 With summer quickly approaching, canning season will be going strong here on the farm in no time. Soon I will be plucking all of the ripe tomatoes that I can find and stashing them away to make one big batch of sauce. It’s such a busy time of year. Our gardens (and weeds) are growing lightening fast, the cows are still calving, and our chore list seems to be never-ending.  Florence on the right with her sister Lillian. Nevertheless, there is something about canning that gives me such comfort. I have always liked to think about and plan for the future. Knowing that we will have delicious vegetables during the winter that we grew ourselves makes me feel secure. It also makes me feel closer to past generations. I like the thought of doing some of the same things that my paternal great-grandmother did. She passed away when I was 8 so I don't have strong memories of her besides she would always offer me cookies and she didn't like it when I ran down the stairs. However, according to my Father she was a left-handed diligent homemaker that expected a lot from her family but even more from herself. She quit smoking cigarettes in her 90s blaming price gouging. She was also college educated which was a rarity for a rural North Carolina woman during that time. I like to imagine her working in her garden in that sweltering summertime heat and even hotter little kitchen putting away food for her family of six. When I think of her it makes me realize that I am not alone. She knew the value of all the planning and hard work it takes to provide something that you are proud of for your family. In honor of canning season and Florence Lackey Peeler, here is my recipe for Zesty Salsa: For more information on canning and recipes please visit NCSU Home Food Preservation Website.
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 Here on the farm we have a staple that never gets old, mainly because it is always changing. I try to make quiche once a week for our family using seasonal vegetables. I use seasonal vegetables not just for variety but also for flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast during the week – just pop it in your toaster oven. It’s also great for lunch or dinner with a salad or even cold out of the refrigerator for a quick snack. I use a simple piecrust recipe, no need to worry about blind baking and baking beads. I mean, who has time for all that? This piecrust is just as delicious as the ones that take twice as long to make. The recipe yields two piecrusts, I usually stick one in the freezer for the next quiche or pie. Since it is spring we are able to buy fresh spinach from A Way of Life Farm so that is what I’m using today. However, you can substitute the vegetable portion for broccoli, bell peppers, kale, or any other vegetable that you think would complement eggs. I also used A Way of Life Farm's delicious sausage. Other variations are endless; you can add garlic, onions, crushed red pepper, herbs, and/or cayenne pepper. One vital tip is to use pasture-raised organic eggs and good whole milk. Underwood Family Farm in Cleveland County provides us with an excellent source of milk. We have a saying in our home - fear the fake not the fat. This recipe is packed with wholesome farm fresh ingredients so it's hard to feel guilty about consuming such nutrient dense food. Bon Appetit!
 Pond during construction - Fall 2017 In 2017 we stabilized two sections of stream and built a pond. Pheeww! I wish I could say that in 2018 we could prop our boots on our desk for a while and admire our work but ongoing projects seem to continuously pop-up. Last fall we constructed a pond between our farm and Jeff’s parent’s property. This pond will provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. A gravity pipeline from the pond to a concrete watering tank will provide drinking water for our livestock even if the power goes out. Also, the pond will serve as an irrigation source for our pastures during times of drought.  Pond after construction - Winter 2018 This winter Jeff was awarded a WNC Ag Options Grant for pasture irrigation. We will be adding a K-line Irrigation System to assist in maintaining consistent grass production on a portion of the farm from year to year. K-Line is a flexible hose line and sprinkler pod system designed by New Zealanders for cost-effective and efficient farm irrigation. It is easily moved by any farm vehicle and is a low application rate system that ensures maximum uptake of water and nutrients and minimal moisture loss via runoff.  Aerial view taken by our neighbor It is hard to believe how fast the land around the pond has transformed. Grasses are already establishing themselves and there are hundreds of tiny tadpoles along the edge of the water. I can even hear Spring Peepers chirping from our backyard at night! We are thinking about stocking trout in the fall and harvesting them in the spring before the water warms up too much. Probably the most exciting thought about this project is the hope that Henry will grow up exploring around the pond and fishing with us and his grandparents.  Ahhh Spring, you’ve always been my favorite. Even before beginning our farming journey I have always loved the anticipation of your bright sunny days and fresh rain.
It’s such a hopeful time for any homesteader. My thoughts are filled with a perfectly manicured garden full of ripe produce ready for the picking. Here on the farm, lambing season is coming to a close and our pastures are inhabited with one of the cutest farm animals on the planet. Birds and flowers are waking up but there is still a certain stillness remaining from winter. Spring reminds me to reflect on the past while keeping goals in mind for the future. I feel as if my slate has been cleaned by the restful nights of winter and it’s time to roll up our sleeves again. Welcome back old friend. |
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