Month: May 2016

Cultured Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Raw yogurt chocolate chip cookies, What?? I use my cultured yogurt in EVERYTHING- and it makes it all better. You wont have the health benefits of eating raw yogurt with these cookies, but it makes the standard cookie dough recipe more chewy and interesting, not cake like or dense but light and chewy! This recipe is created to freeze a bunch to share later- about 4 dozen! You can cut recipe in half. See my recipe below-

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Ingredients:

4 1/2 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
2 cups (4 sticks) butter
1 1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 c brown suga
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 c cultured yogurt
4 c semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda. Cream sugars and room temperature butter on high for 2 min until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time until blended on low, then add yogurt. Add vanilla. slowly add dry ingredients until incorporated. If dough seems too sticky add 2 tbsp flour. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by tbs rounds on parchment prepared baking sheets. Cook 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Drink with milk and enjoy!!

 

Together

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So we have this vision- a garden that we work in on the dairy. My self, my sisters, husbands the employees at farm and their wives. Kids running around in the afternoon sunshine. Plants being planted, plants being watered, cared for. A way to bring everyone together sharing in the value of hard work and care of what we’ve been given. Making the most of what we have. A harvest party as we reap our rewards and invite neighboring farms to feast with us. Only a dream? there is so much more a garden can be as well- therapy for children that have never known love. Hope for those who have never made something with their own hands.Fresh food for those who don’t have access to it…(and what a crime that is in our fertile valley). There is enough to share with every person here and that should be our priority as providers, farmers. Our farms will survive when we start becoming an understood asset to our communities. Create understanding open your doors, invite those in who have never seen a farm, make them understand the importance of farmers.  When we have been given so much how can it take anything away.

Easy Cultured Yogurt in the Oven

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007You won’t believe how easy this is! The trick here- you must have access to raw milk.  It’s too bad we don’t have more access to farm fresh milk to make cultured cheese, butter and yogurt. There are many health benefits found  in fresh milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized, thereby retaining its healthy living cultures. To read more bout this visit realmilk.com. This recipe is something fun, easy and healthy you can do for your family. I use this yogurt in so many things- pancakes, muffins, salad dressing, dips, smoothies, marinades and on and on! It is a staple for our family, and gives a satisfying feeling  to visit the dairy to pick up my fresh supply of jersey milk, create recipes with it while knowing I am  doing something to support the health of my family! After  you make this save a cup to use to culture your next 1/2 gallon of raw milk, rather than use store bought yogurt the next time!

Step 1:

Turn on oven light and gather supplies.

Supplies needed:

  • 1/2 gallon raw fresh milk
  • Whisk
  • Large clean pot
  • 2 clean large mason jars with lids
  • Funnel ( to make pouring in jars easier)
  • 1/4 c plus 4 Tbs  high quality plain yogurt ( I like using greek yogurt)
  • Oven with oven light and Towel for insulation.

 

Step 2:

Pour your milk into large pot and heat on medium. (This is hardest part so don’t get sidetracked). Wait until milk is right temperature by using the finger test. (about 8 minutes) That’s right- no fancy thermometers needed!! You will know its right when you test temperature with (clean) finger and feels just to the point of uncomfortably hot! Remove from heat immediately, add 1/4 c of your yogurt and whisk until incorporated.

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Step 3:

Add 2 tablespoons of your yogurt to bottom of each empty mason jar. Pour still warm milk until halfway full. Whisk the yogurt and milk together. Add more milk to top of jar. Give another good whisk and repeat with next jar. You will probably have a little left over.

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Step 4:

Place lids on jars, put side by side close to oven light. wrap with towel to keep insulated. Close door and leave note with message “do not turn off light or use oven!” Promise  you’ll be glad you did, learned this the hard way! Leave in oven for 24 hours. Yogurt will not be consistency of Greek yogurt but thinner. If thicker yogurt is desired place in tea towel and drain off whey over sink for 6-12 hours.Use whey for added nutrition in smoothies or stocks.  I have found thinner is the desired consistency to use in recipes.Store in fridge and use within 2 weeks. If there is any question with contamination- funny smell, taste or visible growth discard. Don’t forget to save around a cup of your yogurt to make the next batch!

 

When do you find the time??

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Many busy moms ask me when do I find the time to paint?  Just making it a priority in my week helps.  I try and keep things in perspective and remember that kiddo time should always be on the top 031of the list. I will also admit that since painting the cupboards are running a little bare, as I try to keep errands to a day or two a week. Painting should be fun and any mom can do it. Our outlets away from the constant laundry and demands of the day are important. Time to nourish our spiritual selfs is essential to our happiness and by default our families. Paint away, you will be surprised what you learn after one painting. Plus it is special to have something you love that you created in your home. God gave us all the gift of a mind to create things, the more you create the more He and others will value your work!

 

Boys will be Boys

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006A Farmer is a provider to all. Not many can say that. Lilly May and I watch from the window as our boys head to work. How to raise farmer boys? Not sure if it happens naturally or if they are more inclined to like tractors and all things farm because they have no other choice! These boys are natural at helping on the farm and make us very proud. Should they choose to be farmers one day we pray there will be lots of opportunity for them. It is a blessing to be able to work so hard and provide for others through this work. I have admired my husbands lifestyle since I met him, and his passion for the dairy continues to grow…