VMBPwCYS

 

Or otherwise known as: Veggie Mini Burger Pita with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce or as I refer to it as, Quinoa Burger. I *heart* Quinoa right know. I gorge myself with it at least every other day. It reminds me of steel cut oats, as far as the cooking process goes. Usually, I make it right on the stove top, bringing 2 cups a H2O to 1 cup on Quinoa to a boil, take the lid off and let simmer for say 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is dissolved. Then you throw in your choice of vegetables, if you are feeling spunky add some feta. Yummy.

 

Please excuse my lack of concentration. Back to the recipe at hand. The burgers were very flavorful but the "icing on the cake" was *insert deep moan* the cucumber yogurt sauce. Heavenly! If you are a fan of Tetzki Sauce, you will adore this. I plated them in two forms, choose your preference; I enjoyed the Burger form and Dexter preferred the Pita form. Both equally as delicious.

 

For more inforamtion regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Boo-tiful Bites

 

Lets get our spook on shall we?

 

I adore creating seasonal eats, it helps direct my attention toward the upon coming holiday. Thus, forcing myself to subconsciously embrace it whole heartily. Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays, so I really strive to bring my inner goblin out. Dexter is now old enough to really help in the kitchen. And he has no problems with reaping the benefits by eating his creations.

 

These fun little nibblers, only require 4 ingredients! And it is quite possible that you posses all of these ingredients.

 

Boo-tiful Bites

 

3 Egg Whites

1/2 tsp Cream of Tarter

1/4 tsp Vanilla

3/4 Cup Sugar

 

Preheat oven to 200 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 3 room-temperature egg whites in a mixing bowl. Beat until foamy. Increase the mixer's speed to medium, then add 1/2 tsp cream of tartar. Continue to beat until the egg whites hold soft peaks.  Turn mixer to high and slowly add 1/4 tsp vanilla and 3/4 cup fine sugar. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Scoop mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag; cut off one corner of the bag and pipe out 2 inch mounds of meringue  onto the parchment paper. Insert chocolate chips for the eyes and nose/mouth. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Turn off oven and leave "ghosts" inside for at lest 3 hours to set. (I opted out of leaving them in the oven for the additional time, and they still set up fine? Your choice)

 

This recipe came from Parenting Magazine.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Mini Muffin Potato Tots...

 

These are by far the simplest home-made tots that I have ever made! Don't they just adorable? Just by gazing at them, it gives you the urge to pop one right into your mouth. Anyway right now, Racheal Ray  is doing a segment on her show, that demonstrates how many versatile recipe you can use with a "Mini Muffin Pan". I adore this concept for two reasons; One, I seldom think to use the mini pan, so to get my moneys worth out of it is fantastic; Second, I love small portions, if I could execute a tedious way of living on bite sized appetizers alone, I so would.

 

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

 

 

While We Were Away Dexter.......

 

Our 39 pounder is now 3 years old. Yikes...We celebrated by having his first "friend" and family combined party. Yet, the occassion wouldn't be complete without a "Corey Combine" Birthday cake.

 

So at 9:00 am we got the party started (hence, it was already 87 degrees outside, this summer was unfathomably hot!), the kids took to the bouncy house, like I take to a Zulily sale; no holds bar baby!

 

 

 

Good times were had by all!

 

Now, I want you to be aware of a little known fact in the Midwest. It is common place for gentlemen to carry around a certain tool that, in case of a dyer emergency may be used at any second. As you can see, BDW (Big Daddy Wayne) is reaching towards his hip to possibly retrieve it. Look very closely; And no, it is an assault riffle of any kind; And yes, I am sure my father-in-law is going to love the fact that you will now be forced into looking at his caboose.

 

And once again, I placed Dexter into the confined tractor wheel. Ahhh, such a big boy.

 

But the shindig didn't stop there. Oh, no! His friends at school need to get there sugar high elevated as well.

I can't help but giggle every time, I watch kiddo's overindulge themselves with cake.

 

 

They have absolutely no concept, that their cute little faces are covered in icing. It's as though, they zone out the fact of "feeling" on their face entirely. And simply focus on the task at hand. Cracks me up observing them.

 

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

I'm Baaaaack....!!!!!

 

Has it really been June since the last time we have conducted any form of communication?

 

I only have one but excuse for my repeated absence..

 

Oops?

 

 

Last week we attended a parade in our local area. The kiddo's were thrilled, and Dexter had a fine time entertaining.

 

 

 

We were all there to show our support (and indudge in a sugar fixation) for the Guest Artist at this years Quilt Show. Who we just so happen to call Grandma.

 

The look of sheer bliss when granddaughter sees grandmother, perched high upon the moving pedestal.

 

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

 

 

Lets Load Up...

Once a month we load "Percy the Pony" up, and head to our local fairgrounds were we fiercely complete for the the prestigious title of........ "Lead Line Champion". *insert trumpet sounds*

Small crowds gather to cheer on the vast competitors.

Dress code is mandatory for the tiny tots, so all appropriate measures must be taken to fulfill these horse show obligations.

We must instinctually listen to the National Anthem and then to the Cowboys Prayer before we begin today's competition.

Alas, its game time. Baby has a look of sheer determination on his face.

The kiddo's line up in their respectable order and wait patiently to hear the judges verdict.

A blue ribbon! Everyone gets a blue ribbon!

All of our hard work and dedication has finely paid off.

Now its time to head out and prep for next month.

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

My Spinach Salad....

I simply adore all kinds of Spinach Salad! This one emparticular is one of my favorites. Since my taste buds have a tendency to lean towards all things savory. I had my first version of this salad many years ago when it was being served at a quaint little European Restaurant located in Tomah Wisconsin. I found it to be exceptional with the warm, yes warm dressing drizzled over it.  That was not something that I had ever experienced before, and it was incredible. At the time it was a sensational way to get myself to indulge in leafy greens. I continue to make this salad to this day, as it is one of the only ways that I can get HH to eat his leafy greens!

The recipe below is a very similar to the one that I use.

For more information regarding "My Spinach Salad" recipe please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Blueberry-Poppy Seed Loaves of Love...

May I introduce to you a sinful slice of sheer pleasure. We absolutely adore these tasty little loaves here at the farmstead. They proved to be a delightful treat during planting season for the FB's and a scrumptious morsel for Baby D and myself to snack on. I found this recipe tucked into one of my Food Network Magazines, these loaves were given at the Flagstaff House as a parting gift to diners that would serve as a great accompaniment with coffee. Thus the recipe makes 4 mini loaves, and would be an incredible gift for; House warming, new arrival, a thank you to your teachers, Fathers Day, a dish to pass, or just an all-around acknowledgement for your appreciation. I will guarantee, that few people have ever been served anything quite like this before.

Today is Baby D's last day of "School" for the year. He even picked out his whole wardrobe for the "half day". You may notice, that his little belly somewhat resembles the Badger on his t-shirt and his poor little ankle socks may eventually cut off circulation to his tickle toes, as he refuses to adapt to a larger size. Perhaps that is why he has that expression on his face, as he has already lost all feeling to his lower extremities?

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Banana Brownie Bars

Here at the farmstead, we have been on a "Banana Brownie Bar" kick. As in, I have been requested to make these on a weekly basis! They have proven to be an incredible snack for HH to pack in his lunch and take to the field. And Baby D thoroughly enjoys munching on them as an afternoon little pick-me-up. Having the banana baked right into the bars keeps them so moist and flavorful. And with the added bonus of chocolate chips (I use dark chocolate), keeps the boys coming back for seconds. Did I mention, this happens to be a family favorite of the Batali household as well? Who knew?

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Brianna's Five Bean Salad

Have you ever heard of Brianna's Salad Dressings? "There is no MSG's, no chemicals, and no funny business-just the freshest ingredients and the highest level of family pride, lovingly sealed in every bottle" as per Briannas website. A game winning slogan if I ever did hear one!

I have posted in the past about Baby D's unwillingness to try new ingredients. Thus, I have to currently sneak certain nutritional foods into his daily cuisine. Having found "Brianna's Blush Vinaigrette" (strawberry flavor), has really been a triumph for me. I can pour it over any vegetable of choice and he will devour it like a champ. The sweet, tanginess of the Vinaigrette really appease Baby D's taste buds and sends him into Vegetable overload. A perfect solution for all of your "little" culinary critics.

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

A T-Rex Experience...

Baby D is currently experiencing an extreme lust for all things Dinosaurs! So I decided it was time to let him see first-hand some of those massive reptiles.

It was time to visit T-Rex.

A look of sheer horror excitement was evident throughout our entire escapade.

The ancient Dinosaur "decor", was spectacular! It was something that peeps of all ages could really appreciate.

And the cuisine was excellent! I was sceptical of eating there at first, because usually these type of places serve less to be desired entrees. But they truly did impress us by their variety of choices and the quality of our meals. Baby D ordered Chicken Strips that were shaped like different dinosaurs ( how cute are those ).

Now you can not visit the T-Rex Cafe without giving hugs and kisses to all of the friendly Dino's.

Have you ever heard of Build-a-Bear. Well let me introduce to you Build-a-Dino. Baby D picked out which Dinosaur he wanted, decided upon a noise he wanted it to make, then choose a heart to place inside. You were also given the option of a wardrobe and birth certifcate if you chose to do so.

Overall, this was a fantastic dinosaur adventure that I am sure we will be doing again in the near future. And did I mention that this little restaurant just so happens to be located in the heart of a phenomenal shopping district? Just Say'n.

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Apple's & Cinnamon, Oh My.....

Ladies and Gentleman, it is time to get swimsuit ready! It is that time of year again, when the heat index begins to rise and we have to face the undeniable fact that the daintier wardrobe must be hurdled out of storage. I'm talking about; Tank tops, shorts, sundresses, ect...Thus, I am determined to stay focused on eating those "healthier snacks", that I won't regret consuming later. I have found this to be an excellent example of one of those types of snacks. We all have heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", this translates into the basic fact that apples really are sooooo good for you! Hence, you really should try to make a point to try to consume at least one daily. Then you pair an apple with Cinnamon and you get a power packed combination of pure healthiness, and you will not be worried about putting on those extra pounds. An all round lovely snack.

Slice apples, place them into a plastic sack. Sprinkle some lemon juice and your desired amount of cinnamon.

Snack idea is from the Dr. Oz Show.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Aunt Trish's Salad Dressing....

Make your own salad dressing! Really why not? I am writing this with such conviction now that I have converted into this magnificent lifestyle change. For the first time last week I actually attempted to make a condiment! I am a novice in this uncharted territory, but am really putting forth the effort into knowing what exactly is going onto our plates here at the farmstead. This maybe a small step in the right direction but we all have to start somewhere, am I right? And the best part is that Baby D can help me prepare this, this translates into a healthier version of the alternative and he will devour it because "he made it".

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Cauliflower Hashbrowns..

We have now entered into a horrific plague of sorts. You see our toddler has declared his unwillingness to consume certain foods. I swear he goes as far as analyzing each morsel, examining the food for certain ingredients that he feels may not be up to his elite standards. Thus making my job as a Mother/Food Chart enforcer a tad bit more challenging. Now having to cook outside the box of my normal style of cuisine, and adapting to hidden culinary measures.

This recipe is one of those hidden culinary measures! I have made hasbrowns in a skillet for Baby D numerous times, and he devours it. This is the same basic concept, except I swapped out the potato for a vegetable that closely resembles hashbrowns in appearance, texture and even taste (the cheese helps mask it). I was extremely thrilled with this recipe, as I felt that Baby D ate his required portion of proper vegetables. Proven successful.

Be sure to use a non-stick skillet and continually add oil to the pan if your hasbrowns start to stick.

For more information regarding Cauliflower Hashbrowns please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

2012 Spring Fads....

One of my lasted trends is scouting out fantastic "Colored Jeans". Now prior to my first introduction to these beauties, I was convinced that I could never pull off this look, as I am not a size 0. It took a trip down to Atlanta, alot of convincing in the dressing room just to try them on, and much people watching to realize that infact, all 5'3" tall Farming Fabulously could indeed wear these jeans with her head held high.

Some of the things that I adore about the "Colored Jean" are:

1. Yes they are a skinny fit, but when you have the comforting stretch material, it will infact cover up flaws. A little love handles, if you know what I say'n.

2. HIGH WAISTED! But not too high! I took me sometime to realize that after child, I should really no longer be wearing lower waisted jeans. Why? You are constantly bending over, thus having to hick up your britches or expose yourself to the public. Not very flattering. Thus the new found comfort of higher waisted jeans which in a "Colored Jean" is fabulous.

3. You can actually see those darling flats that you want to show off while wearing skinny jeans. Keep in mind 98% of the time, those flared out "Boot Cut Jeans" are hiding your beloved flats.

Bottom Line: Love them!

The link below is an example of what I normally look for now in skinny jeans. You do not have to pay a hefty price for them, infact, I would recommend that you do not, (I do not) because they are a revolving fashion trend. Just know what to look for.

Click HERE for an example.

I am obsessing over all things Argan Oil! Love the Shampoo, Conditioner, Oil and currently the Mousse. My hair has never felt so smooth, shiny and all around healthy ever before. Sulfate and Alcohol Free, yet stills gives you volume and even controls those pesky fly aways. But what I really love most about this product is, you will not have clumps of mousse stuck in your hair. I have purchased products in the past were I was left with massive, unattractive globs in my hair. No one should have to put themselves through that.

You can purchase this product from one of your local salons or.....at Amazon...... or if you want to buy the same item for a more expensive price click HERE. Your call.

This compactable stroller has proven to be an ulitmate necessity while traveling. It glides easily with one hand, while rolling your carry-on along with the other. Exteremly light weight, yet can carry a tiny tot weighing up to 45 lbs. And if you have a rather lanky child, like Baby D, the back rest is of tall portation. I can fold and unfold this stroller in a matter of seconds, which is required with a 2.5 year old. The best part, is you can stow it away in the overhead compartment in the airplane.

For more information about the traveling stroller click HERE.

After moving Baby D up to a Booster Seat (with headrest), I found it to be quite painful watching him try to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. His poor little head would bobble from side to side, and jerk around every time I turned a corner. So when I came across this Seatbelt Pillow, I knew it was just thing we needed inorder to fully suspend any further wipe lash he would otherwise inevitable endure.

The soft fabric really relaxes him especially on longer car rides, and positions him a more comfortable manner. I wonderful mommy investment.

For more information regarding the seat belt cover check this LINK out.

I have always been a fan of all things vintage! Are they not exquisite? Recently at the farmstead, we have been experiencing an abundance of gorgeous spring flowers. Yet having just planted my landscaping last year, I really do not have the bouquets that I would like just yet. So to bulk up my arrangements, I found that these tantalizing jars are just the thing I needed. They separate the flowers giving them more definition and flare, thus making our home look ever so cheery.

For more information regarding the Vintage Confection Jars click HERE.

1. 

And finally, what I feel every mom on the can't live without, a durable purse! Prior to potty training, I always had to lug around an enormous bag (while I still keep it in the car just incase), filled with all those essentials that Baby D had have. It was always crammed full and extremely heavy, I am sure all of you are familiar with "that" bag. Well now that he is more self-sufficient, I have found that a darling little purse such as this one is just perfect for your daily errand runs. Throw it around your neck, across your hip and it is one less thing you need to juggle around. I have one somewhat equivalent to this purse that I found at Marshall's for a quarter of the price, yet still a quality leather that I knew would not brake easily. Love it..

For more information regarding this please click HERE.

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously