Desert Dairy Farming

A few days ago, a friend of ours, Bob, emailed photos he received via email to me about dairy farming in the dessert.  The Saudi Arabia dessert.  Al-Safi is the world's largest integrated dairy farm where 37,000 cows are milked.  I can't even imagine!

Some of the information I found regarding the Al-Safi Dairy from the online resource of Farming UK includes:

• Refrigeration units are needed to maintain an 80.6F temperature in the cow barns and mobile sunscreens protect the cows from scorching heat.
• The farm produces 220m litres of milk per annum, which supplies one-third of the country’s needs.
  
• Water is pumped from under ground at the temperature of 158F.  Originally it was pumped from 200 meters underground and now from 2,000 meters.

• Saudi Arabia transformed itself in the 1980s into a significant wheat producer. The government guaranteed farmers a purchase price higher than the world market price and the country became self-sufficient in 1984.

Here are some of the photos emailed to me.  Name of photographer is unknown to me, but would love to give him credit.......

105,000 includes all Saudi Arabia dairy farms combined.

Definitely shows dairy farming at a whole new level.  We milk a little over 200 cows at our own family dairy farm.


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Obsessed - Cupcake Wars while Tweeting with American Farm Bureau

Photos from Food Network Cupcake Wars

It's official.  I'm obsessed with Cupcake Wars .  Okay that's not the only thing I'm obsessed with, if you ask Dominic he would say I am also obsessed with Twitter, social media and agvocacy and today it became clear to me {and probably him} just how obsessed I am.

The day today, here in northern California is a foggy, damp 40 degree one.  So what better to do than sit on the couch in front of a cozy fire, Droid in hand following the hash tag of #AFBF11 on Twitter{American Farm Bureau's annual meeting is being held in Atlanta} and simultaneously watch Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. But that all ties into together doesn't it?  Cupcakes, butter, cream, food network ~ farming, farms, food, Farm Bureau.  Works for me.

Okay, if you've never heard of Cupcake Wars, let me let you in on it.  Cupcake Wars starts out with four teams that face off against each other in three elimination challenges until only one cupcake baker remains.

I don't know why I watch.  After the shows over, all I want is to bite into a creamy, buttery cupcake.....not so good for my post Christmas sugar detox.

Here's a couple of recipes from the show that I'm sure to try in the up-coming weeks......

Strawberry Thumbprint Cupcakes



Ingredients
Cupcakes:

2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup pureed strawberries, frozen and thawed, or fresh
1 cup chopped walnuts
Strawberry preserves

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions

For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line regular sized cupcake pans with 15 liners.

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale yellow. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture alternating with the sour cream. Fold in the pureed strawberries.

Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until baked through and golden brown, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool completely.

Fill a piping bag with strawberry preserves. Cut the tip of the bag off and insert the tip into the center of a cooled cupcake. Squeeze to allow a small amount of mixture into the center. Release and remove the bag from the cupcake. Repeat on the other cupcakes.

For the frosting: In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cream and vanilla until fully whipped. Remove from the bowl. In the same bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until blended and smooth. Scrape down the sides and add the whipping cream. Mix until just blended. Fold in chopped walnuts.

To assemble: Generously frost the cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.




 
 
Almond Cake with Fig Filling and Maple Buttercream


Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup shortening
4 large eggs
2 cups superfine sugar
2 3/4 cups cake flour
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 24 count regular-size cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

In a heavy-duty mixing bowl, cream together the butter and shortening on medium speed. Add the eggs, 1 at a time until, completely combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the superfine sugar with the mixer set to low speed. Once combined, set the mixer to medium speed and mix for 5 minutes.

Sift together the cake flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder. Begin to add the sifted dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with the warm milk. Fold in the sliced almonds.

Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds of the way and bake for 16 to 20 minutes. Use a toothpick to poke in the center of the cupcake and if it comes out clean then the cupcakes are done. Remove from the pan and place onto a tray to cool.

Once the cupcakes are cooled, fill the center of the cupcakes with 1 tablespoon Fig Filling. Using a pastry bag and piping tip, frost the cupcakes with the maple buttercream. Pat the sides of the buttercream with the toasted almonds.


Fig Filling:

10 ripened black figs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend for 1 minute. Once blended, move the mixture into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until thick, about 2 minutes. Mix well after microwaving.


Maple Butter cream:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
7 cups powdered sugar, divided
3/4 cup non-dairy whipping cream
1 tablespoon maple extract

In a heavy-duty mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add 3 cups powdered sugar and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and pour in the non-dairy whipping cream. Mix on low speed until completely mixed. Add the remaining 4 cups powdered sugar. Fold in the maple syrup.

Do you have a Food Network or other obsession?


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Goog's the Man!

Remember Goog?  Goog {Jerry Corda} the Dairyman / San Antonio Volunteer Fire Chief / board member of Marin County Farm Bureau and past President / delegate for DFA -Dairy Farmers of America / Marin County Fire and involved with many other commitments where he volunteers his time.

Last night Dominic and I attended Goog's retirement dinner celebrating his 23 years as Volunteer Fire Chief for San Antonio F.D.  He has been with the department since it formed in 1966 with eight volunteers and one fire truck.  The department has since grown to 25 volunteers and six fire apparatus and conducts weekly training of volunteers all year long.

 

Goog's cousin, Hank, calls up Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey to say a few words.....

A crowd of 200 fill the Petaluma Elks Lodge to enjoy dinner and the presentation.  I really enjoyed hearing people share stories about Goog from the past.  One of them in particular touched my heart.  Fellow firefighter from a neighboring fire agency, Kevin Marks told the story of how he first met Goog.  Many years ago during an emergency response to a vehicle accident where the vehicle ended up down a steep hill with the victim trapped inside, Goog was on the scene, along with Kevin.  With what Kevin called the "angel" on its way {rescue helicopter}, Kevin looked at Goog and wasn't sure how they were going to be able to get the victim up the steep hill after he was extricated from the car.  Goog told Kevin to let him worry about that while Kevin and his team extricated the victim from the car.  The next thing Kevin knew, Goog and the other volunteer firefighters had quickly built a ramp up the side of the hill which allowed them to move the victim up the hill to the rescue helicopter and ultimately saving his life. 

It's that kind of intuitive thinking that makes Goog a true mentor and inspiration.

Goog and Damen.........

Goog and the ladies {me, Goog, Diane & Cindy}...............

Thank you, Goog for your years of selfless service and for being a true inspiration to fire fighters, dairymen and our community.

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The Grass is Always Greener

Every now and again, we receive a phone call from either the Park Rangers working at Stafford Lake or the good folks at Indian Valley Golf Course telling us there's a cow out near hole 9.  Imagine a golfer's surprise when he encounters a bovine, face to face, in the middle of his/her game.  We know it's most likely not one of our well behaved dairy cows or heifers, but one of these buggers that have once again found some way to gain access to the lovely, trimmed green grass at the park or at the golf course. 

Now, it's not that they don't have acres and acres of green grass of their own to graze upon, as you can see in the photos below.  These mama beef cows just never seem satisfied with what they have.

They are also fed a nice hearty breakfast of hay every day, but nooo, they want more, better, greener, lusher {is that a word?} grass.

So how do these beef cows get through the fence?  Sometimes a fence goes down due to winter weather.  Sometimes the other side of the fence is too much of a temptation and mama beef cow jumps it. Or sometimes the fence is cut  by an unknown party.  What ever the case, we always find the mama beef cow.

So if you're ever golfing at Indian Valley and come across a cow patty, you'll know why.



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Mommy, Mommy it's Turning Orange Outside!!

Weeks of stormy weather we've been having here in California, can tend to be a bit of a downer.  I know the water is much needed and I'm not complaining....really.  I will not complain about the mud that I drive through to go into town or to drop off at school every morning.  I will not complain about how cold it feels.  I will not complain that my kids can't play outside. 

Instead, I'll be grateful for not having to water the plants.  I am grateful for the nice cozy fire in our wood stove every night.  I am grateful that my dog, Chloe can go potty outside on her own.  And I am very grateful for breaks in the rain, when they come because at times, something as beautiful as this sunset can be produced right outside my front door.

So when I hear Paige yell, "Mommy, Mommy, it's turning orange outside!" I immediately hoist myself up from the office chair I've been keeping warm and rush outside with camera in hand with the hopes of capturing the beauty that I know I'm about to witness. 



Chloe even enjoys the view to the West on this particular evening.

I couldn't decide on just one photo to post, so you got them all.


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Best Ever Chocolate Cake

Over the holidays, I baked a few desserts, but nothing compared to the taste of this super moist chocolate cake.  I don't know what it is about it?  Maybe the sour cream in the recipe?  Whatever the reason, it's too good not to share.  So here it is.....

Here's what you need.....yep, that's a boxed cake mix you see back there.

Mix the Devil's Food cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in a bowl, or have your child do it.

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and grab a couple for yourself while you're at it.

Spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the batter.  Place into a preheated 350 degree oven for about 55-60 minutes.

While you're cleaning up, let your 4 year old {or any age child} decide how to decorate the cake.

We used powdered sugar, butter and milk frosting to drizzle over the cake and then Paige used blue sprinkles and more powdered sugar {snow} to top it off. {it tastes way better than it looks}

The Best Ever Chocolate Cake

1 package devils food or chocolate cake mix
1 three oz. package chocolate instant pudding
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in a bowl.  Beat with electric beater for about three minutes.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Pour the thick batter into the bundt pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.  Let cool before frosting.  Enjoy!




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Raise Your Hand For Cotton Candy~My Mommy Grade=C

It was cold, wet and down right bone chilling cold when we left the house yesterday to go to the last 49er game of the season, which was meaningless, if you're a football fan, you know why.  But I'm so glad we went.  The stadium capacity was only a little over half, the perfect amount for bringing the kids along.  That way they don't get trampled, squished, bumped into, lost, frustrated, etc.

We arrived just in time for the pre-show.  After wiping off our wet seats, laying down some blankets to sit on and settle in to get ready for the show and game, who walks by?  The dreaded Candy Man.  Before I could use one of the many skills any Mom possesses such as the artful skill of distraction, or before I could throw my body into their line of vision, Bryce and Paige spot it.....the multicolored cloud coming their way, known as Cotton Candy.

Their hands went up immediately.

The two little eagle eyed kids got what they were after.  There was no denying them.

You may think I have given myself the Mommy grade of a C for the mere fact of letting my kids eat almost the entire bag of cotton candy, but no, the reason for the self inflicted C grade was simply due to my forgetfulness for packing the wet wipes into the stadium bag.  Of all times, this was not a good one to forget wet wipes. 

My punishment was harsh.  For the stickiness that followed was shared with everything they came into contact with.....my clothes, my camera, my bag, my hair and my face {kisses}.

While the cotton candy was a definite highlight of the day for Bryce and Paige, coming in second were most definitely the cheerleaders.  Yes, the 49er Gold Rush.  Bryce immediately put his photography and video taking skills to good use.

As Paige uses the field glasses, I hear her say, to herself, "Cheerleaders! Awesome!"

I think I had more fun watching my kids than I did watching the game.

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Indian Valley~Chloe's {the Dog} Afternoon

Chloe.  She's sweet.  She's fluffy and white.  Her hair mats like crazy.  She's a licker.  She's loves kids.  She loves to ride in the SUV, truck or 4wheeler.  She's a cat and squirrel chaser.  And she thinks she's a ranch dog.  Yep, she's in charge of any and all cows she sees here on the dairy farm....or so she thinks.

I like to take Chloe off the farm as much as possible, so she learns how to socialize and behave with the city folk, she drives with me in the Tahoe almost every day.  But the other day, we took Chloe on her first "real dog walk".  A walk planned just for the sake of walking the dog.  It was her day. 

Now, it's not that Chloe doesn't get enough exercise here on the farm, but after a year and a half, it was time to see how she did on the trail......on leash. 

So, my sister, niece and nephew and their two puppies and us, headed over to Indian Valley trail head with the idea of socializing the two new puppies with other dogs.  This is a hiking area where many dogs, off leash and on, will be encountered.....perfect to socialize any dog.

Paige insisted on being the "dog walker" and that was final.

Bryce brought his binoculars to spy out mountain lions or squirrels and such.....

Chloe did SO well walking on leash with a 4 year old.  She didn't pull.  She didn't bark and she stopped when Paige stopped.

Even when we had an impromptu dog party on the trail, she just stood back and watched.

With so much to explore at Indian Valley on our 2 mile hike,

Chloe was dog tired.  Once home, she assumed her position atop the couch where she preceded to sleep for hours.  Sweet Girl........

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New Year's Day 1-1-11

New Year's Day, January 1, signifies a fresh start of a new year after a time of rememberance of the passing year.  For some, annual traditions are played out on this day. For me, it's a time to think about getting my house organized and clutter-free and my body in better shape.  That's the plan anyway.

No Polar Bear Swim for me. 

All images on this page are from Google images.

 I'll leave that to the polar bear.

For our family, today is a time to be with family and friends, watch some College Bowl games on TV while eating popcorn and being warmed by a cozy fire.  Happy New Year!

Do you have any New Year's Day traditions?  Polar Bear swim perhaps? What are your plans for the new year?  Any resolutions?


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