Category: What Keeps Us Busy

Duane The Barred Rock Johnson

In doing my chicken math and adding a couple more chicks (ok, it was 10), we were blessed with a barred rock rooster. He has been named appropriately and is quickly entering his 'bad hair' stage. We hold him, scratch him and interact with him daily to try and keep his silly personality intact as … Continue reading Duane The Barred Rock Johnson

When the Suckers Run, So Does Our Smoker!

Smoked Sucker Whole Sucker Fish1 Cup Kosher or Pickling Salt1/2 Cup Ketchup1/2 Cup Brown Sugar Cut heads off suckersCut open the belly and remove gutsRemove fins and tailCut rib cage along the spine so the fish will lay open on their own. This works best with a heavy butcher scissors.Rinse with clean waterSprinkle or rub … Continue reading When the Suckers Run, So Does Our Smoker!

Ramp Pesto

Ramp Pesto Spring is coming and I have ramps on the brain. Here is a simple recipe for the ramp foragers out there. Food Processor 2 Bunches Ramps (Cleaned and roots removed)3/4 Cup Olive Oil1/4 Cup Pine Nuts (Increase if desired)1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan CheeseSalt and Pepper to Taste Pulse ramps and pine nuts in … Continue reading Ramp Pesto

Water Bear

Did you hear him yet? Our hens have a protector. His name is Water Bear and he's a handsome young rooster with a lot to crow. He's pretty proud of himself most of the time, except when the older hens are close. They try to pull out his beautiful metallic tail feathers. Maybe this spring … Continue reading Water Bear

Suet

Suet An easy mix that helps keep our birds warm 2 cups lard2 cups peanut butter4 cups corn meal3 cups old fashioned oatmeal3 cups black sunflower seed (you can substitute other nuts, seeds or dried berries) Warm the lard and peanut butter while mixing. Mix in the remaining ingredients.Form into the size/shape blocks you prefer. … Continue reading Suet