3 kids and lots of pigs: welcome to my pig pen

Celebrating Indiana Wines

2013-05-24T17:01:00.000-04:00

I loved my time as a student at Purdue and as an animal sciences major, I loved my agriculture classes. That being said, I always tell people that there is one that always comes to the top of most useful: wine appreciation. Now I know some of you may be wondering what did I really learn in class like that, but I learned a lot. It was a 3 hour Monday night class and we did get to try 3 wines each week, but we also had to learn about the different types of grapes and where they were grown. We learned about wines from France, Italy, California, and Indiana to name a few and tasted them all from sweet to dry. This class really left an impression on me and one that I have found myself leaning back on since graduating from Purdue more years ago then I would like to meet.

A few of the Indiana vintages my mother-in-law has on hand

As I stated above, we did spend some time learning about the wineries in Indiana and they have only continue to grow in number over the years. In fact today, Indiana has 69 wineries that produce over 1.25 million gallons of wine and attract over 2 million visitors each year. Even cooler than that is my very good friend Miss Jeanette AKA the Indiana Wine Babe gets to spend her days promoting those amazing wineries in the state of Indiana.

This is why I'm so excited to invite you all to Vintage Indiana, a festival of wine, food, and fun on June 1st from 11am - 7pm at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. This is Indiana's largest wine festival featuring locally crafted wines and nearly 30 wineries will be in attendance offering samples of over 300 wines. Adult tickets are $22 in advance at Marsh Supermarkets or online at www.vintageindiana.com or $25 at the gate. Kids 6-20 are $5 and kids under 6 are free. There are even special designated driver tickets for $10 each that include unlimited soft drinks and water. Sounds like a lot of fun to me which is why I'm so excited that one lucky reader of mine will win 2 free tickets to Vintage Indiana thanks to Indiana's Family of Farmers.

So let the fun begin.

To make things simple, this giveaway will have two ways to enter and will only be open for 24 hours. Here are the two ways to enter:

1. Comment on the blog and let me know your favorite Indiana winery.
2. Comment on the blog and let me know your favorite kind of wine.

Winner will be chosen randomly after 5 PM on May 25, 2013. Winner will be notified by email and must respond within 24 hours.Two tickets will then be sent to the winner courtesy of Indiana's Family of Farmers.

This is a sponsored post. Although I was compensated for this post, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Nourishing Generations of Hoosiers

2013-03-19T21:55:00.002-04:00

Big Sissy's take on Ag Day...

Big Sissy entered an essay contest earlier this year with the theme of Our Food, Our Farmers: Nourishing Generations of Hoosiers (and a 200 word maximum). Although she didn't win, we were quite proud of her entry and I thought it would be perfect to share as we celebrate Ag Day 2013. We are proud to be farmers and to raise food for our own family as well as all of yours and it looks like Big Sissy shares in that love.

Our food and our farmers… As a fifth generation farmer, I am proud to be able to come from a family that has been able to nourish Hoosiers for generations.

Farmers have been nourishing Hoosiers for years. If it weren’t for all the farmers, we would have a very limited amount of food in our world today. Since before Indiana became a state, Hoosier farmers have provided food for people everywhere.

Animals are a big part of our state. Our state, Indiana, is ranked 5th in pig production. We wouldn’t have near that many pigs today if farmers weren’t growing all the crops for their feed or taking care of the pigs to the best of their ability.

Farmers also play a big role in our environment, and they take care of it well. Farmers everywhere do a lot for our earth and soil. On our family farm, we have cover crops planted in one of our fields. The reasoning behind this is that the plants will put nutrients back into the soil.

These are just a few examples of how farmers have been nourishing Hoosiers for generations.

And with these future faces of agriculture, we hope our family will be able to continue to do it for many more generations to come...

Italian Beef in a Bucket

2013-02-04T22:14:00.001-05:00

Or a crock pot or slow cooker.

Although I'm a pig farmer and love me some pork, Italian Beef will always have a soft spot in my heart. That being said, I had never made it before in my life. That is until Gooseberry Patch's Slow Cooking Year 'Round arrived with the Italian Beef in a Bucket recipe. I knew I had to make it.

Italian Beef in a Bucket

3 1/2 - 4lb. beef rump roast

12 oz. jar Italian giardiniera mix, mild or hot, drained

12 oz. jar pepperoncini

.7 oz. pkg. zesty Italian salad dressing mix

10 -1/2 oz. can beef broth

12-18 crusty Italian rolls

Place beef roast in a large slow cooker.

In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients except rolls; do not drain pepperoncini. (I mixed together the broth and dry salad dressing mix first.)

Pour mixture over roast.

Cover and cook on low setting for 10-12 hours, until meat is very tender.

Shred with 2 forks; stir into mixture in slow cooker.

Serve on rolls; top with some of the giardiniera mixture from the slow cooker.

Makes 12-18 servings.

This Italian Beef was absolutely delicious and so juicy and even made for yummy leftovers.

It was the perfect meal to come home to after spending the day at Big Sissy's first volleyball tournament.

Now don't forget to enter for your chance to win a copy of this amazing cookbook and hurry as time is running out.

Pleasing Pizza Dip

2013-01-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

Pizza is a pretty popular option around the pigpen these days with a 10, 7, and 3 year old that are always on the go. So when I found the recipe for Pleasing Pizza Dip in Gooseberry Patch's Slow Cooking Year 'Round, I knew we had to try it and we were not disappointed. In fact this dip offers one easy way to incorporate that pizza flavor into your party with the ease of a dip. (I must admit I'm not a huge fan of crock pot recipes that require prep work, buy my Pampered Chef micro cooker made the prep work a breeze.)

Pleasing Pizza Dip

Combine all ingredients except tortilla chips in a slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low setting for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until dip is smooth and warmed through.

Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Enjoy and be sure to enter my giveaway to win your very own copy of Gooseberry Patch's Slow Cooking Year 'Round cookbook. Good luck!

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store. Additionally, this post does contain an affiliate link.

Loaded Potato Soup

2013-01-27T07:50:00.002-05:00

Let me just say this isn't just any loaded potato soup... It is super easy, delicious, and Big Sissy even asked for seconds. So needless to say this recipe will become a year 'round regular at the pigpen even if it does appear in the Simply Speedy Springtime section of Gooseberry Patch's Slow Cooking Year 'Round cookbook.

Loaded Potato Soup

32 oz. pkg frozen hashbrowns with onions and peppers, thawed
(I could only find a 28 oz. bag but it worked just fine)
8 oz. pkg cream cheese, diced
(any type would work: regular, reduced fat, fat free)
10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
10-3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup onion, minced
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, crackers, etc...

Place hashbrowns in slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except garnish. Stir.

Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours.

Garnish individual servings as desired and serve with crackers.

Serves 6-8 or at this pigpen it served 5 with a couple people getting seconds and no leftovers.

I hope you all enjoy this soup as much as our family did and have entered for my giveaway to win your very own copy of Gooseberry Patch's Slow Cooking Year 'Round cookbook. Good luck!

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store. Additionally, this post does contain an affiliate link.

Slow Cooking Year 'Round Giveaway

2013-01-26T19:04:00.000-05:00

There has been some major excitement around the pigpen this last week as we have we have been trying all kinds of new recipes from one of Gooseberry Patch's newest cookbooks, Slow Cooking Year "Round.

From main course options like Beef Stroganoff and Italian Beef in a Bucket that hit the spot after a long day of work, school, and the kids' extracurricular activities (recipes coming soon),

to scrumptious soups like Loaded Potato Soup that was perfect on a cold winter night,

to yummy sides like Creamy Mac & Cheese (recipe coming soon),

and delicious dips like Hot Crab Rangoon Dip (recipe coming soon) and Pleasing Pizza Dip that just might be perfect for that upcoming football game

and we have not been disappointed and still have several more recipes marked to try. This just may be my absolute favorite Gooseberry Patch cookbook which is why I'm so excited that Gooseberry Patch not only sent me one cookbook to review, but one to giveaway to one of my lucky readers.

So good luck and if the widget does not appear, please click on the rafflecopter link to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store. Additionally, this post does contain an affiliate link.

Making memories on the farm

2013-01-18T21:34:00.001-05:00

I still remember when my very first litter of 4-H rabbits were born my first year of 4-H more years ago than I'd like to admit. It is a memory that will stick with me forever. It didn't go exactly according to plan, but now that I've been through the process of labor and delivery three times I know it often doesn't go according to plan. That being said, being able to be around and care for newborn animals is an amazing experience and one that I'm glad The Farmer and I can share with our children.

This past weekend The Farmer, Little Sissy, and myself were out of town for a meeting which meant Big Sissy and Bubby were in charge of our newly born litters of 4-H pigs and one due while we were gone with the help of my father-in-law. Big Sissy and Bubby were so excited.

Big Sissy took notes on her new iPod Touch from Santa so she knew how to feed the sows and their litters.

She then not only kept us updated on every happening in the barn including a new litter complete with 12 new pigs, but she kept her best friend, who lives in a subdivision, up to date as well complete with the pictures in this post.

I love that our kids love the farm and their pigs so much and cherish all the memories they are making.

Life lessons learned from Leontien

2013-01-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

The power of one...

It is not every day that someone like Leontien enters one's life; however, I'm sure the impact she had on many of our lives will never be forgotten and her legacy will live on through everyone that knew her.

Before I met Leontien a few years ago, her reputation preceded her. I had heard stories of her passion, zest for life, and determination to chase, meet, and exceed her goals and dreams and I was not disappointed once I met her. There was just something about her that made you want to smile and fight harder for your own convictions. She knew what she wanted and was willing to make it happen until that nasty C word entered her life not once, but twice, but even then she remained true to herself. I never will forget the last time I visited with Leontien with my dear friend Cris from GOODEness Gracious. Leontien would not sit down to visit with us until she made sure she had offered us something to drink and eat and also made sure we took home plenty of yummy chocolates to our loved ones. She had a heart of gold.

In the spirit of her heart of gold and in honor of her 34th birthday today, many of her friends are doing a random act of kindness.

Now if I was truly being random, I wouldn't have put any thought into this, but since Leontien will always remind of the importance of hard work and planning, I wanted to make sure there was meaning behind my act of kindness.

Leontien came into my life as we shared a joint passion for agriculture. Her love for her cows and her dairy could not be missed. So tomorrow morning after I drop Big Sissy and Bubby off at school, Little Sissy and I will be delivering 34 gallons of milk to our local food pantry in memory of Leontien.

Miss you!

Maybe it's cold outside...

2013-01-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

The temperature in Indiana sure is a little wacky these days. Since Christmas, we have had several inches of snow on the ground and winter like temperatures. This has all changed this week as the snow is almost all melted, we've had over an inch of rain in the last 24 hours, and we are approaching 60 degrees as I type this.

The dramatic weather changes not only wreak havoc on everyone's sinuses at the pigpen, but it also makes me very thankful for the way we raise our pigs.

As you know, The Farmer and I are the fourth generations of our families to raise pigs. Our ancestors would be amazed with the care we can provide our pigs with the changing weather patterns we are currently experiencing. My mother-in-law can tell many stories of what it was like to raise pigs in snowy, icy, cold weather conditions that overnight become wet and muddy.

This is just one of the many reasons that I'm glad that we can raise our pigs today in climate controlled barns that allow us to protect them from the elements (and predators) and provide them with a 70 degree climate year round especially when we may or may not be cozied up around our fireplace at home trying to stay warm (of course The Farmer is always makes sure the pigs are taken care of first).

So with the tune of Baby It's Cold Outside running through my head, Maybe it's cold outside ...

We really can't stay
Maybe it's cold outside
We gotta go away
Maybe it's cold outside
This evening has been
Been wishing the rain away
So full of ice
I'll hold your umbrella today
The Farmer would start to worry
But the pigs are warm inside
Bubby would be pacing the floor
The pigs are protected inside
So really we don't have to scurry
Farming is our first love
The pigs are our top priority

The Farmer and the tablet

2013-01-04T21:44:00.000-05:00

"Oh, the Places You'll Go"

I don't even know if Dr. Seuss could have imagined the places we could go thanks to technology. Just on our family farm alone over the last few months, technology allowed for some exciting new additions on our family farm.

These lovely ladies came to our family farm by way of Arkansas and will someday be the mommas of Big Sissy's 4-H pigs.

Anyway, what do these pigs have to do with technology?

Well you see The Farmer used this super handy, easy to use, and super fast like 4G LTE fast tablet that he was testing from Verizon Wireless to bid on these pigs in an online auction. (Online auctions didn't even exist not that long ago, but every year there are more and more of them as they allow people like us to look at, bid, and purchase pigs from all over the country. Something that would be quite difficult without technology.) Any way, thanks to being able to view pictures of the pigs online, he purchased these 4 pigs all from the comfort of his chair at home and then drove to Arkansas a few days later to pick them up.

The whole thing is quite amazing to me that basically with a "computer" that fits in the palm of his hand, The Farmer was able to make some exciting purchases.

Needless to say, The Farmer fell in love with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and was quite depressed when we had to send it back. Had I not been done with my Christmas shopping for him when we sent it back, there may have been one waiting under our tree for him, but alas, there was not. I guess it is a good thing for him that he has a February birthday.

Technology on the farm

2012-11-09T11:14:00.000-05:00

Technology...

Technology plays a big role in all of our lives and I must admit almost daily I'm amazed how fast it is changing. When I graduated from college in 1999, my employer gave me a pager and a bag phone and I thought I was cool. My how times have changed.

Just like technology has improved things in our daily lives, technology has made a big difference on our family farm. We are able to use GPS technology to more accurately plant our crops and precisely apply crop protectants when needed which has drastically reduced our carbon footprint as farmers. And this is just one of many examples of how technology on the farm is making a big difference.

One thing The Farmer and his dad could not live without is their smart phones. Whether it be to check the markets, the weather, or read their email, they are constantly using their smart phones for something other than just a phone.

So needless to say when I got the opportunity to try out some of the latest and greatest gadgets from Verizon Wireless, I knew The Farmer would be more than excited as he is always trying to find ways to help him on the farm.

From the moment the Samsung GALAXY S III arrived, I could hardly keep it out of The Farmer's hands. He loved the big screen as it made it easier to type and read. (This Blackberry lover still can't give up her keyboard.)

He also loved the 4G service which allowed him to access the weather and other essentials for the farm in no time at all everywhere on the farm.

All in all, The Farmer was impressed and he is not easily impressed. So when you can impress him and it helps him on the farm, you have a winner. (The Farmer was sad the day I had to send it back, but can hardly wait to see what comes next.. I know, but I'm not telling.)

15 things to do on fall break

2012-10-11T16:48:00.001-04:00

Fall Break...

I don't really even remember having a fall break from school growing up. Now I do remember maybe a half day here or there or one day off in the fall for parent/teacher conferences, but it was never a big deal at our house when I was growing up. When Big Sissy first started school, Fall Break was a 2 day (Thursday-Friday) vacation from school. This year our school is now on a balanced calender which means Big Sissy and Bubby started school on August 1st and now currently in the 1st week of their 2 week fall break. While I must admit I was a bit apprehensive of the 2 week fall break when it was announced (because as a full-time off-farm working mom I wasn't quite sure how it would work), the kids and I have checked a lot off of our fall break bucket list and it is only Thursday of the first week. (We are in overdrive as this momma will be gone all next week for work.)

I thought I'd share some of the things we've checked off our list as well as a few we are hoping to yet accomplish and although this is a fall break bucket list, a lot of the items could be done on any break from school.

15 things to do on fall break

1. Go to a basketball game - Big Sissy's first ever school basketball game was last Sunday. Although the score was a bit lopsided, we know the fun is just beginning. (Go #20!)

2. Get your craft on - Heading to Jo-Ann's with this family is often dangerous for my checkbook. We left with fabric and fleece to make blankets, pillowcases, and maybe even a 4-H project or two for next year.

3. Make some of Gal in the Middle's pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

4. Go shopping

5. Visit Kelsay Farms - We haven't made it there yet this year, but we absolutely love visiting Kelsay's and this year they have special fall break hours.

6. Get a flu shot - Big Sissy, Bubby, and Little Sissy all got their flu shots yesterday.

7. Check out the programs at your local library - Little Sissy has been to a few story times and Big Sissy and Bubby attended a program entitled grossology yesterday.

8. Read

9. Make a new recipe

10. Check out The Children's Museum Guild's 49th Annual Haunted House, Wicked Workshop - Big Sissy, Bubby, and I were very lucky to be able to preview the Wicked Workshop yesterday with the lights on. I don't think I would have made it out alive with the lights off.

11. Spend the day at The Children's Museum - After visiting the Wicked Workshop, we decided to spend the day at the museum.

12. Take a nap

13. Visit with family and friends

14. Take a road trip - The kids and I are headed north to The Homestead Resort for this weekend as Uncle A is getting married on Saturday and we can't wait to gain a new family member. (The Farmer is staying behind for reason #15)

15. Celebrate the harvest - In our opinion as farmers, it is hard to beat this time of year. We love harvest. Although the effects of this summer's drought are making for a less than desirable harvest, we still consider ourselves very blessed to be able to raise food for our family and yours.

I hope your family has as much fun as this pigpen checking these item of your fall break bucket list!

1 important life lesson

2012-08-30T08:43:00.000-04:00

Things we teach our kids...

It is a huge responsibility to be a parent and one I think you are never prepared for no matter how much you try to prepare. It is a also a huge joy to watch your children grow and experience life; even if, it is very bittersweet. Now when I can not only have fun with my kids, but also teach them an important life lesson, it is a win-win for all of us.

Giving back to the community was a lesson I learned early on in life thanks to my family and one that The Farmer and I have tried to instill in our children from an early age. Yesterday, the kids and I along with my mother-in-law had some fun while giving back to our community.

For the last few years, several times throughout the year, we have tried to make a 100 pound donation of pork to our local food pantry. (We actually buy it from the grocery store when we see that they are having a great sale. This time we were able to buy pork chops for $1.28/pound.) Yesterday was the day for one of our donations so we headed to the food pantry with a trunk full of pork

and then watched Big Sissy, Bubby, and Little Sissy fill a refridgerater full of pork

that will now be used to help feed the hungry of our community. It is sad to me that so many people worry about where their next meal will come from in this country and closer to home, our community. Although our 100 pounds of pork won't go very far, we are glad to know that we are able to help in a small way and passing on the importance of giving back to the community to the next generation.

How do you help give back to your community?

Quick and easy pickle dip

2012-08-26T21:08:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for some football?

I know that this pigpen is. As hard as it is to believe that football season is here (I mean where did the summer go?), we love this time of year. Whether it be Bubby's flag football games, high school, college, or the NFL, we love football. So when I saw Gooseberry Patch's Touchdown Pickle Dip recipe in The Harvest Table, I knew we had to try it.

Touchdown Pickle Dip

Ingredients

2, 8oz. packages of softened cream cheese
1 pound of deli shaved ham, finely chopped
32 oz. jar baby dill pickles, drained and juice reserved
round buttery crackers or cracker sticks

Directions

Chop the shaved ham.

In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and ham.

Finely chop pickles and stir in.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of reserved pickle juice; blend well.

If dip seems too thick, add more pickle juice.

Cover and chill until serving time.

Serves with crackers or cracker sticks.

Score!

Who will you be cheering for this football season?

Time marches on...

2012-07-11T16:49:00.002-04:00

3 weeks to go.

The last time I blogged, Bubby had just graduated kindergarten and school was out for the summer. As I sit here today, I realize that 3 weeks from today Big Sissy and Bubby will be heading back to school to be 4th and 1st graders, respectively. Where has the summer gone?

The month of June was a whirlwind for us with work for this full-time off-farm working momma,

Big Sissy's 1st year ribbon collection

Big Sissy's first year of 4-H,

Bubby's first year of mini 4-H,

Little Sissy thought she needed to go to soccer camp in Big Sissy's gear

soccer camp,

Big Sissy and my mother-in-law get ready to board the bus to 4-H camp

4-H camp for Big Sissy and my mother-in-law,

My family at the wedding

and a very special wedding for Uncle K and Aunt N.

And so far July is just flying by so with the kids heading back to school earlier than normal this year with the introduction of the balanced calendar, their summer vacation is almost over. This is so bittersweet as I know time doesn't go by any slower during the school year and my children are growing up before my eyes. I know this is supposed to happen, but I just didn't think it would happen so fast.

So I must apologize for my lack of blogging the last few months and I hope to get back on track, but please forgive me if my posts are far and few between now and August 1st as I want to enjoy as much time as possible with the kids before school starts. (We refuse to call it the end of summer as we still have a few more things to accomplish once the kids go back to school.)

Needless to say...

Time marches on

The Harvest Table Giveaway

2012-05-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

Harvest

It is one of this pigpen's favorite times of year so I was super excited when Gooseberry Patch asked me to review one of their newest cookbook's, The Harvest Table.

This cookbook is full of yummy recipes that I can't wait to share with you over the coming weeks. Now many of the recipes have a fall twist to them which will be perfect for our upcoming harvest season, but since we just finished up planting season on our family farm, I was quite happy that there were several recipes that could be made year round.

In fact, I even found too super easy dessert recipes that were perfect for our family's Mother's Day celebration... Too-Easy Toffee Cheesecake and Heavenly Key Lime Pie.

Now in addition to these desserts in the Save Room for dessert section, we have found many delicious recipes from the Hearty Autumn Brunch, Soup Supper with Friends, Simple Harvest Supper, Thanksgiving with All the Trimmings, and Festive Fall Flavors sections. Are you hungry yet? (Just wait until I share the recipes and pictures.)

Now here is the best part... My friends over at Gooseberry Patch sent me an extra cookbook to giveaway to one of my lucky readers so be sure to enter below for your chance to win The Harvest Table .

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store. Additionally, this post does contain an affiliate link.

Bubby's Big Day

2012-05-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

Bittersweet...

It is the only word I can think of to describe Bubby's Big Day.

In a blink of an eye, Bubby went from his first day of kindergarten

to kindergarten graduation.

And he has been on cloud 9 ever since despite having to have 2 baby teeth pulled today. (Don't worry he is milking it for all it is worth complete with a trip to Dairy Queen and a sleepover at my in-laws.)

Where does the time go?

Yummy Quick Taco Soup with a winner

2012-05-07T22:54:00.000-04:00

Seriously what is not to love with the words yummy and quick being in the same sentence and when that sentence just happens to be a recipe it really can't get any better. Unless this also happens to be where I announce the winner of Gooseberry Patch's Simple Shortcut Recipes ... time will tell. But for now, let's get back to this super easy recipe.

Yummy Quick Taco Soup

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 16-oz. cans black beans

2 16-oz. cans kideny beans

11-oz. can corn

10-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

46 oz. can tomato juice

2 1 1/4 oz. packages of taco seasoning mix

Optional: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, jalapenos, etc...

Directions

Brown beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain. (Or use this handy dandy Pampered Chef Micro Cooker that Miss Cris and Miss Leah told me I had to buy (they were right). I had browned ground beef in about 5 minutes.)

Add beef to a large slow cooker.

Add onion and undrained beans, corn, and tomatoes.

Pour in tomato juice.

Stir in seasoning mix.

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours.

Serve with sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips, jalapenos and other toppings, if desired.

This was a big hit with The Farmer and will definitely be a go to recipe at this pigpen in the future.

And now it is my pleasure to announce that entry #290, Apple B, is the winner of my giveaway of Simple Shortcut Recipes thanks to Gooseberry Patch. Thanks to all of you that entered and be sure to stay tuned as another amazing Gooseberry Patch cookbook or two may have just arrived in my mailbox.

Linked to Beyer Beware's Hunk of Meat Monday

Easy Cheesy Appetizer from Gooseberry Patch

2012-05-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

This super easy appetizer caught my attention the first time I picked up Simple Shortcut Recipes: More than 225 Simplified Recipes Plus Time-Saving Tips for Today's Busy Cook! (Everyday Cookbook Collection) from Gooseberry Patch. Growing up there was a restaurant that had the most amazing appetizer that had the same name as this recipe so I knew I had to try it.

Crabbies

Although these crabbies are nothing like the crabbies I grew up enjoying, they were quite delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients

7 1/2 oz. can crab meat, drained
5 oz. jar sharp pasteurized process cheese spread
2 T. mayonnaise
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 t. garlic powder
hot pepper sauce to taste
6 English muffins, split
Garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

In a bowl, combine all ingredients except muffins and parsley. (I decided to mix everything, but the crab meat first and then add the crab meat.)

Spread mixture evenly over muffin halves. Cut each round into quarters and arrange on an ungreased baking sheet. (I covered my baking sheet with aluminum foil. Additionally, since we ate these as a meal, I did not cut them into quarters.)

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, until topping is heated through and golden.

Sprinkle with parsley.

Serve warm.

Enjoy and don't forget there are just a few days remaining to enter for your chance to win a copy of Gooseberry Patch's Simple Shortcut Recipes thanks to Gooseberry Patch!

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store. This post does contain an affiliate link.

Pepperoncini Chicken

2012-05-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

Now, I know this recipe may not appeal to everyone at first, but I was attracted the minute I read "a fast slow-cooker meal perfect for a busy evening." I mean what more could a full-time off-farm working momma of 3 need and with 3 simple ingredients I was sold before I even made Pepperoncini Chicken from Gooseberry Patch's Simple Shortcut Recipes. And after the applause this recipe received from the pigpen it is just a matter of time before we try this with a beef or possibly pork roast.

Pepperoncini Chicken
Ingredients
4 lb package frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used the chicken breast tenderloins as I always keep these on hand for a quick and easy meal.)
16 oz. jar pepperoncini
6-8 8-inch flour tortillas
Garnish: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc...

Directions
Place frozen chicken in a slow cooker.

Pour pepperoncini with juice over top.

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours.

Shred chicken and pepperoncini; mix well.

Fill tortillas with chicken mixture; garnish as desired.

Enjoy and don't forget there are just a few days remaining to enter for your chance to win a copy of Gooseberry Patch's Simple Shortcut Recipes thanks to Gooseberry Patch!

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store.

Taffy Apple Bars

2012-05-01T19:56:00.000-04:00

Well when I asked which recipe you were most excited for me to share from Gooseberry Patch's Simple Shortcut Recipes, Taffy Apple Bars received lots of votes so I though I'd share it first.

Taffy Apple Bars

Ingredients
16 1/2 oz. tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
16 1/2 oz. tube refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3- 1/2 to 4 cups apples, cored, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

Directions
Let cookie doughs stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. (FYI, I couldn't find a tube of refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough so I used the refrigerated cookie squares.)

In a large bowl, combine doughs and flour; beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until well blended.

Press evenly into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan.

Spoon apples over dought; press down lightly.

Sprinkle with peanuts. (I skipped this step as not everyone is a fan of peanuts at this pigpen.)

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until edges turn golden and the center is set.

Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Drizzle with caramel topping.

Cut into bars and Enoy!

Don't forget to enter here for your chance to win your very own copy of Simple Shortcut Recipes.

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store.

Simple Shortcut Recipes

2012-04-23T06:03:00.000-04:00

Gooseberry Patch has done it again...

Whether you are busy getting ready for someone's golden 3rd birthday,

or hunting Easter eggs,

or playing that first soccer game of the season,

or traveling for that full-time off-farm job or heading to the fields for the start of planting season, Gooseberry Patch's Simple Shortcut Recipes: More than 225 Simplified Recipes Plus Time-Saving Tips for Today's Busy Cook! (Everyday Cookbook Collection) is just what you need.

This cookbook could not have arrived at a better time at our house. After surviving 3 months of what felt like non-stop work travel, it was time for this momma to return to the kitchen and as much as I love being in the kitchen cooking and baking, there isn't always tons of time to do so which is why I love this cookbook. When it first arrived at our house, I made a list of at least 15 recipes that immediately jumped out as recipes for the pigpen to try and easy to make... which are two things essential with anything at this pigpen. And more keeping jumping out at me.

In the Simple Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches section, there is the Yummy Quick Taco Soup,

Fast-Fix Sides & Breads is where I found Easy Pierogie Casserole

Dinner Express brought Pork & Sauerkraut

and Pepperoncini Chicken

Oh-So-Easy Entertaining provided the recipe for Crabbies

and Taffy Apple Bars from Piece-of-Cake Desserts definitely did not disappoint.

Over the course of the coming days, I will be sharing these yummy recipes and if that isn't quite a big enough fix for you, I will also be giving away a copy of this amazing cookbook thanks to Gooseberry Patch!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Gooseberry Patch for providing me with this great cookbook to try and share with you. If you would like to purchase this or other cookbooks, please visit their store. Additionally, this post does contain an affiliate link.

These boots are made for walking...

2012-03-31T16:37:00.000-04:00

These boots are made for walking...

and that is the absolute truth. (I may have done too much walking which is why a moment of rest is always appreciated.)

Over the years, I've owned several pairs of boots so when Country Outfitter gave me the opportunity to review a pair of boots I knew that I'd be selecting a pair of Ariat's as they are so comfortable and these boots did not disappoint.

I also knew that I wanted a pair of square toe boots so I was very impressed with Country Outfitter's selection of square toe Ariat boots.

Don't you love the red stitching detail? I know I do!

Although I didn't receive my first choice, I was so excited when my boots arrived. It has been a few years since I had a new pair of boots. OK, more like a decade (I truthfully don't know where the time is going.) so I couldn't wait to take them out of the box.

Since my boots are brand new, I've been a bit apprehensive about wearing them around the farm. You see once something goes to the farm, it has the tendency to never leave and I still want to wear my boots other places. So for now, I've been wearing my boots for my full-time off-farm job; however, I have no doubt that they will soon become my official farm boots because they are so comfortable.

Can you tell comfort is important in my life? I mean I like fashion, but comfort often wins out so thankfully these boots provide style and comfort. (I will be honest that I thought that the black looked more like patent leather in the picture on the website than they do in person, but such is life as the comfort more than makes up for this.)

Thanks again to Country Outfitter for this opportunity and if you aren't in the market for boots, don't worry, their website has a huge selection of all sorts of things from boots to apparel to home decor so be sure to check it out.

Although Country Outfitter, a retailer of Ariat square toe boots sent me these Ariat Whip-Lash boots to review the opinions are mine and mine alone, as always.

The Farmer and his Carhartts

2012-03-25T23:09:00.001-04:00

Oh how The Farmer loves his Carhartts. He has Carhartt jeans, shorts, t-shirts, coveralls, coats, and hats. He maybe even has some socks. Needless to say, chances are he is wearing something Carhartt made almost every day if not every day. So when I had the chance to share something from Carhartt's new men's line with him, I knew he would be eternally grateful.

And I knew this jacket would be perfect for him on and off the farm with its waterproof breathable technology, snap removable hood, and multiple storage pockets.

So whether he's headed to the barn with the help of his youngest assistant, Little Sissy,

or checking on our mother pigs

or carrying a bag of feed

to feed some of our pigs

I think The Farmer is happy

and Bubby can't wait for it to fit him.

Thank you again to Carhartt and The Real Farmwives of America and Friends!

To win a Carhartt of your own, please visit www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com to sign up for their giveaway. Good luck!

Carhartt did provide me with this product to review, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

5 Easter traditions from the pigpen

2012-03-14T18:47:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that we are only a few weeks away from Easter. Personally, it seems hard to believe that it is already the middle of March, let alone almost time for Easter.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend Blissdom and visit with the awesome folks from Hershey's Bunny Trail. In fact in a few days, a special Easter basket will be arriving filled with a few of this peigpen's favorite Hershey's Easter candies like Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs and Cadbury Creme Eggs and Mini Eggs. Thanks Hershey!!

In anticipation of this special Easter basket, I thought I would share a few of our family's Easter traditions.

In the afternoon on the Friday before Easter, Good Friday, the kids decorate Easter eggs with my mother-in-law.

The kids look forward to this each year as my mother-in-law goes all out in making sure they each of plenty of eggs to decorate with all sorts of colors and such.

This year will be Little Sissy's first year to color eggs and I can't wait to see the smiles on her face.

On the Saturday of Easter, my in-laws host our family Easter complete with an egg hunt for all of the grandkids.

This usually involves the whole family in some manner whether it be helping the kids or hiding the eggs.

I can't believe how much Little Sissy has changed in a year.

On Easter morning, the kid wake up to find their Easter baskets have been filled by the Easter bunny.

Big Sissy, Bubby, and Little Sissy each have their own unique Easter basket. Thanks to an idea from a former co-worker, they each have the Longaberger Easter basket from the year of their first Easter. I hope they will each treasure their special Easter basket as they get older and have a similar tradition with their own children.

If you look closely, you will see Little Sissy's chocolate moustache thanks to the Easter bunny.

The biggest part of our Easter weekend is being able to attend mass to celebrate the reason for the season. We don't often hear this saying during the Easter season, but it applies just like it does at Christmas.

And my last tradition is one we also have at Christmas and was started by my mom... a new Easter outfit for each of the kids to wear on Easter morning. However, I must admit I often space getting a picture of the kids in their special outfit so hopefully I will remember this year as I'm excited about their coordinating outfits.

This picture was taken on Mother's Day 2011 as I spaced taking the picture on Easter.

What Easter traditions does your family have?