This And That Thursday - 18

Welcome to Spring! March 20th, the first day of Spring! As I look around the farm, I don't see any huge changes that a new season is here. I mean, the bird feeders are not over-run by a new influx of robins. Didn't they get the memo to return to Minnesota for the change of seasons?

Daughter Sara started Spring cleaning today...the kitties each got a face wash. They patiently waited in line for Sara to wash off the Winter goobers. She is our resident "Pied Piper" of the cat world, as it is rare to see her without a trail of felines following her around as she does her chores. Her furry friends have definitely found a great caregiver in Sara.

Mail delivery was exciting today, as each of us got a new pair of chore boots! Even though this is not a paid endorsement, I am going on record by saying, "We LOVE our new boots!" I am the proud owner of the green pair! This #DairyMom is stylin! Hey, is that a bit of green grass peeking through?

Welcome, Spring! We are so glad you are here. Now, how about inviting your friends "warm" and "melty?"

Visit Dairy Makes Sense. More dairy news and recipes too!

"Souper" Election Results

Last week I served as an election judge for our local Township election. There was only one candidate on the ballot, a Township supervisor, running unopposed, who has held this position for 30+ years. Obviously my neighbors think he is doing a darn good job (and I agree) since no one is stealing the job away from him.

I always enjoy helping at the elections. I think it's in my genes...My dad was a city councilman for many, many years, and my mom has served as an election judge for many years in their community too. As much as I enjoy being a part of this election process, I also look forward to the "perks" - seeing my neighbors, working with the other judges, and the food! Food? Yes, food! You see, each of the judges contributes to our smorgasbord of delicious food offerings, since we election judge over two meal times. 

Besides the election proving we have a great Township Supervisor, the election proves we also have great cooks in our township! Thanks to Eileen for this dairy-delicious Wild Rice soup.

Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
1 C diced celery

1 C diced onions

1 C diced carrots

1 C diced potatoes

1 small carton half & half

2 C milk

2 - 26 oz cans of cream of chicken soup (any cream soup will work)

Wild Rice (I used 1 C dry Canoe Brand Wild/White Rice combination) - cooked per directions.

Directions

Steam diced potatoes and diced carrots.

Cook celery and onions over medium heat until soft.

Mix half & half, milk, and soups over medium heat.

Add any spices (I like basil, sage, marjoram).

Add onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and cooked rice to sauce mixture.

Heat.

Optional:   Add cut up cooked chicken and mushrooms.

 

 Visit Dairy Makes Sense for more dairy-delicious recipes.

 

Why Do We Do What We Do?

 "You work long hours. You don't get paid what you're worth. You never get a day off. Why do you do what you do?"

We farmers hear these types of comments all the time. I often feel that if you don't grow-up in a farm family, our career choice is a difficult one to wrap your head around. Why would anyone choose to work seven days a week, with long hours, with no medical benefit plan or paid vacation days? It's all about... passion.

Dairy farmers, like us, are passionate about caring for our cows; keeping them comfortable and healthy. Dairy farmers are passionate about caring for the environment; the land, air and water. Dairy farmers are passionate about our families; making a good life for us and our children. And dairy farmers are passionate about helping others; whether it is supplying dairy foods to a growing population, or raising our sons and daughters with a strong work ethic so they too can help others. Farmers are passionate. 

Last week I was surrounded by passionate people when I was asked to attend the Midwest Dairy Dairy Ambassador Workshop in Kansas City. Dairy farmers, along with Registered Dietitians came together to learn about how we can share our farm to table story. 

Brenda, Janet, Anne, Cindy, Becky

Registered Dietitians Cindy and Anne already knew the importance of dairy foods in our diet, but workshop activities gave farmers an opportunity to share what we do to produce these healthy foods and the love we have for what we do.

Dairy farm moms got together to learn about ways to share our farming passion through Twitter, FaceBook, Pinterest and Blogging. I was asked to speak on how I connect with consumers through blogging, a topic I was happy to take on.

Chris Heins, Heins Family Farms

With the average age of America's farmers being 58 years, I was excited to see the enthusiasm of the younger farmers that attended this workshop. It looks to me as though the passion for farming is going to continue for a very long time.

And The Winner Is...

Who's excited for the Oscars? 

I am an avid movie watcher, and the Oscars is my time to see if I agree with the critics. I confess I am more of an at-home movie watcher, so yes, I admit there are many nominated pictures that I haven't seen ...yet. The Oscars help me decide which movies are worthy of my theater dollars, and my time. But there is so much more to the Academy Awards than the "awards." I get wrapped up in the clothes, and hair-styles, and  the who-is-with-whom. I enjoy the movie clips, the best song nominations, and the awkwardly polite camera shots of nominated actors when their category is announced and they didn't win!

Speaking of winners (great segue, huh?) I love this new hot dip recipe; a perfect treat for "the movie industries biggest night of the year" and only three ingredients!

Any Swiss cheese can be used, however the recipe calls for Jarlsberg for its sweet and nutty taste.

 Oscar-Worthy Cheese Dip

2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, grated

2 cups mayonnaise

2 cups grated onions

1. Mix altogether and place in a rectangular glass baking dish.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

3. Serve with crackers.

4. This recipe is even better when made a day ahead, refrigerated, and re-heated in the microwave or oven.

Best actor in a leading role goes to...Cheese!