Check out
http://janetphillips.blogspot.com/
For some great necklaces. All you K-Stater's outta love that purple!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Branding Menu-Cowboy Beans
Last Friday I cooked for a dozen cowboys. I was living the life.
The menu was:
Cheesy Potatoes
Cowboy Beans
BBQ Jumbo Meatballs
Hot & Spicy Jumbo Meatballs
Biscuits
Peach Crisp
Apple Crisp
Maple Cream Sauce (for the crisps)
Here is recipe for the Cowboy Beans
1 large can baked beans
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans
1 can chili beans
1 can butter beans, drained
1/2 -1 pound bacon, cut up
1/2 onion, chopped
1 c. ketchup
3/4 c. molasses
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp chili powder
Tabasco sauce to taste
Fry bacon until crisp, add onions and cook. Add ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, chili powder, and Tabasco and cook until sugar is dissolved. Add all the beans. Place in covered casserole dish or crock pot and bake at 350 for 1 hour.
The guys ate a ton of these- I agree, there weren't too shabby.
The menu was:
Cheesy Potatoes
Cowboy Beans
BBQ Jumbo Meatballs
Hot & Spicy Jumbo Meatballs
Biscuits
Peach Crisp
Apple Crisp
Maple Cream Sauce (for the crisps)
 |
| The aftermath, minimal resources at a bachelors house. Oh the stories I have |
Here is recipe for the Cowboy Beans
1 large can baked beans
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans
1 can chili beans
1 can butter beans, drained
1/2 -1 pound bacon, cut up
1/2 onion, chopped
1 c. ketchup
3/4 c. molasses
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp chili powder
Tabasco sauce to taste
Fry bacon until crisp, add onions and cook. Add ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, chili powder, and Tabasco and cook until sugar is dissolved. Add all the beans. Place in covered casserole dish or crock pot and bake at 350 for 1 hour.
The guys ate a ton of these- I agree, there weren't too shabby.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Branding Season
Well, I'm on my way to central KS to cook for a branding. I am SUPER DUPER EXCITED!!! Next week I will post pictures of the food and the branding itself. For those of you not familiar with the process, history, and terminology..... I am here to educate.This won't exactly be a thesis, but just a small brief overview.
Livestock branding is a technique for marking livestock to be identified by the owner. Originally, livestock branding only referred to a hot brand for large stock, though the term is now also used to refer to other alternative techniques such as freeze branding.
HISTORY-I could yammer about the history dating back to Egyptians (really did) here is proof:
Marking animals dates back 4,000 years, but lets focus on modern day Midwestern history. The modern custom was brought to America by the Spaniards and refined by the vaqueros.Branding was first made mandatory when those in New England were required to brand their pigs.
A branding iron consisted of an iron rod with a simple symbol or mark, which is heated in a fire.
Some ranches still heat branding irons in a wood or coal fire, others use an electric branding iron or electric sources to heat a traditional iron. After the branding iron turned red-hot, the cowboy pressed the branding iron against the hide of the cow.
Free-range or open range grazing is less common today than in the past. However, branding still has its uses. The main purpose is in proving ownership of lost or stolen animals. Many western US states have strict laws regarding brands, including brand registration and required brand inspections.
Most brands in the United States include capital letters and numbers, often combined with other symbols such as a slash, circle, half circle, cross, and bar. Brands of this type have a specialized language for "calling" the brand. Brands are called from left to right, top to bottom, and when one character encloses another, from outside to insides.
For those of you unfamiliar with this process I hope this shed some light on the subject, for others is might have simply been a refresher course.Either way, I hope someone learned something.
Livestock branding is a technique for marking livestock to be identified by the owner. Originally, livestock branding only referred to a hot brand for large stock, though the term is now also used to refer to other alternative techniques such as freeze branding.
HISTORY-I could yammer about the history dating back to Egyptians (really did) here is proof:
Marking animals dates back 4,000 years, but lets focus on modern day Midwestern history. The modern custom was brought to America by the Spaniards and refined by the vaqueros.Branding was first made mandatory when those in New England were required to brand their pigs.
A branding iron consisted of an iron rod with a simple symbol or mark, which is heated in a fire.
Some ranches still heat branding irons in a wood or coal fire, others use an electric branding iron or electric sources to heat a traditional iron. After the branding iron turned red-hot, the cowboy pressed the branding iron against the hide of the cow.
Free-range or open range grazing is less common today than in the past. However, branding still has its uses. The main purpose is in proving ownership of lost or stolen animals. Many western US states have strict laws regarding brands, including brand registration and required brand inspections.
Most brands in the United States include capital letters and numbers, often combined with other symbols such as a slash, circle, half circle, cross, and bar. Brands of this type have a specialized language for "calling" the brand. Brands are called from left to right, top to bottom, and when one character encloses another, from outside to insides.
For those of you unfamiliar with this process I hope this shed some light on the subject, for others is might have simply been a refresher course.Either way, I hope someone learned something.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
TWINS?
I've been out of town for almost every Tuesday it seems. In the meantime the twins have been "released" into the pasture so no more bottle feeding and no more pictures. I guess Twin Tuesday will have to have a name change.
They are doing great though, my grandpa checks the cattle and keeps me up to date. They are probably much happier out in the green grass rather than inside the bar. Next time I have a chance, I might grab a horse, take a ride, and get some updated pictures.
I want to brag a little and share with you all that my uncle now has his photography website up and going! YAY!
http://www.harrywhitneyphotography.com/
Check it out and let me know what you think.
They are doing great though, my grandpa checks the cattle and keeps me up to date. They are probably much happier out in the green grass rather than inside the bar. Next time I have a chance, I might grab a horse, take a ride, and get some updated pictures.
I want to brag a little and share with you all that my uncle now has his photography website up and going! YAY!
http://www.harrywhitneyphotography.com/
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Feather Hair Extensions
The newest fashion trend is Feather Hair Extensions. I had no idea what they were, my mom knew about them before I did. About 2 weeks ago I saw them with my own eyes. They are kinda a Bohemian, earthy, fashion trend. Its better to see a picture than me try to explain them.
They come in a variety of colors and designs. Some blend in while others look like a fishing lure.
Its not a trend I will probably start participating in. Its not because I believe that birds are being raised and killed just for this new fashion trend as mention in an article I just read. The feathers are a by- product of the birds and in some cases the feathers are those that have been "dropped or shed." (the bird is still alive). I'm sure you will start hearing about people boycotting and getting upset over this new fad. I don't believe that there are farms raising birds, mostly chickens for hair extensions. I personally believe that this one of the uses for feathers when a bird is used for meat consumption. Why waste, isn't society pushing for recycling?
They come in a variety of colors and designs. Some blend in while others look like a fishing lure.
Its not a trend I will probably start participating in. Its not because I believe that birds are being raised and killed just for this new fashion trend as mention in an article I just read. The feathers are a by- product of the birds and in some cases the feathers are those that have been "dropped or shed." (the bird is still alive). I'm sure you will start hearing about people boycotting and getting upset over this new fad. I don't believe that there are farms raising birds, mostly chickens for hair extensions. I personally believe that this one of the uses for feathers when a bird is used for meat consumption. Why waste, isn't society pushing for recycling?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Frasier Farms
Please check out this blog post:
http://agonthe4front.blogspot.com/2011/05/sustainable-nutrition-cattlemen-to.html
This is the blog of one amazing lady, who I am lucky enough to call a friend. It is so encouraging to know that there are farmers and ranchers out there that are not only great advocates for agriculture, but also great people. I’m so proud to know and consider Kelsey and her family FRIENDS!!!
Friday, May 13, 2011
I caved......TOMS
Yep, that's right I am one of those people! I said I would never wear those homemade looking shoes they call Toms, and now I have a pair and actually like wearing them
"With every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One" http://www.toms.com/ So maybe it goes to a good cause, but come on look at some of them. I don't just wear something because everyone else does!
It was a joke at work and then my mom caught on, so she got me a pair for Christmas. I didn't wear them, and then I saw some online that a girl had painted so I decided to do a pair myself.
I chose to pick colors and designs that had meaning to me. Not only are they comfortable (yes I hate to admit it) but they remind me of family, friends, and more when I look at them!
Check them out!
"With every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One" http://www.toms.com/ So maybe it goes to a good cause, but come on look at some of them. I don't just wear something because everyone else does!
It was a joke at work and then my mom caught on, so she got me a pair for Christmas. I didn't wear them, and then I saw some online that a girl had painted so I decided to do a pair myself.
I chose to pick colors and designs that had meaning to me. Not only are they comfortable (yes I hate to admit it) but they remind me of family, friends, and more when I look at them!
Check them out!
If you want a pair painted I would be happy to do that for you.
As my good friends know, I LOVE SHOES!!!! The more unique the better, and nobody else has a pair just like these.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Kentucky Derby Fashion
I warned you, today's Fashion Friday Im gonna get you ready to tomorrow's 137th Kentucky Derby!
Possibly too large!?
Hopefully next year I will be able to provide a picture of myself in an extravagant hat at the 138th Kentucky Derby!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Cinco de Mayo!
Most people don't even know the history behind Cinco de Mayo. It's not just a good excuse to eat tacos and drink margaritas. I am here to educate you.
So how does this relate to Agriculture? Well, Agriculture was and still is in certain areas the primary occupation of many in Mexico. One of the main crops and the unifying ingredient across Mexico and in Mexican cuisine is corn. Roughly 45,000 tortilla producers and 10,000 corn millers operate throughout Mexico. The corn exports have however increased to Mexico. Here in Kansas in 2009 farmers set a record of harvesting 598 million bushels. When you are eating the tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more think about there it came from and how it made its way to your plate.
So I guess it does kinda tie back into eating great food after all!
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when 4,000 Mexicans defeated 8,000 French troops. This action prevented the French from aiding the South in the Civil War. So there is a direct impact to the USA. Mexicans and Latinos living in California, who supported the cause of Mexican freedom, created Cinco de Mayo. It is a celebration of Mexican heritage. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day.
So how does this relate to Agriculture? Well, Agriculture was and still is in certain areas the primary occupation of many in Mexico. One of the main crops and the unifying ingredient across Mexico and in Mexican cuisine is corn. Roughly 45,000 tortilla producers and 10,000 corn millers operate throughout Mexico. The corn exports have however increased to Mexico. Here in Kansas in 2009 farmers set a record of harvesting 598 million bushels. When you are eating the tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more think about there it came from and how it made its way to your plate.
So I guess it does kinda tie back into eating great food after all!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Blue-Week 2
I know its Wednesday but yesterday was a little busy so I'm giving my Twin update a day late.
Yesterday I was holding down the farm because my grandparents were out of town. Once I got home from work I changed clothes, got the bottles ready for the calves, and started the chores. As I hop in our old blue farm truck I looked around and thought how lucky I am to be living this life! Perfect weather with a clear blue sky. That blue sky is what sparked my less serious, more random note I realized there is alot of BLUE around, I'm in the blue truck, the bucket with the bottles is blue, my blue Royals T-shirt, and my black & blue bruise from ear tagging a month old calf last week. Yet, then again it was so happy to have the life I have bruises and all.
As I got to the barn I was greeted by the twins, they have grown quite a bit in the last 2 weeks. Bottle feeding now takes about 5 minutes. Here is picture I took yesterday.
Yesterday I was holding down the farm because my grandparents were out of town. Once I got home from work I changed clothes, got the bottles ready for the calves, and started the chores. As I hop in our old blue farm truck I looked around and thought how lucky I am to be living this life! Perfect weather with a clear blue sky. That blue sky is what sparked my less serious, more random note I realized there is alot of BLUE around, I'm in the blue truck, the bucket with the bottles is blue, my blue Royals T-shirt, and my black & blue bruise from ear tagging a month old calf last week. Yet, then again it was so happy to have the life I have bruises and all.
As I got to the barn I was greeted by the twins, they have grown quite a bit in the last 2 weeks. Bottle feeding now takes about 5 minutes. Here is picture I took yesterday.
Oh how handy the those red holders are. The bottle just drops in and hooks over the fence. I could do the other chores while they ate. Its always fun to hold the bottle while they eat, butting you because the bottle is empty and drooling on you, but today I had quite a bit to get done and didn't have time to stand there. When I came back Ribeye (the female) had butted her bottle loose and was standing next to T-Bone waiting to see if he shared. She is the more feisty of the two.
Typical woman as most of the guys have told me!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Party Cheeseball
As you prepare and plan for the Kentucky Derby and the watch parties here is a simple and fast appetizer.
1-8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 c. finely shredded cheese
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 pkg dry ranch dip mix
Mix the above ingredients and roll in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies.
1-8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 c. finely shredded cheese
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 pkg dry ranch dip mix
Mix the above ingredients and roll in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May Day!
Happy May Day! What a beautiful day is was. I have had a few people ask me what May Day is and why we celebrate it. After reading and reading it seems that it depends on what country you are from as to the meaning. The first "May Day" was celebrated in Europe and has various meanings. The one I found particularly interesting was the correlation of May Day and agriculture. It seems as though in ancient times agriculture was a focus of many holidays and May 1st was when the planting was usually done so they gave the farm laborers the day off.
So today as I thought of May Day, I doubt that many farmers or ranchers took the day off. Sunday is often called a day of rest, however this afternoon I saw a beautiful site: My grandpa and grandma working side by side in our garden. To me today was a day of growth and hope. To see my grandparents together and with the health to be outside was a blessing.
One of the traditions in the United States are May Baskets. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged. Living in the country and miles from a neighbor it was usually my house that I left the May Basket at. I look back at these traditions and am so thankful that my family has shared them and helps keep them alive. I am also thankful that my family has raised me on a farm and has instilled the agriculture lifestyle and work ethic that was demonstrated today by both my grandparents.
So today as I thought of May Day, I doubt that many farmers or ranchers took the day off. Sunday is often called a day of rest, however this afternoon I saw a beautiful site: My grandpa and grandma working side by side in our garden. To me today was a day of growth and hope. To see my grandparents together and with the health to be outside was a blessing.
One of the traditions in the United States are May Baskets. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged. Living in the country and miles from a neighbor it was usually my house that I left the May Basket at. I look back at these traditions and am so thankful that my family has shared them and helps keep them alive. I am also thankful that my family has raised me on a farm and has instilled the agriculture lifestyle and work ethic that was demonstrated today by both my grandparents.
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