Farm Musings

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Grass Fed No More - USDA drops standard for grass fed beef

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: news, newsletter

Wow. One thing I've learned over the years is that all the claims made on labels in the store pretty much mean nothing. We started farming in the first place because we couldn't find any small local farmers doing everything we wanted. Now that the USDA AMS has dropped their standard for 'grass fed', that label can mean literally anything.



Risotto

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: sides, recipes, bones, newsletter, 04-05-2022

Risotto is really simple to make, but it is outstanding when done right. The trick is having patience as well as good rice and broth. It can be a stand alone meal or a side dish. I love taking the time to caramelize the onions this recipe calls for...



Farming Perks for Parents

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: newsletter, farm

Having kids on a farm is full of different sort of challenges our suburban upbringing didn't quite prepare us for. Overall it is great though. Here is one perk I appreciated today...



No Way to Know Where Your Meat is From

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: newsletter, news

Do you know where your meat is from? Meat labeling laws have been repealed. There is no longer a requirement for meat to indicate its country of origin.



Paprika Beef Stew

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, beef, roasts

This is our favorite recipe for beef chuck roasts. We love to make up a bunch of it and freeze portions for later use.



Gotta Have it Pate'

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, sides, chicken, liver

Liver, a ‘traditional food’, is very nourishing yet does not have a presence in most modern households. If you have never given liver a chance, this is a great way to try it.



Guide to Using Fresh Herbs

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: article, cooking tips, 10-19-2021

Our cookbook often calls for adding herbs to a recipe. The good folks at Cooksmarts came up with an amazing infographic to help you out when you're ready to branch out and try something new.



The Best Eggnog

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: dessert, recipes, eggs, newsletter

If you're going to splurge and have eggnog, you really ought to make it yourself. It is quite easy and delicious! Seems like the New Year is a perfect time to serve this up for some guests!



Crème Brulee a la Betsy

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, dessert, eggs, video

A delicious treat that your family and guests will love. Not nearly as hard to make as you might think. Read the recipe to learn more and be sure to watch Betsy's video to see for yourself! Makes 6 servings.



Egg Labels and what they Really Mean

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: article, newsletter

Animal Welfare Approved, Free-Range, Cage-Free... sometimes all those terms sound the same. It can be confusing. Vox did a great write-up of what all those different terms mean and what you should be looking for with your eggs...



Mashed Parsnips

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, sides, 05-16-2022

Parsnips are really super good, probably my favorite side right now. Consider doubling this recipe and save the extras for the next morning to make cakes fried in bacon fat to have with your eggs.



Fresh Veggie Chevre Salad with Tahini Sauce

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, vegan, vegetarian, 05-24-2022

This is the BEST salad for summer (or when you wish it was summer). It is quick, easy and surprisingly filling as a stand alone meal



Tahini Dressing

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, sauce, vegetarian, 05-16-2022, 05-24-2022

This is probably Betsy's favorite dressing to have around. It is quick and easy to make and is great on just about everything. Think salad dressing, chicken, veggie dip, veggie salad, gyro, etc.



Immersion Blender

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: tools, article, newsletter, member news

The inexpensive kitchen tool everyone needs. We use our immersion blender ALL the time... from smoothies, to soups, to aioli/hollandaise to pate. This is the best investment for your kitchen -- saves a TON of time.



Oven Pancake

Posted by Jack McCann | Tags: recipes, eggs, breakfast, video

Remember the restaurant Pannekoeken? Here’s our version. These pancakes are quick, easy and super tasty. They aren’t so great for those of you on a traditional or GAPS diet… but whatever, go for it! These taste great and have lots of healthy short and medium chain saturated fats and CLAs thanks for the pasture raised butter, eggs and coconut oil.