Soup Time!

Basil Chicken Potato Soup

It's Labor Day weekend right?  I was sad because we didn't get any of the much needed rain that was ALL AROUND US.  However, it did make the evening cooler! So, it wasn't a total loss. Literally, here on the farm, it just had that feeling of Autumn. 
     With that feeling, I wanted something that reminded me of Fall.  So, I lit a candle and headed to the kitchen. 
     I have been posting about having a gluten intolerance and am proud to say that I have eaten gluten free ALL WEEK! Yay for me! I am feeling much better.  With that being said, I came up with this recipe and named it Basil Chicken Potato Soup! I must say it was wonderful!!! My family loved it as well.
     It was very simple to make.  It just included:

3 chicken breasts
4 medium potatoes
2 cups of corn
1 1/2 containers of chicken broth
1 clove of garlic
3 tomatoes
1 1/2 banana pepper
2 tsp. of basil (from my garden) fresh or dried is fine
sea salt and pepper to taste.....I'm a liberal when it comes to sea salt!! Forget it, I am a full blown rebel!
1 tablespoon of onion salt

I just mixed everything together except for the chicken.  I let it cook while I cut up the chicken breasts and grilled them.  After it cooked, I simply added it in and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. 
That's it!

Happy Labor Day!
UFM

Cilantro, Cilantro, Cilantro!

Just a quick snapshot of the cilantro that is growing.  Cilantro is such a yummy addition to so many foods.  I need to start drying some, but I am spoiled to fresh herbs.  

However, I have an abundance of basil, LOL, so I have some hanging to dry right now.  

Wondering how to dry basil?

Simply cut if from the plant and tie a few sprigs up with a string and let it dry naturally.  When it is crispy, you know it is finished.  It may turn to a darker color, but that is okay.  

Saturday night out on the farm!

 After an enjoyable day out with my family, we came home and went to work! Our beloved Bassets had done a little damage to the flower beds, so I began repairing and dog proofing them.  I love them, but I love my flowers and shrubs too! URRRGGGHHH

     Then, we started the composting process!  We had several items around the farm that could be brought into the process.  I talked these two guys into helping.  Hey it's better than a video game right? ;) Actually, they like to help for the most part.  They are always learning something new.  I don't want them growing up without knowing a few real life things!

 I decided to start composting because of the benefits.  We are starting this process now and hopefully it will be ready by the time spring gardening rolls around. Why compost?  It gives plants the boost they need to take off and grow stronger as well as helping the soil retain moisture.  It is not a pretty process, but it has huge dividends.  We started with some potted top soil, apple cores, cut grass, and a few leaves.  Many other things will be added as time goes on.  Egg shells, chicken litter, and vegetable peelings are just a few of the things to be added later.  The following picture is snapshot of beginning the process.

By the time we finished the composting the evening was coming to a close, and well, I ran out of energy.

Take care and happy composting!

If you saw my post about my new hens, you probably want to know where they came from.  Check out Feathers-n-Fur farm at  www.facebook.com/feathersnfurfarm.  Great folks and great animals!

Happy Farming,

UFM

 Last night about 10 o'clock, my plans changed for my Monday morning start.  We just happened to come across these beautiful ladies on Facebook.  They were nearby, so we made arrangements to pick them up this morning.  To top it off, they were here about 2 hours and one layed an egg! Top notch production! lol
Welcome to the farm pretty girls!!!