Farmer Jo

Rice and an Egg: Perfection

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

Last time, I wrote up Levi's favorite breakfast, but today I am going to write up mine. Growing up I remember my mom loving to eat leftover rice with warm Cheesewiz poured over the top. It was delicious (no knocking Cheesewiz- fake cheese is awesome!). Now, whenever I make rice I cook a little extra so I can have it for breakfast. The secret ingredient to my meal is a spicy chili flake,

Baby Eats: Green Eggs

2012-02-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Levi loves anything with cheese, so in an attempt to let him have his cheese (chuzz) but also round out his diet I end up making green eggs a lot! It is basically frozen spinach, cheddar cheese and an egg slow cooked into an almost omelet form. This makes it easier for newbie eaters to pick up with their tiny forks. Coming up next is my favorite way to eat eggs. Green Eggs (for one

2012-01-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

A while ago I was completely sucked into pinterest. I had to close my account because my time was getting sucked into pinning adorable baby clothes, craft ideas, fashion and food. Now, I am sorta wishing I hadn't closed it. And I feel super (sooper - ha ha) cool today to discover that I have been pinned! Yeah me! Not surprisingly my most visited page (drinking vinegars) is also my most pinned. I

Who Knew?

2012-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is a fun article from the Seattle PI about some interesting food origins. Thought I would share!

Shrimp Endive Salad with Lemon Cream Dressing

2012-01-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

Justin and I were lucky enough to have a date night a few weeks ago. We went to Grain and Gristle, a cute little pub with amazing food and tons of pickles. I love any place with loads of pickled things! (Even though I think the restaurant name is a bit unfortunate, the place is stellar and I would recommend it!) While there I had an endive salad with shrimp. The combination of crunchy bitter

Cabbage Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Every January the urge to eat fresh green things reappears after a December of baked goods and clementine oranges. But, it being winter, I don't crave delicate greens, I want crunch and sass and a sharp dressing. I repeatedly reach for cabbage. Here are some past recipes: Lemon and Parmesan Cabbage Salad Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Rainbow Slaw Four Flavors Cabbage Slaw Today I forgot to

Got (Fish) Milk?

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I bought some whole milk to see if Levi would be interested. I figured as long as I was getting organic milk everything would be okay. Levi had NO interest in the milk. He spit it out multiple times. I hated the idea of milk going to waste so one morning I added it to my coffee. I spit it out! It was vile! Then I read the label: I am all for anchovies and sardines, but I won't touch

Deconstructed Wonton Soup

2012-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Whenever snow falls in Portland, the whole city freaks out and then shuts down. There was snow on the air this weekend, so I was prepared to make my snow day soup. I had some wonton wrappers in the freezer, a pound of Oregon salad shrimp, a Chinese cabbage and a bunch of cilantro on the ready. For as long as I can remember homemade wonton soup has been a family tradition on snowy, blustery

Happy 2012: Top recipes of 2011

2011-12-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

Wishing one and all a happy, safe and healthy new year. Can you believe it will be 2012 in a few short hours?!? One of my resolutions to get back into the kitchen and start posting again. I am easily distracted by my little sunshine. :) Until then, here are my favorite recipes from 2011: 1. Roasted Cauliflower with Parsley 2. Fried Goat Cheese (I had forgotten about that, mmmm) 3.

Adventures In Food

2011-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the Pictory website? Stories told with photos and a short caption? It is a great way to enjoy an hour. I thought I would share this Pictory about food adventures. Have you tried any of these foods? What would you try if you could? What would you never in a million years eat?

Day 30: The internet

2011-11-29T10:30:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for the internet which has introduced me to an entire world of amazing information and people. I am also so thankful for my blog and the readers. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I love that practically anything you want to know can be answered (maybe not truthfully) on the internet. (I guess I should be thankful for Al Gore... you know, the guy who invented the

Day 29: Being a mom

2011-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

I love being a mom. I wasn't so sure how I was gonna be as a parent. I am pleasantly surprised by home much I enjoy being a mom to my little man. I am thankful to be a mom to my sweet boy.

Day 28: Portland Parks

2011-11-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for all of the wonderful outdoor space we have within our city. Portland has amazing parks. Before Levi I enjoyed the parks for their picnic spaces, tennis courts and long hiking trails. With Levi we have been introduced to all the wonderful playgrounds and open spaces the parks have to offer. What are you thankful for today.

Day 27: Celebrations

2011-11-27T18:59:00.001-08:00

I am so thankful to have wonder things in my life to celebrate. This month we have celebrated our anniversary, birthdays, holidays, days off, and time with friends.

Day 26: Fall/ Winter Fruit

2011-11-26T07:33:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful for the bounty of Fall and Winter fruits! When the days get dark and stormy around here I take comfort in knowing that it the warmer climates the trees are beginning to explode with citrus! I have never met an orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, etc that I didn't like. The sharp tangy fruit and bright smell always cheer me up. Closer to home, the persimmons are ripening. Have

Day 25: Leftovers

2011-11-25T09:56:00.001-08:00

After a big day of cooking and feasting there is nothing I love better than leftovers! I am especially thankful for my dad's challah rolls which make for a perfect breakfast, but an even better turkey sandwich later in the day.

Day 24: Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I am thankful for a holiday that requires a delicious meal, surrounded by family and friends, while remembering what you are thankful for. Our little turkey!

Day 23: My son

2011-11-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy First Birthday Levi! I am so thankful that you are my son! I had no idea being a mom would be this wonderful. You are the light of our lives!

Day 22: Customer Service

2011-11-22T11:08:00.001-08:00

I am thankful when I call a company, or visit a small business and get REAL customer service. I know it is a rare thing! My recent finds of companies with great service: Shutterfly Green to Grow Bottles Lionheart Baby Stuff Salty Dog Shop (on Mississippi)

Day 21: Healthcare

2011-11-21T08:17:00.001-08:00

One year ago today I checked into the hospital in hopes that it would help hurry the arrival of Levi. I was afraid and in pain. It took a few days, but the loving care of the doctors and nurses made all the difference. First I am so thankful for nurses and doctors. They make all the difference when things get rough. I am especially thankful to the post partum nurses who helped me heal and also

Day 20: A Good Night's Rest

2011-11-19T10:30:00.001-08:00

I have to admit I have forgotten what a night of 8 hours of sleep feels like. I am so thankful for a good night's rest.

Day 19: Naps

2011-11-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Nap time, back when Levi was a month old. I would get nothing done at home, or on the blog, without nap time. I am very thankful for naps! (I wish I took more naps...but that is another story.)

Day 18: The Fit

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Honda Fit It may seem silly to be thankful for a car, but 4 years ago I bought a newish, used Honda Fit. It is a wonderful car. It is surpringly powerful. The Fit is small so it is easy to manuever and gets good gas milage. But it is also really, really roomy. The first week I had it I took it to the Oregon Coast, filled with 5 women and all of our stuff. It zipped over the hills with no

Day 17: My husband

2011-11-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

Today is my 4th wedding anniversary. I am thankful for my husband! The smartest thing I have ever done was marry this man. He is my best friend, partner and amazing father to our son. Not to mention, funny, charming, and plain ole fun to be around! (He also does the dishes when I dirty all of them cooking us a dinner feast. And he eats everything I cook. Gotta love that!) xoxoxo

Day 16: Safety

2011-11-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Feeling safe is something I don't often actually think about. I am just AM safe. I am so thankful for that. I don't worry about my own or my son's or my husband's safety on a daily basis. Can you imagine what that must be like? In some parts of the world when people walk out your door you have no idea if they will come home at all... I am very thankful for my safety and feeling safe. (That said