The Wife of a Dairyman

TT w/Linky: Box Lunch

2012-02-29T16:00:00.001-08:00

Once a year, the student body at the one-room school my kids attend, look forward to Box Lunch Day. This is where names are drawn between the entire student body....all nine kids and the two teachers, to see who they will be responsible making a box lunch for on the given day.

The week prior to the much anticipated event, the interview process takes place. The is where they can request anything they fancy for their box lunch....from pizza to sliders, ice cream to gummy bears....whatever their heart desires.

The day of the event, students and teachers alike, can barely wait until lunch time to open their gift wrapped box lunch to find the treasures that await them inside.

Included in Paige's beautifully wrapped box lunch was a homemade rice, bean and cheese burrito {that I had the pleasure of finishing}, also included; chocolate chip cookies, lemonade and some fruit.

Bryce got EXACTLY what he wanted....sliders, juice and much to his surprise, an interactive box top made to look like a mini construction scene, complete with a chocolate frosting 'dirt road', graham cracker crumb 'sand' and mini marshmallow 'boulders' to interact with the slew of construction trucks that acompanied it .....Heaven for a seven year old boy.

On this 'Thankful Thursday', I'm grateful for the intimate group that attends the one-room school. Loving the ease of pulling off such a fun event that the students will remember and look forward to for years to come.

Link up with anything you’re thankful for! And if you’re not a blogger, just let us know in the comment section what you happen to be thankful for on this day.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

WW: Frosty Fenceline

2012-02-28T16:00:00.004-08:00

Wordless Wednesday....

From toes in the sand last week to frosty fenceline this morning on the way to school drop-off.

Paige noticed right away.....the mile of frosty fence line on the way to school where little spikes of ice completely covered the barbwire fence along the route to the one-room school.

An absolutely beautiful scene.....thankful I had my point-and-shoot with me....with a charged battery.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Lifetime Achievement ~ Marin County Farm Bureau

2012-02-27T16:00:00.101-08:00

Or 'Achievements of a Lifetime Award' is what I think it should be called.

Friday night Marin County Farm Bureau held its annual dinner where Farm Bureau members along with public officials get a chance to get together and enjoy a fabulous dinner and drinks and honor those that have played an intricate role in agriculture.

This year, my father-in-law George, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Although he is only in his 60's and has many more years of agriculture achievements, it was fantastic to have the entire family there to see him receive his award for his accomplishments thus far.

He's not off the hook though, he'll have many more volunteer hours ahead of him.

Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey, congratulates George for his accomplishments.

Before the the program began, members of Tri-Valley, Pt. Reyes-Olema and San Rafael 4H clubs lead the crowd in the Pledge Allegiance. Seven of them being George's grand kids; Bryce and Paige with their cousins; Leila, Cameron, Gavin, Raja and Yasmeena along with Camilla Taylor and Derrick and Logan Pomi.

After an introduction by Hank Corda, George gives his acceptance speech.

Another person who was honored during the evening was retired Marin County Supervisor Hal Brown, who was too ill to attend so Supervisor Katie Rice accepts his award of 'Friend of Agriculture' from Supervisor Steve Kinsey on his behalf.

With about 130 people in attendance, the night went smoothly, the kids were under control.....well until the soda kicked in.

The combination of a sugar rush and a large lighted stage to play on was too much to bear, the temptation too high for the Grossi kids.....they were all over it.

But I stopped them once they asked to use the microphone.

To end the evening, the 4Her's helped Sam Dolcini hand out the many prizes from the raffle......more stage time, how could they say no to that.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment, I love to hear from you!. Have a fantastic day!

"BOTW" Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-02-24T16:00:00.001-08:00

With St. Patrick's Day on the horizon, searching the web for all things green, I came across these Mint Chocolate Chip cookies and just had to share. Wouldn't they be great for a school party? Or if a birthday falls on or near St. Patrick's Day? Mint and chocolate.....YUM!













Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies by Betty Crocker

Ingredients:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

Directions:

1 Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
2 Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Recipe and photo courtesy Betty Crocker.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Some Beach, Somewhere

2012-02-23T16:00:00.003-08:00

It's February 23rd. A warm 78 degrees outside....unheard of in northern CA during the month of February.
I know we desperately need the rain, but if it's going to be this warm, I'm going with it and embracing this gift of warm weather.

Okay, so I'm not really at the beach.

The sandbox, a cocktail and an imagination will do.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT w/Linky: Fearless Flyers

2012-02-22T16:00:00.020-08:00

Every winter we plan a trip to the snow and normally stay in one of my favorite winter locations, Tahoe Donner in Truckee, CA. A big cabin is rented, we caravan up with friends and play in the snow for three days.

This past holiday weekend was the weekend we've had booked since October, snow or no snow we were going. The snow fall has been extremely low this season but we hoped for the best and headed up anyway.

So glad we did. The snow on the ground surrounding the hillside cabin where we stayed was protected by shade, which made conditions perfect for the homemade Luge run for sledding that was soon created.

On the early, crisp mornings, our luge run was icy and super fast.

Where the smallest of the bunch was able to catch some amazing air.

The faster the better.

As the days continued, the 'Fearless Flyers' became braver and braver. Even trying out different positions.

Which made for bigger, more fun crashes.

Different weight combinations were evaluated to see who and what could get the fastest time down the luge run.

Crash after crash didn't stop these Fearless Flyers from trekking back up the hill again and again for another go at the fast track.

I'm still not entirely sure which they enjoyed more, the crashes or the fast run down the hill.

By the second day, the Mom's had a go at it.

I must say, the faster the better......until you crash land.

As long as the security barrier of bodies were in position to catch any out of control sleds from crashing into the side of the house, it was all good.

Despite what the above photo may look like, Bryce's front teeth were missing Before the snow trip.....No tears for these Fearless Flyers......maybe a slightly different story for the Moms. My body is completely bruised from crashing down on the hard ice.....anything to entertain my kids.

On this Thankful Thursday, I'm thankful body pillows have been invented.

The Hurricane Cocktail for Fat Tuesday

2012-02-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy Google Image

The Hurricane cocktail is credited to New Orleans tavern owner Pat O'Brien. In the 1940s, he needed to create a new drink to help him get rid of all of the less popular rum that local distributors forced him to buy before he could get a few cases of more popular liquors such as scotch and whiskey. He poured the concoction into hurricane-lamp-shaped glasses and gave it away to sailors. The drink caught on, and it has been a mainstay in the French Quarter ever since.

Happy Fat Tuesday! Here's how you can make your own Hurricane Cocktail at home.......

1 oz Smirnoff® vodka
1/4 oz grenadine syrup
1 oz gin
1 oz light rum
1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz triple sec
grapefruit juice
pineapple juice

Pour all but the juices, in order listed, into a hurricane glass three-quarters filled with ice. Fill with equal parts of grapefruit and pineapple juice, and serve.

Cheers!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

"BOTW": Fried Egg Flowers

2012-02-17T16:00:00.002-08:00

This week's "Best of the Web" is short and sweet.....

Wanna make breakfast fun? Try cracking an egg inside the ring of a sliced bell pepper.....your family will love it!

Best of the Web....photo courtesy 27 Media.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

My New Love from Philadelphia

2012-02-16T16:00:00.001-08:00

Move over Nutella, there's a new spread in town and he's smooth, sweet, silky, dark and from Philly.

Meet Indulgence Philadelphia Cream Cheese. It comes in milk chocolate {my favorite}, dark chocolate and white chocolate. Chocolate cheese, who woulda thought?!

Kraft seems to be marketing this new product as a snack where you can dip your strawberries, pretzels and such into but you know what?.....it was mighty fine on my bagel this morning for breakfast.

As I was eating my new found love, I was imagining all the possibilities.....think chocolate cheese cake...

I'm predicting a long lasting relationship between the two of us.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT w/Linky: Duck Hunt or a Chance at Technology

2012-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

Bryce, my seven year old, my 'techy', my homebody sensitive son will do just about anything to stay in the house any day of the weekend if he even thinks there might be the slightest chance he'll be allowed to use the computer. I'm rethinking the decision we made to allow our kids to use technology at a young age. Even though he's only allowed to use it on Friday's, he tries and tries to wear me down into agreeing to some 'extra time' on the computer......it doesn't work but he's relentless.

A few Sunday's ago, it was the last day of duck season in our area. Bryce had not been out all season, this was his last chance for a while. Some of his cousins and friends were on their way over for this much anticipated last day. We pushed and prodded and maybe even bribed Bryce to head out on this hunt.

Once he was out there, it was a good time....it's just the getting him there that I need to work on.

After the hunt, a trap shooting session ensued.

A long, full, fun day on the ranch. Where my ranch kid actually acted like a ranch kid....as it should be.

Maybe time to throw technology out the window, for a while.

Link up with anything you’re thankful for! And if you’re not a blogger, just let us know in the comment section what you happen to be thankful for on this day.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Happy Valentine's Day Chocolate Sauce

2012-02-14T13:46:00.001-08:00

It's Valentine's Day. You can't have a Valentine's Day without some sort of chocolate, right? Here's an easy recipe for some simply smooth, velevety chocolate sauce for your ice cream, pound cake, bacon, pretzels, strawberries.......OR whatever else your heart may desire to dip into chocolate.

What goes perfectly with chocolate? A full bodied red wine of course. This chocolate sauce recipe is courtesy of Hamel Family Wines.

Enjoy your day and may it be filled with chocolate, wine and love.

Duncan Family Chocolate Sauce

2oz best quality unsweetened chocolate
¾ cup water
1 ½ cup sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
Dash of salt

Heat water to a simmer. Add chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add sugar, corn syrup and salt. Return to low heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter, stirring until fully incorporated.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Friday Night Sliders with Chobani Guacamole

2012-02-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

When Friday night rolls around, I want an easy dinner the kids are not going to fight me on. This past Friday, it was Sliders all around with the added touch of Chobani Guacamole.

Bryce will eat Sliders or hamburgers for breakfast, lunch OR dinner. Paige is not the biggest hamburger fan, she'd rather have steak, but when I told her Sliders are like 'baby burgers', she was the first in line for hers.

Begin with a pound of ground beef....I pulled one of our 'chubs' out of the freezer from the beef we raise.

Form patties about the size of a sand dollar or so.

Salt and pepper is all you need for seasoning.

Next, you can do one of three things, fry them, BBQ them or use your indoor grill pan like I did.

They take about three minutes on each side.

For buns, we used King's Hawaiian dinner rolls, or any dinner rolls will do.

Lay some baby spinach greens {or any greens} on the bottom bun and add a generous dollop of Chobani Guacamole on top of the Slider.

Best Slider ever!

Related Posts:
Lower Fat Guacamole with Chobani Greek Yogurt

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

'BOTW' Almond Kiss Cookies

2012-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's Day Almond Kiss cookie recipe is what I've chosen for my 'Best of the Web' this week by the Food Network. Super easy to make, especially if you use the pre-made, store bought sugar cookie dough.....but you can also make your own from scratch, if you prefer.

Kids really dig making this recipe as well because they can get their hands right in that dough and roll it into balls...totally fun for them.

Recipe and Photo by Food Network
Ingredients

1/2 recipe Sugar Cookie Dough, at room temperature
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup whole almonds, very finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 tablespoons red sanding sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Start with Alton's Sugar Cookie dough recipe OR make it super simple by using the store bought pre-made Sugar Cookie Dough.

On a work surface, knead the flour into the Sugar Cookie Dough until well combined. Add chopped almonds and almond extract and knead dough until evenly incorporated.

Scoop level tablespoons of dough and roll into smooth balls between the palms of your hands. Place balls about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes. Bake until set and golden on the bottom, about 12-14 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes on the baking sheet. Stir the confectioner's sugar and sanding sugar together in a shallow dish.

While cookies are still warm, roll in sugar mixture with a fork until completely coated, gently pressing cookies into mixture to adhere the sanding sugar. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Hall Pass for the Mamas

2012-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

A couple of times a year, the guys in our family get together with friends to make home made venison/pork sausage. It's a long time tradition here on the ranch. This past Sunday was the scheduled day. It takes place down the road on the neighboring ranch in the basement of the old farm house, which was the original Grossi home ranch.

The kids and I were here, at home on the ranch alone, both my father-in-law, George and my husband have started the sausage making fest earlier in the morning. The plan was to drop off Bryce a little later after breakfast. As we're heading down the hill I come up on 25 or so mama cows that happen to be grazing beyond the enclosure of their corrals, in the yard.

A definite hall pass for the mamas.

They were as happy as can be, grazing in knee deep, lush green grass. They weren't going anywhere fast.

Just as I was deciding whether or not to try and corral these ladies all on my own, my father-in-law, thankfully drives back onto the ranch. I was then able to drive down the road {no cell service at the sausage making area} and grab Dominic and few other helpers to move these mamas back into their corrals.

What would have taken me an hour, at least, to move these mamas into the proper place only takes Dominic five minutes.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT w/Linky: The Order of Training Wheels

2012-02-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Having two children 22 months apart in age can be somewhat challenging at times. Especially when the youngest is a complete, no fear, dare devil and the oldest is not.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am grateful that my seven year old, Bryce, learned to ride his bike without training wheels just recently.

Because I can't even imagine what would go down if this five year old kamikaze learned to ride before

this one very sensitive seven year old....

You Know You're a Redneck...

2012-02-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

You know you're a redneck when, on Super Bowl Sunday you ask a few of your guests to help you replace the snapped rope on the flag pole....from a ladder in a tractor bucket fully extended to reach 25 feet in the air.

I know some of you have seen a similar scenario here before, but here we are again.
It had to be done. We needed more help because attempt number one the day before, wind issues prevented success.

And I'm always grateful to have someone other than myself lift and lower the tractor bucket carrying my husband......I've been known to be a little jerky with the controls at times...

The flag was raised and flying high by noon.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Molten Lava Mini Cakes

2012-02-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

This upcoming weekend I'll be teaching our 4H cooking group how to make Molten Lava Mini Cakes. Before teaching anything to the group of 13, I like to try it out before the class to work out any issues that can arise. So, this post-Super Bowl party morning, after dropping the kids off at school, I got busy making these little gems.

These would also be a quick and easy dessert for a Valentine's Day party. From start to finish, I had these mixed, baked, plated, photographed, taste tested AND dishes washed all within 55 minutes. So simple.

Here's what you need for success.....{full recipe below}

Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave....low and slow until smooth.

Mix in the flour and powdered sugar to the chocolate/butter mixture, until smooth.

Add the vanilla extract and mix in.

Now, here's where I did a little testing. I used a muffin tin and .......

the traditional ramekin to decide which would be better to use while teaching a group of 13 kids.

After filling the tin and ramekin, pop them in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for 10 minutes. The edges will be firm but the center should remain runny.

The mini molten cakes in the muffin tin were firm across the top....which was good because I had to flip these guys over and hope they wouldn't run out over the wax paper.

They didn't....it all worked out and I was able to transfer them to a plate before any 'lava' oozed out.

I prefer the ramekin version over the muffin tin though. It's more attractive and you can serve it in the ramekin itself.

Muffin tin version............(which had I have left upside down on the plate, would have been more attractive).

Dig into it and the molten lava is ready to ooze out. I was going to top these with raspberries but someone, {BRYCE} ate the entire contents of the two pints I had bought. Strawberries are just as good. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top and you're done.

I didn't have a 'taste tester' so dang it, I had to taste test it myself at 9:30 in the morning....my breakfast.

This recipe is not only super simple to bake, it's absolutely delicious! LOVED it. Hope you will also.

Molten Lava Mini Cakes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 sticks of butter
1 cup of chocolate chips {I used milk chocolate}
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 large eggs
plus 3 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray your ramekins or muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium microwavable bowl melt the chocolate chips with the butter....low and slow so the chocolate doesn't burn. Sixty seconds, stir and then at 30 second intervals until smooth...about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.
Add flour and powdered sugar to the chocolate-butter mixture until smooth.
Add the eggs and the 3 egg yolks and stir until smooth.
Add vanilla and stir it in.
Divide the batter evenly to the muffin tin or ramekins. Bake for 10 minutes. The edges will be firm and the center runny.....this is what you want. Invert onto dessert plates or if using the ramekins, you can choose to serve it in the ramekin.

Top with powered sugar, sliced strawberries or a few raspberries and even some whipped cream.

Enjoy!!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Football Inspired Cheese Ball for Super Bowl

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

The California Milk Advisory Board just sent me this recipe for this very creative football inspired cheese ball....I love it! It's made with California Monterey Jack and blue cheese. I have yet to make it myself, but wanted to share it with you all before the big game on Sunday.....just in case you're looking for a last minute Super Bowl themed appetizer.

Makes 1 Football

2/3 cup (6 ounces) California Cream Cheese
2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) grated California Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) crumbled California Blue Cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2/3 cup coarsely crushed rye crackers

In a large bowl or food processor, combine Cream Cheese, garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. Beat or process until blended and smooth. Add Monterey Jack and Blue cheeses as well as walnuts, and beat vigorously until ingredients are evenly mixed. If using a food processor, take care not to over-mix; cheese should retain some of its texture. Chilling is not essential; however, the mixture will be easier to shape if refrigerated for 2-3 hours.

Spread rye cracker crumbs on a large plate or sheet of waxed paper. Dampen your hands with water to keep the cheese mixture from sticking to them. Pat and press mixture into a football shape; don't worry about keeping the shape perfect. Pat on cracker crumbs, pressing gently so the crackers stick. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Optional:

Decorate cheese football with laces made from sour cream (or string cheese!). To pipe on sour cream, snip the corner of a plastic sandwich bag. Spoon sour cream into bag and gently squeeze out of the snipped end to pipe onto football shape.

Enjoy!!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Tweet California Monterey Jack and Blue Cheese Football

'BOTW' Strip and go Naked

2012-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Now that I've got your attention, this is the PERFECT party drink. I've had it myself at a friend's party a few times and let me tell you, it definitely sneaks up on you. If you're looking for the perfect Super Bowl cocktail to serve, this is it. It's mixed in a large thermos sports drink container, much like the thermos containers you would see on the sidelines at a football game....only this one is 'loaded'.

Here's what you need for success:

30 cans of your favorite lite beer....I use Coors Light
1 3/4 liters of Vodka
2 {12 oz }cans of pink lemonade concentrate

In a 4 to 5 gallon sports drink dispenser, combine the light beer, vodka and lemonade concentrate. Stir gently to disperse the lemonade. Put the lid on and serve!

Enjoy!!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Lower Fat Guacamole made with Chobani Greek Yogurt

2012-02-02T16:00:00.001-08:00

Sometimes governors make friendly wagers concerning the most watched sporting event of the the year, the Super Bowl. In doing so, they put up iconic products that are representative of the states where the Super Bowl teams reside.

For the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI this Sunday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has put up bagels, cheesecakes and Greek yogurt.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has countered with clam chowder, Centerville Pies {chicken pot pies} and Food Should Taste Good chips.

New York has a very productive dairy industry, ranking fourth in the nation in terms of milk production. It’s also in the forefront of the Greek yogurt craze that is sweeping the nation right now.

Fun Fact: The top five states for dairy production are:
1. California
2. Wisconsin
3. Idaho
4. New York
5. Pennsylvania

With Sunday's game coming up and with all that Super Bowl party food just asking to be consumed, it's nice to lighten up a few things where calories are concerned, right? I have a great guacamole recipe for you that is SO tasty and includes Chobani Greek Yogurt to lighten up the calories.

After testing out this recipe with the kids yesterday, it's sure to make a second appearance on my appetizer table this Sunday. Here's what you need for success........{full recipe below}

Slice up two medium avocados and scoop them into a bowl.

Add one small chopped red onion.......or have your kid do it like me.

Chop up around 10 grape tomatoes and add to the bowl.

Squeeze in two teaspoons of lime, 1/2 tsp Cumin, and salt to taste.

Measure out 3/4 cup of plain nonfat, Chobani Greek Yogurt. If you haven't tried Greek yogurt yet, the consistency of it is much thicker than traditional yogurt.

Mix is all together. The more you mix, the smoother it becomes so if you like your guacamole on the chunky side, lightly mix.

Now one of the things I love about having my kids help me cook is that they are more apt to try a taste of whatever it is we're making. Bryce will try ANY dip, Paige is not as ambitious but since she helped create this guacamole, she tried it and loved it.

Definitely a winner in our house.

To add a little heat, you can add chopped jalapeno to the mix.

Serve it with traditional tortilla chips or some pita chips for a different twist.

What's your all time favorite appetizer for Super Bowl?

Chobani Guacamole

Ingredients:
Two medium ripe avocados
3/4 cup nonfat Chobani Greek Yogurt
1/2 tsp cumin
2 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 small red onion, chopped
10 grape tomatoes, chopped
salt to taste
chopped jalapeno, optional

Directions:
Slice the avocado and add to bowl. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix to desired consistency.
Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT w/Linky: Coffee Cup Egg Scramble

2012-02-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

On this "Thankful Thursday" I have found a little something that has made my mornings a little bit easier....the Coffee Cup Scramble.

I love scrambled eggs with a little grated cheese but many mornings I'm short on time and just getting the frying pan out, waiting for it to heat up and scrambling eggs takes too long. If I can save five minutes when getting the kids ready for school, everyone is happy. This little coffee cup scramble takes all of three minutes total...so easy and really good.

Here's what you need, along with two tablespoons of milk.

Spray the inside of a coffee cup with non-stick spray. Crack the two eggs into the cup and add the milk and mix it up.

Microwave the mixture for 45 seconds, stir and then microwave for an additional 30-45 seconds.

Top with some salt and pepper and grated cheese.

Include a glass of milk and maybe some toast and here you have a quick nutritious and delicious breakfast.

WW: Anticipation

2012-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Feeding time at the calf barn is always loud. As soon as they see a human coming their way in the morning hours or in the afternoon, they anticipate the food they're about to receive and the mooing ensues.

This little girl grabbed a hold of the snap in her attempt at being patient, but dropped it as soon as the alfalfa was placed in the feeding trough.

And then there is peace and quiet. All content as they munch.....kind of like at my house.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

California Cows for Super Bowl

2012-01-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well it seems as though our California cows are joining the ranks of 30 second Super Bowl commercial participants. We all know the best part of the Super Bowl are the commercials....at least in my house.

The California Milk Advisory Board just emailed the latest commercial set to air during the Super Bowl....titled "Birthday Party".....look for it and tell me what you think!

But for now, here are a couple commercials I really like....

Middle School...........

And some fashion sense advice for Moms.........

What's your favorite Super Bowl commercial of all time?....there's so many to choose from!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

"BOTW" Crispy Baked Chicken Wings for Superbowl

2012-01-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

I like my wings and I like 'em spicey. You can't have a Superbowl party without wings, but who wants to take the time to fry them up? Not me. So, for my "Best of the Web" this week I found Bon Appetit's Crispy Baked Chicken Wings.....easy!

Photo and recipe courtesy Bon Appetit Test Kitchen

Ingredients

Buffalo Sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup hot pepper sauce

Ginger-Soy Glaze
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 2x1" piece of ginger, peeled, sliced

Wings
5 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Buffalo Sauce

Mix first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in hot sauce; keep warm. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Let cool completely; cover and chill. Rewarm before using.

Ginger-Soy Glaze

Bring all ingredients and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve honey. Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/4 cup, 7–8 minutes. Strain into a medium bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to thicken slightly. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 days ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm before using.

Wings

Preheat oven to 400°. Set a wire rack inside each of 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Place all ingredients in a large bowl; toss to coat. Divide wings between prepared racks and spread out in a single layer.

Bake wings until cooked through and skin is crispy, 45–50 minutes.

Line another rimmed baking sheet with foil; top with a wire rack. Add half of wings to ginger-soy glaze and toss to evenly coat. Place wings in a single layer on prepared rack and bake until glaze is glossy and lightly caramelized, 8–10 minutes.

Toss remaining half of wings in Buffalo sauce. Serve immediately (no need to bake).

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/02/crispy-baked-chicken-wings#ixzz1kaIY5oqu

ENJOY!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Sweets for your Honey ~ Almond Bark in the Raw

2012-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time again...time to begin filtering chocolate back into my system. Gosh, it's only been a month since the holidays but for some reason I'm craving some chocolate again....must be the very thought of Valentine's Day, I suppose.

A while back, my friend Brent, an almond farmer, {pronounced "Amond" acorrding to him and all almond farmers, apparently} who has a family almond farm in Ripon, CA, 4th Generation Farms , gave me a bag of their raw almonds. Almonds in the raw are my absolute favorite....I could eat handfuls of them, and they're so good for you too!
I had plans for this bag of almonds in the raw.

BIG plans.

That involve chocolate.

Start by double boiling some chocolate chips......low and slow. I used milk chocolate and white chocolate.

Spread the almonds out on a wax paper lined baking sheet.

Once the chocolate has melted, spoon and spread it over the almonds. The milk or dark chocolate goes first.

Then the white chocolate.

And because I like salt with my chocolate....I'm weird like that..... I sprinkled some Kosher salt over the chocolate while it was still warm.....but totally optional. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or so until it has hardened.

Then just break it into pieces and that's it!

Almond Bark in the Raw

Ingredients:

Raw Almonds
Chocolate Chips, milk or dark
White Chocolate Chips
Canola oil
Kosher salt {optional}

Directions:

Spread the almonds out on a wax sheet lined baking sheet.

Double boil the milk chocolate chips and the white chocolate chips in separate pots. When double boiling, use low heat and make sure the water in the bottom pot is not touching the bottom of the bowl the chocolate is in......otherwise if you melt the chocolate too fast and a high temperature, it'll turn lumpy and hard. I add some canola oil to the chocolate to keep it smooth and silky.

Once the chocolate is melted, spoon it over the almonds and spread. Do the same with the white chocolate. Sprinkle some Kosher salt if desired.
Place baking tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to harden. Remove and break into pieces using a butter knife.

Enjoy!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT w/Linky: I Spy With My Little Eye

2012-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

One of the things I just love about this time of year, are the many hawks that seem to be out in full force right now. I don't know whether hawks are more active in winter or not but on my ride to school every morning, they're lined up on the power lines, searching for their next catch or just keeping themselves warm.

In the past eight years that I've lived here, on the ranch, one day last week was the first time a Red Tail Hawk has come so close to the house, that I've noticed. I was sitting in the office and glanced out to discover this guy staring at me through the office window.

Knowing I probably wouldn't have another opportunity to be in such close proximity to another hawk any time soon, I slowly got up from my own perch, the office chair, hoping I wouldn't startle him and snapped a few pics through the window.

On this Thankful Thursday, I'm grateful my feathered friend was curious enough to hang out with me for a good 15 minutes.....definitely the highlight of the day.

Tremocos ~ Lupini Beans

2012-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Growing up as first generation American in a Portuguese family, my parents made sure my sisters and I stayed close to our Portuguese heritage growing up. My childhood summers are filled with memories of driving to different cities in northern California to attend Portuguese Holy Ghost 'Festas'.

Food was always a big part of any festa. One of the things I remember and loved to eat as a child were these hard, salty beans called Tremocos, in Portuguese. They were sold in a ziplock bag with salty water to keep them moist.

In Portugal, on the Azores Islands, where my Dad is from, they serve Tremocos as bar snacks and now as an adult I know why....they go perfect with red wine or beer.

This past summer at a festa I attended, I asked one of the older generation Portuguese ladies how to go about making these Tremocos beans. She sat down with me and explained the entire process, which includes DAYS of boiling, brining, replacing the salty water and begin again. WAY more time than I would ever want to spend on beans.

So imagine my surprise, when just the other day at my local grocerey store, as I was searching for some low sodium black beans, I glanced up and saw this jar....

Tremocos beans in all their glory, on the top shelf of Harvest Market. I felt I hit the jackpot!

I bought all they had in stock {I know, sick right?}, hoping they would live up to my childhood memory. They came pretty close, not quite as salty but close enough.

Tremocos are eaten by tearing into the skin with your teeth and popping the bean into your mouth.....here's the skin on the left and the bean on the right....

Other than the salt, Tremocos, or Lupini Beans as they're called here in America, are pretty healthy for you.

And they go GREAT with wine!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Flat Stanley ~ BooHoo Niners...

2012-01-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

I PROMISE, this is the last football post for at least nine months. We braved the rain, wind and cold to be at Candlestick Park yesterday to root on our team, the Niners. We barely made it in time for the pre-game festivities, but we managed to have a few refreshments before the game began.

I was asked, by my seven year old, Bryce, if I could babysit Flat Stanley for him and take him to the game....of course! Flat Stanley will have some cool pics to enter in his journal for school.

After tailgating and before making our way to our seats, we stopped at the Bud Light Stage to listen to Wonderbread 5 for a while as they were...

getting the fans fired up for the game.

The crowd was definitely pumped up and ready for this game, too bad the offense couldn't quite make it though......

So, the best parts of the game for me, are highlighted with photos.....

The National Anthem sends chills, as always.

Hundreds of members of the military carrying the flag....

Half time show, Brad Paisley performed.......

And Flat Stanley was a little down after overtime but overall, thought his first football game experience was exhilarating.....

If I had a bucket list, going to a Superbowl with the Niners playing in it would be on it. Here's hoping for next year in New Orleans....what a party THAT will be!

As I said, no more football posts for a while but I will, however, be posting about some football party food.....that's always a good thing.

Who are you rooting for in the Superbowl??....I like Tom Brady

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

"BOTW" Cajun Jambalaya ~ Football Food

2012-01-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

We have two weekends of football season left, which means playoff and Superbowl parties are coming up! Want an easy recipe that makes enough to feed a crowd? My 'Best of the Web' for the week is by Emeril Lagasse...Cajun Jambalaya. Make it ahead of time....perfect for a party.....YUM!

Photo courtesy Food Network

Ingredients
12 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped
4 ounces chicken, diced
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
3/4 cup rice
3 cups chicken stock
5 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
Salt and pepper

Directions
In a bowl combine shrimp, chicken and Creole seasoning, and work in seasoning well. In a large saucepan heat oil over high heat with onion, pepper and celery, 3 minutes.
Add garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire and hot sauces. Stir in rice and slowly add broth.
Reduce heat to medium and cook until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. When rice is just tender add shrimp and chicken mixture and sausage. Cook until meat is done, about 10 minutes more. Season to taste with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

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TT w/Linky: Daisy The New Year's Calf

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

It's been decided. Not by me, but by the kids.....they liked the name Daisy. Plus, every dairy farm should have a cow named Daisy, right?!

After giving the kids the LONG list of choices you submitted, it came down to Daisy. Now, Daisy was submitted a couple of times and we can only have one winner, so we're going with the first submission which belonged to, Lauren. Lauren, please email me with your mailing address so I can send you out some Godiva Coffee to go with your milk! email at: TheWifeOfADairyman {at} gmail {dot} com

This 'Thankful Thursday' I'm thankful for our New Year's calf, Daisy, was born on January 11th and is now eight days old. She's healthy and is doing well....I'll keep you updated!

Thank you to everyone who submitted names, it was a very difficult decision to make!

Link up with anything you’re thankful for! And if you’re not a blogger, just let us know in the comment section what you happen to be thankful for on this day.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

WW: Cotton Seed In My Pocket

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday.

We don't have snow where we live, but we do have cotton seed.....which is almost as fun for play dates...

The only drawback is, unlike snow, the cotton seed doesn't melt and it's found over the entire house, in pockets, shoes, socks, etc.....for days to come.........

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Tailgating San Francisco Style

2012-01-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

I had the most amazing, exciting day on Saturday. The 49ers, whom I LOVE, were playing the Saints in a playoff game at Candlestick Park. What's a girl to do but get busy making a sign and then head down to Candlestick to meet friends for some tailgating action.

My friend, Karyn and her family, have been 49er faithfuls for many years. They have this tailgating thing down to a T! With the 49ers in the playoffs, their tradition is to put on a Cioppino feed for the tailgate party. Karyn's husband, Nick, puts in a lot of hours, sweat and tender loving care, beginning the day prior to the game, into this Cioppino recipe of his.

I'm not sure what the head count was, but I'm guessing some where around 40 people for Cioppino.

There were muscles, clams and crab all mixed with a special secret sauce.....SO good.

But that's not all we had. It was quite the sausage fest as well.

Pretty soon, it was time to head into the stadium.

With the Niners being in the playoffs for the first time since 2002, the crowd was completely fired up. I lost my voice. Oh! By the way, I was NOT allowed to bring my sign into the game! So bummed!

The National Anthem ALWAYS gives me chills, but especially with members of the military flanking a gigantic flag and fighter jets flying by overhead just as the anthem comes to an end. So cool.

I had to snap a picture of my man, left footed David Akers, who is the kicker on my fantasy team, doing his thing....he's awesome!

The game did not disappoint. It was a nail biter till the very end without a doubt. My heart is still pumping hard.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

The Winner Of Planet Beach Is....

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to lucky #7, Corina Kelley!! You have won a one month free pass to Planet Beach Novato!
Please email your mailing address Corina and I'll get it right out to you...or I can drop it off!

TheWifeOfADairyman {at} gmail {dot} com

Wrangler Giveaway!

2012-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of Wrangler jeans or would like to try them out, we, The Real Farmwives of America, have a Wrangler jean giveaway for you!

I love wearing my Wranglers, they're durable and can withstand all that I put them through while I'm bouncing around the ranch.

From grooming my horse, Joey,

to 4 wheeling around.

Wranglers have been part of my life for many years. I wore them as a kid, a teenager and now as an adult. I am constantly climbing up and over and sometimes through fencing. Comfort and durability is a must with the jeans I choose to wear on the ranch.

There are many styles and colors to choose from, Wrangler white jeans are the only pants I buy for my kids when they're showing in 4H....same with my friends....as my little friend, Logan, is modeling in the picture below. The whites can withstand a little bleaching and a lot of washing and are handed down to the younger kids when they're outgrown.

If you would like the opportunity to win a new pair of women's Wrangler jeans, visit The Real Farmwives of America to enter! Good luck!!

While Wrangler did provide me with a free pair of jeans to review for this blog the thoughts, opinions and pictures shared here are my own.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Tailgating Party Dip ~ Western Hemisphere Salad/Dip

2012-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's a BIG day around northern California. I'm a huge 49er fan and Saturday afternoon they will be playing the Saints in a playoff game in San Francisco. I'll be there, at Candlestick, tailgating with friends by mid-morning on Saturday.

Other than beer and wine, I wanted to bring something that would hold up well at room temperature. Going through my recipe file, I came across this Western Hemisphere Salad that I haven't made in ages. Great as a salad or makes a super fantastic tortilla chip dip as well.

This salad/dip is so named because all the ingredients are native to the western hemisphere and were unknown to the Old World prior to 1492. It's very nutritious, tasty, low in fat, high in fiber, vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium and protein.

It's Super easy to make and a hit at any party. You can also make it ahead of time to let the flavors 'marry' together....BUT, the only problem with making it ahead of time, as I JUST found out, is that I began snacking on it WAY before party day. So if you do make it ahead, make a lil' bit extra :)

Here's what you need for success....{full recipe below}

Dice the tomatoes, green onions,

zucchini,

some freshly squeezed lime juice {please excuse my scary looking fingers},

cumin,

salt,

corn, black beans, parsley, garlic and salsa. I modified the original recipe by adding half a jalapeno because I like it spicy.

Mix is all together and add some fresh chopped avocado right before serving.

Serve in 1/2 cup servings, OR

how I like it.....with chips!

What's your favorite football party food?

Western Hemisphere Salad

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped green onions, including the green tips
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped {about 2 cups}
1 medium zucchini squash, diced {about 1 cup}
1 cup corn, canned or frozen
1 pound can {about 1 1/2 cups} black beans drained or rinsed {or Kidney beans}
1/2 cup mild salsa {I used Pico de Gallo-medium}
1/2 jalapeno without the seeds, minced {modified from original recipe}
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
2 T lime or lemon juice
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 small ripe avocado, cut into small chunks {optional}

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except avocado in a mixing bowl. Stir to blend. Chill before serving. Add avocado chunks just before serving.

Makes about 6 cups. Unless avocado is used, this recipe has no added fat.

This recipe was adapted from the George Washington University WHI Clinical Center.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Help Name Our New Year's Baby

2012-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

It finally happened! On January 11th our New Year's baby arrived.

I would LOVE your help in naming her! Isn't she adorable?!

In this photo, it almost looks as though she's smiling....

So, what do you think? Any name jump out at you?

Get your family involved and I'll send the creator of the name we choose some Godiva coffee to go with your milk!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT with/Linky: Winery Playdate

2012-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

We've been having some spring-like weather here in northern California for almost the entire month of December and January so far. Close to 70 degrees on many days and even though we desperately need the rain, we are taking advantage and enjoying the nice weather.

On this day, the kids and I drove up to our cousin's winery for an afternoon playdate.

Nothing like strolling through the vineyard on a 70+ degree day in January.

The kids got to run out some of their energy.

And work up an appetite for some frozen yogurt.

Okay, I know what you're thinking....and the answer is no, I didn't do any wine tasting on the playdate. But at Foppiano's they do have a tasting room and on the back side of the building they have a beautiful patio set up with picnic tables to enjoy the vineyard view while sipping on some wine. So if you're ever in the Healdsburg area, check them out!

Maybe I'll go back for a grown-up playdate some time soon.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for the beautiful weather, the cousins that live close by and for frozen yogurt in January.

Mama Got Some New Boots~Tony Lama Style

2012-01-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

If you've been following this blog for a while, you then know my LOVE for boots. All types, I don't discriminate. You also know that boots are SO 'in' this season as well. So imagine how excited I was when Country Outfitter contacted me to ask if I would review a pair of boots!

This past weekend I was at a conference in the Central Valley of CA and I thought it to be the perfect opportunity to break in my new boots. Before leaving the house I threw on a dress and my new Tony Lama Gold Rush boots for my long 5 hour drive.

Like I said before, I love all boots but my all time favorite are cowboy boots. These Tony Lama boots are just so comfortable, they fit like a glove. I can wear them anywhere from going out to dinner, picking up the kids from school and even on the ranch.....but I don't wear these as ranch boots unless I have to, they're too pretty.

During my time away at the four day conference, I wore these three of the four days and I can attest, these boots are made for walkin'.

The next outing I have planned for my new boots is to Candlestick Park.....that's right, I'll be wearing them to the 49er playoff game against the Saints this upcoming Saturday. The day will begin early, we'll be tailgating.....I'll keep you posted on how the boots do amidst crazy fans, beer and a whole lotta walking.

A retailer of Tony Lama Boots, Country Outfitter sent me these Tony Lama Sierra Goldrush boots to review but the opinion is all my own.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

California Women for Agriculture Convention

2012-01-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

I spent this past weekend in the Central Valley of California attending the California Women for Agriculture State Convention. It was my first time attending this meeting and I'm so glad I did. Many of the women involved with CWA, I've gotten to know through social media, but have never met in real life, attending CWA was a great opportunity to finally make this happen. It's great to have online connections but it's even better when you can make a face to face connection.

During the meeting, there was a fabulous line-up of speakers, some of them included:

Assemblyman David Valadao, who spoke about the importance of sharing the agriculture story with the public.

My good friend, Katie, author of the Pinke Post, got the room fired up by sharing her wealth of information about social media, community, agriculture, family and how to tie it all in together in the form of a blog. I learn something valuable from Katie every time I hang out with her.

Another friend and fellow Dairy Farmer, Barbara Martin, aka The Dairry Goddess, spoke about her dairy farming and family history and how she found her passion for cheese making.

During the meeting, the reins were handed from the 2009-2011 CWA President, Celeste Settrini {on right} to the now current CWA President, Karrie Hammerstrom.

After the meeting, later in the evening, the dinner/dance/party was held at the Kingsburg Gun Club.

Where around 140 attendees enjoyed making great connections, conversation,

eating fabulous food.

Aftrer dinner, we moved on to an entire table of mini desserts.....I had the most difficult time choosing....so I had three!

I also had the pleasure of celebrating the birthday of my North Dakotan soul sister, Katie, on this same evening.....

One thing I hadn't known prior to the dinner/dance on this evening, about Katie, is that she makes a great swing dance partner....she leads and everything! We danced....a LOT to this great Rockabilly band named Motel Drive.

And called it a night at around 10:30.

By attending the conference, I found California Women for Agriculture to be such a welcoming, strong minded, intelligent group and am now happy to be a part of it all!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

'BOTW' Easy Savory Meatloaf

2012-01-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Meatloaf says comfort food in my mind and this easy Campbell's version is the spotlight for this week's 'Best of the Web' series. It takes a quick 15 minutes to prepare with a 70-90 minute cook time. Serve it with some steamed vegetables and some mashed sweet potatoes for a meal your entire family will enjoy.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Campbell's Kitchen

Savory Meatloaf

Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 can {10 3/4 ounces} Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped {about 1/4 cup}
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 cup water

Directions

1 Thoroughly mix the beef, 1/2 cup soup, bread crumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Place the beef mixture into a shallow 3-quart baking pan and firmly shape into an 8x4-inch loaf.

2 Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Let the meatloaf stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

3 Heat 2 tablespoons pan drippings, remaining soup and water in a 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Serve the gravy with the meatloaf.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Bear Valley Visitor Center in Pt. Reyes

2012-01-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

My kids are still on Christmas vacation, so this being their second week of being at home, every day some sort of activity needs to take place. We've also been experiencing unusually warm weather; 65-70 degrees so we took advantage of the warm, sunny weather and met some friends at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Pt. Reyes.

There are plenty of hiking and horseback trails that lead out from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Some as short as a 10 minute hike and some that you can hike the four or so miles out to the beach. We chose a couple of the short ones.

The Earthquake Trail is really interesting as it sits right on the San Andreas Fault line and takes you through the effects of the 1906 earthquake. This hike is definitely kid-friendly.

Here is the area where the fence 'jumped' 16 feet during the earthquake....a great visual.

If you're visiting this area, dress in layers because one never knows whether it will be fogged in, or sunny and warm. We lucked out at a warm 62 degree day.

I love the Spanish Moss that hangs elegantly from many of the trees....photos do not do it justice.

Our next short hike was the Kule Loklo trail where one can envision what it was once like to live as a Miwok Indian back in the day.

The teepees are up and ready to explore.

I thought this huge stone where food was ground was really cool.

I hadn't been on this trail in many years but the kids took a field trip here last year with school and they knew what the Family Sweat Lodge was ALL about.

Apparently this is where families would come to smoke their pipes and such. I'm sure there's more to it than that but this was the only thing the 6 and 7 year old remembered of the sweat lodge from their field trip.

We crouched to walk back out.

By this time everyone was hungry, so it was back to the Visitor Center picnic tables for lunch.

On our way back, we spotted a white Fallow Deer nestled in the brush....she's in the center of the photo if you look real close.

If you're out in this area visiting, here are the directions and information on Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

TT w/Linky: 10 Pound Cow Dog

2012-01-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

This week for 'Thankful Thursday' I am absolutely grateful for my little 10 pound cow dog, Chloe.

Okay, so she's a fluffy Maltese/Shi Tzu, but when you've been raised on a dairy farm from the young age of eight weeks, the 'cow dog' attitude just becomes who you are.

Chloe doesn't know any different. And I'm totally fine that my little fluffy 'lap dog' thinks she's a cow dog, especially in this instance ~

Just a couple of mornings ago as I'm carting a load of laundry to the laundry room I glance out the back window, only to see a herd of heifers in the back yard. When cows are in the yard, everything is dropped immediately. All I could think of was, how long have they been out there and are there now potholes the size of Texas in my lawn.

Chloe and I venture out to see if we could corral these girls on our own. To the side of the house, near the pasture gate, who is the first bovine I see? Our new resident bull, Napoleon....small but tuff {and scary to me}.

He, of course takes one look at me, sensing my fear or something and comes right over. I know never to turn my back on a bull, especially a Holstein bull. This is where Chloe jumps into action. She senses my fear and totally takes care of the entire situation.

She goes after the bull.....Oh yes she does!

Turns him around

and moves him back through the gate to the pasture.

My freshly groomed, pink bowed, 10 pound, cow dog Chloe saves me on this day.

Chloe, you are even more cherished on this Thankful Thursday.

Link up with anything you’re thankful for! And if you’re not a blogger, just let us know in the comment section what you happen to be thankful for on this day.

Planet Beach ~ Novato Area Giveaway!

2012-01-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

With the beginning of new year, many times the emphasis is on how one can make their lives better in some way. Whether it be joining a gym, beginning an exercise program, take care of your body better and/or looking and feeling better.

I have a special treat to share with Novato area residents {I'm sorry out-of-towners!}. A one month FREE unlimited membership to the Novato Planet Beach Contempo Spa ~ a $199 value! I am a member and have been given this one month free pass to give to one of my friends and I have chosen to do a giveaway here, on the blog, just for you.

Planet Beach Contempo Spa is a relaxing spa environment where you can enjoy the benefits of Lumiere Light Therapie, a skincare regime for facial rejuvenation, and/or one of my personal favorites, the Hydro-Derma Fusion which combines infrared heat and dense steam working together to deeply moisturize your skin, improve tone and texture, increase collagen and skin elasticity.....this is great on a cold day!

Maybe massage is more your thing. You can enjoy a Aqua Massage or Hydro Massage as many times a week as you care to. Or relax in the Saunatox! Planet Beach also has Mystic spray tanning {for an extra cost} and regular UV tanning services as well.

Okay, all you need to do is leave a comment in the comment section below and I will select a winner using Random.org on 16th of January and post the winner in a post that day {make sure you check back}.

So if you live in or don't mind driving to Novato, good luck to you and I hope you'll enjoy Planet Beach as much as I do, you deserve a treat, Happy 2012!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Regifting ~ Faux Pas or Not?

2012-01-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

It's over. The holiday season has officially ended. Are you happy? Do you have a surplus of gifts that you've acquired over the holidays that you can't use or don't want?

Regifting. Is it okay to do or not??

photo courtesy google image

Here's what Emily Post has to say on the matter:

Gifts should only be 'recycled' or 'regifted' occasionally. And ONLY if you're almost positive the recipient would appreciate the gift.

You never want to hurt any one's feelings.
The gift should be brand new and its original packaging.
The gift isn't one that the original giver took lots of time selecting for you.
And if in doubt, don't do it.

I don't regift my gifts but if I do receive a gift that I don't have a need for or don't like, I donate it.

So what are your thoughts on re-gifting? Do you do it?

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

New Year's Day Cocktails

2011-12-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

Loaded or not, a Bloody Mary is a fun way to begin the new year. If you're serving up a New Year's Day brunch, this is one drink you might enjoy adding to your menu. Or if you're into a sweet tasting drink, another all-time favorite of mine is the Gin Fizz made with ice cream~

photo courtesy google image

Bloody Mary
Ingredients

•4 cups tomato juice (preferably Campbell's)
•1 cup dill pickle juice
•1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
•1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
•2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
•2 teaspoons curry powder
•1 teaspoon kosher salt
•1/2 teaspoon celery seeds or celery salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•2 cups vodka
•8 celery stalks
•8 lemon wedges

Preparation

Combine first 9 ingredients in a large pitcher. Chill overnight.

Add vodka to pitcher; stir well. Fill tall glasses with ice. Divide Bloody Mary cocktail among glasses. Garnish each with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.

*This Bloody Mary recipe was adapted from Bon Appetit's version.

Another New Year's Day favorite is the Gin Fizz....

photo courtesy Bon Appetit

Ingredients

Citrus-blossom syrup

•2 cups water
•2 cups sugar
•1 tablespoon loosely packed fresh lemon verbena leaves (optional)
•1 orange
•1 lemon
•2 teaspoons orange-flower water extract

Drink

•6 cups ice cubes, divided
•1/2 cup gin, divided
•1 cup vanilla ice cream, divided
•4 large egg whites, divided
•4 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
•Freshly ground nutmeg
•Fresh lemon verbena sprigs (optional)

•Market tip:
Lemon verbena is sold at nurseries and some farmers' markets.

Preparation

For syrup:

•Mix 2 cups water, sugar, and lemon verbena, if desired, in medium saucepan. Using vegetable peeler, remove peel (colored part) from orange and lemon; add peel to saucepan. Bring sugar mixture to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Cool completely. Stir in orange-flower water. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

For drinks:

•Combine 6 tablespoons syrup, 3 cups ice, 1/4 cup gin, 1/2 cup ice cream, 2 egg whites, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in blender. Blend until smooth and foamy. Divide among 4 glasses. Repeat with 6 tablespoons syrup and remaining ice, gin, cream, egg whites, and juice. Sprinkle drinks with nutmeg; garnish with lemon verbena sprigs, if desired.

Have a fantastic, safe and sane New Year's holiday!

TT w/Linky: Sibling Rivalry or Best Friends Forever

2011-12-29T16:00:00.014-08:00

What ever happens in life, the one thing I wish for my kids is for them to remain best friends for a life time. Sure, at the stage they are at now, ages five and seven, they want to beat each other to a pulp most of the time but they are partners, playmates, school mates and confidants some of the time as well.

A sibling is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.

A sibling is part of your childhood that can never be forgotten.

Someone to share your deepest thoughts with....even if at the time they only involve Legos and Barbies.

A sibling is someone you can love with all your heart and want to wring their neck at the same time.

On this 'Thankful Thursday', I'm thankful for my own siblings and that Bryce and Paige have each other as well.

Time Crunch Dessert

2011-12-28T16:00:00.003-08:00

The week leading up to Christmas, I found myself totally strapped for time.....it was literally non-stop activity in our household. My plan was to bake my Brownies From Scratch recipe but when I realized all of my butter was stored in the freezer, I quickly needed to come up with Plan B.

Duncan Hines to the rescue.

Fortunately I had this box of Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Cake mix in my pantry that was given to me at a recent Foodbuzz event I attended.....it certainly came in handy.

I followed the directions on the box for cupcakes with Paige's help and threw them in the oven to bake. This mix has you mix up a seperate chocolate chip mix to dollop on top-center for an extra rich chocolatey taste.

These taste just as good as they look!

Baked OR just the batter.

Once they had cooled, a little frosting and crunched candy cane topping was all that was needed for a perfectly easy holiday dessert.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Salted Caramel Cookies ~ As Promised

2011-12-27T16:00:00.006-08:00

Last week I posted about our Healthy Cooking Group's annual cookie exchange gathering and how my favorite of the evening were these, to die for, Salted Caramel Cookies. I now have the recipe and as promised, I'm sharing with you!

These would be perfect to share at a New Year's celebration!

SALTED CARAMEL COOKIES

Cookies:
1 1/2 stick of unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Caramel:
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, sugar and egg. Add vanilla. Separately, sift together the flour and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. Refrigerate for 1 hour, up to overnight.

Scoop level tablespoons of dough (I use a cookie scoop from Crate and Barrel…it’s priceless.) and roll into balls.

Place on a silpat or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Hold the cookie steady with one hand and press a light indentation into the top of each with your finger. (I like a pretty big indentation because, let’s face it, the caramel is the best part.) Bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes, until they’re barely golden on the sides. Remove from oven and immediately re-poke your thumbprints if they’ve faded. (You can use the tip of a wooden spoon if too hot.) Let them cool. While they’re cooling, make the caramel.

Combine the sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a medium saucepan (high sides). Do not stir. Cook over medium-high heat to a dark caramel color, swirling as it begins to brown to distribute the sugar. While the sugar and water are going at it, heat up the cream in a saucepan or microwave just until warm.

Take off the heat and add your room temperature butter. Whisk the butter in, being sure it’s totally combined. Add your warmed cream and whisk vigorously. Mixture will bubble, then settle down to a velvety caramel.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Basket

2011-12-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I’m a member of the Real Farmwives of America, a group or “sisterhood” of 20 farm women from across the nation. This holiday season we teamed up with Longaberger to do some charitable deeds. We are taking the concept from the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and putting a farm wife twist on it.

Longaberger donated a medium sized chore basket to the Real Farmwives of America to travel across the country to be used for whatever charitable endeavor we have chosen on an individual basis. Once the deed is complete, the basket is passed on to the next farmwife to do the same.

The journey of the traveling Longaberger basket began in Ohio with Jane from Going Jane, moved on to Indiana to Amy from a latte’ with Ott, A. and on to North Dakota to Val of Wag n’Tales and now on the final leg of its journey it ends here, in California with me.

With so many near and dear to my heart stricken with cancer over the past year, I chose to go in the direction of a toy drive to benefit a children’s hospital.

By sending out an email to my local Mother's Club online forum, asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys, the response I received was truly amazing. I was able to collect and also purchase close to 100 toys from a generous community of Moms, friends and family and shopping at one of Kohl's fantastic pre-Christmas sales filled in any gap.

The back of my SUV was loaded and ready to be delivered.

My destination, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

I met Jennifer Belke {on left}, from UCSF, out in front of the hospital's main entrance and preceded to fill one of the toy donation boxes they had available.

I hope your Christmas holiday was a wonderful one and a Big Thanks to Longaberger for sponsoring this basket for a cause that's so near and dear to us Real Farmwives of America & Friends. Be sure to check out Longaberger on facebook.

In January we will auction the Longaberger basket off on E-Bay and donate the proceeds from the basket to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center in honor of fellow Farmwife Leontien who is currently battling Melanoma. So be sure to The Real Farmwives on Facebook to keep updated.

Here is some information iff you would like to contribute to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital yourself.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!

BOTW ~ Hot Apple Cider with Rum!

2011-12-23T16:00:00.001-08:00

It's almost here! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Food, family, friends, loved ones, drinks, parties...all things good. To help celebrate, here's Emeril Lagasse's Hot Apple Cider....the adult version, with RUM.

Ingredients

1 apple
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 orange, thinly sliced
2 quarts apple cider
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon allspice
Pinch grated nutmeg
1 cup dark rum
Cinnamon sticks, garnish

Directions

Stud the apple with the cloves. In a medium pot, combine the studded apple and remaining ingredients except the rum. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the rum. Discard the apple. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Cheers to you! I hope you have a fantastic Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. I love to hear from you! Have a fantastic day!