homemade ranch dressing 1 cup of homemade or store bought mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream a dash of garlic powder 3 fresh sprigs of dill (just the ends) cut up finely 2 Tablespoons of freshly minced parsley a small handful of chives chopped very thinly 1 teaspoon onion powder and no more than 1/4 cup of either buttermilk or milk put all the ingredients into a mason jar, except for the milk, and shake it up really good depending on how thick you want your dressing to be, add a teaspoon at a time of the buttermilk and milk super easy — super good - here's a quick tip on herbs... use scissors to cut up your herbs next time (works great on any herb)
Bad breath: The avocado is one of the best natural mouth wash and a remedy for bad breath... WHO KNEW!? Cholesterol: An avocado contains oleic and linoleic acids that are effective in lowering the LDL cholesterol and increasing the healthy HDL cholesterol. Immune system: Regular consumption of avocados strengthens the body's immune system. Muscle and nerve: The high potassium content helps balance our body's electrolytes, aids muscle activity, nerve function and energy metabolism. Caution: People who are sensitive to latex should avoid touching or eating avocados as it contains an enzyme called chitinase that can cause an allergic reaction. For more info... http://www.juicing-for-health.com/avocado.html
here's a "not-so-local" farm avocado smoothie recipe: (serves my crew of 7 in juice glasses) Get out the vita-mixer your great uncle gave you... peel/core one whole avocado and put into blender with 1 cup ice & 1 cup milk & 2 teaspoons of agave nectar (use yogurt instead of milk if you want) blend on high
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 Delightserves 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,
how often we run to the store to get pre-packaged items back just 70 years ago, you didn't do that you didn't even have that option, except eating at a restaurant things were from scratch... fresh... and that was 'the every day', not just because your girlfriends are coming over and you want to serve them some homemade muffins with coffee... how very lazy we have become as a society yes I said lazy
there is nothing wrong with using a food processor, or Bosch mixer, but there is something wrong with pre-packaged food from the store... think of this: when you are walking through the grocery store, stay to the perimeter of the store — that is where all the fresh vegetables, meats, dairy, bakery, etc, is... if you need to, head into the dry goods area for flour/beans/rice... but try not to get that oozy goozy stuff that they are selling from tubes that you squeeze into your mouth because you are too lazy to put it into a glass jar and use a utensil
does this sound harsh? saying that we are lazy?? I'm right along side you with the big fat "L" on my head I don't grow my wheat, then grind it to make flour, then bake bread with it every day... I do know of woman who actually do this... and my apron strings are off to you... and someday, I would love to do that... in between raising my sheep in pasture to spin my wool, to knit my sweaters while I wait for my goat's milk to simmer to the right temperature for my goats milk soap, as I pull out my bread from the oven, after I just finished graduating my son from homeschooled high school, and taught my daughter how to Irish dance stronger and steeped my tea from the chamomile plants I grow in the garden... "L" we aren't all able to do those things... quite frankly... I don't know anyone who does all of that in one day we pick and choose what we want... like a great oatmeal muffin recipe... whip up the egg whites, add them gently into the mixture already in the bowl then you sit back and watch it puff in the oven and give the whole house a breathe of homemade goodness
and if that's all this woman can accomplish in one day, then go ahead, slap that "L" on my forehead, I deserve it, but before you look at me and judge me and think that everything smells delicious like these muffins, know this: a lot of hard work goes into my kids first, not my appearance... not my house... not my farm... my kids
there is way too much "look what I did" out here in cyberland, and quite frankly, it's making me nauseated I have so much I'd like to share with you, that I am working on, or that I have worked on, but truthfully, it is all a bunch of vanity... telling you what I've done or doing or going to do (I will, in time, share when and what I want) reading the written word, especially on the computer screen, you can read someone's words and take it the wrong way — I do hope you all understand that I do not ever want you to feel like I'm rubbing it in I can't stand that I share what I do here, because it is my space — my journal and I love all of you who come to visit, and I enjoy getting to know some of you even more through emails — and your comments - There was a friend of mine very recently who told me that all she can get done is a load of laundry, and here I am doing this and that and the other — I know she is not bitter about it, but if she only knew how special she is by doing what she does... I am a very organized person — and can get a lot accomplished in the day because of two very important reasons: 1) I do not watch TV, we don't have one and 2) I plan meals with six children and a husband to feed, these meals and baked goods I do are planned at least a week in advance — minus the sporadic baked goods my daughter or son like to do (or me:) negativity, doubt, and vanity all lead to one thing: depression stop thinking of yourself and do something for someone else — break the cycle of "me" create something good today by not talking bad about anyone look at everyone you come in contact with today (everyone) and know that God loves them just as much as you... you aren't the cat's meow... you are one of very very many in this world what can you do today? for someone else?? go bake something from scratch for your kids, neighbor, friend, priest, aunt, mom, husband... they'll love it peace + blessings,
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
peace + farmhouse kitchen blessings,
just so you know, I (try to remember) to pray before I bake anything:)
yes, about the baby due in a few short weeks... but honestly, this May Event is really the best thing that could be for me right now... a blessing if you will...
My Hungarian roots are colorized by the true gypsy blood that runs through my veins...
photo credit: gypsy purplestories of dirt floor huts, and brushing the dirt with a special rake to make patterns in the floor when company comes to visit... seriously... no joke!! I am from Gypsy Blood (I know what you are thinking... "oooohhhh... that explains it!) lol you have no idea how badly I want to make a gypsy hut of my own... or at least bring in more textures and colors into my home decor... so I'm trying... I just bought 2 pink chairs for my living room — PINK! (do you think my gypsy soul is telling me it's a girl?) Our home is pretty 'prairie farmhouse', but I came up with a new one that I really like: "PRAIRIE GYPSY" that's me!
photo credit: Tobias Harvey
but I tend to crave solitude colors as well... and would love to spruce up the corn crib like this:
photo credit: Virginia McDonald see? didn't I tell you I was random? thoughts are like that when you just had a braxton/hicks contraction and some sugared treats with milk (craving) I tend to dress the same way... sometimes pure linen with simple drop earrings... or a classic long denim skirt with a t-shirt top and funky hat or head scarf it never is the same and neither should my "decorating" I am no decorator... not one bit do I think so, but I do like expressing myself around my home with sometimes new furniture, new drapes I made, or a simple throw
and don't you worry! I am still focused on that master bedroom!! inspiration via linenandlavender.blogspot
{ 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
When you stop worrying about other people's thoughts of how you are living, a deeper appreciation for the gifts you are given starts to emerge...
Take for example the degree I studied in college: Environmental Science
At that time, there were only two universities that offered a degree in that area of study... that was just over 10 years ago even... University of Montana, and a minor only at Southern Illinois University.
Being that I was absolutely in love with my best friend, I still pursued that degree... Contrary to what SIU even wanted, I pursued that dream... I actually had to talk the Administration Office at SIU into letting me study for Environmental Science as a major... with projection charts and an essay! My focus was not on engineering, but the social science behind the human relationship and their perceptions of the environment and how I could change the world!!! Currently, almost every University provides a degree in Environmental Science... it's one of the fastest growing areas of education.
My "plan" was to become a guide for Sierra Club in the mountains — sharing my passion for nature while inspiring others to embrace their passions... their dreams... no matter what other people are telling you.
Dreams are essential to a happy life...
I'm not telling you to go and forget your obligations... believe me when I tell you that my first priority is my vocation as wife... then mother.
but that doesn't make me stop dreaming
who doesn't like that exhilarating feeling of a new idea!! or reading something and saying almost out loud "yes!! I want to do that!!!"
being a dreamer doesn't mean you have your head in the clouds with your rose colored glasses on...
No one can escape the hardships of life... no one
but why do you see some people succeed? and you don't?? why is it that you work so hard and then your efforts don't get noticed???
First of all know this... every single thing you do effects others
If you have to lock yourself in your room with that bar of sea-salted chocolate and warm cup of milk at night so you can read your new Joel Salatin book to escape the stress of the day... you are effecting others
When you pick your elderly neighbors apples and share your making of homemade jelly and delicious pie... you are effecting others
As you sit here are read this and wonder what you can do to help others while pursuing your dreams... you are effecting others
Here's a start:
Get a piece of paper (or print out what I have below)
Write down one dream you have always wanted to do
Look at what you wrote
Study what you wrote
Say what you wrote out loud
Start telling other people your dream
Stop any negativity that comes into your thoughts in doubt pursuing that dream
Every action you perform is working toward that dream.
The people who achieve their dreams do not talk negatively or sarcastic, and ruin everyone else's lives in the process... think of what your priorities are, make sure you are fulfilling those... but do not forget your dream.
I may not be an Environmental Scientist like I thought or am a Sierra Club guide in the mountains, but my dream of changing the world is happening... with every word... every thought... every action I do.
here's something for you to print out and use in your pursuit of your dream:
Instead of guiding others in the mountains, I guide at least six others daily to acheive their dreams too and as far as my husband??. .he still has dreams... big dreams actually but together, we are helping persue one another's dreams peace + blessings,
Hi! I hope this Christmas house walk finds you all well!! come on in to our little farm house on the prairie...
more than half my day is spent in this little corner of the world... the kitchen my kitchen = my expression = my love for my family = and oh such good and tasty dishes... we ALL get involved in the kitchen! it's my favorite room of the house
these little candy canes are being bagged up for sale in the shop today! check back later!!!
collecting those little tins, I have made a lot of little treats for the kids cakes and tiny pies one of the things I really have enjoyed, is collecting small things like that — after all... I AM surrounded by six little sets of feet scampering about the farmhouse all day:) totally not complaining
thos candy canes are vintage wire ones and the coolest quick decorating thus far this year
this may not look like a Christmas kitchen... but simmering on the stove is some raw milk I'm heating up for baby Daniel, with my cup of tea steaping in the background, and the chalkboard proclaiming I need to slow down and enjoy these last few days of Advent
nature inspires this family of mine... this farmhouse... this soul
yes, that is the mini-conservatory Jason made for me to use in the potager... it's sitting next to and apple ladder... which is all resting peacefully on top of a table Jason also made using reclaimed barn wood
we've "freaked" out a few people with letting our Percheron horse Jordan roam the property free and eat the cool grass... and this picture simbolizes so much to me freedom
instead of taking all the pine trimmings and making thick swags, I am leaving them raw extending their life from outdoors right into our home unpolluted
a bunch of lavender grens as well as pine branches surround Mary especially since it's the feast day of the Immaculate Conception! Dear blessed Mother... so gentle and kind... may I always give my all to others through sacrificeMary... help me to be closer to your Son
the girl's room... all vintagey turquoise + red and simply so fun & cute!
this house most certainly is never 'totally tidy'... especially when you give your daughter the freedom to create in her 'vintage horse room'
back downstairs, in our once dining room (now turned living room) pinecones, dried oranges and an eskewed lamp;)... things are not perfect here
Daniel even got some new stuffed toys I hand stitched this holiday season... I couldn't resist letting him have them before Christmas day! he also loves playing with my yarn balls like a little kitty
he sure does love his sister... what a blessing a big family is!!
that's the end of the house tour for me... in case you missed stop #8, it is my very good personal friend, who literally lives just 30 minutes from the farm: Traci Thorson... she's our official photographer for the farm events and certain other publications... as well as stop #10: blondienc who has a great blog! --------------------------------- I'm so excited to present to you the very special project all of us here on the farm have been working on together... especially Jason and I
We've compiled some simple and traditional holiday recipes and easy to make gifts in this E-BOOK
AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY!December 9th!! it is an online e-book!!! We are so very excited to share this with you! (more on the book tomorrow) We also have something else to share!!
the winter 2011 collection of hand carved spoons from NA.DA.FARM Jason has been hand carving spoons they are so beautiful and special each spoon is one of a kind made from his own two hands truly beautiful 100% made by hand from reclaimed timber from the farm and other local wood organic in nature... organically finish each piece is sealed with organic olive oil... the safest sealant for wood used in the kitchen
We are opening up shop once again for some very wonderful hand crafted items from both Jason and myself... tomorrow!!!
From all of us here at the farm... peace + blessings,
this pretty picnic was set up on a glorious day within a pear grove... just a short bike ride away from the farm
inspired by a beautiful lace dress I found at Cracker Jax in DeKalb and by the delicate blooms of the pear tree, I invited a few close friends, got my picnic basket down from the eaves, and started filling it with special pretty touches...
it was such a pretty afternoon
listening to our bees humming within the blossoms... slicing into the white cake with buttercream frosting... drinking a cold glass of farm fresh milk... we put blossoms in our hair and soaked up the time together and the beauty around us
after i returned from our pretty picnic under the pear grove, i put together a whole line of products they will all be available at the sale here at the farm (in just less than two weeks...) — postcards to invite your friends for a pretty picnic — lace bunting to hang under your trees or between branches at a nearby park for your pretty picnic — soft yellow paper straws — little vintage napkins — sweet patterned little cake plates — my organic white cake mix — lace tablecloth to lay down for your friends... your pretty picnic
all available at the sale... in the Farm area of the barn (when you first walk in to your left) these beautiful photographs were all taken by my good friend and beautiful photographer, Traci Thorson. (these above images are just a few of them) ~thank you so much for coming~
stepping sluggishly with my cup of coffee into this "Africa" heat
countless blueberries picked, washed, sorted, frozen (I want to be one of those blueberries)
thousands of frozen tokens of my family's blue-stained hands, while I stayed home with the baby, wanting to be staining my hands too
thousands of frozen tokens
gifts
When giving a gift to someone, time and care is taken in picking
Picking out the very best gift you can, that best suits that person, then you wrap it carefully, attach your best sentiment, and make sure they get it in time. I have been known to forget birthdays (could it be "milk brain"??), but when I do purchase a gift for someone, I take the time, make it beautiful, and usually go over the budget for that gift... especially for my husband!
When receiving a gift, you never see anyone (or at least I hope not) say 'thanks' and shove it aside. Even if they don't like the gift they just received from your care in picking it out, they look at it, sometimes ask questions, and hold it up in all directions. If they do like it, or get what they asked for, jubilation occurs with almost laughing smiles, a huge hug and many many words of "thanks"... sometimes tears... with the care you put into the gift... Thanking the gift giver takes time... Picking out just the right thank you card or special stationary... using your best pen and penmanship... and saying just the right words in order to truly let that gift giver know how much you appreciate them giving you that gift. Either way, we stop. Take time. Give thanks.
Every single thing in this life we are living is a gift... sometimes we don't like the gifts we are given... other times are we are so gay (joyful)... but either way, we stop, take time, give thanks. Offering up myself daily to God is a sure way of telling Him thank you and here is my "all", but stopping to give Him thanks, even when I don't like what He is giving me, is slowing down time... literally... I am able to stop. Take time. Give thanks. How am I able to see the thanks amongst the weeds to pull in the potager, the horse manure, the hot humidity with no air conditioning, these six children, my husband's back pain, these thousands of blueberries I need to go through... Taking time to stop. Take time. Give thanks.
