May Flowers, Herbs and Veggie Starts on Smyth Family Farm

It’s already May and I’m overwhelmed with how much planting I still have to do on Smyth Family Farm. I bought new Bootstrap Farmer seed starter seed trays recommended to me by my friend Annie. I had my garden club over and she noticed how large my seed starter trays were. These new ones she told me about are remarkable. They are sturdy, just the right size and my seedlings love them. In today’s post I will be sharing my organic gardening practices. 

pink papaver poppy at Smyth Family Farm

The chickens give me organic manure which I compost in my compost pile. Every day, I take out the old newspapers from the coop and replace them with new ones. My sister in law Kathleen gives us her read newspapers and I’ve got quite a collection of them now. These soiled papers are layered in my compost pile along with kitchen scraps, peels and anything from the fridge that has gone bad. I layer with green grass, dry leaves when available and I turn the pile every other day or so. I have the most beautiful worms in this soil which the chickens love eating. 

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Early March, I started Pepper, Tomato and Cucumber seedlings. I was a little late as it’s best to begin planting seeds on Valentines Day according to my garden neighbor Robert. He grows a fantastic garden every year and doesn’t have the ground squirrel problem and gopher problem that Ken and I have. When planting my seedlings in my raised beds, I add new soil called Recipe 420 from Ace Hardware and I add several buckets of fresh compost from my compost pile.

This year I purchased ranunculus bulbs from Eden Brothers and Anemone bulbs from Longfield Gardens. These flowers bloomed profusely and gave me an abundance of joy every time I walked out into my back patio. I didn’t take any chances and I planted them in raised beds or containers to keep the critters from eating them.

I purchased several papaver somniferum at Annie Annuals located in Richmond back in the Fall. These poppies have just begun to open and they are incredible. I have white, “lady bird” red, “heirloom pink peony”, and more that haven’t opened yet. The hardest part of growing these vegetables and flowers is keeping the critters from eating them.  Every plant had a broadcloth wire cage under it, even if it is in a raised bed. Yes, because the rats, gophers, moles and voles can climb into the raised beds even if we put netting up around them. Just recently I learned about black cutworms, which are caterpillar-like insects that curl up when disturbed. They spend their days in soil, coming out to feed at night. Last year these guys decimated every plant in my raised bed, by cutting the plants off at the bottom. Now I use Sluggo Plus around every plant to help curb this problem. I will keep trying to grow my own food no matter what problems the farm throws at me.

Many of my cucumber, tomato and pepper seedlings. some transferred to larger containers.

This year I bought new seeds, even though I have loads and loads of them. I grew Brandywine, Red and Yellow Pear, Black Krim, Roma, Sweetie, Cherokee Purple Tomatoes and Marketmore Cucumbers, peppers, corn, basil, tithonia, zinnias, White Swan and Purple echinacea, mullein, and sunflowers. Every plant needs to be transplanted in a larger container every three to four weeks depending on how fast they grow. I add bat guano, fish emulsion, kelp, perlite and fish bone meal to the Recipe 420 soil. I top each plant with vermiculite to keep the nats out of the soil and get sticky strips to capture as many as I can.

https://letsmakemudpies.wordpress.comCannabis plants from Harborside Dispensary in Oakland growing under lights and on a heat mat

I had grow lights and heat mats set up in Ken’s office and the garage. I picked up six cannabis plants (Wedding Pie, Oreo, Banjo, and three others) at Harborside Dispensary in Oakland. 

Ron and Andrew were helpful about how to grow them under lights. Eighteen hours of lights on, then six hours of no lights. These conditions are challenging for new growers like me. I have already lost 2 plants to teeny nats that live in the soil. I have a fan to keep these flying insects from devouring the stems and killing the plants. They need to be fed regularly and I should be waiting until mid June to plant outside. My babies are going out this week, since it is uncommon for rain in the Bay Area in May. 

Humboldt Raspberry Parfait Seedlings from Oregon Weedery. Grown by cousin Skip

I did try to grow my own plants for the third year. I found Humboldt Raspberry Parfait while in Oregon Weedery Oregon last year and shared 2 of the seeds with my Dad’s cousin Skip. Skip was my inspiration and was the guy to get me started with this project a few years ago. His seeds germinated (mine did too, but I forgot to water them), and are doing fantastic. This plant has 20% Indica ad 80% Sativa. It is a hybrid of Raspberry Parfait, Truffula Tree and Shishka-Berry. Everyone always asks me what I do with my cannabis buds. Even my Mother asked me about them last weekend. I don’t smoke or vape. It’s not my thing. If anything, I will make cookies, cakes and hopefully gummies that I can use for sleep. I also make a healing balm for my feet that contains the leaves of Mendo breath, olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil. It helps with the pain from arthritis in my toes.

My squash seedlings in the Bootstrap Farmer Seed Starter Tray

Besides writing today, I will be planting my cucurbits. I am growing spaghetti squash, butternut squash, mini pumpkins, uchiki kuri squash, large brown pumpkins, Medium size orange pumpkins, mini pumpkins, and more. I collect these pumpkins in the Fall and save the seeds. I’m super excited to see that I can grow. Many babies were planted out this past week before the Spring rain showers last Saturday. 

Here’s hoping you are getting outside and enjoying the sunshine. Try growing your own food. It’s rewarding to pick fresh kale greens and herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley. I will either make them a part of our dinner or share them with the chickens Bee Bee, Mabel, Harper and Lu Lu. It was very sad to say goodbye to Mary Kate our most prolific layer last week. She became ill, stopped eating and had to be euthanized. The Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital found a cancer growing in her which is common in the breeds that lay eggs often. It’s very hard to see her best friend Mabel wandering around looking for her. I hope to get more chicks closer to the end of summer when I can keep them in the garage for the winter. This is how I handled the first set of chicks and I was able to get them comfortable with me by handling them often.

Thanks for reading. I hope to post my Mother in law’s famous potato salad recipe soon.

Teri

 

San Francisco Cookie Exchange, Lunch at Nopalito and a Fruit and Nut Crisp Recipe

Today I’d like to share one of our Christmas present experiences from December. My husband Ken and I took our nephew’s kids Zander and Daphne to San Francisco for the day. We began the weekend by having them spend the night at our place so they could meet our new kittens Dougy and Snuggy. The kids had a blast running amuck through our farm chasing chickens also.

Ken took Daphne and Zander to Great Donuts for breakfast. It’s a fun way to start the day and there are no dishes to wash either. We kissed the kittens goodbye and headed out for the day. 

We drove around for a few blocks near the Civic Kitchen Cooking School before we found a place to park. We arrived early, so we ordered four birria tacos with consume’ at Taco Loco and gobbled them up before the cooking school opened. The food was outstanding and just what we needed to fill our tummies.

Me, Zander, Daphne and Ken at Taco Loco in San Francisco.

I love taking kids out for their birthdays or Christmas, instead of buying them a toy or giving them money. This way Ken and I can get to know these precious kids and let them experience something new and different. I had learned about this cookie exchange a few days earlier on Instagram while looking at my feed. Amisha Gurbani posted a story about a cookie exchange and demo in San Francisco. I quickly called my niece Beverly and asked if we could take her kids to this class. She approved the idea and I was thrilled. 

The cookie exchange was optional, but if anyone knows me, they know I love to bake. I’ve got hundreds of recipes and love finding a way to share them with friends and family.I met Amisha at Dean Jones’ -The Well Seasoned Librarian’s book event held at Dougherty Library last year. There I met Dean who has a podcast introducing cookbook authors to the public. At this event, Amisha introduced her new book Mumbai Modern. She had brought her famous Thandai Shortbread cookies for all of us attendees to taste. I immediately bought her signed book and went home and made these cookies for my book club to go alongside a pot de creme. This chai spice cookie is my favorite shortbread recipe and I couldn’t wait to share it.

The kids baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies which was originally their grandma Nancy’s recipe. It’s their family favorite cookie. We also made a Millionaire Shortbread recipe to bring to the cookie exchange because it makes a lot. We were up past 11PM getting all of these desserts baked, cut and put on trays for the event the next day.

Several of the cookies from the event at Civic Kitchen Cooking School in December 2023

It was special arriving a little on the early side and picking out our 12 cookies each to take home. There was an option to buy cookies if you didn’t have time to bake them yourself, which would be easier for most people. Most years, I have made dozens of Christmas cookies to share with my neighbors. My family has always asked me to bring dessert to all of the holiday parties as well. The Cream Puff Tree has been a favorite of my niece Kendall. This recipe was originally also from my sister in law Nancy. She is an incredible baker/cook and has been an inspiration to me over the last 36 years. This has pushed me to become more serious about cooking and baking. It’s important to feed your loved ones healthy food instead of buying from a fast food restaurant or buying a store bought cake.

Toppings for Amisha’s shortbread cookie

Salt and Spine and his daughter putting on a demo for a cookie exchange at Civic Kitchen Cooking School in SF

We met Frances Wilson @francesiscooking at the Civic Kitchen Cooking School. She teaches classes there and brought the most delicious meringue cookies w candied orange sandwiched together with a chocolate ganache. They were to die for and I took two of them! She explained she learned how to make the candied orange peel from Carlo Maddionne who was an Italian Chef on KQED years ago. I’m a big fan of education and taught at Draegers and Andronico’s Cooking Schools over the years. I helped out as a sous chef at winemaker dinners with famous chefs, helped at many lunch and learns and week long cooking camps for kids at Andronico’s Cooking School. They have since closed the school. I worked at Draeger’s Cooking School for almost 1 year. They had promised me a job as an instructor, but never followed through. Instead I helped with hands on classes, set up their “mise en place” which means “putting in place” or “gather and measure the ingredients” before the chef’s came in. I also washed dishes, poured wine and accumulated many recipes. I left when the last instructor went on maternity ward leave and they still didn’t promote me. This school and grocery store is still open, although they haven’t had any in person classes at the Blackhawk location since before the pandemic.

I wouldn’t want to regret not mentioning @saltandspine  brought his daughter to the cookie exchange. He collects cookbooks and has a podcast. The event at @civickitchensf had the proceeds go to @lacocinasf. They provided bubbles from Gruet Winery too.

After we finished decorating extra Christmas cookies, we stopped in at Dianda’s Bakery. I needed panettone to share with my Mom and her husband Tom and of course, some for myself. I like to make a spiked with pear brandy from Ambix Spirits French toast with it and serve it with a warm blueberry compote.

Nopalito Mexican Kitchen for lunch was our next stop. I ordered the Mole Poblano con Pollo, chips and guacamole, Ken ordered the Tacos de Pescado, Zander had the bowl of Pozole Rojo, and Daphne had a quesadilla. The food was delicious and vegetarian. They roast their veggies in a wood fired oven. Soo good.

Zander and Daphne our great nephew and great niece hanging with Hello Kitty in SF

We explored the Haight District at Ashbury next for fun. The kids picked out a small toy at a cute shop. I loved looking at the clothes at Relic Vintage. I would have shopped longer, but Mr. Smyth is always ready to go.

I have to say our day with the Smyth Kids was a success. Zander and Daphne loved baking cookies with us, spending the night, and sharing the cookie exchange experience with their great aunt and uncle. I hope to keep this tradition going since it’s fun for everyone.

Thanks for reading. It’s been a hoot keeping track of our outings. Thank you Instagram, for providing me with new and exciting adventures. I learned about #Fruitandnutcrisps from Monideepa Chandra using a hashtag to find a recipe. I’ve added a few extra ingredients that make them extra special.

Thought I’d share the best recipe for Fruit and Nut Crisps that I like to make for cheese and charcuterie boards. It’s fast and easy and these crackers will set you apart from the rest of the party goers.

Almond Fruit Crisps

3/4 C all-purpose flour

¼ C Flax meal

½ C Almonds

½ C Pistachios

1/8 C Sesame Seed

1/4 C Raisins

¼ C Candied Ginger

¼ C Dried Cranberries

¼ C chopped Dried Figs

1/4 C Flax Seeds,

1/4 C Brown Sugar,

1/2 tsp Sea Salt,

1/4 tsp Baking Soda,

1 C Milk

Directions:

• PreHeat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously spray bottom and sides of loaf pan with cooking spray 
• In large bowl, stir flour, almonds, pistachios, raisins,candied ginger, cranberries, flax seeds,sesame seeds, brown sugar, salt and baking soda. Stir in milk. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.
• Bake 55-60 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack. Transfer to freezer and freeze at least 1 hour, or leave to cool.
• Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Remove loaf from pan. Use knife to cut loaf into 1/8-inch thick slices.
• Arrange slices in single layer on baking sheets with parchment or on silpat. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through baking.
• Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

I like to keep a loaf in the freezer, in case we have surprise company. They are best right after you bake them, but will keep in a plastic Tupperware for a week.

Fruit and Nut Crisp for charcuterie boards

 

Things to do in the Bay Area Plus a Calzone Recipe

Travel Day to Mt. Diablo Summit and Fond Memories shared at Turtle Rock Ranch and [Ranch Dressing Recipe]

One of my favorite sites to see on Mt Diablo. A Tarantula!

Calzones

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed or make your own pizza dough
• 2 T butter, melted
• 1 T Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon pizza seasoning
• ¼ pound sliced deli ham
• ¼ pound sliced turkey breast
• 6 thin slices mozzarella cheese
• 6 thin slices cheddar cheese
• Pizza sauce or marinara warmed
• 1 egg beaten plus 1 teaspoon of water for brushing calzone before baking

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray or use a sil pat.  Roll dough into 10×14 inch triangle.  In a small bowl, combine butter, olive oil and seasoning.  Brush dough with butter, olive oil and spice mixture. 

Layer ham, mozzarella cheese, turkey and cheddar cheese lengthwise over half of dough to ½ inch of edges.  Fold dough over and pinch firmly to seal.  Brush with remaining butter and olive oil mixture.  

Bake at 400 degrees F. for 13-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cut into one inch slices and serve with warmed marinara or pizza sauce.  Serve 4.

Variations include: Ricotta Cheese, Sliced Chicken, Pepperoni.

 

Pumpkins & Gourds. It’s Fall Y’ALL and an Au Gratin Recipe

It’s Fall and absolutely gorgeous in the Napa Valley. My husband Ken and I have spent the last couple of weekends up in St. Helena and Calistoga with friends. We only take day trips to avoid the expense of staying the night. Since Ken doesn’t drink, he can drive us safely home the same day. We love the wine country this time of year.

October has been crazy busy getting the garden in shape for the winter. The chickens are always needing a new kind of medicine or something in addition to the normal feed they get. Mabel, one of my original chickens, hasn’t been well for five months, and it’s concerning. We’ve tried all the remedies that have been suggested by my chicken experts, but none of these has brought her back to laying eggs again, The last time I brought a sick chicken to the avian hospital, it cost me over $400.00, two long car drives to Oakley and she still had to be put down. That wasn’t a fun experience because the vet technician wasn’t able to do the deed, and neither was her coworker. I finally had to leave the building, and let them figure it out without me. I’m pretty sure, most farmers cull their own sick chickens, but neither Ken nor I could manage that.

So taking a day trip to Napa is just what we needed to relax. 

Great day for a hike at Bothe Napa State Park with friends

Our friends Marie and Ron joined us last month for a fun filled day of experiencing what St Helena offers. We started out having a bite at Stanly Ranch. If you haven’t been there yet, you must go. The fairly new property is stunning with beds of Fall vegetables, fields of just trimmed lavender, a spa, a coffee house with various special pastries and desserts, and of course the restaurant “Bear” where they serve breakfast, lunch or dinner. Angele the bartender is usually greeting us as we take a seat at her counter. She makes the best palomino gin cocktails, and will make sure you are taken care of. Ken and I shared the burger and a salad instead of the French Fries. Marie and Ron enjoyed their meals as well and we were off to our next destination. I can’t forget to mention they had a pumpkin decorating class in session by the new chicken coop. How fun!

Ken and I love to hike and so do our friends, so we drove to Bothe State Park in St Helena. There is a $10.00 entrance fee to park and two fairly easy walking paths along a creek. I’ve gone there after the rains this time of year and seen tiny frogs crossing the path which is a thrill for me. It’s beautiful there and especially nice to be outside this time of year. 

Me, my husband Ken, and friends Marie and Ron at Bear Restaurant Stanly Ranch Napa Valley

Close by a little further North is Brasswood Bar & Kitchen. Marie had been there before and was familiar with this wonderful place. I love that they have a bakery on site, a very nice wine cellar, delicious red wines, a women’s boutique and restaurant. I find sitting at the bar exhilarating being able to watch the bartenders in action twisting oranges, making shrubs with herbs and adding teeny tiny pansies to their drinks. 

Brasswood’s Chocolate mousse cake for Marie’s birthday

We shared a couple of appetizers and were swayed into ordering their house made mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad. Ron devoured his soup, and the kitchen prepared two beautiful desserts (a butterscotch panna cotta with creme fraiche and a rosemary hazelnut cookie, and a dome of chocolate mousse) to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday. The presentation was spectacular and service was outstanding. I love sharing moments like these and making the day extra special.

Butterscotch Panna Cotta served at Brasswood Bar and Kitchen in St Helena

The Acacia House was next on the agenda, although rarely do I have an agenda. I just keep tabs on my guests and think of where they might enjoy going next. When we arrived, we stepped up to the quaint restored Georgian Farmhouse front porch and walked in. It was a perfect time to drop in since it was in between lunch and dinner time, so there wasn’t a need for a reservation. The three of us had a splash or two of wine and an appetizer or two. Their food is outstanding here and they are generous about giving us an “extra” item from the menu for free, since I’m a food blogger.  We then walked the property exploring what the grounds had to offer. The open outdoor cabana is officially open. This is a fun new addition to the already gorgeous property.

Last but not least, we ventured into a Michelin rated Philip Tessier’s Press Restaurant. I’d never eaten here before and was excited to try it. We didn’t have reservations so we walked up and took seats at the bar. I brought a nice bottle of cabernet from home and they were able to pour it for us for $40.00. Already I felt a little taken back by the cost of opening a bottle of wine, but I didn’t care. It’s still the more economical way of drinking wine at a fancy restaurant. What we didn’t appreciate was being given two menus. One was an autumn tasting menu for $175.00 where the chef chooses the menu for the day. The other menu had a four course menu which you could choose from for each of the courses. This would cost $150.00 per person. Since we had been eating and drinking all day, we weren’t especially hungry. And it was rude of the bartender to not give us an additional option for over 20 minutes. None of us wanted an explosion of food. Eventually, Ken asked if we had any other options to order from a la cart. Each of us picked one item to share between us. It was perfect. I had the matsutake mushroom dish. The mushrooms were raw which was a little off putting, but the broth was fantastic. We also tasted the melon dish since pistachio sounded yummy with it. But this dish  was underwhelming. It’s extra fancy food that is served in a special way. It’s just not that good and I don’t think I will be dining with them again. I know we are in the Napa Valley, but we weren’t expecting the food to be so bougie. 

My beautiful friend Marie and her husband Ron in front of sunflowers in the town of Yountville, California

Overall, I’m overjoyed that my friends Marie and Ron made  time to spend the day with us. We are all about making memories and having experiences when celebrating a birthday. Here’s another blog with photos from Marie and Ron’s son’s wedding and a cake recipe.

Thanks for joining me today and reading my blog. I hope I’ve inspired you to try a new restaurant or take a hike in Napa. Comment below if you have any questions  or want to share where you like to go when in the wine country.

Here is a yummy potato recipe that you must try. I sometimes substitute chicken, vegetable or beef broth for the heavy cream. It’s good either way. I love making these cheesy casserole dishes when I entertain a lot of people. You can dress it up by sprinkling with chopped garlic chives from the garden.

POTATO ONION AU GRATIN

• 6 -10 medium Yukon gold potatoes, sliced thin
• 1/2 large Sweet Onion sliced thin 
• ½ pound Gruyere cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 Cups whipping cream
• 3/4 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a 13X9 baking dish, spray with Pam. Layer the sliced potatoes, onion and Gruyere cheese.  Top with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Carefully add whipping cream around the sides.  

Bake at 400 degrees F. covered with foil for 30 minutes.  Then bake 30 minutes more uncovered.  Serve warm.

Teri 

 

Wine Country with the Kids? Say Yes Everytime.

Lots of catching up to do here on my blog. I can’t wait to share our day in the Napa Valley with my husband Ken, Tim, Tammy and their kids. It’s the first time I have taken three youngsters with me to the wine country. The last trip with kids there was with our other nephew Dan and his wife Beverly and their two kids Zander and Daphne, which I have yet to write about. The wine country never disappoints. 

On this special occasion a month ago, we celebrated Tammy. It’s the first time I’ve taken her and her family out. Tammy is originally from Hong Kong and has been in the Smyth family for more than Ten Years. She married our nephew Tim, who works as a lawyer and is a phenomenal dad and husband. It’s not the first time our family has married someone with an Asian descent. Ken’s sister Terri Ann married Hanson Louie over 36 years ago. They had three children, Laura, Michelle and Peter. I met Ken and was introduced to the family when Laura was just a wee child, probably only a year or so. She is now in her mid to late 30’s and was just married a few months ago. We are so happy for her.

“The Gavel” Coffee Shop at Stanly Ranch Napa Valleyhttp://www.letsmakemudpies,wordpress.com

We drove to Martinez, got organized with all the books, snacks and toys, and transferred to the minivan where we all made our way to Stanly Ranch. I wanted to make sure Angel at the bar made a special birthday drink for Tammy. Angel and I are bff’s and she always hooks me up with the best cocktail while visiting her bar at The Bear, the restaurant at Stanly Ranch. What’s great about this place is they have a coffee house “Gavel” which has coffee and pastries for your pleasure. You can start out your day right in the Napa Valley, by stopping off here. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the chess game which the girls were automatically attracted to. My husband Ken immediately went into the role of uncle and taught them how to play. I persuaded Tim and Tammy to check out the grounds at Stanly Ranch while we attended to the kids. There are fields of lavender, a gorgeous herb and vegetable garden, a spa up the hill and much much more.

They have lots of activities to keep the kids busy. Corn hole, ping pong, a huge vegetable garden, lots of lawn to run and play on site are just a few activities Stanly Ranch offers. The pumpkin farm at Stanly Lane just a block away hadn’t open yet, and that was disappointing for the kids, but we made the best of it. We ordered them hot chocolate with whipped cream and a pastry to keep them occupied.

Next up was Oakville Grocery, where the kids could hang out and color and play with the toys I brought from home out on the courtyard, while I gave Tim and Tammie an introduction to the Oakville Grocery Wine Merchant where they could taste a variety of wines from the valley. We ordered them a pizza from their wood fired grille and Tim and Tammy got to have a few private moments to themselves. Before we left, we got a photo or two of the handsome couple with grape vines in the background and photos with their kids with the pumpkin which will be on our photo wall for years to come. 

Great Nieces having a little Scrabble Game moment at The Estate in Yountvillehttp://www.letsmakewordpress.com

Next up was the town of Yountville, where we took the family on a tour of many of the fine hotels. First up, was the Estate where we took the back route and walked through the gardens and water feature. I didn’t realize The Estate had a new bar, pool room area, and board games in their lobby for patrons to enjoy. We must have stayed there for at least two hours enjoying each other’s company, getting to know the kids better and relaxing in the practically vacant lobby. 

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These are the moments where I swear my mother in law Nilda, who we lost 3 years ago in October during Covid, in heaven is watching over us and guiding us into moments like these. The kids had an absolute blast learning to play pool, scrabble and snack on treats like fresh cookies, Peanut M&M’s and more which were free in the lobby. We bought the kids Shirley Temples, I ordered a red wine which I tend to stick with to keep my tummy happy, and Tim and Tammy got their favorite cocktail or wine of choice. 

On the walk back to the van, I had to take them through The Bardessono Hotel and Lucy Bar. It’s one of my favorite places to go while in the town of Yountville. The gate to the pool was wide open, so we were able to take them onto the property and show them around. We had decided to have dinner at the Italian Restaurant Il Posto down the road where I thought the kids would find something they would like on the menu. 

I was first introduced to this place many years ago when my dad asked me to attend a Veterans Day event at the Veterans home. My Dad knew this event would be of interest to me, since the best restaurants of the valley supply the food and wine for the special event. Unfortunately, only veterans can attend, but I was able to sneak in under the radar and pour coffee as a volunteer. Dad was trying to share his meal with me, but instead, I was invited to stop by Lucy Restaurant and have a dessert. The pastry chef provided the dessert for the Veterans day meal, and I was happy to learn about them. This happened over twelve years ago and I still remember trying all three of their desserts for lunch. They were out of this world delicious and I have made my way back to that destination ever since. They also make a mean espresso martini which my niece Marie has enjoyed.

Our last stop before driving back to the Bay Area was Il Posto Trattoria. I love this place because of its ambiance, vibe and location. It’s right off Hwy 29, the perfect place to stop and end your wine country experience. The kids were happy coloring their menus and us adults got to relax and take in the great local farm to table fresh ingredients. It’s always nice to end the meal with an affogato (vanilla ice cream with espresso). I do like to bring my own wine to dinners like these since they sometimes waive the corkage fee. Even so, it’s almost always less expensive to share a bottle than to have to purchase one at the restaurant. These are the few ways we can afford to enjoy the luxuries of the wine country on a budget.

Yeay for me, who finally wrote another blog. I’m happy to share my experiences with you and inspire you to indulge in the good life while living in the Bay Area. 

Thanks for joining me and reading my blog. It means a lot and I am always in constant awe of the love and support I’m given here on my WordPress site. Don’t forget to spend a little time with your loved ones and why not make it happen in Northern California? Hope to see you soon friends.

 

Welcome to My Bread Making Classroom and Grain Walks in Maine and Petaluma California

It’s been a while since I’ve written. Life moves fast and sometimes we don’t make blog writing a priority. Between working, gardening, farming, keeping up a home and caring for my husband, I haven’t stopped. There have been funerals, engagements, weddings, birthday celebrations to prepare for, beekeeping classes and more. It doesn’t matter. I’m back.

My husband Ken and me and our cousin Michael and Alexandra’s weddinghttps://letsmakemudpies.wordpress.com

I reported in my last blog that I would share recipes from my Maine Kneading Conference in Skowhegan Maine. I took classes all week and started with Lower East Side Manhattan’s Jaqueline Eng’s sourdough bread class at Kennebec College. I may have paid extra for this course, since it involved dinner with the bakers/instructors. Jacqueline owns Party Bus Bake Shop in New York City. She was young and fun and gave explicit instructions on how to form your loaf and even talked about the math and particular ratios that you need to make a sourdough loaf. I was out of my league. Tired to take notes. Maybe even took a video of her explaining how to change hydration, etc… I walked away defeated. But I’m a beginner, I have to remind myself. Whenever I’ve baked bread, I’m a rule breaker. I add an egg (from my girlfriends in the coop), dry milk, olive oil, butter, salt, sometimes molasses, or beer. You name it, I’ve added it to my sourdough loaves. That’s what’s so great about baking. When you have been doing it as long as I have, you have the courage to break the rules. Someone like my husband Ken, would be better at sourdough. He would follow directions exactly, and not change a thing. But that’s no fun.

Jacqueline Eng’s Bakers Math

Let’s go back to how the trip to Maine actually started. I asked my husband to confirm how to get the key, since he made the reservation. It was too late to call the night before we left, so in the morning, while I was packing, I called the VRBO. A man answered and informed me, his son lives in the VRBO now because of a divorce. He thought he had taken it off the website. 

I quickly ran to the office where my husband works. He was in the middle of a training lesson and couldn’t help me. So, I called my good friend Nancy Solomon, who is a travel agent. She promptly made a few calls and booked another VRBO 30 minutes away from the conference. I was grateful. I could finish packing and get driven to the airport by Ken and pick up my son Curtis. Nancy makes my life easier. Here was my trip with Nancy in Iceland.

Spent the weekend before in Calabasas in Southern California. My Aunt Teri and I had attended her son Michael’s bride Alexandra’s bridal shower. My Aunt Teri and I drove to Southern California on Saturday, attended the beautiful shower on Sunday and drove home on Monday. We were graciously invited to stay with the bride’s mother Saundra. My Aunt Teri and I love to travel together. She is like a mouse. Super quiet. I toss and turn, but she never snores or moves an inch.

Ken drove Curtis and I landed in Boston late July 25th. We stayed at a hotel in Boston, then got a shuttle to the rental car place at the airport the following morning. Curtis scored a 2023 Q50s Infiniti by talking the sales guy into an upgrade. We took off for our destination, only stopping in Freeport Maine for chocolates at A. Wilbur’s of Maine and lunch at Tuscan Bistro. Had to buy the chocolate covered blueberries, liquorice and a few dark chocolates with caramel.

A. Wilbur’s Of Maine Chocolates https://www.wilburs.com/

Curtis dropped me off at Kennebec Community College a few hours later and he then checked in to our VRBO in Heartland Maine. The place was located on Moose Lake. It was out in the middle of nowhere. My only two complaints were the wet dog hair smell in the house and how there wasn’t a bathroom upstairs. Each time we needed to use the bathroom, Curtis and I both had to walk down these creaky steps to the other side of the house. Overall, we were grateful to have a place to sleep, since our plans had changed at the last minute.

Don Guerra gave the keynote speech after a hearty breakfast made by Beesham Soogrim from Sweden also known as Beesham the Baker and his staff at the Skowhegan State Fair. Don’s speech about his start in his “garage bakery”was inspiring and started off our week with a positive message and warmth. Don is an internationally known baker, educator and advocate for local food systems. Similar to Berkeley’s own Alice Waters and Chez Panisse (a blog about her restaurant and mission here ), he is passionate about providing heritage grains to the local community and beyond. He has taught at the University of Arizona and affiliated with the seed to table program at Tucson Village Farm. He’s a James Beard Award winner, the founder of Barrio Bread, an artisan bakery in Tuscon Arizona. His newest enterprise will be bringing Sonoran wheat sourdough bagels, baguettes, breads and more to the new Gilbert location in Phoenix at Hayden Flour Mills’ kitchen one day a week. He is happy to be collaborating with Vermont’s Emma Zimmerman the co-founder and who recently received a James Beard nomination this year for her book “The Miller’s Daughter.” She was also involved at Amber Lambke’s co-founder of Maine Grain Alliance’s Kneading Conference and stood out sporting a dress made with an Arizona grain bag. Just stunning and so creative!

Here is Emma Zimmerman and Sheep and baker, wool curator at North Star Farm’s Lopez Island Washington

We ate well, trying several types of bread for the next three days. Beesham Soogrim shared his Walnut Bread recipe and his Beetroot Bread recipe which I have yet to try. He teaches sourdough master classes online and has a You Tube Channel. Andrew Janjigian (also known as wordloaf on Instagram) prepared his Armenian Tahini Spirals substituting mochi flour (or glutinous rice flour) instead of whole wheat. Andrew sells a popular Bread Baker’s Pocket Companion which provides conversion tables, formulas and bread recipes. I’m most excited to make this tahini spirals, since I’ve never tried baking anything like this before.

Nora Allen from Mel the Bakery in New York taught a rye bread (Smoorebrod) workshop at Maine Grain Alliance’s Kneading Conference. She shared a handout on Rye since she had a class on rye bread. Chef Ashley Patino from Pizza Bones in Richmond, Virginia Gave a pizza making class, and The Maine Meal taught a pasta class and explained how they got involved with a farm to school lunch program in Skowhegan during the pandemic. Of course they use Maine Grains flours and their pastas and soups can be found at the Belfast Farmers Market in Skowhegan.

Nora’s Rye Bread

Nora Allen from Mel the Bakery

T wo of the classes at Kneading conference

I barely caught the end of Alex Bois’ flat bread class. Alex is from Lost Bread Company in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He owns a bakery (Howard Street currently closed, but reopening soon) and mill and sells his breads and pastries at a few New York Farmers Markets and four Farmers Market locations in Philadelphia. Alex makes a smoked potato knish, a hominy biscuit, a buckwheat cherry loaf, a whole grain croissant, a spelt hand pie, pretzle shortbreads and more. My son Curtis and I had a lengthy conversation with Alex while running into him at Bloomfield’s Tavern, the local bar in Skohegan, Maine.

My son Curtis and Chef Alex Bois from Lost Bread Co.

One morning I woke up extra early for a Grain Walk with Richard Roberts a grain expert. He took us to a wheat farm similar to Tara Firma Farms in Petaluma which I haven’t written about yet. They grow the grain for their non-profit Honore’ Farm and Mills. Last May, Ken and I went to a community Hourani wheat, and Jaljuli planting day led by Mary Giles. Mark Squire co-owner of Tara Firma Farm shared his farm story.This day deserves a blog to itself and I promise to share more.

Mary Giles of Honore Farms and Mill and Mark Squire of Tara Firma Farms Petaluma

The best day was taking a drive into Skowhegan where I had lunch at The Millers Table Cafe and Bakery. The Maine Grain Mill was closed for tours that day, but the dry goods store was open. I had a ball looking at all of the gifts, books about growing grain and Maine Grain’s offerings. I would love to write more on this beautiful place as well. What was most inspiring was their library of cookbooks which were free to the public to check out. I was mesmerized by all of the famous authors and writers and wished I could have rented out a few.

Thanks for all the support and for taking the time to read my blog. It means the world. I’ve barely scratched the surface of writing about the Kneading Conference. Let’s see if I get my chef drive back into the kitchen to whip up a loaf. You know i will share it on Instagram, so keep a watch out.

Teri

 

Hiking in Utah with friends and Ritual Chocolate

Last August, we joined my husband’s family in Jackson Hole Wyoming for four days and then traveled to Yellowstone National Park for five days. We drove and also stopped for an overnight in Utah at our good friends the Tustings place. If you’ve never been to Utah, then you will want to know what to do while in this fabulous destination. Here is a blog from my latest hiking adventure in the Napa Valley.

We got an early start on a Monday and made it to North Springville by dinner in twelve hours, stopping several times for bathroom breaks, snacks, coffee and more. The Tustings had a nice ahi tuna poke dinner waiting for us when we arrived. Johnny is quite the cook. We brought them jalapeno peach jam, bread and dessert. I can’t remember what. We chatted and got caught up on what’s happening with their kids, grand kids and their new house build project in the most beautiful remote picturesque spot in Utah. We’ve known them for over 33 years and raised our kids together, seeing their daughter get married, etc…

My husband Ken, Karen, me and Johnny after the hike near the Sundance Mountain Resort

The next day we got a tour of their incredible property, and then they took us on a gorgeous hike called Stewarts Cascade Trail. We spotted grasshoppers, mullein, mushrooms, and even a cicada insect. We ended our hike at the Sundance Mountain Resort where Karen works as a hiker guide. Both Johnny and Karen retired to move closer to Karen’s family, yet decided to find jobs again to keep them entertained. These two are in excellent physical shape. Karen was a personal trainer for thirty years and Johnny has always been physically active fishing, hunting and keeping up with Karen. We adore them and are bummed that they moved so far away.

One of the many photos on the wall of Robert Redford at the Owl Bar at Sundance Resort

We ended our hike by the pond at the Owl Bar where we met Karen after her shift.This property was owned by Robert Redford who was committed to a balance of art, nature and community until Dec 2020 when he sold it. They still have Art, Music and Food Festivals during the summer, hiking and people can ski there in the winter. The Owl Bar has antique wood sculptures and some that had been in Robert’s movies. There was a fancy Indian theme restaurant which I would have loved to eat at, but we were in our hiking clothes, so we settled for a drink at the bar.

Old fashioned bar at the Owl Bar at Sundance Resort with fancy beers on tap

After a nice shower, we joined up with Karen’s parents at their community pool for pizza. It was a pleasant visit and fun to get to see our friends again. I didn’t swim much as I’m not a big water person. I’d pretty much do anything besides wear a bathing suit and go swim.

Me in my happy place with https://letsmakemudpies.wordpress.com the decadent hot chocolate drink and Complete Chocolate Collection from Ritual Chocolate

We made it to Park City Ritual Chocolates and had to buy the entire collection of chocolate bars, a few savory pastries and their sipping chocolate. Ken stayed in the car to avoid seeing me spend our hard earned money. I shared many of the chocolate bars with the family while in Wyoming. Shumway Farm Store in Afton Wyoming  was a fun place to visit. They sold ice cream, Icelandic Skyr Coconut and Lemon Yogurt and more. 

I will have to finish the rest of this blog at a later date. I have an appointment to get to.

Thanks for joining me in the fun.

Teri

 

Raising Chickens on Smyth Family Farm plus CBD in Portland

 We are back from our Oregon trip. We had a great time exploring the towns of Roseburg, Portland and Ashland. As I’m sitting here, I’m hearing our bantam cochin rooster Peepers cockadoodle doo. This is why I’m writing today, as I’m frustrated with our farm.

I am supposed to be relaxed and all rested up from our vacation. It was stressful getting the farm ready to leave for our two son’s to take over. My husband even made an extra large coop for our garage, so the kids wouldn’t have to truck the chicks up the hill and down the hill every day. 

Everything went smoothly while we were away. I’m not complaining, but we have a lot to maintain here with all of our chickens, plants, vegetables and fruit trees. Just before we left, the ground squirrels destroyed many branches off my fairly new bing cherry tree. The cherries weren’t even ripe yet, and these damn rodents snapped off fragile limbs of this poor tree. They also destroyed a six foot hollyhock perennial that was just getting ready to bloom. They are biennials and take a year and a half to bloom. 

The hard part is that these critters reproduce quickly. I saw a new group of babies eating my collard, broccoli, strawberry patch finding a new home just underneath the bed. They make a constant loud shriek noise that drives me crazy. Last year was the first year we discovered them here on the farm. They’ve always lived in the open space, just not right behind our yard. They ate all of my pumpkin plants and much more.

This year, not only are we putting cages under our plants to protect from the gophers, but we are also keeping wire and netting above and around each plant. This becomes tedious and a real chore especially for my husband who helps me a lot. I get upset when these precious leaves from expensive plants get eaten even when they have protection around them. It’s practically impossible to grow anything. Yet, I keep trying because I love growing my own food. 

In today’s world, I feel it is especially important to know where your food is coming from. This is also why I have chickens and am able to get fresh eggs from them. It’s not easy caring for them. I’m always hyper aware of any weird noise from them in case there is a predator near them. 

Since we have been home, we’ve learned three of our chicks are roosters. We took a chance when we bought them from Alchemist Farm in Petaluma. Only one of the breeds were guaranteed to be hens and those were the Bielefelders. Luckily, we will still have three hens that will grow up with our three other 2.5 year old chickens Mabel, Mary Kate and Bee Bee.

Bee Bee is having the hardest time acclimating to the new chicks. She keeps attacking them and chasing them and I’m scared she will hurt them. I wasn’t worried about having roosters because I’ve been told they are welcome at the ranch in Auburn where Scooby went two years ago. We learned the sad news two weeks ago that a coyote got Scooby. We loved that rooster, but know that these things happen and we have to harden our hearts so we don’t get too attached.

Today, I learned the Auburn ranch cannot accommodate our three roosters. I cannot keep them, even though two of them happen to be my favorite. Peepers and Tweety are the small feathered Bantam Cochins and I’ve tried really hard not to fall in love with them. We didn’t do enough research before selecting them, because they will have quail sized eggs. And mostly I’m worried how they will adapt on the next farm being so small.

I let the older chickens run free in my garden where they are the happiest. They are finding bugs, worms and eating to their hearts desire. I see a female deer behind the house in the open space and they don’t seem to mind the ground squirrels. 

Of course I still have to worry a hawk might get them when they are in the unprotected part of the garden. I’m trying to be brave and let nature take its course since I can’t be with them every second.

Am I meant to be a farmer? I’m still not sure. Maybe I will cut a flower arrangement for my mom and bring them to her. I will need to find a farm to re home our roosters as well.

Before I go, I’d better fill you in on the last two days in Portland. After dropping off my husband at work, I drove to Saint Honore’ Boulangerie. I sat and watched the bakers roll out the sourdough loaves while enjoying half of an apple pastry, half of a lemon blueberry pastry and half of a Kouigin-aminn. I’ve been following this place on Instagram for some time and couldn’t wait to taste their offerings. They also sold quiches, panini’s,a few types of baguette sandwiches like what you see in France. I found two consignment stores in the Nob Hill district called Simple & Just and Seams To Fit. I found a few new summer dresses that I could afford since they were half the price. I was the first customer at Seams to Fit since that day was their opening day. The women there were helpful and patient with me while I shopped for a couple of hours. I had to re park my car, so I didn’t get a ticket. I love buying second hand items. I haven’t bought anything from a department store in years.

Cannabis items at Oregon Weedery in Portland Oregon

Transdermal patches and TCH Topical Oils at Oregon Weedery in Portland Oregon

Just down a few blocks was another great shopping area. I found Oregon Weedery and was happy to purchase edible gummies to help me sleep, stativa seeds and an indica cannabis oil so I can make my own treats. I love checking out these stores whenever I travel. Each one has something new and different and I enjoy learning more about the herb and what it offers. They sold CBD Transdermal patches by Synergy Skin Worx. Peak Extracts Rescue Rub looked interesting too. I didn’t know you could buy a cannabis infused bath bomb either. Who knew? Here’s another blog on cannabis from the last time we traveled to Portland in case you want to hear about Electric Lettuce. I experienced a black lavender fog tea drink at Steven Smith Teakmaker to help me stay awake. I grabbed a piece of pizza across the street at Escape from New York Pizza and loved every bite. The Meadow sold cool gifts like flower arrangements, chocolates, salts, cookbooks and bitters.

Amazing CAKE at Papa Haydn Restaurant in Portland Oregon

On my way to pick up my husband, I drove past Elephants Delicatessen and had to go in. This business has been around for over 43 years and it is something special. They offer specialty items and have a soup bar, a deli case, a dessert bar and more. I found my favorite salted caramel chocolate bar from Wildwood Chocolate and bought two. Lastly, I ran into Papa Haydn Restaurant and took a photo of their delicious dessert display. I saw some sort of marion berry filled torte with white chocolate shards, a lemon citrus cake with vanilla frosting a raspberry gateau and peanut brittle. Wow. I hope we can eat there when we travel to Oregon again someday.

Thanks for reading. 

Teri

Me showing off my slice of pizza from Escape from New York Pizza

 

Coffee, Pastry and Chocolate in Oregon

I’m sitting here at Grounded NW Coffee and Teas writing while my husband Ken works at the Chevron Refinery today. Today’s blog will be about the people and places we’ve explored the last few days while in Oregon. Here is a blog post from the last time we were in Portland Oregon.

My son Curtis drove us to the Oakland Airport to rent a car last Monday Memorial Day. From there we stopped a few times for gas, restroom breaks and to switch drivers. We had brought leftover sandwiches from Ike’s Deli to eat on the way up North. Ken doesn’t enjoy eating in the car, but will occasionally go with the flow and break the rules if I’m convincing enough.

After about six hours on the road we arrived in Roseburg, Oregon. It was 4:15PM and our B&B Terraluna had requested we give them an approximate time of arrival. To be clear, James and Gail wanted an exact time of arrival and kept texting us throughout the day. When we got there, they offered ice cold sangria with bourbon and fresh raspberries and a non-alcoholic sparkling rhubarb drink for Ken.

Terraluna Bed and Breakfast in Roseburg Oregon

James asked if we wanted to get settled before he gave us a tour of the 100 year old Victorian property. We were ready for whatever surprises he had for us and followed him into the music room. The house was filled with classical music when we walked in and James proceeded to show us his musical collection with great enthusiasm. His love for music was contagious and he had some fancy antique equipment to show off. As if this wasn’t enough entertainment, James then took us into the formal living room where he started the movie Guardians of the Galaxy II and we enjoyed the upgraded surround sound Bose speaker system for about fifteen minutes.

Eventually, Gail led us into the back patio garden where she had to scare away the turkey who was trying to eat her plants. They shared the story of their fancy greenhouse where they had rare houseplants and had recently kept their new vegetable starts from freezing. We chattered about the destructive squirrels, deer, and racoons that frequent our gardens and how to control them.

Passing enormous ancient azaleas, rhododendrons, peach tree, tall Oriental lilies and Japanese Maple trees we walked down the brick path to the rose and vegetable garden. We learned the story about the sewer system that crashed on Thanksgiving a few years back and more. 

Gail grows many types of tomatoes, kale, cucumbers, marigolds, squash on the roof so the deer don’t eat them, peppers, and Lincoln roses which Gail makes a jelly with every year. I also spotted California poppies, rhubarb, “love in a Mist” flowers, rosemary, mint, onions, beans, dahlias and strawberries. 

Elegant breakfast table setting at Terraluna B&B

James and Gail at Terraluna in Roseburg gave us a warm welcome of which we’ve never experienced before. They truly enjoy owning a B&B, but looked a little tired and weary from all the work. We were warned to be on time for breakfast at 8:30AM the next morning and that coffee would be served in the hallway an hour before. Beethoven would be playing if we didn’t get up and as it was, James played some annoying Christmas music at 8:00AM. He was a Marine in his younger years who played clarinet in the band while he was in the service. His wife Gail was an ICU nurse who raised her three children on her own as a single parent. I kept finding similarities between her and my own Mother who also raised me and my three siblings without financial help from my father in the 1970’s. My mother and her husband Tom also live in a one hundred year old house with a functional basement and adorable wrap around porch. I digress…

Sashimi and adobo lime chicken dish at True Kitchen & Bar

I forgot to mention we ate at True Kitchen & Bar for dinner. Chef Rodney was just leaving as we were seated. The owners Brad and Lisa Carens have a nice menu and the vibe is clean, happy and modern. We had the Southwest salad, ahi sashimi tuna, scallops and adobo-lime chicken. I had a glass of Trella Gruner Veltliner grown locally which paired well with my meal. Back at Terraluna James was waiting for our return on the front porch. He greeted us and invited us onto the back patio for a small glass of port, a coconut crust with lemon curd dessert and a warm fire in the brick fireplace. We relaxed and then retired early to get a good nights rest.

Dinner at True Kitchen and Bar in Roseburg Oregon

Breakfast at Terraluna consisted of Peets Major Dickenson coffee, Dutch babies with homemade rhubarb compote, sausage and grapefruit orange juice. Ken had mango juice and plenty of water. Gail and James sat down with us and we had a lovely breakfast while we got to know them a little better. Gail has a wedding cake to prepare for her daughter’s wedding in a week. We were happy to meet them, stay at Terraluna and be pampered for one night. It should be mentioned that we have great nieces with the names “Terra” and “Luna” whom we see regularly at family parties.

Before leaving town, we stopped into Umpqua Sweets & Treats in Roseburg and met the owner Mandi Dolan. We talked about chocolate while Ken waited on a bench outside. I enjoy hearing about the local businesses and what they specialize in. Howl and Whistle Flower Farm leave their flower bouquets in the candy shop for the subscribers to pick up. I purchased the dark chocolate caramels with sea salt for gifts. Father’s day is coming up and my step dad Tom loves chocolate. Mandi also sells dairy free Inspired Artisan Cocoas, icecream, hand dipped truffles and fudge. She and her husband lived in Crocket and she worked in Walnut Creek before opening the shop in Oregon. It’s a small world.

Wool fiber display at Little Hawk Yarns

Just down the block I came across Little Hawk Yarns. The owner Kat Tylee works with yak wool and local sheep farms to provide the best yarn for the community. She will be teaching a local farmer’s daughter how to spin wool and make yarn with Babydoll Southdown Sheep “Penelope” and “Bonnie.” She was inspired to have a yarn shop because her dad did all of the knitting, sewing and crocheting while Kat was growing up. She even has a beautiful feather tatooed on her arm to signify a little hawk feather and the love she has for the craft.

On our way up to Portland, Mandi had recommended stopping at Creswell Bakery in Eugene. There we ordered the ham and cheese pretzel, the chicken pot pie hand pie, a croissant for Ken’s breakfast tomorrow and a ginger molasses cookie for me. The pot pie was fabulous, made with organic chicken, onions, carrots, celery and peas in a crispy pastry. They sell Camas Country stone milled club wheat pastry flour, breads and pastries, local wines, toasted hazelnuts and gifts. I was surprised to see a Mountain Rose Herb tea selection for sale. I have been listening to Mountain Rose Herbs Herbal Radio for a while and enjoy learning about healing herbs since I grow many of them at Smyth Family Farm. 

I was happy to discover this enormous herb shop was only twelve minutes down the road from the bakery. Ken assumed his place on a bench outside the store and I bought an herb bible, cardamon, lemongrass, thyme and more. I was tempted to buy the arnica essential oil for the arthritis in my toe, but kept my purchase to a minimum.

We stayed at the Marriott Bonvoy Hi-Lo Hotel in Portland and walked several blocks to Morton’s Steakhouse for an early dinner. Ken and I shared a Caesar salad, he had the lobster raviolis and I had a steak and baked potato. We took a Lyft ride back to the hotel since it was dark.

I dropped Ken off at his Portland office the next morning after we went to Blue Star donuts to get treats for his coworkers. I ventured about town with the rental car, got gas and ended up at Grounded NW Coffee and Teas for hot chocolate made with Hollander Chocolate. I sampled the olive oil donut from Blue Star and it was light and melt in my mouth delicious.

There are so many cool places to write about in Portland and I look forward to sharing my excursions with you. Recipes will have to wait until next time. I’m hoping to find fun thrift shops to go to nearby while Ken is at work.

I’m grateful our boys Curtis and Andrew can watch over the farm while we are away. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the last days of Spring before the weather heats up.

Teri

 

Smyth Family Farm Celebrates Easter

It’s been quite a week! Two Easter parties with family on both sides the last two Sundays. My family’s party was a week ago, and Ken’s was yesterday. We’ve cooked, baked, cleaned, decorated with Easter bunnies, colored eggs, and generally had fun. I’ve baked focaccia, choux buns with asiago cheese, prepared jello molds, ham with pineapple and cherries, salads, made twice baked potatoes, cooked asparagus, pasta salad, and vegetable platters. For dessert I’ve made a bunny shaped carrot cake recipe here, a shortbread crust pie filled with cheesecake and fresh  raspberries and strawberries, made a lemon meringue pie with my son Andrew and his girlfriend Shannnon, baked a cheesecake with orange zest sugar, a blueberry compote, and a lemon curd with whipped cream folded in. I was able to form white chocolate bunny molds and my brother in law Dan was able to salvage two of them, minus an ear. I purchased an antique mold two years ago in Yountville and haven’t exactly mastered them yet.

My Mom Diane and Dad Ron having a moment on Easter

Easter is my favorite holiday. We haven’t been to church lately, but I still celebrate family and make it as special as possible. My three week old baby chicks were a huge hit, as well as my older chickens, Mabel, Mary Kate and Bee Bee. We’ve had lots of people naming the chicks. Some of the names are Stallion “Staly”, Lucia “LuLu”, Peepers, Tiger, Peanut Butter, Cocoa, Rocky and Zetrous which I can never remember.

Shannon and Andrew holding chicks Tweety and Peepers

We haven’t had many day trips, as I have had a virus for the last five weeks. Since the weather finally changed and it is now Spring, my allergies are getting to me. I’ve attended the Great Tomato Sale with the Master Gardeners and bought many varieties of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, artichoke, and herbs. I grew many myself starting in mid February and plenty have done well, others have not. I think I over fertilized them this time. It’s tricky and challenging, but I’m learning. I grew Black Icicle cherry tomato plants, Sparkle Peppers, Peach Jalapeno Pepper, and larkspur flowers. I lost the Peruvian peppers plants which my neighbor Zoila gave me. She recommended growing the seeds in May and I decided to be a rule breaker and plant them too early. Peppers really love the heat and it has been cold and rainy for months. There has been a record amount of snow in Tahoe since the 1950’s. We aren’t big skiers, so we haven’t gone there since last Summer when I went with my sister.

My niece Kendall Choate. She usually hates photos, but let me take this with the French Copper Maran chicks

I’ve planted more wheat cover crops, since the other varieties are already knee high. It’s been a long winter and I’m over the rain. I should be able to plant my seedlings this week as long as the soil is 65 degrees for three days.

Nephew Vince, niece Josie and niece Marie with baby chicks on Easter Sunday 2023

I hope all of you have enjoyed Spring break and celebrated the holiday in your own traditional way.

Seamon/Smyth Family from the back left. Cousin Anthony Caprasecca, son Curtis Smyth, niece Marie Dagnese, cousin David Morabito, nephew Vince Dagnese, Brother in law James Choate, aunt Teri Caprasecca.

Second row from the left: Son Andrew Smyth, his girlfriend Shannon Lin, sister Julie Choate, Brother Rick Scofield, Momther Diane Scofield/Partlow, sister Susan Dagnese, Step dad Tom Partlow, uncle Bill Caprasecca

front row: Uncle Joe Morabito, Me Teri Smyth, sister in law Alyson Scofield and her daughter my niece Josie Scofield. Jasmine Scofield my niece isn’t in this photo since she has cut us out of her family

Sorry about the late holiday post. Having baby chicks is a lot of work. Four of them are possibly boys or roosters. I think Peepers is definitely a boy because we hear a funny crowing noise from him in the morning. Luckily, the auburn ranch where Scooby Doobie Doo ended up will take any roosters for us.

Enjoy what is left of spring. The weather is heating up during the day and will be up to 86 degrees here in Walnut Creek today.

Thanks for reading. Hope to hear from you in the comments below.