LL Farm: January 2017

Monday, January 30, 2017

Garlic Crostini

Do you like garlic bread?

Then you are going to like this 'recipe' for garlic crostini.

For the bread, I like to use a french baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick.

I like to bake the crostini on a stone. It helps to create even baking on these small pieces of bread.
But, a regular sheet pan or cookie pan will also do a fine job.

Start with some extra virgin olive oil.

Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley with the oil.

Brush both sides of the bread.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.

Turn the bread over.

Bake for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Mmm Mmm
Crispy bites of pure goodness!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Cheesy Garlic Potatoes

Are you a meat and taters kind of person?

...or maybe just a tater kind of person?

Many times, I enjoy the side dishes more than the main dish.

Taters combined with garlic and cheese?

Yes, please!

Monday, January 23, 2017

The Traveling Lilac Bush

It all started twenty some years ago...

I purchased my first home over twenty years ago.

In the yard was the most beautiful, big, fragrant white lilac bush.

A start of that lilac bush has traveled with me throughout the years.

I have planted, nurtured, and watched a piece of that original lilac bush grow many times over.

This is my fourth property to have a start of that lilac planted.

Starts have also been given to friends and family throughout the years.

Its growth and beauty never fail.

This picture is from my parent's property.

This beauty had humble beginnings...

It was just a start, many years ago.

We have been having quite a mix of weather this winter...

Frigid cold with snow.
Ice and sleet storms.

Chilly rain with high winds.

Warm, Spring like temperatures.
Only to be followed by cold again.

This tender start is just 1 1/2 years old.

She is excited, yet confused...

She has started to bud.

I had a little talk with her, explaining that she needed to continue to rest for a couple more months.

She doesn't need to be budding yet...it's not time.

I blew her a kiss and told her that I would welcome her with open arms in the Spring.

I hope she takes my advice to rest a little while longer.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

A sweet nut.

No, I'm not talking about you!

You sweet thing...you're just a nut.
;-)

I'm talking about cinnamon sugared almonds.

I've had these (expensive!) almonds at fairs and such.

I figured there had to be an easy way to make them at home...

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Chicken Keeping Through The Winter (The Natural Way)

Some things never change. People have been keeping chickens for years.

Some things do change, such as the way people keep chickens.

Did you know that, generally speaking, chickens have a natural way of keeping warm? Chickens can actually handle the cold of winter better than the heat of summer?

In my recent post for Community Chickens, we look at some similarities and changes over the years. Back in the good 'ole days and today, many choose to raise chickens the natural way.

Topics in this article include breeds, housing, keeping warm, and lighting.

Click HERE to read more.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Homemade Beef Broth

Have you made your own beef broth yet?

It is so easy, you can make it while you sleep.
Seriously!

It's up to you if you want to dream about it, but rest assured...

...in the morning your nose will thank you as the delicious smell will be making magic in your kitchen.

...and later, when you cook with the homemade goodness, your taste buds will definitely thank you.