Score BIG!

Two years ago our basement was transformed into a more "livable" space. Oh, it was lively before that, playing host to many kid-friendly parties, but as our kids grow older, their toys grow more expensive. The basement transformation began when Sara purchased a ceiling mounted projector and 8 foot screen. Next came Michael's surround sound system, and before we knew what hit us, we were hiring a contractor to insulate and sheetrock. Carpet was laid. Thanks to my brother Gary, the ceiling was hung, and our media center was born! 


Our family started a new tradition of inviting family over for a Sunday afternoon Vikings football game, in our new "theater." We eat, cheer, and eat some more.  Two years ago the menu was barbeque and picnic food. Last year it was a baked potato bar with all the trimmings. What will it be this year? Veggies and dip always  "score" big with our family. Midwest Dairy Association can answer the question of "What kind of dip shall we make?" Any suggestions for the rest of the menu? Leave a comment. I'm open to suggestions. Touchdown!

Mama Mia, It's Pizza!

This may sound a bit "cheesy" but as of 1987, October was named National Pizza Month in the United States. Whether you're behaving a little "saucy" or battling that "crusty" feeling, pizza could be that perfect "slice" of life that "spices" up your day. If you love pizza, you're NOT alone!

• 94% of Americans eat pizza at least once each month.
• Americans, on average, eat 23 pounds (46 slices) of pizza each year.
• Americans, on average, consume 350 slices of pizza each second.
• Three billion pizzas are sold each year in the United States.
• 36% of all pizzas are pepperoni. 

Go to dairy makes sense to find the recipe for these Cheese Lovers Pizza Squares. Cut into squares or wedges, pizza is cheesy goodness!



P.S. Thank goodness for cows. They give us the miracle of mozzarella! I read this on a pizza box and it made me smile.

The Lifecycle of a Silo

Dairy farmers are committed to providing high-quality milk. This begins with taking good care of our cows. We at Bremer Farms consider this one of our highest priorities. One of the ways we do this is by providing a nutritious diet for our cows. Healthy cows produce more milk for our family and yours!

One of the foods on our cows menu is silage, which is fermented chopped corn, using the entire plant. It is stored in a silo, which is the tall concrete structure you see on many farms. But just like factories, retail stores and other workplaces, Bremer Farms makes up-dated changes too.

In 1952, when Bremer Farms was established, this small 40 foot silo was plenty of silage storage for our small herd.

 Somewhat later our one little silo was replaced by 3 larger 60 feet tall silos.

Down they come! Last year our three silos were removed so that we could have a more convenient and safe way of feeding our animals.

We now store our silage in a bunker with concrete walls 75' long. It is filled and packed using a loader and tractor and then covered with an airtight plastic tarp to keep it fresh and tasty for our cows so they can produce fresh, tasty milk for you!

One Step Closer

We in Hastings are very excited to be one step closer to our new bridge. This  four lane bridge, which spans the Mississippi River, is going to replace our existing two lane version.  Building began last year and it will not be completed until next year, but us Hastings folks are very thrilled with the progress and happily looking forward to the finished project. I hope you enjoy this time lapse video of the giant leaps forward that were made last weekend.

Purple Pride

 I love the Minnesota Vikings. Win or lose, I love the Vikings. Yesterday, in celebration of Michael's birthday, we went to the Metrodome to cheer on our Purple People Eaters. Let me back track a bit. Michael's birthday is in October and last year we said we would celebrate with a trip to Michael's first ever in-person Vikings game. Not being able to decide on a game last season, he opted to wait for the San Francisco 49er's this Fall. The wait was well worth it!

The team arrives from the Vikings ship

Vikings play on to victory 24-13

Besides the Vikings victory we can also celebrate the involvement that the Minnesota Vikings have in the fuel up to play 60 program which is a collaboration with the National Dairy Council and the NFL to encourage exercise and healthy eating choices. Click on the link to learn more. Skol, Vikes!

A Cookbook Without Pictures?

When you buy a new cookbook, do you buy one with only words, or one with  recipes and the pictures to see the finished product? I like the pictures of the finished, delicious goodness too.

What was I thinking? Yesterday when I posted "Say Cheese" I didn't have a photo. Guess what I made for lunch today? Yes, Fabulous Pizza Cassorole! I even managed to snap a quick photo before my family dug in. 

Some added thoughts about the recipe-  The jar of pizza sauce that is called for in the recipe is 14 oz. I use Jimmy Dean brand Italian sausage. Don't have Italian sausage on hand? Try hamburger with a little Italian seasoning added. My faithful blog follower, Judy asked if I had tried hash browns rather than zucchini. I haven't, but I would think it would work. If you give hash browns a try, please add a comment to my post. It's always fun to share!

Say Cheese!

 Hannah Holstein and Sara

 

 

 

Fabulous Pizza Casserole

4 cups zucchini, shredded and thoroughly drained

4 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

2 eggs 

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage

1 jar pizza sauce

Spray 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. Mix drained zucchini with 2 cups cheese and the eggs. Press into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Meanwhile brown Italian sausage with chopped onion. When browned, add pizza sauce. Pour over top of crust. Top with remaining 2 cups of cheese and bake 30-40 minutes until brown.

Variation: add other pizza toppings such as mushrooms, green peppers or black olives.