The Promise of Beets Fulfilled and the Summer Solstice at Restoration Farm

The cycle of life at
Restoration Farm stretches throughout the year and is shifting and evolving
each day. Humans work the land,
chickens forage and fertilize the fields and seeds interact with sun, soil and
water resulting in food. There is a
short slumber, and the process begins again.



Tiny black seeds planted
in the short, cold days of February have delivered on their incredible

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Strawberries As Nature Intended

The strawberry patch at
Restoration Farm is damp with the remnants of an early morning rain. But, that doesn’t stop several of us from
tugging up our cuffs and wading in to pick.
When it comes to freshly picked strawberries, you can’t let a little
moisture hold you back.



It is like a treasure
hunt. Broad green leaves conceal most of
the berries. You have to lift the
protective

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

I Just Had to Share This

Tuesday was my last sub day at the Colony and we had planned a hike to the coulee.  It was more than two hours walking, climbing, tromping through muck, watching frogs, exploring through the trees and sitting on a rock like a bunch of turtles sunning.



"What do you think about this place?" asked Mark.  "I love it," I replied.  "Me, too."



These pictures are very special.  The kids really let me into their sheltered world.  They taught me so much about their unique life.  They loved being in the outdoors.



I let them all take pictures with my SLR Digital Camera - my good camera!  At times they were teetering on the edge of a frog pond or balancing on a big rock with my good camera.  The lens cap was always in my hand the strap always around their neck!

The results were worth the risk.  I love these pictures.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Candied Bacon is so Darned Good

This candied bacon is irresistable.  I cannot stop snacking on it.  These tasty morsels are destined for Maple and Bacon Marshmallows.  Marshmallows are my current craze.  I want to try every flavour under the sun!  They are all destined for the Farmers' Market.

Candied Bacon

meaty bacon strips

brown sugar

cinnamon



It is so simple.  Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to 1 cup of brown sugar.  Using the meatiest bacon you can find, rub it with this sugar mixture.  Lay the strips out on a rack placed on a baking sheet.  Be sure to line the pan with tinfoil to avoid a messy clean up.  Bake in a 350F oven for 30 - 35 minutes or until very carmelized.



Honestly, I can eat them just like this.  Forget the marshmallows!  I coarsely chopped them to add to my maple marshmallow recipe.  I hope they like it!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Last Saturday at the Mall for Farmers' Market

 This was our last day at the Mall.  Next week we will be outdoors in a big tent!  It promises to be so much busier and so much more fun!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Crisp and Tender – The First Greens of Restoration Farm

You come to expect an
abundance of greens at the start of the growing season at Restoration Farm. In late spring, the produce
should be like the weather – brisk, full of vitality – and very, very
green.



The first distribution of
the 2012 growing season means salads and greens will be the menu item of choice
for some time to come. If one tires of lettuce, there is a bounty of arugula,

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tasting the Heart, Soul and Soil of Hudson Valley Cheese