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!!!

Saturday Night Indulgence!

We kicked off a new season of one of our favorite shows with my version of cheese fries! I guess we could call them "Okie Cheese Fries."  Ha!  I might say they were a hit! It doesn't get any better than family time and full bellies!

Ingredients:

New potatoes sliced French fry style

Cooking oil

Shredded Colby and Monterrey Jack cheese

Ranch Dressing

Salt 

Pepper 

Roasted Garlic and Herb seasoning 

Chives 

How to make:

Cut the potatoes French fry style and fry in oil.  Take out of fryer and season with salt, pepper, roasted garlic and herb seasoning, and chives.  I didn't give an amount on each...but season to your standards.  I'm a bit liberal with mine!  Cover with shredded cheese and Ranch dressing.  Heat in microwave on high for 35 sec per plate.  Finally, eat your heart out and enjoy! 

Reaping the harvest!

I don't know if you read my post about making an herb garden.  If you did, this picture shows our hard work has paid off! I'm in LOVE with the sweet fresh look and smell of basil.  My kiddos are so proud and I am proud of them!

Tip for growing herbs: Keep the soil moist and make sure it has plenty of air.  We rake around the plants regularly so they can breathe! Can't wait to eat this stuff!

Answering the call...

Have you ever felt a small tug in your heart to do something?  Did you ignore it or at least try to act like it wasn't there?  Maybe God has put that tug in your heart because it is the call on your life.  It is what you are destined to do.
     I know it may be scary and we may think we are not equipped.  The truth is, He will equip us with everything we need at just the right time.
     How do I know this?  I am living proof.  After praying about a tug at my heart for nearly two years, I finally decided to answer "THE CALL".  The moment I did, things started falling into place and I quickly became equipped with what I needed to carry out my project.  Satan will try to tell you that it is wrong and whatever you are trying to do just won't work.  My friend, I encourage you to keep moving forward!!!

Herbs anyone?

In lieu of video games and TV, we decided to make an herb garden.  I thought it would be a great idea to involve the kiddos, teach them about gardening, and get them out of the house! I have to say, they are pretty good about heading outside.  We planted, basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley.  We carefully planted from the seeds so now we are playing the waiting game! Good job kids!!!

And then there were chickens!

Oh how we have longed for the fresh taste of farm raised eggs.  Therefore, my husband stepped up to the plate and answered the call! What was once a mere shed with no use, is now a glorious chicken house!

The house was converted for only a few days, when we decided to add to it and give them a yard to move around in.  Because we really do live in the country, we have critters that come by every now and then and I'm certain they would love to snack on one of our beloved, feathered friends.

I will be sure to post when the house and yard is completely finished!