Tourteau de Chevre

I recently ordered Dorie Greenspan's cookbook Around My French Table. I want to improve my skills. I have seen several food blogs about this cookbook and several good reviews. What hooked me was the review that expressed the opinion that Dorie Greenspan is very much like a modern Julia Child. Well, I grew up around Julia Child. My Dad used her cookbooks and I remember seeing her cooking shows. My Dad taught me the love of good food. Cook from scratch and don't be afraid to try something.

I finally received my cookbook and I began to peruse. I happened upon a recipe for Tourteau de Chevre. I had some Chevre (goat cheese) in the fridge that I had made the week before that needed to be eaten. So I jumped right in a started the recipe. The directions are easy to follow and well thought out.

Oh my!!!! What a wonderful pie like creation!!!! I have always liked cheesecake, but find it almost too sweet. This tourteau is not too sweet and very light. Heavenly. It is great warm and cold. It really doesn't need anything else to accompany.

I think I am really going to enjoy this cookbook!!!

Goats for Sale

I have successfully gotten through kidding. Now I have lots of goat milk and kid goats. We have three boys. Two are pure Alpine and one is a recorded grade Alpine/Nubian. They were born the first week of March. If you know anyone who is interested in them, please let me know.

I am also ready to make soap. Well, ready is a relative term. I am getting the supplies together to make soap. We shall see how it goes. I can't wait to start!!!

In the barn

We went to the barn to feed this afternoon and what a surprise was waiting for us! A hawk had flown into the barn. Looking for mice or Ms. Quail? (We have one female quail who has taken up residence in our barn) Quite a shock for Jeff and I! A beautiful bird to behold!
It has begun to snow again. I love a white Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

Cheese

Today I started my first farmhouse cheddar. It will test my patience. I have to age the cheese at least 2 months before I can try it. Since Clementine gave us a baby heifer early, I am back in milk!! I love having fresh milk every day. Such possibilities. We do tend to drink most of it. I also made butter today. Lovely fresh butter!!!

Long Delay

Well, I have not covered myself in glory by posting often. It has been a crazy summer. I did get a cow and boy has she made a different morning routine. Jeff and I milk her faithfully every morning. Now that we have a routine down, we will have to "dry her off" before her calf comes at the end of November. We will not longer get milk in a few weeks.

We are also building a new chicken coop and shelter for the cow. The building also includes a room for feed and to set up the milker. Then I will be able to milk by myself and Jeff can get to work on time. (maybe).

The cow I have decided is part cat. She is so curious and usually gets herself in trouble. The picture shows her climbing up bales to get to the alfalfa hay she loves. I will be so glad to get her out of the barn. Shoveling poop several times a day is tiresome and the barn is not user friendly anymore.

Summer Weather Break

Today is beautiful. I declared it canning weather...the kids think I am nuts. I am canning zucchini pickles and garlic jelly. Neither one caught much interest. I was redeemed with grilled cheese and chips.

The zuchinni and squash are growing well. (Don't leave an unlocked car in my drive) I will be taking some to my sister's house and canning it in many ways. My freezer is already full of zucchini!

I also harvested a lot of garlic. I like to dry it and use a spice grinder to make my own garlic powder. Much better flavor. I also have roasted in the freezer. Hopefully garlic jelly will be good.

Ms. Brown

I have been milking Ms. Brown for about a week now. I am getting over a quart in the morning and letting her kid have her the rest of the day. I like milking and the sense of self-sufficiency that comes from it.

It is satisfying to make something from the milk or to just serve it with dinner for the family.

I will be going to get a milk cow in early August. I cannot wait. Hopefully all of the practice with Ms. Brown will help me be ready for the quantity of milk I will receive from the cow. I am very excited!!!