Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

We kicked off  the 2020 hay  season down on the

 dairy farm this week. I felt like we should be having a 

hay party to celebrate this season of hay production that 

has been delayed with cool, rainy weather all spring.

Hay is used in feeding our dairy cows everyday.

It is part of the special diet that is formulated by

our dairy nutritionist to make sure the cows are provided 

all the nutrients needed to produce milk and maintain health.

I'm thankful that the sun kept shining while this hay

was cut and baled before the next rain shower

and 

                                                         
                                                     that we did celebrate our first hay day
                                                 with the birthday of our head farmer and
                                                             his candle blowing helpers!

Happy Mother's Day

I'm looking forward to sitting around the table with my family

in celebration of Mother's Day.

It's our family tradition down on the dairy farm.

As I have been making preparation for our gathering,

it has been a sweet time of reflection of how 

blessed I am to have a sweet Mother who  loves me,

a mother-in-love who  raised the farmer I married,

  and the opportunity to be a mother and a grandmother. 

                                                       Happy Mother's Day!

Merry Dairy Traditions

Our Christmas tree is full of ornaments that have been lovingly

 received as gifts from friends and family over the last thirty-two years.

Placing these special ornaments on the tree each year is 

an important part of our family tradition, a celebration of friendships

 and a thankfulness for the relationships of those who are no longer with us.

These two ornaments always bring a smile to this  dairy farmer!

Christmas Day on the dairy farm will be busy as usual  as we 

 milk the cows, make sure all the cows and calves are fed 

 and add the usual fun family Christmas traditions

 of eating a lot and opening presents.

A merry  day on the dairy  indeed!

From down on the dairy farm...

Merry Christmas!

           

Dairy Delight

Sweet memories are made in the kitchen and shared through generations especially during the Christmas holiday.  One of our family favorites is   Raspberry Delight also known as  "Purple Puddin". Ryan's mother made such sweet memories for us,  spoiled us rotten with great holiday meals and established a Christmas family tradition  that always brings delight down on the dairy farm.


Raspberry Delight

Ingredients:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 pint whipping cream,whipped
4 Tablespoons Seedless Black Raspberry Jam
1 box vanilla wafers
1 cup nuts (optional)

Directions:

Mix together sweetened condensed milk and the juice of 2 lemons; set aside. In a separate bowl, whip cream and gently fold in raspberry jam. Stir mixtures together.
Place a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch dish. Cover wafers with pudding mixture,sprinkle with nuts if desired. Repeat layers ending with wafers on top. Chill.

 You can find more #DairyChristmas at these sites:

• Posset-ively Eggnog Is Ice Cream by Farmer Bright
• #DairyChristmas: Peanut Butter Balls by Messy Kennedy
• Winter Iowa Corn Chowder (as featured on Cheeserank) by Little House on the Dairy
• #DairyChristmas Farm Barbie
• The best Christmas cookies in the world by Truth or Dairy
• Recipes for a Dairy Christmas by Cow Spots and Tales
• #DairyChristmas: Cherry Mint Sugar Cookies by Kimmi's Dairyland
• Perfect for a Party – Cheddar Olive Bites by DairyCarrie
• Dairy Christmas Traditions by Knolltop Farm Wife
• #DairyChristmas: Love and Latkes by New Moon Dairy
• Family at the Table by The Deere Milkmaid
• French Onion Soup – Our Family Christmas Tradition by Eat Farm Love
• Dairy Delight by Spotted Cow Review
• Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts by My Barnyard View
• Italian Soup by So She Married A Farmer
• Christmas Tapioca Pudding by Guernsey Dairy Mama
• #DairyChristmas: Festive Parmesan Frico by Dairy Good Life

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

It's been a family tradition before I was a member of the dairy farm family

 to have a picnic supper on July 4th  on the banks of this spring fed pond.

Adventure has always been part of the gathering!

I'm thankful for the land that we work on, play on, 

and

 protect for the next generation to enjoy.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

I love our Christmas tree because it is a memory tree filled with ornaments given to us as gifts, ornaments the boys  made when in elementary school or during our  4-H experience and gathered from places we've visited.

I'm thankful for the moments during the holiday season that we can just enjoy being together as a family to make new memories and enjoy sharing  those of the past.

Of course, the dairy  cows have their special place on the tree!

Dairy Love

 

Twenty-nine years ago at high noon, the time that all Ryan's  farmer friends could make the event...

 

                                                                                  
                                        we were drinking milk at our wedding reception!
                                                      

              Twenty-nine years later, we're still celebrating dairy love everyday down on the dairy farm!
                         

Dairymom Molded by Buttery Traditions

November is a time of transition on the dairy farm as we finish harvesting our fall crops,plant wheat and rye crops for spring forage and prepare for the winter months on the farm. It also marks the twenty-eighth year of my life on the farm which has been molded by the blessings of farm family traditions. I have transitioned from a city girl that learned the hard way that dairy farmers don't eat margarine to dairymom that uses only sweet creamy butter!

Even though it's recommended to keep butter refrigerated, the butter dish stays on our table all the time to assure the dairy farmer has easy access and spread ability for every slice of bread, homemade roll  or hot biscuit consumed. That happens to be one of the dairymom traditions that I've grown to love because the presence of the butter dish always on the table  was my sweet mother-in-law's tradition and reminds me every day  how blessed I am to live and work on our family dairy farm.

Butter is a staple at our house year round and holiday baking and cooking just don't happen without it! In fact, I'm  stocking up this week in preparation for the holidays  and thinking about baking this family favorite--Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake. It goes great with ice cream or fruit salad or both!

Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1 cup butter,softened
1/2 cup shortening
3 cups sugar
1  8 ounce package cream cheese,softened
3 cups sifted flour
6 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of electric mixer.
Add cream cheese,beating well until light and fluffy. Alternately add flour and eggs, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla.

Pour batter into greased and floured 10 inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until pick comes out clan. Cool in pan 10 minutes, remove from pan and let cool completely on wire rack.

                                                                    

Memorial Day Tradition

When I arrived at the cemetery today to decorate the graves of family members, I was surprised to see two men walking through the cemetery.  The men were checking a list on a clipboard and pulling a small wagon that was full of flags. Row by row, they were placing a flag by each veteran's grave. I found out that these men were continuing  a tradition that their grandmother had started  to show her appreciation for the sacrifice others had made for the freedoms we enjoy today. 

All the freedoms we enjoy today have come with a cost.  Looking across the cemetery with a strong wind blowing, each flag appeared to be standing at  attention and givng a salute. It was a perfect picture to remind me of all the freedoms that we enjoy as a nation because of the sacrifice of others.

                                                                                 
                                                                    God Bless America!

Dairymom's Mother's Day Tradition

Celebrating Mother's Day with a family dinner is our long standing tradition. After an action packed week of dairy farm chores and off the farm volunteer activities, I've got a zillion things to get done in preparation for our after church Mother's Day cookout. Tomorrow's dessert will be Crusty Cream Cheese Cream Pound Cake topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. You can't go wrong with this sweet treat and it's one of my Mother's favorite!

Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake
1 cup butter,softened
1/2 cup shortening
3 cups sugar
1 8 oz. package cream cheese,softened
3 cups sifted flour
6 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of electric mixer. Add cream cheese, beating well until light and fluffy. Alternately add flour and eggs, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla.
Pour batter into greased and floured 10 inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until pick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, remove from pan and let cool completely on wire rack.

                                                                                 
                                                                Happy Mother's Day!

He Lives!

Although I attend church every Sunday, I look forward to our Easter worship service. Since 1933, Christians have sung He Lives and it  has been part of my Easter tradition since I was a very small child attending church with my family.  Blessings to you and yours! 

He   Lives

I serve a risen Saviour; He's in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy; I hear His voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him, He's always near.

In all the world around me, I see His loving care.

And tho' my heart grows weary I never will despair.

I know that He is leading, thro' all the stormy blast.

The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice,rejoice, O Christian!

Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,

the Help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind.



He lives, He lives!

Christ Jesus lives today!

 He walks with me and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives,

salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart!

                                                     ---Alfred.H Ackley

Happy Easter!! 

Purple Pudding--A Family Tradition

Trying to fit all the activities of Christmas Day into the daily routine of the dairy farm is quite a challenge. It doesn't seem to bother anyone in my family when we plan to open gifts or eat Christmas dinner as long as I make preparation to serve favorite family recipes that my mother-in-law prepared for us during the holiday season. Serving those favorite recipes that my mother-in-law always prepared for Christmas or through the year is a sweet and comforting remembrance for all of us and has become an important part of our ongoing family traditions.

Purple Pudding (my mother-in-law's recipe) is a family favorite throughout the year.  I chose to include it as part of our family dinner tradition because it is easy to assemble, can be prepared ahead of the event, and of course, it includes a couple of dairy products!

Purple Pudding

Ingredients:
1 can condensed sweetened milk
2 lemons
1/2 pint whipping cream
4 tablespoons black raspberry jam
1 cup nuts (optional)
vanilla wafers

Mix milk with the juice of two lemons,set aside. Whip cream;add jam to whipped cream,mix well. Fold together.

Place vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9x9 dish. Add pudding mixture; add layer of nuts if desired. Top with vanilla wafers. Chill and serve.

            Hope you have a dairy good week and enjoy time with your family during this holiday season!

Tis the Season for Community Service

Several months ago I was asked to participate in a community service project with the Centerton 4-H Club.  Today was the day for the club's activity.  My job was to provide piano Christmas music at a local assisted living facility while 4-H members provided refreshments  and demonstrated how to make a variety of ornaments for each resident.  As I played a selection of Christmas music, the room was a beehive of activity, joyful singing and happy conversation.

When all the ornaments were made and the last cookies served, a few of the young 4-H members gathered around the piano and asked if they could sing a few songs.  Actually, one member told me they had a "group" that wanted to sing.  We started with "O Little Town of Bethlehem" then jumped to "Jingle Bells" and finished with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."  There's nothing sweeter than young voices singing robustly without any inhibitions!

As I hurried home to feed calves,I realized that this activity that started eight years ago as a community service project when my sons were 4-H members has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. Community service is all about giving to others and teaching us how to give of our time and talents.  I can always listen to Christmas music on the radio or play music at home, but there's nothing like sharing it with others in this special season of giving!

Ice Cream Tradition

Today is National Ice Cream Day! Do you have a favorite flavor?
With the many choices available, it is more difficult to decide. One of our favorite family summertime family traditions is to make a freezer of ice cream. When I was growing up, we used the hand crank model. It was such a thrill to get to help turn the crank or sit on the top to provide weight for the person cranking the handle. Life is much easier now with the electric model but I have great family memories of making ice cream. If you don't have an ice cream freezer, you can make your own family memories with your kids or grandkids by making ice cream in a bag.



Squeeze Freeze Ice Cream
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
Ice cubes
Other Items:
Small re-sealable plastic bag
Large re-sealable plastic bag
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Plastic spoon

Preparation:
Put sugar and vanilla in small plastic bag. Also put salt in large plastic bag. Hold the small bag open and pour in milk. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and properly seal. Drop the small bag in to the large plastic bag with salt in it. Add 18-20 ice cubes. Remove as much air as possible from the large bag and properly seal. Knead the bag for approximately 10 minutes, making sure ice in the larger bag surrounds the smaller bag. When a soft ice cream is formed, remove small bag from large bag, open and eat right out of bag with a plastic spoon. For extra fun, add fresh seasonal fruit or other favorite ice cream toppings.
Note:It is important to use whole milk. Other types of milk take too long to freeze. Salt is also very important. Without it, the ice cream will not freeze. One pint of half and half can be added to a gallon of milk. This makes the ice cream richer and freezes faster. Be sure to have plenty of paper towels on hand.



I would also suggest you have your camera ready to capture the smiles you will see with this project!
You can find information about how dairy farmers work to produce milk for all these dairy foods that we enjoy at http://www.dairyfarmingtoday.org. This fun recipe can be found with a great variety of other dairy recipes at http://www.midwestdairy.com.

Hope you enjoy your favorite flavor today and provide a memory for your family!

Freedom to Celebrate

Happy July 4th! Our traditional holiday celebration begins after all the daily chores are done on the dairy. Our celebration will include a picnic this evening in a shady area next to our largest pond that we call Anglin Lake. Anglin Lake is actually a spring fed pond that we enlarged by joining two smaller ponds together several years ago. Our traditional picnic spot is perfect for watching fireworks from the surrounding cities of Centerton,Bentonville, Rogers and even a few from Springdale. With the rain we are having today, we can also plan to shoot a few fireworks of our own without the fear of setting a fire!

Today's celebration would not be possible without the dedication of the men and women who have served and are presently serving our country to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Ryan's father,Bill, served in Japan during World War II. As a family we appreciate the sacrifice that members of our military make to serve our country. July 4th is not only the time to celebrate America but also to remind us of how blessed we are as a nation!

Birthday Cake Traditions

As I was mixing birthday cake batter for my oldest son's birthday, I thought about the many birthday cakes my mother-in-law baked for our family and friends during her lifetime. For every birthday in our family, she baked an angel food cake and iced it with seven minute frosting. When my sons were little, she would make miniature angel food cakes, frost them and allow the boys to decorate them with sprinkles and eat them with their fingers. Icing would be from head to toe and anything they touched. As the boys grew older, the angel food cake was an expected part of every birthday. Since the passing of my mother-in-law, I now proudly continue the birthday cake tradition. Cody's requested cake today was Chocolate Sheath Cake. I hope that I don't get the request for the seven minute frosting because although it is beautiful to look at, I'm more of a powdered sugar and cream cheese icing kind of dairymom! Chocolate Sheath Cake is a family favorite and a great cake for any occasion.

Chocolate Sheath Cake

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

1/2 cup Crisco

4 Tbsp cocoa

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. soda

2 eggs slightly beaten

Bring butter,Crisco,cocoa and water to a rapid boil. Pour over the sugar and flour and beat well.

Add buttermilk and soda, vanilla and eggs. Beat, then bake at 400 degrees F. in metal loaf pan for 20 minutes. Cover with icing.

Icing:

1 stick butter

4 Tbsp cocoa

6 Tbsp milk

1 cup pecans (optional)

1 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Bring butter,cocoa, and milk to boil. Add the powdered sugar,vanilla and pecans. Beat well and pour over cake while hot.

Just before serving, add a great big dip of vanilla ice cream!

Family Farm Tradition

I keep thinking of the phrase "it's a family tradition" in the Hank Williams song as we begin a new part to our family farming operation. Ryan's parents and grandparents produced and sold beef and pork to local consumers from 1921 when the farm was established until the early 1960's. We made the decision to market Anglin Beef as a way to diversify our family farming operation and continue the tradition. I invite you to check out our website at http://www.anglinbeef.com/. Our day to day activites on the farm are the same because we have been dairy and beef farming at the same time since before we were married. Ryan and I are still learning about how to add this new marketing and selling activity to our daily to do list! Ninety eight percent of all farms are family farms just like ours. Family farm traditions bring strength to our nation and provide food security that many countries envy. It's a family tradition and a great honor to be an American farmer!

Family Tradition

As I was working in the kitchen yesterday preparing food for Easter lunch, I happened to hear the Hank Williams song "Family Tradition". It sparked alot of thoughts about the traditions we have in our family as dairy farmers. Holidays of all kinds are like a juggling act with the daily chores of milking and caring for our animals added with the holiday activities. The best part of every holiday is that we are together as a family. 98% of farms in the United States are family farms with real families working together to produce the safest and most affordable food in the world. Today was a bitter sweet holiday, the first Easter without my mother-in-law. One of her Easter traditions since my husband was a little boy was to bring out the small red basket that held the old stuffed and faded calico hen sitting on top of dozen colored plastic eggs. The eggs were always stuffed with candy,coins or small toys for my sons to discover after Easter lunch. I really did not have the heart to bring the old hen out for this Easter and I thought the boys probably wouldn't care since they are 21 and 19 years old. Just before Easter lunch today, as I was welcoming some of our guests in the back door,my oldest son came up to the door with the old hen and basket in his arms. Family traditions are hard to break--next year the eggs will have candy,coins, or toys for the big boys!