Monday, March 16, 2009

I'm baaaaacccckkk!!!!

After a rather long hiatus I'm back!

There has been a lot going on here, but nothing that I really felt led to write about. After contemplating why, I came to the conclusion that I have just been really enjoying life and have wanted to treasure it and keep it to myself for a little while.

Until now...

I feel compelled to share our latest adventure in healthy eating and living.

About 2 years ago I was on a quest to find a local supplier of farm fresh organic eggs and raw milk directly from the farmer. I could find people locally who raised chickens and sold the eggs, but milk was far more difficult. The law in Oregon states that raw milk can be sold, but only through small farms with 3 or fewer cows and these farms are not allowed to advertise that they have raw milk available. Eventually, after reaching many dead ends I gave up the search.

Until now...

Across town, a friend of mine was on a similar journey. Except, she KNOWS people. People who move in more...shall we say..."granola" circles (wink, wink, grin). People who have connections and live the organic way of life and have already figured a lot of this stuff out. So, one day she and I were chatting on the phone and she casually mentioned that she had found a raw milk supplier. I didn't say much at the time, but prayed about it and talked to Christopher Robin. I refreshed my research and educated myself on the benefits of drinking raw milk (non pasteurized, non homogenized, straight from the cows stomach to mine). Then, I read on her blog who her contact was and asked if it was ok for me to contact them. She checked and said it would be fine.
This past Saturday she and I drove out to the farm and I purchased my first 2 gallons of raw milk (just milked from the Jersey cow that morning) along with 2 dozen beautiful fresh blue, brown, and cream colored eggs. Looking out the window, I watched the hens grazing all over the property as the cows walked by. I met the farmer briefly, who was exhausted, but still cheerful after spending the night butchering chickens that they had raised. We'll be bringing one of those home next week I think!

I'm going back tomorrow with Winnie and Tigger to get a tour of the farm and spend a little more time with Farmer Chrissie. I'm so excited to share with the girls where their milk and eggs come from!

Speaking of which, the milk and eggs taste AMAZING! First of all, the milk. I've always purchased nonfat milk from Fred Meyer. Occasionally, we buy the organic nonfat milk sold there or at Whole Foods. I have never drank whole milk. Now, we are all drinking whole milk. The cream rises to the top so we shake it up before we pour it, or I scoop off some to put in my coffee. Today I scooped off a bunch of cream because I plan to use in a recipe. The eggs are so big and flavorful. They taste so much better that the eggs we buy at the store.

I was inspired to make my own mayonnaise for the first time with my beautiful eggs. Everyone in my family loves it and I feel so empowered and capable. I can make my own mayonnaise! I realize a lot of people already do this on a regular basis, but I'm a city girl who has only weakly tried, but never really fully embraced the whole cooking from scratch thing. Now, I'm baby-stepping my way along and it's so fun, easy, and healthy. I love it!

Have a wonderful day!

Kim