

we are close enough in this world to see with our hearts and not our minds, or pre-conceived ideas

it's quite simple to realize that in this world help is always there for me... I am the one who needs to accept it

acceptance is love

no matter what — trust — love -

no matter what the age difference or demographics are
no matter if we both love baking and biking
no matter if we love the nature that surrounds us
no matter if both of the men in our lives are carpenters

there is much more in common with each and every person if you just stop to notice it...

age, tattoos, color of skin... it really doesn't matter when it comes to the human experience does it...

I feel so very blessed beyond measure that I met them... and that God had our paths cross... they have been for more than one reason... they were there for me and I hope I have been there for her... for them both...

peace + blessings,

the chickens are laying so nicely... and one of my favorite/healthy desserts here on the farm is baked rice pudding...

serves 8
here's what you do:

• preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
• combine 6 eggs + 3 cups milk = whisk together nicely
• measure 2/3 cup sugar + 2 teaspoons of vanilla = add to egg mixture, beat together until well combined (but not foamy)
• stir into egg mixture 2 cups of cooked rice (leftover plain rice works great too)
• optional: add 1 cup of raisins and cinnamon if desired
• pour into 3 quart casserole dish or individual custard cups
• bake for 30-45 minutes for custard cups or 45-50 minutes for casserole dish (stir after 30 minutes) (if using custard cups put them in a 13x9 casserole dish with 1/2" of boiling water before baking — boiling water so you don't crack your dish in the oven)
• it is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean serve warm or chilled (I like them fresh)
• if you used individual custard cups, you may loosen edges with a spatula or knife, and slip them out inverted onto a plate

just so you know, I (try to remember) to pray before I bake anything:)

there is nothing better than a bright sunny day and a clean kitchen to get me baking
my special organic chocolate filled cupcakes coming right up! (have to practice before I sell them at the sale right??)
I had a fantastic time with my two daughters and the baby at Kane County Flea Market Saturday... it was so great to see the dealers who were invited to sell here at the farm. It's so important to Jason and I to make personal contact with them... besides, a day out shopping is just what I wanted/needed.
Meeting up with two friends I haven't seen since before the baby was born was great too!
I don't know about you, but spring is awesome isn't it?? I LOVE the feeling of spring!!
A HUGE thanks to all you other super duper dealers at Kane setting out our fliers... I love all the support you give one another... and we appreciate you spreading the word of our sale (yes... I said super duper)
I saw some awesome booth setups and great stuff to buy there — but didn't buy anything this time — my hands were kind of full:)
can you believe he's a month old??

& a very special thank you to Lauren for such a sweet girft!

xo+farm blessings,

cooking on cast iron is by far my favorite way to cook

as is using our hen's eggs

farm fresh eggs makes this morning delight a rich golden color... and this puffed oven pancake is a great quick breakfast on a Saturday morning

it acts like a souffle so do not fret when it releases it's "puff"

serve with fresh strawberries

cooking on cast iron gives foods I prepare a great texture and flavor it's actually my favorite way to cook... on cast iron

enjoy!

Morning Delight serves 8
4 T. butter 6 eggs 1 cup all purpose/unbleached flour 1 cup milk 1/2 tsp. salt fresh strawberries, sliced (about 2 cups)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butter in an 18" ovenproof skillet and place in oven until butter melts, about 4 minutes. In your mixer or bowl, beat the eggs until combined. Add the flour, milk and salt and beat until smooth. Remove skillet from oven and immediately put your egg mixture into hot skillet. Bake for about 25 minutes (a nice golden color will tell you it's done). While it's baking, slice your strawberries and set your table sweetly. Serve right away. This pancake will puff in the oven and looks glorious — and then flattens like a pancake (ha) — so serving it immediately will show the others you are feeding how pretty it is... but it literally takes seconds for it to deflate... (it acts like a souffle).
No need for syrup on this one, however, Jason does appreciate having the maple syrup to drizzle on top.
xo+delightful morning blessings,

{ beneath these crisp skies and wet from the mornng dew boots
{ hiddin under the dirt in my fingernails from the removal of frost bitten cucumber plants
{ a simple phone call to my 92 years of age grandmother to still get advice on baking
{ prayers for the healing of this country to slow down
{ waking at 3 am to warm a cup of milk to ease my tensions while oddly listening to geese flying over head

instinctively animals understand the ebb and flow of the world... we have seen first hand how the birds of the air don't worry, but yet, just do... do what they are supposed to do...

no worries

there is no need to worry

the Bible (the original version that is) says not to fear/not to worry over 365 times

I will take one for each day please... and in that give thanks...

mornings can be rough... this I know all too well... but catch yourself and remind yourself not to worry... not to fear

pax+blessings,

no... not from that puffed oven pancake, or the homemade sugar cookies and cupcakes we're testing for the sale (had no clue what 'flooding' was until recently — but my oh my is that fun)

an overwhelming sense of being full hit me tonight when at church

my mind literally screamed at me to shut up

all these ideas, pictures, styling, sewing, baking, planning, etc on top of all other 'normal' aspects of my life builds and builds until I felt almost pregnant... and on my last few weeks (no I'm not expecting... as far as I know)

If I'm not creating or doing I'm reading... I just don't sit still

that doesn't mean I'm super organized and can accomplish a whole bunch, but it does mean I've got my interests scattered... for crying out loud I got inspired while shopping the ethnic isle at Woodman's...
that is the super great thing about our human ability to absorb every ounce of our surroundings

every ounce of it

some might not want to, and stick with the routine, take their daily to dos get them done, and package everything neatly

others might not have any schedule and totally flow with life like floating on a raft with a beer in one hand (that doesn't sound so bad really...)

but I find myself in between those two... and I'm sure a lot of you can relate to that

What an awesome feeling to know that we are ever expanding in our minds... that the possibilities are endless and absolutely God's doing

I can see a deeper need and desire for each of us to slow down and enjoy the simplicity in life more, especially with all the iphones/ipads/computer games/x-box's/TV/movies...

how?
{{connecting with nature
{{meditating on the glorious nature of our very existence
{{sitting quietly still in the presence of Our Lord for at least an hour a week
{{reading
{{writing
{{hugging your spouse... at least an hour a week

and so many more ideas that would be beautifully captured in your life

capturing that fullness in your life is simply stopping quietly to hear Him

... what is He saying to you

eat a cupcake... that is what He's saying to me right now... how about you?

stopping in the garden to add fresh herbs

while the open fired chicken is still cooking, we raked the coals under the grill to be able to put the pan ontop of them while nice and hot

the chicken was still blazin' while the focaccia was cooking slow

when the chicken was nice and golden brown, we removed it from the fire and kept it warm indoors by just placing it in the oven... but next time, I will make sure I start the bread sooner

you can see from the above photograph that it is rising from the baking happening underneath
I knew if I added aluminum foil it would cook quicker on top, but I was avoiding using it for this dish

here the bread is cooked almost on the bottom — you can see the golden crust forming yum just make sure you keep turning it and move the logs near the bread in order to capture the most heat

Focaccia alla Farm Style
Mix 3 and 1/2 cups unbleached flour + 1 teaspoon instant yeast + 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl add 3/4 warm (110 degrees F) water a bit at a time + 2 tablespoons of olive oil -mix thoroughly
Add enough warm water (about 1/2 cup) to make a soft dough that forms into a ball (use your muscles and a wooden spoon)
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead... If the dough is too dry, add a bit of warm water by the teaspoon If the dough is too sticky, add a bit of flour by the teaspoon
Knead for just about 4 minutes is all — just until it forms into a ball that is held together nicely, not smooth and elastic like most bread recipes
Place dough ball into an oiled bowl, place dry towel over the top of bowl and let rise at room temperature until doubled (about an hour) *you may also place this dough into the refrigerator overnight and return to room temperature before proceeding the next day*
After bread has risen, transfer it to an oiled 18" pizza stone or 2 — 9" round pans (may use pie pan if that is only thing you've got)
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil + 1 teaspoon sea salt + 3 tablespoons of room temperature water and pour mixture over the focaccia... spreading to the edges of the dough Dimple the dough with your fingers Let rise for 45 minutes
Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired, fresh rosemary and thyme
if using the open fire... Place pan(s) onto hot raked out coals for 30 minutes -making sure to rotate pan every 10 minutes-
Place pan(s) on its side of the campfire ring -rotating every 10 minutes until cooked on top-

if using the oven... Bake in a 425*F oven for 20 minutes or until golden on top

Don't be surprised if the bottom gets a bit crisp when cooking on the fire it's still delicious
and makes a great leftover bread to use for a breakfast idea I'll share another time...
as far as the spiritual activity... there is more time I am devoting to this and will most definitely share this with you soon but thank you for all your emails regarding this... I have not forgotten to share my heart and soul with you
xo+fired up blessings,

I walked down to the barn this morning — coffee in hand — like I have for the past two months...

the same calmness was there... it's as though it was a dream... as though Friday and Saturday's sale was being lived out in my mind not in my reality

I tried not to have expectations — keeping myself blended into the event like an extension of the prairie — I walked about both days... meeting new people... seeing old friends... embracing family members and my sweet little baby...

looking in the barn just now — the branches are still up — the hay couches are gathered in the prairie lounge, the winter prairie room still sparkles with the crystal chandelier and bare white branches...

I am not here to say that "i'm glad it's all over"... or "i can finally get back to my life"...

like the dreamcatcher, I wove my life like a web, catching and blanketing everything that touched this weekend... giving me sustenance within, then letting go of the unwanted elements that were tangled up

dreams are not all good... in fact, most of my dreams are so strange i try not to even bother figuring them out

there were most certainly things that happened this weekend that weren't all 'heart warming', but each and every moment this weekend (and in my life lately) was accepted

trying to accept each moment in my life has opened my heart to beat even stronger within the connection with other people... and doing what i love... being on our little farm, baking, cooking, decorating, supporting others... all of this creates a very deep awareness of the complete cycle and connection between the earth and God

i like to think of me being caught in His web... His dreamcatcher... for He will take from me to give to Him...

picture taken Saturday morning, the second day of the sale/event

delicious & easy, this recipe, if made in this quantity, feeds our family of 8 comfortably, with enough leftover chicken to chop up and add to a salad mix for lunch the following day...

Even if it is only for you and your husband, it freezes extremely well and heats up nicely in the oven (I recommend freezing any leftovers in casserole dishes covered in foil, that way all you have to do it pop it in the oven, turn it up to 350 degrees and warm for 30 minutes)
full recipe after photos...

making sure pouring cream around chicken

freshly grated Romano is my favorite in this dish, but Parmesan may be substituted

after baked, the result will look like this:

Donna's Chicken
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour 9 chicken breasts, washed + fat cut off + patted dry 16 cups of freshly picked spinach (or one large bag of fresh spinach) — washed + dried 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups Romano cheese sea salt + freshly cracked pepper
Directions: Place all washed and dried spinach into a 15" x 9" baking dish. In a shallow dish, add flour, and coat each chicken breast lightly and place on top of chicken. Pour whipping cream onto spinach, trying to avoid pouring it onto the chicken. Sprinkle Romano cheese on top of chicken breasts and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to your desired taste. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until chicken is light golden brown. Serving recommendations: freshly baked sourdough bread, whole strawberries & a cordial glass of Moscato wine (if age appropriate) — the sweetness of the wine goes so well with the Romano cheese and strawberries (you can also have fresh strawberries with a glass of Moscato for dessert!)

xo+kitchen blessings,

The event this year is coming together so nicely... meant to be on so many levels...

totally random photo... he's just too cute not to post today...

There is so much more I wanted to include in the flyer, but there simply wasn't enough room!!

the entry fee on Friday night is waived when you bring your ticket (handed to you Friday night) back Saturday (if you plan on attending the event both days)

part of the proceeds both days benefit a local charity — Hope Haven -

there are more and more homeless individuals... but not enough room at their building... but we can help them
(to make a more substantial donation, visit their website here)

Making a difference in other people's lives is so important on so many levels... and community needs to stick together

that's the primary reason why Jason and I host this event on our farm

to help support many different local artists, antique dealers, musicians, etc.

My focus for the sale is baking from scratch and selling those yummies in my little 'farm bakery' in the barn...

ART on the Farm classes have begun registration and you can see more about those classes here (or on my sidebar)... seats are limited, so please register soon

If coming from out of town, I am so thrilled that the Holiday Inn Express has created a room block and ALL rooms are the same price for you!! even the King Executive Suites!! to see more go here

This is a lot of information I know, but so much needs to be said when it comes to this event... there is much more to it than just stuff on tables or haystacks... it's all our creative efforts joined together to both inspire you and to give you the opportunity to purchase all HANDMADE and USA made items crafted by our hands — all of us involved...

Here's an idea: Gather a few of your friends that you haven't seen in awhile, or that you see all the time and love being around... create a closer connection to them by planning a trip to the farm... here's even a little something for you to send them in your e-mail...

If you gathered the "three of you"... split the hotel room ($97.50) three ways... it's only: $32.50 per person!
This is an event I don't want you to miss!
Take Jill's jewelry class Friday night, go shopping afterwards, go back to your plush hotel room, have a few cocktails, laugh and giggle, tell stories and eat some snacks while watching a movie... the next morning, grab a cup of coffee (and their famous cinnamon rolls at the hotel) and head back to the farm just after the sun rises to walk the prairie (rain or shine) to Jen's class to learn how to create a unique art under glass creation with the inspiration you will find on our farm and in the back 3 acre prairie... shop some more and enjoy a class by the famous artists Jeanne Oliver from Colorado... she is teaching two classes that are both unique and beautiful to create under the skylights in the horse barn...
don't forget to grab a few cupcakes and sit under the trees and enjoy the farm!!
(that sounds like a great weekend if you ask me)
bringing your blankets to picnic or relax out in the prairie is highly encouraged:)
xo+blessings,

that is our hope for all of you at the upcoming show we are hosting for all of these fabulous people

HERE'S A LIST OF OUR INSPIRING VENDORS that will be joining us for October 2012 Barn Sale/Flea Market in no particular order...
ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, RE PURPOSED, RUSTY AND COOL... Cracker Jax Counting your Blessings Eclectique Boutique A Sort of Fairytale A Beautiful Party Gray Graniteware Farmhouse Lis Dunn Designs Simple but Different Lemon Grass Designs Whimsical Perspective Red Bird Vintage Rachel Polly 'bags by Margaret' Carter's Cottage Nikki Sisk and Nancy Bratcher A Ruffled Nest Fabbychic All My Musings Fine Line Antiques Francie Skoflanc Peg Feltes
FOOD LIST:

Steve from Farm Food
(serving locally raised all beef hot dogs)

Anne Marie from Farm
(serving coffee, hot cider, gluten free cupcakes, regular cupcakes, cakes, pies, pie pops, etc)

Christina from Simple but Different
(working along side Anne Marie... because she's my sister and we love her baking!!)

there will also be warm apple cider and coffee

I'll be sharing pictures here and on this blog for the next 2 weeks

Greg Wheaton is gracing us with his soulful music for both days this October!!
you can check him out here
(his CD's will be for sale... but they do sell out quickly)

we hope to see you here...