H is for History

I love that Father's Day falls during National Dairy Month. My Dad was a fourth generation dairy farmer. All of his brothers were also dairy farmers. This photo is of my Grandma and Grandpa Brown and their five good looking farmer sons. My Dad Glen is on the far right.

A few short years after this picture was taken, my Mom and Dad were married and started a farm of their own.

With much pride and pleasure my Dad got up early every morning to milk and care for the cows. Being the youngest in my family, I got Dad all to myself when my brother and sister went off to school and my Mom went to her off the farm job. 

Riding on Grandpa's John Deere "A" tractor, bottle feeding the calves, eating fried egg sandwiches for lunch, it all seemed fun with Dad. After a day of work on the farm, it was always family dinner at 5:00 before milking cows in the evening. Dinner time was always family time to reflect on, and appreciate everyone's day. Besides a strong work ethic, I love that Dad and Mom instilled the value of family time.

Happy Father's Day Dad. Love and miss you.

                           .

I Is For Ice Cream (with topping, and history)

I love ice cream, and I really love ice cream with toppings! Farmer John's Grandma Schaar made the best Butter Pecan Sauce. Before I share Grandma's recipe, I want to share a bit of family history, because I like family stories almost as much as ice cream.

Grandma and Grandpa Schaar were married in 1935. Grandpa whisked Grandma away from the big city to become his farm-wife bride. They bought their farm from Grandpa's parents by splitting the cream payments with his parents until the farm was paid for.

The farm started with 15 cows, a few pigs, chickens, and their horses Nellie, Jenny, and their dog Shep.

Grandma and Grandpa raised wheat, corn, soybeans, and hay. Seven years after being married, electricity and plumbing were introduced to the farm house.

I love the rich farming history Farmer John and I have. I have been dabbling in family history, and as of my current exploring, John is at least a forth generation farmer, and I am a sixth generation!

BUTTER PECAN SAUCE

1/2 cup butter

1 cup pecan pieces

1 cup brown sugar 

1/3 cup heavy cream or half-n-half

1/4 cup corn syrup

In heavy saucepan, melt butter. Add pecans. Heat until pecans are lightly toasted and butter is lightly browned. Stir in brown sugar, cream, and corn syrup. Cook gently until sugar is completely dissolved. Do not overcook. Serve warm or cold over ice cream or cake.