Sovereignty Farms

Fruit Trees

2011-09-25T16:42:06-04:00

We ordered fruit trees today - 3 apple, 2 pear and 2 kiwi vines. They will be here in Feb.

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1 x MAGNESS Maryland 1960 (Comice x Seckel) = $26.95
1 x SECKEL (Sugar Pear) New York = $26.95
1 x DORSETT GOLDEN Bahamas 1964 = $34.95
1 x ANNA Israel = $34.95
1 x GRIMES GOLDEN West Virginia 1832 = $34.95
1 x MALE FUZZY KIWI = $20.00
1 x HAYWARD FEMALE KIWI Fuzzy Kiwi = $20.00
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Menu Planning - Aug 19 - 25

2011-08-19T08:59:51-04:00

Got a new cookbook (see Friday) and I am using it this week in a serious way. Most things in it sound more to me like Fall and Winter meals, but I am doing a few things now!

Friday - Stewed Shell Beans and Summer Veggies (from Local Flavors) and Quinoa and Turkey Cutlets with Fusion Flavors (from my NEW cookbook, Whole Grains), (guests tonight) - carrots and peppers from garden, beans and potatoes from Farmers Market

Saturday - Dinner at Serenbe yeah!

Sunday - Masa-harina-beef casserole (Whole Grains CB)

Monday - Beef Barley and Mushroom Soup (Whole Grains CB)

Tuesday - Chicken n Dumplins (lay out farm chicken on Monday, make tortillas using skillet, cornbread [add peppers??]) (FYI, this is same as last week - I never made it)

Wednesday - Polenta with Ethiopian Chicken Stew (Whole Grains CB)

Thursday - left over night!

Decomposing a Grocery Store Trip

2011-08-12T13:10:06-04:00

Dan and I are really trying to save money. We buy mik and eggs (for now) from the farm. We have tons of veggies and a few fruits in the garden - that helps. And we don't buy ANY bread products - I make them. So, today I went to the grocery store (usually a Monday, but this week has been weird). I bought 1 weeks worth of groceries. I was so proud that the list was short - based on a menu of using what we have and some leftovers, etc. So I was SHOCKED whent he bill was $200!!! That is the most it has ever been!

I can't stop thinking about it. So, I want to look at each item and think about how to make changes in the future. I thought I would write it up so I can reference it in the future and learn from it - and if I write it here, well maybe some other people will chip in with their feedback as well (if they are willing to actually read this long and boring post).

BTW, here is the menu and below is the list I went to the store with:

fruit
toilet paper
chicken
butter
celery
lettuce
lemons
onions
chicken broth
parm cheese
ground turkey x2 or flank
new potatoes
18oz sharp white cheddar
8oz greyere
romano
chicken tenderloins
parm
black beans
avacado
butter lettuce

Eval from recipt:

things bought that were not on the list -

stick fruit (for Cooper). Is an easy, portable snack - 3.40 - maybe I could make these in the dehydrator?? Probably not for less money. Should have just bought more regular fruit.
Snap pea crisps (for Cooper). again, good portable snack. 2 @ 1.29 Not so great for him, but trying to transition off chips.
Wine (not for Cooper). - $9 Friends are making it. I really want to try that - cheaper and healthier. But I want to get more familiar with the bread/pasta and cheese before moving into something new...maybe after xmas. For now, I will buy the non-organic cheap stuff at Harrys.
3 sodas - 4.60 - tried the Sevia soda (yuck), got a black cherry drink, and I get one every time I go there - and then a blood orange soda ($3) to try with Vodka. it was yummo by the way - could have done without it, though.
Turkey Bacon (2) and Turkey Ham - staples for Cooper - not sure how to do without these - $15
Grapes - another staple for Cooper - they are in season now but maybe I should encourage him to eat only the fruit we can grow?? hard one - $8
Basil plant - ours plants suck this year and even though it is almost end of season, buying the plant is the same as buying a bunch, but will last longer - $6 - grow a better variety next year
Plant seeds - cabbage and green onion were not available on SSE but were there so got them - $4

on the list -

bath tissue - $8 - can't really do without this one. I am trying to move away from paper towels though - un necessary and can get expensive
black beans (2) $4+ - I am planting some dry beans this Fall. Maybe I should look into growing these - or maybe I should buy them in bulk and dry rather than canned. I think Breadbeckers has these in organic in bulk...check into this.
Chicken broth (4 and $3.70 each). I could definately make this cheaper, I think. I tried before but stored it in plastic. All went wrong. Need better way to freeze this. Research this.
Chicken breasts (2), ground turkey (1lb) - staples. Pretty soon we will have our own chickens for meat and that will help
Butter (2) - $13+ Buying the pasture butter and it is still cheaper than making our own. I guess we will have to wait until we have our cow before I can save here.
Cheese - (4 types, $22)here is an area where we SPEND! Some of the cheeses we are making now for reasonable prices. but we use parm almost every day. Even if I made it this week, it will not be ready for 10 months or more. And sometimes even the grass-fed or imported cheeses (Europe does not allow the same anti-biotics and checmicals that the US does) are available for less than i can make it. Maybe once we have the cow I can spend more time making cheese. We need a press too.
grass-fed flank steak - $15 - we have really cut back on beef since we only purchase grass-fed and the price is high. I would love to order in bulk from a local farmer, but it is just now as good once it is frozen. What to do? cut it out?
halibut - $26!! - I did not notice this until we got home. The wild caught fish is outrageous! I wanted to add more fish to our diet but at this rate, we just can't do it! Rather take the $40 per month per person Omega vitamins. Special occasions only from now on.
Lemons, Avacoado, celery, lettuce, onions - staples in our house, even out of season. Onions I grew this year were not a success - will keep trying. Lettuce is out of season in GA. One day we will have a green house where I can grow these things. For now, I keep buying - $23
Bananas - $2 - could I grow these in a greenhouse?
Watermelon - $7 - should have bought the watermelon and not the chunks already cut up. Can save that way going forward. Growing these this year but they are not ready. Maybe should try to wean Cooper to in-season only fruits?? Just so hard.

OK - that's it - sorry if the math is off, I rounded. But all this is $200!

Major lessons:

buy fruit whole (if at all) and cut it up myself
avoid the fish now
cut back on red meat
research how to best freeze chicken broth
check into buying dry beans in bulk
work on better portable snacks for cooper

Menu Planning - Aug 12 - 18

2011-08-12T08:59:28-04:00

Friday - Smoked halibut, squash, new potatoes

Saturday - Chicken pot pie (smoke the chicken, grean beans (not peas) and carrots from garden, add leftover mushrooms, use milled flour, try a pie shell again??)

Sunday - Lasagna Pasta (Fresh 20 Dec 17) (make mozerella and ricotta and pasta [fusilli] on Saturday, add a salad)

Monday - Parm Chicken Nuggets with Adult Mac n Cheese (we are having guests for the night) (Parm Chicken Nuggests from Fresh 20 June 25, make macaroni on Sunday)

Tuesday - Chicken n Dumplins (lay out farm chicken on Monday, make tortillas using skillet, cornbread [add peppers??])

Wednesday - Skillet Taco Salad (Fresh 20 Sep 3) (add avacado, use grass-fed flank steak rather than tukey, put on bed of lettuce and don't use tortilla, use kefir and not yogurt)

Thursday - left over night!

Kefir Grains

2011-07-29T07:51:54-04:00

I just recently learned about Kefir - not the fake kind in the grocery store - the live grains you grow in your home. We bought some live organic milk grains a few weeks ago. Justin got some live water grains from his aunt. (there are two different kinds of kefir grains: water and milk) It takes a while to grow the small amount into an amount large enough to share with others, but pretty soon we can give him some milk and get some water grains from him.

Basically, these are beneficial bacteria that you grow in milk or water or juice. They ferment the base liquid and you can use that liquid in recipes or drink it. The water kefir makes a drink that tastes like apple juice. I can't wait to try it in home made grape juice. We have been making the milk liquid into a smoothy with fruit. Peaches, last night.

While the health benefits are similar to yogurt, there are some added benefits as well. First, store bought yogurt does not use grass fed cow milk which we prefer. It is also highly processed, which reduces the beneficial bacteria, and it contains sugar (often HFCS). Home grown kefir also contains additional bacteria that line the stomach and help prevent other diseases that yogurt just can't match:

Treats Candida (yeast, a huge problem caused by processed susgar foods, causing everything from fatigue to weight gain)
Regulates the blood pressure, blood sugar and cures diabetes.
Improves the liver and gallbladder, regulates bile production, influences positively hepatitis.
Reduces anxiety, depression, increases energy and feeling of well being.
Heals various eczema, all skin disorders and leads to cure of acne.
Produces its own antibiotics, eliminates unfriendly bacteria, cures internal and external inflammations.
Produces own anti-cancer compounds, prevents metastasis, and leads to cure.
Has a positive influence on cholesterol, osteoporosis and rheumatism.
Heals colitis, diarrhea, catarrh, reflux, leaky gut syndrome, candidiasis and more.
Produces all necessary vitamins and beneficial bacteria needed for our healthy daily life.
Has a positive influence on the heart and blood, heals circulatory conditions.
Heals lactose intolerance and provides full digestibility of milk based products.
Heals the kidneys, the urinary tract and protects prostate.
Regulates the body’s immune system and improves resistance to diseases.
Re-balances the intestinal flora and stomach acid, heals duodenum and cures ulcers.
Slows the aging process, smooths and improves skin, hair and muscle tone.
Supports enzymes production and heals the pancreas.
Heals the lungs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, allergies and migraine.
Regulates metabolism, digestion and heals diseases of the colon.

Just wanted to share. As we grow our grains (this may take a month or two) I am happy to share with anyone interested. Also will be sharing recipes, as you can make cheese, dips, breads, etc from the liquid. (Kefir can be used as a rennet substitute in cheese making). If you want to read more I highly recommedn Dom's site: http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html

Tomato Canning Notes

2011-07-20T17:40:58-04:00

Used this recipe to can some tomato sauce (labeled with CB101) - doubled this recipe - no changes - http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/five-minute-tomato-sauce-recipe.html

Make this salsa tomorrow and can - http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/fourth-of-july-roasted-tomato-salsa-recipe.html

Cook this after juice fast - http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/spiced-tomato-gratin-recipe.html

My Take on The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O’Brien

2011-07-13T23:08:00-04:00

I have just finished reading The Unhealthy Truth after hearing a TED talk by Robyn O’Brien on the same topic. I am largely impressed and excited about this book. The information contained was not entirely new to me, but Robyn adds a fresh spin with regard to allergies and toxins. As a research-aholic, I adore the types of stats and studies she generously shares throughout the book. The explanation of GMOs was unique and helpful. And the information on additives and colorings was new to me and greatly appreciated. I’ve been doing even more research on that now that I have read this book. I would recommend this book to others, with the stipulations below.

Let me first say that I think the work Robyn is doing is wonderful. I think we need more people – moms – like her who love their children enough to buckle down and learn about the food they are feeding their families. And I further admire her efforts to reach outside her family and educate others; not only with the “big stuff” but also the “practical stuff”. Robyn’s heart is pure, obviously, and she is to be respected and esteemed for her work.

Robyn’s “method” regularly includes following the money trail. I think this is brilliant (and not an easy task). I was dumbfounded to hear that The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was fully funded by Kraft Foods. No wonder they did not want to partner with her organization, AllergyKids.com. Another astonishing example of her money trail research includes studies in aspartame. She admits that there are studies to both support and admonish the use of aspartame in our foods. However, her money trail research concludes that 100% of those pro-aspartame studies were funded by the aspartame industry. Wow. And she goes even further, but I won’t spoil it.

She reveals how other countries do not subject their children to the toxins that we do in America. Are you aware that soy formula is suggested only as a very last resort for babies in the U.K.? Moms and Dads in Japan, Australia, Spain and other countries demand more health-conscience options for their families. I was shocked to discover how the large food conglomerates have voluntarily accommodated these families in their over-seas food production, but have refused to do so in America.

Finally, a new piece of information to me and one that I am very intrigued by is the evidence that Yellow 5, a food coloring, contributes to hyperactivity and aggression in children. The “Southampton Shocker” was a large, double-blind study that sent shockwaves across Europe regarding hyperactivity and impulse control in children. Could this additive be the cause of the rise in ADHD diagnosis in children in America?

While there was a great number of accolades to be made about this book, there were also a few things that I found annoying, but digestible: 1) I have kids and talk about them to everyone who will listen (and those that don’t), but I do think the book is a little strong in that area. It seems that the author could not decide if the book should be about her kids’ story or about unhealthy food. I think that if she shied away from so many details about her kids, she may have a chance at holding the attention of a larger audience. 2) There are a lot of rhetorical questions that make me wonder if she thinks I’m too dumb to connect her dots, but I chalk it up to her being Southern (I am too, so I can say that).

But here is where I really take issue with the book: Robyn (a self-proclaimed, card carrying Republican) suggests that the answer to these issues is increased government regulation and public healthcare. Robyn, I say to you with great respect, are you nuts????

This book contains evidence that government is not to be trusted, that current regulations do not apply (loopholes and lobbyists always seem to win), that money and power are more important than the law, and that power is routinely abused. And yet, Robyn calls on this very government which has “shattered her trust” to further watchdog our food and pharmacy. The conclusion I cannot shake is that MORE regulation and laws will equal MORE distrust, MORE corporate lobbyist wins, MORE abuse of power and MORE money available for corruption.

The book suggests, and I concur, that the cause of many of our food and drug issues is due to our system of government that serves the interests of corporations, and marries the government and business (large business, more precisely). This is called “Corporatocracy”. Wikipedia defines it more eloquently, “The concept of corporatocracy is that corporations - to a significant extent - have massive power over governments, including those governments nominally elected by the people, and that they exercise such power via corporate monopolies and mergers and by their enormous, concentrated economic power which, by recent economic crises, allows them the luxury of saying "we are too big to fail" and by legal in-the-open mechanisms (lobbyists, campaign contributions to office holders and candidates, threats to leave the state or country for another with less oversight and more subsidies, etc).”

While this idea might sound far-fetched to some, I think this book is superb evidence that Corporatocracy is real and should be avoided at all costs. Monsanto. Searle. Lilly. Cargill. Pfizer. The list goes on. If we increase government’s role in our food and healthcare concerns, I believe we are only encouraging this philosophy, and thus encouraging greater power of corporations over government despite the desires of the people.

I do not believe real change comes from increased legislation and public healthcare. I believe sustainable change comes from grass-roots -- from the people. I refer to chapter 6 as a perfect demonstration. “As of this writing tartrazine [ a dangerous food additive/coloring] is not federally banned in England. Nevertheless, a whole host of leading companies [Wal-Mart, Kraft, Coca-Cola and Mars] have voluntarily removed artificial colors, the preservative sodium benzoate, and even Rumsfeld’s aspartame from their products” Why did they do it? According to The Unhealthy Truth, it was because of consumer awareness and opinions. The people were not expecting the government to take care of them. They took it upon themselves to take a stand. And it worked. I concur with Robyn that changes have not been made here in the US because the people are not educated (or they don’t care). Legislation will not change their understanding (some new unlegislated, unhealthy additive will come along) or their attitude.

I do not believe that it is the government’s responsibility to take care of, or “protect” my family. It is my responsibility. I do not want the government acting as my over-seer. I have seen over and over again that they do not have my family’s best interests at heart. And I can’t blame them – it is not their job – it is MY job. The role of government is to protect my freedom to choose, and to allow me the freedom to take care of my family as I see fit.

I admire Robyn’s efforts. I think we need more people like her educating America about our food supply and the Corporatocracy that is invading our food supply and medical well-being. I try to educate my friends and family in the most non-judgmental way that I can. Education is key. But when it comes to the actual practice of protecting my family’s health, I take that into my own hands.

What we do may not be for everyone – each family has to decide what is right for them. But we have taken baby steps to get here and we will continue to take baby steps forward. We cut out most processed food. We grow our own food or purchase from locally known farmers. We barter with other like-minded families (I may trade some home-made fresh cow milk cheese for some honey from a friend that I know does not use pesticides on her bees). We freeze, dry, and can to eat all year. We mill our own wheat and make our own bread. And if this sounds nuts, let me tell you it is so rewarding and fun. And I still have a life – my kids and I are always running around all over town having adventures.

Nowadays, almost everyone has ACCESS to a farmers market for healthy food – they don’t have to move to the country like we did. People can take measures into their own hands and not have to rely on the government to baby-sit their eating habits. And when the people make the right decisions – corporations will feel it in their pockets. Money talks – and it is not until then that changes will be made. Just like in the U.K.

I also encourage people to become politically involved. Our family may not like the government involved in our family decisions, but we do like to get involved in their decisions! We work hard to get the right local people elected. We work hard to support and educate others about national candidates who want government to butt out (we love Ron Paul and his support for small government). You can’t “fix” the FDA by breaking it up and adding more laws. You can only fix them by freeing up people make their own decisions, by educating the people, and by letting people’s money do the talking.

Finally, just to round out my point above, I will speak a moment on public healthcare. The same argument as above applies to this principle. Public healthcare basically marries government with Big Pharma . The result: Corporatocracy. More deception, overly prescribed drugs, less transparency in pharama issues, the list goes on. Corporatocracy only helps the Government monarchs (the Rumsfelds) and those in bed with them (Corporations). I am not an anti-capitalist. I believe in businesses turning a profit. As long as they are doing it without lying, cheating or stealing to do so. But, for example, put Merck and the government in the same brothel – legally now- and their lying, cheating and stealing can only get worse.

My request is that the author would reconsider her suggestions for further government laws/involvement/regulation and for public healthcare. It is my sincere belief that these will only further the problems we have today and put our children and grandchildren at greater risk. I hope readers will at least consider the possibility.

Lesli Peterson

Homestead Goodies

2011-07-08T21:24:34-04:00

Justin, Dan and I started the cheese making process last night. heat, rest, rennet, rest, cut curds, stir, pour into cheese cloth, hang, pack into mold, press with 10 lbs, press with 20 lbs, then press with 50 lbs over night. This afternoon, I removed it from the mold and it is "air drying" for 2-4 days before it gets waxed and rests for 4 weeks.

20 lbs of pressure on the mold:

After the 50 lb mold...

Picked some green beans this morning. Filled 5 - 6 quart bags about half full. TONS more to pick in the morning. Busy day. Picked some tomatoes too. Not happy with the San Marzanos. Will not do them again. They are getting lots of spots, sores, pests...more than the others. Picking them a bit early and finishing on the window sill to keep them as healthy as possible. Read tonight that the high heat we are having may be the reason behind the delayed tomato ripening.

Made blueberry muffins with the flour from the new grain mill (last night). Boy, do they clean a system! Today I made bread - I think it turned out great. I used all red wheat; I think the next loaf I will do 1/3 white wheat. Made pie crust tonight, too. Used the soft white (bland). I can't say it is the best....I think it is more my lack of crust making experience :) The filling i great. Left the lemon rind and juice out (didn't have any) but used honey granules. I think that is working!

Finally, pulled 1/4 of the carrots. I don't mind a funky looking carrot, but these are SUPER wonk-y. Need to add sand next year. Anywho, still delicious. Going to peel and dice and freeze these tomorrow.

Dinner Guests

2011-06-23T13:05:10-04:00

Dan's cousing, Michele, and her son who is Cooper's age are in town and coming to dinner tonight with her parents (Uncle Bill and Aunt Susan). Looking forward to trying some new recipes and using veggies from the garden.

Last night I found a yummy sounding soup - Buttermilk Squash.

I am looking forward to using our squash, and the buttermilk I made also. I decided not to disturb the potato mounds yet, so I bought some of those for the soup.

But that is not enough for us. I decided on a frittata (thanks for the idea Melanie), and found a recipe for one using mushrooms, leeks and spinach. I pulled up the best looking leek - very very excited. This is my first time growing them. Mushrooms here are not growing yet so I bought those and the spinach. Will be using My Dad and Me eggs, of course. Maybe some turkey bacon, too.

Needed to use the last of the peas in the garden - not too many of them though, so I will saute them with some carrots (from the garden). I guess I will shoe-string them so they get done together.

I got some berries. Wish I had my mill so I could make us some fresh, healthy bread, but the ready-made flour will have to do - we have to have something to eat with the butter I made!

We have the last of the chocolate-blackberry ice cream for dessert. Should be good - I am very excited to cook!

Here are the ingredients I picked just an hour ago:

Berries, Cobbler, Cheese and Ice Cream!!

2011-06-18T18:12:03-04:00

Feeling very "Little House" today. Woke up and cleaned the house a bit. Cooper and I went to the farmers market and got a pretty new plant and some blueberries. Came back home to meet Daddy and we all went to meet friends and pick blackberries (we got 6 cups in less than an hour). We picked up chicken feed. I made a blackberry/blueberry skillet cobbler. Then after Cooper's (non) nap, Dan and I made some mozerella. Holy cow it is yummy!!! What a great day!! To top it off, Dan is making some blackberry chocolate ice cream!! We'll turn it tomorrow and tell you how it is then!