Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Valentines down on the dairy farm come in all shapes,sizes and species.

I'm very thankful for all the Valentines in my life--

the baby calf born this week,

my husband who provided cards and flowers,

my Mother who baked cookies and took the family to dinner,

my family and friends that spent time with me this week,

and 

 Hattie Claire

 

                                                                my sweetest Valentine !

Love's Circle

While baking Valentine cookies for my family, I realized that some of the most extraordinary moments of love that I share with my family  are found in the most ordinary times on ordinary days as we work together on our family dairy farm.  On this special day of love and friendship, I wish to share with you a passage from the book Thoughts of Gold written by Leroy Brownlow:

Circle of Love

     The more we love the closer we approach the likeness of God.
     Build a circle of love. For love changes things. It converts a shack into a palace and turns a hamburger into a feast. It smooths the rocky road, and pulls down the hills. It gives courage because it stands with us. It makes pain less painful, sorrow less sorrowful, and joy more joyful. It takes some of the disappointment out of failure, and puts more delight in success. It does because of its ability to share, and much of what life is all about is sharing.
     A ray of love is what we all need--to give it and to receive it. So let love shine and shine and  shine, in me and on you, in you and on me.

                                                                  Happy Valentine's Day!

Cheesy Valentine

As I was traveling home yesterday I saw several church signs inviting community members to attend their Valentine Banquet this weekend.   If you're needing a special  Valentine dish for your  family or church dinner, you might try this tasty Better Homes and Gardens  macaroni and cheese recipe I found  a couple of weeks ago at http://www.recipe.com/. I just had to give it a try tonight and it was deliciously cheesy!


Three Cheese Macaroni


Ingredients
12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (2-2/3 cups)
1-1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter,melted
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper(can substitute black pepper)
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces American cheese,cut into 1/2 -inch cubes
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese,shredded(2 cups)
2 ounces mozzarela cheese,shredded (1/2 cup)
20 rich round crackers,crushed

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a large pot cook macaroni according to package directions;drain. Return to pot.
Add milk,melted butter,pepper,and salt. Stir in cheeses. Transfer to a greased 2-quart casserole.
Bake,uncovered, for 15 minutes. Carefully stir mixture. Sprinkle with crushed crackers. Bake 5 minutes more or until crackers are browned and mixture is just heated through (don't overheat or mixture will curdle). Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8-10 side dish servings.

Happy Valentine Day!

Valentine Dairy Delight

Valentine's Day is a great day to surprise my family with a new sweet treat. Preparing this should fit into my schedule for an already busy Monday on the dairy farm.

Frozen German Sweet Chocolate Pie

1 pkg (4oz.) Baker's German Sweet Chocolate

1/3 cup milk,divided

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz pkg) Philadelphia Cream Cheese,softened

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

1 Honey Maid Graham Pie Crust (6oz)

Microwave chocolate and 2 Tbsp. milk in large microwaveable bowl on High 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted,stirring after each minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add cream cheese,sugar and remaining milk; beat with whisk until well blended. Refrigerate 10 minutes.

Stir in COOL WHIP until well blended,spoon into crust.

Freeze 4 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly before cutting to serve.

Happy Valentine's Day from Anglin Dairy!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Today's winter storm brought a record twenty four inches of snow for Northwest Arkansas. I'm thankful for my family and our employees that are working so hard to make sure that all of our animals are fed,watered and milked during this huge winter storm. Like the candy Valentine Conversation Heart says: You Rock!