Signs of the Season

I'm not quite ready to believe that spring  has arrived in the

 first week of March but ready or not, I'm seeing the signs of the season...

 getting ready for spring plowing and planting,

 heifers are quickly approaching the birth of their first calf,

and

  daylight savings time begins this Sunday.

The cows don't seem to notice the time change but losing that 

hour of sleep is the farmer's kick-off for spring down on the dairy farm!

Savor the Flavor

                           What flavors will you savor during National Nutrition Month?

National Nutrition Month strives to make us more aware

 of the importance of making informed food choices and developing 

sound eating and physical activity habits.

I'm planning to start  celebrating National Nutrition Month savoring the flavors of Mango-Curry Chicken Salad!  

It's a recipe developed by Chef Kevin Millonzi, Executive Chef/Owner of Restaurant PROV and Atomic Catering Providence for the National Dairy Council.

Mango-Curry Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups (1/2 inch pieces) grilled skinless,boneless chicken breasts

1/4 cup plain, nonfat yogurt

1 teaspoon curry

1/4 cup cubed mango

1 cup dried sweetened cranberries

1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup Mozzarella, cut into small cubes

Directions:

Grill chicken breasts, cut into small pieces and set aside. In a medium bowl, blend yogurt and curry with a whisk and stir in chicken,mango,cranberries,walnuts and Mozzarella. Mix well and serve on lettuce leaves if desired.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

At last month's Quorum Court meeting, Benton County received

 the designation as a Purple Heart County.

We're now honored to be  on the list of counties and cities that participate in 

honoring our veterans that have been wounded or killed by 

enemy forces while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

I'm thankful for the men and women who have made

 the ultimate sacrifice to insure our freedom.

                                               

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

I don't think we have a name for this season that happens

 just before the beginning of spring, but I love it. 

Winter's not quite finished but we've got the promise of spring.

 I'm thankful for the blooming jonquils, 

for the blooms I found on the  Lenten Rose 

 tucked away in the corner of the flowerbed,

and 

                                                                         
                                     for the  calves being born during  this in between season
                                                                 down on the dairy farm!

Science and Technology

What does a  hospital have in common with a dairy farm?

Both places utilize science and technology to benefit consumers of all ages.

This is Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. 

It's a beautiful facility that offers state of the art health care.

More importantly, it's a place of caring,comfort  and healing.

My mother received excellent care while at Mercy last week thanks to trained

 professionals and the use of proven science and technology.

It's just as amazing how we use science and technology on the dairy farm 

to produce high quality milk while caring for our animals and the land we call home.

                                                Thank goodness for science and technology!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

There's been a lot of love down on the dairy farm for a very long time.

Ryan's parents would have celebrated 72 years of marriage this week.

I'm thankful for this pair of in-laws that raised a farmer just for me, 

 welcomed me to the  family farm,

and

made a lifetime of precious  memories

 for me and my family

                                                                     
                                                                 down on the dairy farm.

Sharing the Love

Valentine Day seemed the perfect occasion to share a little unexpected love from the kitchen not only for my family but a couple of friends that needed a little heart warming sweetness. It's a simple recipe that brings a smile to any age cookie lover, especially when in the shape of hearts,tractors and cows.

Deluxe Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter,softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
Granulated sugar

Mix butter,confectioners sugar,egg,vanilla and almond extract. Blend in flour,soda and cream of tarter. Cover and chill 2-3 hours.

 Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough in half. Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on lightly floured  board. Cut into desired shapes. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 7-8 minutes.