As 2010 Comes to a Close

As 2010 comes to an end, so does the approach of the one year anniversary of The Wife of a Dairyman.  I truly appreciate and thank you for following along with me on this journey.  I've learned a lot in 2010.  I've met so many wonderful, inspirational people that I now call friends and reconnected with old ones through blogging and I feel blessed by that. I look forward to experiencing another year in this journey to who knows where.  I hope you will come along as well.

For fun, {and because, isn't this what one is supposed to do at year's end?} I chose some of the posts that I've enjoyed and made me laugh the most from 2010.....

                                       The Bull                       Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

                                                        Where the green grass grows

                             Learning to drive                  Meeting new friends in person in SLO

                        Magnets can save a cow's life                  Farmers on vacation

Cousin Vic

In January I introduced you to our Hoof Trimmer, Joe and shared when the Buck Stopped Here on the dairy.

In February I demonstrated one reason that Bulls Terrify Me and that sometimes you may find Cows on the Loose at a dairy.

March was a month of the Big Moove for our beef.  I learned what in the world a Killdeer was on my very own egg hunt and I also jotted down some Dairy Myths vs. Dairy Facts.

April was a thrilling month, mainly because I was able to have lunch with and meet Temple Grandin in person, thanks to our friends, the Taylors.  Dominic demonstrated just how he shoots a magnet into a cow's tummy and learned How a Magnet can Save a Cow's Life. and that green grass doesn't only grow from the ground.

In May, I brought the kids to their first Portuguese Festa to learn a little about what I experienced growing up, being raised as a 1st generation Portuguese American within my family.  Another demonstration by Dominic showed us how a cow can become pregnant by A.I.

In June I found out just how much trust Dominic has in my tractor driving abilities......and how brave he is!
Paige also discovered just how a good hand sucking feels, dairy style.  And I can't forget about the baby barn owls in the calf barn in the woods....definitely a highlight!

July was a month of friends, food and discovering farmers can only relax when on vacation away from the ranch....even if they do wear boots to the beach.

In August I learned all about the sea of jellyfish we discovered at a favorite beach spot.  And with my cousin's visit, just what goes into Bolashas De Espece.  I also talked about  how we test our milk and why.

September was a month of discovering what Farmers, Facebook, Twitter and Blogging have in common with my trip to Chicago. And also sharing a link on how to know where your milk is from.

October I faced a fear I've had for a lifetime....public speaking at the Cal Poly Dairy Symposium and then relaxing at the SLO bar scene afterwords....Phew!

In November, I was properly taught how to drive a tractor by a very patient Dominic.  I also got to experience my first Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco....eat, eat, eat!

And here we are in December.  A month of parties, such as the Dairy Women's Christmas Luncheon.
And how I caught Santa for the very first time!

Oh and I can't finish without including one of the most viewed recipes {and one of my favorites} from 2010... Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.  And the post that generated the most comments, Organic vs. Conventional Dairy Farms.

What is one of your most memorable occasions of 2010??  Any big plans for 2011??
I wish you and your family a very healthy and happy 2011.  Cheers!


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Foodbuzz's Big Bash Dinner at the S.F. Ferry Building

After we all rolled out of the Foodbuzz Taste Pavilion at 4 in the afternoon and after a walk around Union Square, it was time to head over to the  Foodbuzz Gala Dinner being held at the San Francisco Ferry Building.  The S.F. Ferry Building is also home to the S.F. Farmer's Market, what a perfect venue for this foodie event.  The evening was presented to us by the Cooking Channel.

A cocktail reception took place for about an hour outside of the building where wine and appetizers were served.

At around 8 p.m. we entered the building.  We sat at beautifully decorated round tables of 10.  It looked very much like an elegant wedding would look.

Wine was poured, more mingling ensued.

Time for our lavish four course meal. 














First up; 2009 Bonny Doon Vineyard Ca' del Solo Albarino.

Paired with Roasted Golden Beet Tart; crimson beet, feta, currants, wild arugula and basil puree.  I am a beet lover so this was right up my alley.

One of my new food blogging friends; Chandara of 'Spicy Green Mango' who is involved in the Project Food Blog Challenge.  I checked out her blog when I arrived home and what a fantastic photographer she is!  Great connections were made this weekend for me with many food bloggers that are from as close in proximity to me as northern California and as far as the east coast.

Next up, Seared Scallops with Bonny Doon Vineyard Verjus Beurre Blanc.  This was served with braised fennel and garnished with fried fennel fonds.  Note to self:  use fennel while cooking!  This was my favorite of the evening.  The scallops were seared to perfection, caramelized and sweet on the outside and just perfect on the inside as well.

Foodbuzz's, Community Manager, Dorian sat at our table and it was great getting to know Dorian 'in person' when our only communication with each other has been through email prior to this event. I have to say, one of the best things about events like this is, the chance acheive a personal connection with people in person when you've only connected with them through the web/email prior. 

Our main course arrived.  Rosemary and Garlic Infused Rack of Lamb.  This was served with local wild mushrooms in a pinot noir sauce and butternut squash puree.  I was in food heaven.  I could have eaten an entire plate of the puree and mushrooms.  Mouth watering.

The main course of lamb was paired with 2006 Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigrare Volant.

A few more new food blogger friends, Quyon from 'Kitchen Runway' and Liren from 'Kitchen Confidante' Liren is also participating in the Project Food Blog Challenge.  They have some great food blogs as well, with great photography.

For dessert we were served Tarta de Almendras with Oranges which is a buttery almond cake with oranges and spanish sherry sabayon.  This was paired with 2008 Bonny Doon Vinferno dessert wine. 

But I opted for a cup of decaf and cream instead.

Time to call it a night.  Thank you Foodbuzz & sponsors for all the fabulous food!

P.S. as promised here's the Alaska salmon fish taco recipe from Border Grill and Alaska Seafood...

Grilled Alaska Salmon Tacos with Corn Relish

1 1/2 lbs. wild Alaska Salmon fillet
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 4-6 inch corn tortillas, warmed
6 lettuce leaves, torn in half
Corn relish (see below)
2 avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and sliced
crema or sour cream

Corn Relish

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears)
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice
4 poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice
4 scallions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1/2 cup red wine vinegar

Directions:

Preheat a medium-hot grill, broiler oven or pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.  Drizzle the fish with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and cook until barely done, for 2-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness of fish.  Remove the fish from the grill and let cool slightly, then pull apart into large flakes.

Corn relish:  heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Saute the corn with the salt and pepper, about 5 minutes.  Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool.  Add diced peppers to the sauteed corn along with the scallions, red wine vinegar and remaining 1/4 cup olive oil.  Mix well and let sit 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors.  Serve at room temperature.

Place warm tortillas on a work surface and line each with a piece of lettuce.  Top with chunks of fish, a generous spoonful of Corn Relish with plenty of vinaigrette, avocado and a dollop of crema or sour cream.

Happy Tuesday!

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Foodbuzz Fest Day 2 ~ Eat, Eat, Eat.

The second day of the Foodbuzz Fest began with a Gingerbread Latte for my drive into San Francisco, the second drive into the city over two days. I was running late and the latte was going to have to hold me over until lunch.  My destination, Foodbuzz Central at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in Union Square.  

First up on the agenda, one of the breakout sessions I signed up for.  Three 45 minute sessions in total. One of the sessions, "Great Catch"  was presented by Alaska Seafood and Chef Mary Sue Milliken, owner of Border Grill in L.A. and Las Vegas hosted a demo of Alaska salmon and Alaska halibut fish tacos.

Food Bloggers doing their 'thing'.

Mary Sue, showed us how to skillfully skin a salmon in about 30 seconds.  Impressive.

Another of the breakout sessions I sat in on was a hands on photography workshop where we learned tips on lighting and composition.

Food Blogging Guide to Success was the third session I sat in on.  Three successful food bloggers shared with the audience different perspectives on how to produce a successful food blog.
Bloggers who sat on the panel included:   Carrots N Cake {a blog I've been following since day one of my blogging experience}, Kitchen Corners and Lick My Spoon. 

The sessions ended at noon.  My friend, Devi met me outside the hotel so we could head on over to the Metreon for the long awaited Taste Pavilion where over 50 producers, brands, wineries, breweries and chefs awaited our hungry arrival. 

Ready.  Set.  EAT!

Devi and I made a bee line for those fish tacos that I could NOT get off my mind since earlier in the day!  They definitely lived up to my expectations.  I can't wait to try these at home!  And I have BOTH recipes, salmon and halibut, to share with you below!

The taco bar rocked!  Almost anything you could imagine to tickle your taste buds.




Celebrity Chef, Mary Sue served up the tacos herself.

The salmon wasn't ready yet, which was fine because I normally prefer a nice, firm halibut over salmon.

More Mission Mini Cupcakes to be had.  My favorite of this day was the coconut cream topped with what tasted like a nice whipped butter frosting....not too sweet and SO good.  I'm a coconut lover.

Smore's made with Ghirardelli chocolate.

Look who was here and sponsoring a smoothie bar.  Blogger winners of the smoothie competition presented their smoothie recipes made with Lactaid, lactose-free milk ~  Avocado-Vanilla Bean, Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate Caramel Peanut Smoothie.

Devi and I enjoyed a glass of wine.

This was one of my favorite bites at the pavilion.  Pop Candy butter crunch treats out of Santa Monica.  They had many flavors but the Chai Tea won me over with its combination of sweet and spice.....just like a chai tea latte.

Jalapeno Pepper Jam from Inna.  I'm a big fan of pepper jam with cream cheese and this did not disappoint.

Okay, okay, better eat some greens.

Oh I'm a fan of olive oil tasting.  At the store locations of WeOlive.com, they offer refills.  You can bring in your empty bottle or bring in a empty wine bottle to fill up and they charge you by the ounce....pretty neat!

More wine.

My favorite was this 22 Black Cab by Jaqk Cellars.  Gonna have to purchase some for home consumption.

I was getting a bit full but I had to try this Prather Ranch sausage and sauerkraut bite.  I loved it.  The sauerkraut was sweet like a relish.  I guess I've never tried sauerkraut before so I'm not sure if that's the typical flavor but if it is, I would like to find some for home.  Anyone have a good recipe for it??

Another cocktail, but this time in the shrimp variety.

Watched a presentation by Kath of Kath Eats Real Food cooking up her Figgy Wild Rice, Mushroom and Sourdough Dressing recipe.  She was such a pro up there.  She was one of three bloggers who won the chance to present her dish for Electrolux.

Food Network still hanging around, filming the Mission Minis family.  I think this was their last day of filming for their reality show.

At around 3:45, Devi and I rolled out of the Taste Pavilion.  We needed a walk in the worst way. 

As promised, the fish taco recipe from Mary Sue of Border Grill:

Grilled Alaska Halibut Tacos

1 1/2 lbs halibut filet
olive oil for drizzling
salt and pepper
6 lettuce leaves
12 4-6 inch corn tortillas, warmed
2 avocados, halved, and thinly sliced
radish slices for serving
lime wedges for serving

Cucumber Citrus Salsa

1/2 orange
1/2 grapefruit
1 lime
1 english cucumber, julienne cut
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 serrano chilies, stemmed & sliced in thin rounds
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 T olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions Tacos:

Preheat a medium hot grill, broiler oven, or pan on the stovetop - medium high heat.
Drizzle fish with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, cook until barely done, for 2-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.  Remove the fish from the grill or pan, let cool slightly, and then pull apart into large flakes.

Place tortillas on a work surface.  Line each with a piece of lettuce and top with chunks of fish.  Top each with a generous spoonful of Cucumber Citrus Salsa and drizzle olive oil.  Serve with avocado, radish and lime.

Cucumber Citrus Salsa

Slice ends off orange, grapefruit & lime and stand upright on counter.  Cut away peel and membrane, exposing fruit.  Working over a bowl to catch the juices, separate the citrus sections by slicing with knife between membranes.  Remove and discard seeds.  Cut the citrus segments into small dice and add to the bowl with all the juices.  Stir in remaining ingredients thoroughly, cover, and let sit in fridge at least 30 minutes for flavors to combine.

I'll have the Salmon Taco recipe for you tomorrow!

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