Got Milk? Why We Consume Raw Milk.

Wouldn’t this be nice if this was still the price of milk? I imagine when it was this price, it was as pure as what is in the jar sitting next to it. If you’re not a raw milk drinker, you may be wondering what is in raw milk. And my answer is nothing. It is a nourishing, whole food product, just like the product that comes out of humans and other mammals. Nothing is taken out of it and nothing is added. And the taste is out of this world. 

So, why do I drink raw milk over commercial milk?

In short, this is why:

Once I fully learned how we produce milk in this day and age, I couldn’t stomach the idea of feeding it to my children. I’m not going to go on and on about it, but plain and simple, once learned, I couldn’t unlearn it.

I learned more about the history of the pasteurization process, why we began to use it and why this issue is the tipping point for the food rights (or beginning to be lack there of) in this country by reading:

Book - The Raw Milk Revolution, by David E. Gumpert

And I found myself a local farmer that I can purchase raw milk directly from in accordance with Nebraska state laws, which allows for sale directly from farms.

Mamavation: Perfection

 

When I was a child, I imagined that all of life’s problems would be solved by being a grown up.

I guess I imagined that all of these adults were holding me back.  They didn’t realize how miserable they were making me by not allowing me to do whatever it was that I wanted.

I never imagined that life would still feel complicated in my 30’s, I mean, my parents seemed to have it all together.  (My mother sprays coffee all over her keyboard when reading this portion, I’m sure of it. But, to an 8 year old, my parents had it going on!)

And I find myself from time to time feeling resentful of screwing up and having failures.  I’m pissed my life feels too complicated, I WAS supposed to have it all figured out by now, right?  Oh, yeh, perfection that is. 

 

 

I think I’m old enough to know nothing is going to be perfection.  One of my favorite sayings is that there’s beauty in imperfection, I need to remind myself of this more.

So, back at the beginning of the kids’ summer break, I just stopped doing the things I had newly implemented into my daily life.  Like, exercising and NOT smoking cigarettes.  All of a sudden one disappeared from my life and the other reappeared in full force.  Kinda nutty actually, I couldn’t believe how quickly it happened. I literally stopped working out and became a smoker again.  I still ate good, mind you.  (Like it mattered!)

It actually took a friend coming over and kicking me out of the house after dinner one night.  I was told that I was getting too cooped up in the house working more and having time for myself less.  I was to leave my children and go do something for myself for about an hour.  I remembered stealing chances like this for brisk walks.

And so I went with it. Going straight up that hill I worked so hard towards successfully climbing over months of walking.  I won’t deny my back really hurt and I was sore for days afterward, but it was a great reminder of what I’d been depriving myself of.  Something that has vastly improved my life. 

 

 

It was a lot like riding a bike, I just got back on and picked up where I left off.  Except for that time when I was 8 and literally forgot how to ride my bike over the winter, so I was totally petrified of getting on it again.

But, that’s for another post…

I’m back on my health journey, finally!  It’s too important.

The Paradox

 

A strong-willed independent woman appears to need no one.

Yet, like any woman, she still wants to feel taken care of, safe & secure. 

She wants to know that someone would be willing to just let her cry and fall apart.

She wants to know that when needed, someone will say, “I got this.”

She wants to know she really isn’t all alone and has support, just in case she does happen to need someone.

She really is the same as any other woman. 

She just doesn’t (or can’t) show it.

Call it pride, call it stubbornness, call it thick-headedness.

It is a paradox because these are the things that signal weakness, neediness, and insecurity. 

It signals there is something wrong with her – at least to her.

Is she really so strong if she has to ask for help or reach out to others?

I say yes.  Yes, because it takes a tough woman to do just that.

 

Neo-Homesteading: Peppery Fig & Balsamic Jam, (with Wheat Gingersnap...

Neo-Homesteading: Peppery Fig & Balsamic Jam, (with Wheat Gingersnap...: Summer is winding down, and for most families the school year is about to begin. In my home our school year has already begun, we're well i...

Homemade Fresh Tomato Ketchup

 

This recipe was inspired by the Free Coconut Recipes blog for the same.  There really is no reason to change their recipe, except I adapted to what I had on hand. It’s a known problem of mine - I had already stolen the tomatoes from my parents garden while they were out.  I had to act fast!

FCR has a great video showing how to make it, too! So, be sure to check it out.

My version:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, or as needed
• 1/2 -1 white or yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 2-4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed
• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ginger
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 T. ground cloves
• salt, to taste
• 2 lb tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 c. coconut water vinegar
• 1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
• 2 T. raw honey (Note: not cups upon cups of sugar!)

Sauté the onion and garlic in the coconut oil in the bottom of your pot on the stove top for a few minutes until a little caramelized.

Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer 2-4 hours. Stirring as needed.

 

Remove contents and place in a blender to puree the ketchup, then press through a mesh strainer.  If it’s not the consistency you want then return it to the stove and simmer until it is.  Adjust flavor as desired!

I just jarred this recipe up to keep in the fridge and share with friends.  But, you could can it as well.  It turned out great and is so savory.

This recipe is so simple and it smells great as it simmers!

Also shared on Traditional Tuesdays, Real Food Wednesdays and Fresh Bites Fridays.

Film Streams Local Filmmakers Showcase 2011

^{Film Streams is located at 1340 Mike Fahey Dr in Omaha, NE}

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the local filmmakers showcase at Film Streams in Omaha, NE.  This is a theatre I’ve been dying to go to and was just being built (not 2 blocks from my old office building) as I was moving back to rural Nebraska.  So, as I've been getting settled here for going on 3 years, I had not gotten the chance to go enjoy anything there, though I’ve been admiring from afar and wish-listing films to see.

Just to give you a little background about this theatre, it was the dream of Omaha native Rachel Jacobson, who moved back to Omaha from New York to make it a reality.

^{Rachel Jacobson, Director of Film Streams}

It runs American independents, documentaries, and foreign films, as well as classic films, themed series and director retrospectives.  Nebraska native Alexander Payne was one of the first directors featured in the retrospective series.  Laura Dern and Debra Winger have also graced this theatre as featured special guests.

I grew up with a love for the classics, in fact, at any given time I pop in to see my mom, you can bet if she’s watching TV, a black and white is on the screen.  I also have a great love for independent films and documentaries.  So, to have moved away from this, was a pretty big blow. 

This being my first trip to the theatre, did not disappoint!  With my passion for all things Nebraska, it was an awesome experience to see Nebraska filmmakers showcased in this way.  The audience received a sampling of several genres of film and I can’t say that I didn’t care for any of them.  I’m pleased to say I was completely fascinated, belly laughed and bawled my eyes out all in one sitting!

The film that stood out for me was, “My Dad’s Illness,” directed by Megan Plouzek. A very candid story about her family’s struggle with her dad’s mental illness.  She tells this story in hopes it will spark a conversation about mental illness.  It was so poignant and refreshing to see the entire family participating not only in the support process, but in the film as well.

^{Megan Plouzek, director of “My Dad’s Illness”}

For me, this film was 21 minutes of bawling my eyes out.  The minute I saw those family members’ faces, I knew I would lose it.  It hit home with me having my own struggle with depression previously and family as well as close friends who have struggled with mental illness throughout their lives. Some of those people did not win their battle. I don’t know if Megan’s dad feels he is winning, but he is here, and seems to feel very loved by his family, especially his wife.  I’m so glad Megan shared her story with the world.

I’m always inspired that so much talent finds a home in Nebraska and I look forward to spending more time going to films at this theatre. I felt like a kid on Saturday morning watching commercials and wanting everything when they showed the previews for upcoming films.   

Visit the site to learn more about Film Streams and check showings. The Local Showcase is running through August 25th.  A must see!

Located next door is another piece of Nebraska awesomeness, The Slowdown. 

This previous “no man’s land” north of downtown area was inadvertently developed by Saddle Creek Records owners and the city of Omaha who proposed they take the future of their neighbors into their own hands.  And it completely revitalized the area! Here’s their history.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

 

I was eager to try this simple recipe for Lea’s Easy Homemade Ice Cream (in a Bag!) Another great way to make the most of my raw milk order.

Click on the link above for the “real” recipe, here’s my notes:

I liked the simple ingredients.  I used sugar because, I was out of other sweeteners, but you can use the one of your choice.  I’d like to try it with honey next because I think it would add more viscosity to the texture.  It’s a really soft serve version of ice cream.

Combine the first two ingredients in a large ziploc bag.  Then combine the next three ingredients in a smaller ziploc, seal it and place inside the larger bag.  Seal the larger bag and shake! (Perfect job for the kids.) In 5-10 minutes you’ll have ice cream.  I quadrupled this recipe and simply place half of it in the freezer instead of shaking.  Check periodically and mix by squeezing.

This was so simple and refreshing for a hot August day!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Rural Nebraska on a gorgeous August Day!

What to do with Swiss Chard? Thoughts before canning.

I love Swiss Chard. We always grew it in our garden growing up and we always ate it the same way, chopped (stalks and leaves), boiled, add mushroom soup and salt and pepper. This suited me just fine, because we only ate it for a couple of months out of the year and I loved it this way.

This year I grew some Red Swiss Chard for a change in my very small garden. It was actually the only thing that really survived this year. A pesky rabbit only allowed me a handful of green beans, my broccoli grew up all plant and my spinach has no desire to look appetizing.

I knew since it was just me and the kids this year, (who, by the way, don’t share my love for the chard,) I’d better find some creative ways to use it before I preserved it.

Here’s what I learned:

• It’s “The King” of vegetables in terms of nutrients. (Wow!)
• People just eat it like greens or spinach, sautéed in butter and garlic, top with peppers or tomatoes and parmesan.
• Serve it plain as a side dish.
• In fact, use it in place of spinach in any recipe.
• Mix it in with some goat cheese and your favorite seasonings to stuff chicken breasts
• Throw it in your smoothies (like spinach)
• Use it as an add-in to your quiche, omelet or frittata recipes
• Mix raw chard leaves in with your salad greens or use it on top of your tacos, in burritos, wraps or sandwiches
• Toss pasta (if you eat grains) with oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cooked Swiss Chard
• There are A LOT more recipes for Swiss Chard than I ever dreamed!

Visit this great resource for canning and preservation from the University of Nebraska.

Also shared on Traditional Tuesdays

Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Just an old fashioned chocolate chip cookie recipe that the kids enjoy!

2 1/4 c. All Purpose Unbleached Flour
1 tsp. Himalayan Salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 c. whole sugar
1 c. softened butter
1 tsp. organic vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 package or 12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 c. toasted, sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Combine flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.

Combine brown sugar, whole sugar, butter and vanilla until creamy.  Add eggs and beat.

Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips and almonds.

Drop mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls onto non-greased cookie sheets.

Bake 8-10 minutes.

Recipe yields approximately 2 dozen cookies.

Mocha Banana Smoothie

This was a whatever-I-had-in-the-pantry type of recipe, I’m trying to live on a budget, get back to a healthier regimen and needed a quick pick-me-up late on Friday.  The county fair is in full swing, so I could have easily gone and filled up on funnel cakes and pork burgers and ice cream, but this did the trick….for now.

The Recipe:

In my smoothie blender that is also a handy dandy mug, I combined:

1. c raw milk
1. c cold coffee
1. c ice
1 T. Spectrum Essentials Chia Seed Omega-3 and Fiber -- 12 oz (would also be excellent with ground flax seed)
1 frozen banana, sliced
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
1 T. coconut oil

Blend and serve!
Rich, creamy, delicious and filling!

Homemade Ricotta

So, I don’t really care about Ricotta.  You know, the pasty stuff you buy in a tub at the grocery store in between the sour cream and the cottage cheese.  It’s weird, doesn’t really taste, and I didn’t find that it really added much to recipes, so, often I skip it or use something else like drained cottage cheese.

…Until now!

I had to think of another creative way to use up some of my extra milk when we don’t drink enough and it’s time to go pick up another order at Kvam Family Farm, my local northeast Nebraska pastured farmer.  I’ve been making homemade cream cheese and have some of that already put away in the freezer, plus, you end up with A LOT of whey for not a lot of cheese. 

So, I came across this Homemade Coconut Vinegar Ricotta recipe at work.  It looked so easy and it intrigued me that the recipe’s author said it was flavorful due the use of the vinegar.  Not the bland tasty stuff as I could see from the picture, so I gave it a try.

My results were excellent and I will never, ever buy it in the store again.

Why I Love Nebraska

I think the aspect I like most of being from a small town in Nebraska is the fact that no matter where I’ve been or who I’ve talked to, there is a tie back to my hometown area somehow.

While these appear to be your run of the mill seventies art deco, they are absolutely remarkable pieces to me. Pictures just like these hung in my childhood room and as a girl I laid on my bed staring at these.  They are just so colorful and so much activity going on in them.  I had saved these from my childhood room to hang in my children’s room.

However, after a garage sale I had when I was still living in Omaha, they were accidentally taken to a nearby Goodwill.  I didn’t discover the mistake until about six months after the fact and I wasn’t able to find them on a visit there.  I knew they were gone, I knew someone had snatched those right up.  I was bummed, but not devastated.  I just had to think of another way to decorate the nursery.  But, it was a little sad that a piece of my childhood I had kept with me for nearly 30 years had disappeared.

When my daughter was about 2 years old, she saw a Raggedy Ann doll at a flea market, wanted it and so I bought it for her.  Later I ran into some antique-y looking ceramic Raggedy Ann & Andy’s.  A cute toll painting of a Raggedy Ann and got to wondering about these pictures again as we seemed to be starting a theme.

My mom was with me during those purchases, so I must have planted the seed, and my daughter received the above pictured look-a-likes for her 4th birthday last year.  My mom was so pleased with herself to have found them at that same flea market we saw the doll and keeping it a surprise.


I knew them immediately.  Right above Raggedy Ann’s head, the blue sky was flaking off in the exact same place.  And…

…my mom had used these to lay something on to spray paint at one time.  (Why Mom, why?!  But, thanks for doing it!)  These are the exact wall hangings that went to a second-hand store 75 miles away and ended up in a flea market just 20 miles away about 5 years later.

They truly belong to me, they came home.  I’ve had way too many coincidences like this that have only happened around here.  No where else in the world or in this country could this have happened. 

I’ve been talking about a pull I feel to be here in rural Nebraska in recent months.  I feel like these pictures.  I had to go through all of these whacky adventures to find out that life has its own plan for me and I just need to enjoy the process.  Like these pictures, I may get hung up somewhere I don’t want to be for a while to finally get back to where I belong.