Melts in Your Mouth

M&M's, melt in your mouth, not in your hands. Do you remember that slogan, started in 1954, that describes the delicious chocolately goodness wrapped in a candy shell? Or did you know that M&M's were first introduced in1941 to American GI's serving in WWII? Ok Janet, why all this talk about M&M's? October 13th was National M&M Day and Michael's birthday! We may not have celebrated with a parade or a day off from work here at Bremer Farms, but it was a perfect time to enjoy this brownie ice cream sandwich, loaded with lots of yummy vanilla ice cream! Everyone loves ice cream and brownies. And with a little help from M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies, they’re inseparable best friends.

Michael, you are just as sweet as M&M's! Happy birthday, with love! 

brownie ice cream sandwich

• 1 box (19.9 oz. each) brownie mix
• 3 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
• ½ cup M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies
• 2 8-inch round cake pans
• Wax paper

1. Prepare the cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms (not the sides) with wax paper.
2. Prepare brownie mix according to the package directions. Divide batter between the two prepared cake pans.
3. Bake according to the package directions. Remove and cool completely.
4. Run a small paring knife around the edges of each brownie, loosening it from the pan.
5. Invert one layer onto a cookie sheet, and spread vanilla ice cream on top, coming right to the edge (you can slightly soften the ice cream first).
6. Place the other brownie layer on top, and press gently to secure. Place in the freezer until firm, about 2 hours.
7. Just before serving, press M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies into the ice cream.
8. Cut into thin wedges and serve right away.

Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis...

One week from today I will be attending the Show Me The Blog Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Show Me the Blog is the brainchild of Danyelle Little. The conference was created for social media
enthusiasts in St. Louis to network, share information, and exchange resources. Show Me the Blog
promises to be a unique experience for those interested in new media, social media, blogging, and
technology. Last years event brought bloggers from several states and due to last years success, the conference has been increased to two days.


I will be attending, on behalf of Midwest Dairy, to share my blogging story during a presentation called "From Farm to Table."  Becky Bode, from Bode Dairy, and I will be sharing about our blogs and our passion for promoting dairy and farming. Stephanie Cundith, Midwest Dairy registered dietitian, will also be participating in the presentation by preparing Mozzarella Pepper Salsa and speaking about the nutritional benefits of dairy foods. Of course there will be Salsa samples and time for questions and answers.

As you follow my blog, I'm sure you have found out that I love to teach and I love to spread the word about the dairy industry that we are so proud to be a part of. Midwest Dairy is giving me a great opportunity to continue doing this by attending this conference. I look forward to sharing my news, moos and reviews with the conference goers. You can follow me on Twitter @MyBarnyardView #SMBSTL to see what goes on.

Hannah Holstein, pack your bags. We're heading to St. Louis!

Making the Best Better

 

• Exploring new interests and learning new skills
• Giving demonstrations and learning to speak before an audience 
• Going on exchange trips to other states to learn independence
• Acting in plays to learn how to express myself
• Hosting Cloverbud Day Camps to learn leadership skills
• Serving as a Camp counselor to learn responsibility
• Being a club and County Officer to learn organization

Helping me choose a career, becoming a better person, being proud of who I've become, that's only a small bit of what I learned in 4-H. Happy National 4-H week! Thank you 4-H!

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.