Phenomena

We have these snow rollers everywhere out back, because we're still snowed under. High of 28 though today! But a real feel of 13. This frigid weather is starting to get old.

Today:

I'd say they're pretty self explanatory.

Lentil and Brown Rice Soup

Hearty and delicious, perfect for a blustery, gray day. As my kiddos say "It warms my belly."

1 qt. chicken broth
1 qt. beef broth
1/2- 1 lb. sausage (This recipe is meatless, but I think it really adds another layer of goodness)
3/4 c. dry lentils
1/2 c. uncooked brown rice
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes  (I use fire roasted)
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1 medium carrot diced
1 onion diced
1/2 c. diced celery (I skip, we're not big celery in our soup people)
1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
8 tsp. dried onion flakes*
1 tsp. onion powder*
1/4 tsp. seasoned pepper*

* these are to replace a packet of onion soup mix.

In a dutch oven or large pot, brown sausage, then set aside. Add a little olive oil and saute the veggies until tender crisp. Add the sausage back in and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils and rice are tender, stirring occasionally.
Garnishing with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese, or sour cream and cheddar is a delightful addition.
Be sure to have a big salad and plenty of crusty bread to serve along side.

Yield: 3 1/2 quarts.

The First Post

B., pulling Honey and Biscuit on the sled behind the tractor, which prompted my rosy cheeked Biscuit to declare "We have the BEST DAD EVER!!!!"

After hemming and hawing for the last few months, I finally decided to do it. Start a new blog. Nothing was wrong with the old one. Well, except that we're down to one crab apple tree and I don't know that it will live this year out. And since I've decided to call our homestead a farm, it's kind of a new adventure for us, so why not start out with a fresh new virtual home too? Nothing will really change either post wise. Still random, but with recipes (keeping up with a recipe blog was a pain in the patootie), and I'll probably say farm a lot more, because that word makes me s'darn happy. Farm. Farmfarmfarmfarmfarm. FAAARRRRMMMM! There. Ahem. Out of my system. Sooooo, if you keep up with me at all, make a note that I've moved and ya'll come a callin', ya hear?