If you are up to your elbows in cucumbers from your garden or just have a hankering for pickles, I have the perfect (and easy) recipe for you! Thanks to my trusty church cookbook, you can have fresh pickles on your table in under an hour. They make the perfect side dish for a summer … Continue reading A Summertime Staple: Refrigerator Pickles
Foolproof Italian Pasta Salad
Going to a potluck? Hosting friends + fam for a grill out? Just need a quick summer lunch or supper? I have you covered with my foolproof pasta salad recipe. It is packed with veggies and simple ingredients. It pairs great with your favorite grilled protein (steak for me, please!) and is approved by kiddos … Continue reading Foolproof Italian Pasta Salad
The Results of “Milk Jug Sowing” are in…!
Hi everyone! It’s me, Jess. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to connect with you on the blog. For those of you that don’t know, my full-time job is being an elementary teacher. I’ve been really busy wrapping up the end of the school year and trying to stay flexible with the crazy spring … Continue reading The Results of “Milk Jug Sowing” are in…!
Monthly Favorites: May 2022 Edition
As I look back over the month of May, I can’t help but think about all of the tools, meals, hacks, etc. I used to get through one of the busiest months on the farm. This month was filled with many late nights due to planting, and as a farm wife, I had to step … Continue reading Monthly Favorites: May 2022 Edition
Field Deliveries + A Planting Update
Long time no see, friends! We’ve had a wild, albeit unusual, month - especially when it pertains to the weather. Popping in to give you a look into what our life has consisted of the last several weeks with spring planting! April was an unusually cold and wet month for us here in south central … Continue reading Field Deliveries + A Planting Update
Beef Chili Mac
Beef. It’s what’s for dinner. Usually, most nights in our house anyway! Being that we are beef producers, we tend to always have a freezer full of different beef cuts that I love to cook with. I also cook with my fair share of ground beef - it’s perfect for quick weeknight meals, to-go field … Continue reading Beef Chili Mac
Our Angus Mamas To-Be
It has been a minute since we’ve given you all an update on our Angus mamas and the spring calving season. Plus, May is National Beef Month so what a better time than now to share about our beloved cattle herd! On our farm, we started the “spring” calving season towards the end of January … Continue reading Our Angus Mamas To-Be
Monthly Favorites: April 2022 Edition
April was a B-U-S-Y month for both of us. And to be honest, the cold, rainy, windy weather has made it difficult to feel inspired with content creation. We thought for sure we would be in the field planting by now, but we are still 10+ days (at least) out from starting. If you could, … Continue reading Monthly Favorites: April 2022 Edition
Ground Beef Taco Burrito Bowl
I've been making this recipe for my family for years. This one-pan burrito bowl can be enjoyed in a variety of ways - which I love! It's easy to make and can really feed a large group of people, or in our case, leftovers for the week ahead! Ground Beef Taco Burrito Bowl Prep Time: … Continue reading Ground Beef Taco Burrito Bowl
Gooey, Easy, Delicious Caramel Rolls
Do you need a quick recipe for Easter brunch tomorrow? I have your back! This recipe for caramel rolls is so easy and is guaranteed to be a hit. With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, these rolls have become my go-to for a farm crew morning treat, family weekend breakfasts, and brunch … Continue reading Gooey, Easy, Delicious Caramel Rolls
Kielbasa Potato Gratin with Gouda
I have to admit… I am a meat and potatoes kind of gal and I have no shame in it! I embrace Midwestern, traditional comfort food but am always looking for a new way to put a spin on meat and potatoes. I saw a version of this recipe on the show, Barefoot Contessa, on … Continue reading Kielbasa Potato Gratin with Gouda
Not to get all sappy, but… there’s nothing better than pure maple syrup!
Tis’ the season that we look forward to once a year - maple syrup tapping season! My family has a history of tapping trees to make pure maple syrup. My dad did this growing up as a kid, shared the experience with my siblings and I when we were young, and now has started the … Continue reading Not to get all sappy, but… there’s nothing better than pure maple syrup!
Myth Busting Cover Crops
Over the last couple of weeks as I’ve been out and about at different community events or just visiting with fellow farmers, the topic of regenerative ag has been a common theme of discussion. For our area in south central Minnesota, we are one of very few farmers that embrace regenerative ag. Over the last … Continue reading Myth Busting Cover Crops
“I wasn’t aware that words could hold so much.”
A book review of "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. So as I’ve previously mentioned, I set a goal to read more in 2022. While I am not doing super great at achieving this goal, there are a number of books that I have recently read that I would like to share in case … Continue reading “I wasn’t aware that words could hold so much.”
Monthly Favorites: March 2022 Edition
How are we through another month already in 2022? We feel like we blinked and poof! March has come and gone. While we had a lovely false spring, winter also made its roaring appearance again. We pray we are on the up and up with spring coming to stay soon. Carrying on with our monthly … Continue reading Monthly Favorites: March 2022 Edition
Shepherd’s Pie – All-in-One Dish
I am crazy for all-in-one recipes. They make for easy assembly, minimal dishes, and most of them are absolutely delicious! I have come across many different recipes for Shepherd’s Pie, and I’ve tried several, but then created my own that combined the best of those I have tried. I hope you enjoy! Shepherd’s Pie Prep … Continue reading Shepherd’s Pie – All-in-One Dish
Our Flock Grew By 5
Let me take you back to a week ago Saturday when the weather was GLORIOUS in MN. (Today, not so much - it’s windy & cold…brrr!) My kids, husband, and I were outside for most of the day cleaning up the yard and garage to prepare for Spring! It’s such a good feeling to check … Continue reading Our Flock Grew By 5
Coming Together for Agriculture: Corn & Soybean Growers
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend our local county corn and soybean growers’ annual meeting. Last year, I was elected as a board director to the Nicollet/Sibley County Corn and Soybean Growers Association, and it has been such a great way for me to get more involved in our community and represent our farm, … Continue reading Coming Together for Agriculture: Corn & Soybean Growers
Home Decor Ideas to Welcome Spring
Winter can tend to hang around a little too long sometimes, but yesterday was officially the first day of spring and we hit 70 degrees today in Minnesota! To welcome the warmth and sunshine, here are a few ideas for transitioning your home decor to welcome spring. One easy way I love to transition my … Continue reading Home Decor Ideas to Welcome Spring
Banana Bread
If you’re like me and my husband, we can just never quite finish an entire bunch of bananas in our household before they get too brown and soft. I don’t like to waste food, so I always try to find a use for those over-ripe bananas. The base of this recipe comes from a church … Continue reading Banana Bread
Spring Cleaning Checklist
There is no doubt that spring is coming! Get a jump start on your spring cleaning with this handy (and pretty) checklist. For me, spring always is a season that brings hope and the promise of new life. Like most people, I love the warmer weather and longer daylight hours. It pushes me to get … Continue reading Spring Cleaning Checklist
Easy Pizza Muffins (30 minutes start to finish!)
Some nights just call for pizza… and typically in our family, it’s a Friday night. I made these last Friday and in just one bite, they were a hit with everyone. These golden-brown, flakey, melty, and cheesy muffins were so quick and easy to prepare. Make a bunch for a crowd, served with some pizza … Continue reading Easy Pizza Muffins (30 minutes start to finish!)
We tried Milk Jug Sowing and Think You Should, too!
Spring is right around the corner, folks! If you are like me, the sunshine and warmer days might bring you bursts of energy and joy, too. Plus, knowing that the first official day of Spring is only a week away makes this shift of seasons that more exciting. In my family, with Springtime comes planting. … Continue reading We tried Milk Jug Sowing and Think You Should, too!
Spring Cleaning: Tractor Edition
Spring is right around the corner. And that means we move into an even busier mode on the farm. While it can be a stressful time and season, we so look forward to the sunny days, warm weather, and trusting our faith in planting seed in the land we steward. Planting is not as fast-paced … Continue reading Spring Cleaning: Tractor Edition
Traditional Beef Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
I have a three-for-one recipe to share tonight! Sometimes nothing beats a traditional beef roast in the crockpot. I grew up eating beef roast with potatoes and carrots, so it is a nostalgic comfort dish that I have loved to put my own touch on as the cook in my home now. Beef Roast Prep … Continue reading Traditional Beef Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Chicken Poppyseed Hotdish
There’s no doubt I love hotdishes. They are a classic midwestern comfort food, and I am all about that! While I love my beef-based dishes, I like to add in chicken as a different protein at least once a week to mix it up. This hotdish is so delicious, easy, and different. Just a few … Continue reading Chicken Poppyseed Hotdish
Couples that Farm Together, Stay Together: Preg Checking Cattle
My husband and I have one rule: what’s said while working cattle, isn't really how we feel. It is not uncommon for voices to be raised and a few choice words to go flying, but as soon as we walk out of the barn or leave the pasture, we've agreed to forget everything that was … Continue reading Couples that Farm Together, Stay Together: Preg Checking Cattle
Wear the Lipstick
Do you ever feel self-conscious about wearing something outside of your comfort zone? One of my goals for this year is to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. I know that is not a typical S.M.A.R.T goal because it's not really measurable, but it is a reminder to myself that growth only happens outside of your comfort … Continue reading Wear the Lipstick
So God Made a Farmer’s Wife
Happy National Agriculture Month! Each March, we celebrate this special occasion. It gives us even more of an excuse to recognize the vital role farmers, ranchers, and everyone in between play across our country and in our local communities. Hello, March! We have turned the page on our calendars and are looking forward to what … Continue reading So God Made a Farmer’s Wife
Monthly Favorites: February 2022 Edition
Another month has come and gone already in 2022. While some days it felt like the month was dragging on, it also felt like we blinked and we’re into March already! We are both ready to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. But we have a few favorites that we kept coming back to … Continue reading Monthly Favorites: February 2022 Edition
Beef Chili Recipe to Celebrate National Chili Day!
Happy National Chili Day! We love soup and chili season in our household, and this recipe is an original of mine that I created a couple years ago. It is perfect for feeding a full crew during fall harvest but can also be enjoyed under a blanket on the couch during a cold, snowy night! … Continue reading Beef Chili Recipe to Celebrate National Chili Day!
“My land tells its story if you listen. The story of our family.”
A book review of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. I have always loved to read as being able to transport to another world or create an image of a certain story in my head is something that brings me a lot of joy. I read a lot in the winter, but also love reading … Continue reading “My land tells its story if you listen. The story of our family.”
Sometimes, We Have to Step In.
Most of the time Mother Nature does her thing, but once in a while, we have to step in. Just this year, Jacob and I have started a new tradition on Sundays. He gets up a little earlier than normal to get pig chores done, and then we go to church together. After church, we … Continue reading Sometimes, We Have to Step In.
FAQs from a 5 Year Old: Dairy & Beef Cattle
This past weekend I was looking through older photos with my daughter, Savannah, to find a specific one that I needed (because we have something exciting in the works!). She spotted a few photos of her in our old milking parlor with her uncle, Jacob, from when she was about 2. [Now, if you are … Continue reading FAQs from a 5 Year Old: Dairy & Beef Cattle
A Minnesota Classic: Tator Tot Hotdish
An easy weeknight go-to meal or a comfort dish on a cold weekend! Serves: 6-8Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 60 minutesTotal time: 75 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef1 yellow onion, choppedSeasoned salt & black pepper, to taste1 can cream of mushroom soup1 empty soup can milk1 bag of frozen mixed veggies1 cup shredded Cheddar … Continue reading A Minnesota Classic: Tator Tot Hotdish
The 5 Love Languages: Farmer Edition
I couldn’t help but share a love story on Valentine’s Day, because after all, I am a hopeless romantic. 😉 Jacob and I officially “met” in December of 2016. We say we met through mutual friends, which I guess we kind of did, but we actually met on Facebook. Of all places! One day, Jacob … Continue reading The 5 Love Languages: Farmer Edition
Taco Pie Bake
Save this recipe! Almost 8 years ago Ben and I were married. At my bridal shower, guests were invited to share a recipe with the bride-to-be. I truly enjoy this tradition and would recommend it to anyone planning a bridal shower, as it offers such a personal touch. I actually received this recipe from two … Continue reading Taco Pie Bake
What’s that black stuff in the road ditches?
As I was driving around the countryside this week, the lovely Minnesota wind gave me an idea. During the winter, have you ever wondered why the snow in some road ditches looks so black? To be honest, I had never really thought much about it until Jacob explained it to me a couple years ago. … Continue reading What’s that black stuff in the road ditches?
Sweet Apple Pork Chops
Sharing my favorite recipe for making pork chops in the winter - and it’s an original recipe of mine! My husband, Jacob, and I absolutely love to grill when the weather is warm. We probably make at least 4-5 meals a week on the grill during the summer, and one of our favorite meats to … Continue reading Sweet Apple Pork Chops
15-minute manicure? Yes, please!
My 15-minute go-to manicure for Valentine’s Day that can be done from anywhere! For those that knew me when I was a girl, and even into my young adult life, it was no secret that I had a nervous habit of biting my nails. And I know I am not alone in this anxious practice … Continue reading 15-minute manicure? Yes, please!
A Response: Meet the People Barely Getting Paid to Feed the World
American agriculture - we NEED to come together to protect our livelihoods, share our stories, and educate. Because someone is doing it for us, and they are getting it all wrong. I'm Ellyn. A farm wife and farmer from south central Minnesota. According to a recent opinion piece published by the New York Times, I … Continue reading A Response: Meet the People Barely Getting Paid to Feed the World
Chocolate Chip Scones
This chocolate chip scone recipe is easy like Sunday morning and that’s exactly what I needed today - a perfectly tasty recipe that’s uncomplicated! Typically over the weekend, we make at least one trip to Mimi and Papa’s house. The kids usually burst through the door, run down the hallway and either greet Mimi and … Continue reading Chocolate Chip Scones
Fresh Out of the Oven
A quick update on our farm babies and mamas Calving season is fully underway on our farm and we have quite a few new additions to update you on! Over the last two weeks, we have had three heifer (girl) calves and two bull (boy) calves born. All of the calves are doing well, and … Continue reading Fresh Out of the Oven
Raising Little Humans
Mondays after work, school and daycare can be a bit chaotic and tiring. Getting back into the routine of the work week has its challenges, especially with tired kids. While I was in a rush to make supper (yes, we still say supper for all you dinner folks!) my kids were hanging out at the … Continue reading Raising Little Humans
Monthly Favorites: January 2022 Edition
Everyone has their go-to products, books, music, food, etc. We thought it would be fun to share our current favorites in a monthly series. What we’re listening to, reading, eating, buying, and anything else we want to share that we think you would like! So, let’s kick it off with our best of January! EllynThe … Continue reading Monthly Favorites: January 2022 Edition
5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy
I am all about coziness. Especially during our Minnesota winters. And let me tell ya, it has been cold in our neck of the woods lately. Like so cold the air literally hurts your face when you step outside. Why do we live where the air hurts our face?! Because we don't have earthquakes, snakes, … Continue reading 5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy
Country Egg Bake
I have a confession. I used to despise eggs as a kid. Fried, hard-boiled, scrambled, on toast, in a sandwich, egg salad… my mom tried it all. But alas, my taste-buds changed as I grew up and I realized how yummy they are. I attribute my much-needed epiphany to this recipe! It's quick and simple to … Continue reading Country Egg Bake