Growing Family

by fig + fauna farm on 01/25/12

Over the weekend, we made the long haul to Northern Florida and picked up our much anticipated French Alpine dairy goats. Mother and daughter, they are a loving pair and both expecting in March and April. From every window in the house, I can see them grazing and nuzzling - it's hard to keep from going out to the pasture to sneak in yet another kiss.

Imagine the possibilities in the milk that they will soon provide...cheese, butter and  coffee cream to boot!

/// PHOTOS BY ROSE E MARTIN

Comments (5)     

Pickled Radishes & Carrots

by fig + fauna farm on 01/20/12

I  just can't seem to let the young carrots rest, even though I very well know they aren't ready. But every so often, I come across a single carrot head that I believe MUST be mature just underneath the soil. Some advantage had been given to the carrot that rises taller than the rest - though I don't think much of why...I simply desire to pull. Unearthing a sweet and tender carrot is like nothing else. I keep this a secret from the rest of the creatures on the farm, so that I may have the priveledge of uncoupling the soil from the rooty treat, all to myself.

This recipe is both easy in labor and powerful in flavor. It would be a delicious topping on fish, tacos or a side to red meat.

PICKLED RADISHES & CARROTS

You will need:

• 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 - 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 10 ounces vinegar
• handful of peppercorns
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp light honey
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 bay leaf

Bring vinegar, peppercorns, honey and salt to a boil.  Place radishes, carrots, onion, dill and bay leaf into a clean mason jar.  Pour vinegar mixture over radishes.  Refrigerate overnight .

*Makes 1 pint

/// PHOTOS BY ROSE E MARTIN

Comments (3)     

Fowl Introductions

by fig + fauna farm on 01/16/12

 It was just the idea of chickens that first got the wheel in our heads turning to move to the farm. And before this house had a working kitchen, we had our chickens. We found clothing with extra large pockets so that a chick or two might find a warm spot on  farm-chore walks and from time to time, a chick may have been invited inside to witness the household happenings. Though, one particular chicken found a special place in our hearts... Nelly. If you've stepped foot on our farm, chances are you've been coaxed into holding Nelly close enough to your chest to hear her fluttering fowl-speak. A chicken friendship is a simple one. It's not completely reliant on food and treats (though it certainly sweetens the deal) but it's more about comfort. Chickens are spry creatures - they sing a song that is staccato as they forage for fast paced bugs and hide from predators overhead. But to have human contact, is to slow down....to put instincts on pause and beat to the drum of the human hum. Not all chickens accept the change of pace, however, Nelly welcomes these times. These are moments to let down her feathers...as they are my moments for slowing down too.

There is a certain rule in order on the farm: " Chickens may lay and chickens may go, but Nelly always stays".

/// PHOTO BY ROSE E MARTIN

Comments (4)