More Ham Balls Please...

 

After the holidays, I usually try to bust out these incredible Ham Balls. I was introduced to these delicacy afew years back by a friend of ours. Then a fabulous blog follower named Hilarie, was kind enough to share her family recipe with the Farmstead. They are simply superb! An ingenious way to use up that leftover ham from Thanksgiving; And you can freeze them for later use. I ground up the ham in a Food Grinder Attachment, that hooks right into my Stand Mixer (worth its weight in gold, I also will be using this attachment for home aid sausages that are soon to come). If this is not an option for you, you can always go visit your local butcher, and I am sure he/she will be happy to accommodate all your grinding needs.

 

Thank you again Hilarie and Family for sharing this excellent family recipe!

 

 

 

 

Ham Balls

.8 lb. ground ham

.67 lb. ground lean pork (not sausage)

.33 lb. ground lean beef

1 egg

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup milk

Combine these ingredients and shape into little miniature loaves. These can be put in the freezer unbaked and brought out just as you need them.

SAUCE:

(I would use half of this recipe for two or three people; I just used half of this recipe the other night when I fixed four little loaves for us)

1 can Tomato soup

1/4 + 2 T. cider vinegar

1 t. ground mustard

1 1/4 c. brown sugar

Heat sauce--pour over meatballs and bake at 350 for 60 minutes. It takes the full 60 minutes to get the meat done. You can spoon the sauce over the balls one time during the baking. (When I make half the sauce recipe, I freeze the remaining tomato soup and take it out the next time I make this sauce)

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Caramel Apple Muffins

 

These rustic Caramel Apple Muffins are simply Divine! A true seasonal staple of fall is the luscious Caramel Apple. This rendition was exceedingly scrumptious. Multiple components uniting to form a lucrative masterpiece of sorts. Each layer producing a flavorful burst of addictive compliments in your mouth. Giving into an almost Ecstasy state of mind.

 

The muffins are exceptional my peeps.

 

You have the combination of sweet from the caramel, tartness is enhanced from the apples and salty is protrade by the addictive pecans. A definite delightful seasonal treat.

 

 

 

 

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

FF

 

Program Note;  I need to lay off the romance novels. I digress.

Did I Miss Halloween?

 

My absence is due primarily to alittle thing I call, Northern Vacation. Baby D and I headed up north Halloween day and thus have just returned to the home front.

 

Is it really Thanksgiving next week?

 

I should have started my Christmas shopping like yesterday. Darn my procrastinating tendencies.

 

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Knock You Naked Brownies

 

Such a clever little name! Did it grab your attention?  Well, it definitely caught our interest here at the farmstead. I am always on high alert for the "Next Best" brownie. To say this would suffice, would be discrediting the recipes sheer brilliance. As mother time is usually of the essence, I find it reassuring when I come across recipes that are of the "box" decent. You can jazz them up in a variety of ways, yet the tedious component is already taken care of for you. This is one of those grand recipes.

 

If you would like to omit one step of this recipe, I would suggest, instead of melting your caramels. Purchase the little round balls of caramels not even melting or using milk, then pour them between layers. Works like a charm!

 

 

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Spooktacular Recipes...

 

Eyes Of Newt

 

 

 

Eye Ball Meatballs

 

Pumpkin Gems

 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Pondering Halloween Candy?

 

Breadstick Bones

 

Ghostly Delightful Shepards Pie

 

Witches Hat.

 

Now these are just some of the ever growing recipes that I have collected throughout the years. Be sure to check out my new and improved "A Farmslife Cooking" site for many, many more concoctions.

 

Have a Spooktactular Day,

Farming Fabulously

Herman, MO.

 

Last weekend we had an amazing trip to Hermann, MO. We are all posers can't you tell? No one was camera shy within this group of lovey ladies. Lots of legs and boots, happen.

 

We frequented numerous wineries and sampled just about all of the local wine flare. Adam Punchta Winery, has always been on of our favorites.

 

Festive decorations were spread throughout all of Hermann, it was absolutely gorgeous.

 

The picture above was taken in front of our guesthouse, The Stone Giraffe. It was an incredible establishment; A modern, yet classy venue that showcased scenic views over looking a vast arrays of bluffs. I highly recommend.

 

OakGlenn is absolutely phenomenal! We adored this picturesque venue, with live entertainment. It was a great time had by all. Now I must sign off, as I am still in the recovery process.

 

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms..

 

I am so ecstatic! A cherished friend of mine is going to be getting married this spring. We have been close friends for over ten years now. And no matter how many miles are between us, we still seem to be inseparable. And even though we don't get a chance to chat as often as we would like, we can still pick up right were we leave off. She is my Norwegian soul sister, and I am thrilled to be apart of her special day.

 

Alas, before the wedding you must have a Bachelorette Party. Well, that will be taking place this weekend. All of the ladies are going to waltzing  around the wine district of a quaint little town simply named, Hermann, MO. With rolling hills, rushing rivers, beautiful fall foliage, and an ample amount of appropriate beverages; What could be more perfect? We will be residing in a fabulous little guesthouse, with full trolley access to all accommodating vineyards. Yet as guests to our fabulous bride, each of us comes bearing gifts. An appetizer of your choice and some sentimental/precious/prized/heart-felt, or who am I kidding, eccentric/dirty/quirky/embarrassing paraphernalia that the bride may or may not be tenaciously pleased with.

 

Since we will be surrounding ourselves with all things wine, I thought that this dish would be appropriate. An elegant finger food, that can be served room temperature, and present gorgeously. The meatiness of the mushroom, salty sensation from the olives, tangy surge in the SD tomato's, and the creaminess of the cheese. I would pair this with any white crisp wine of your choice; Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling or Chardonnay.

 

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Strawberry Sparkle Cake....

 

Before I begin my joyous rant on this exceptionally Divine remix of Angel Food Cake. I want to first give a shoot out to my victorious Green Bay Packers who putting a whop'n on Titans! After a grueling start to their 2012 season, the Pack have finally seemed to rebound. Finding their rhythm on the field, and excelling in both offense and defensive areas. Our GBP's are back on top of their game. And cheese heads around the world are rejoicing! Amen.

 

This is for all of you AFC (Angel Food Cake not the American Football Conference) lovers out there! When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, with a low calorie alternative, the first thing that comes to mind is AFC. Light and airy yet full of tantalizing flavors, that leaves you immensely satisfied. As you can see, this is not your average AFC. It is stuffed with an incredible strawberry filling and topped with layers of whipped cream. This is a desert that nears perfection in my book! And will be repeating again real soon!

 

 

For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Scrumptious Flat Apple Pie.

 

I've had this recipe on my radar for quite sometime, but never took the time to actually make it. I was a fool! This was an incredibly delicious treat. Dexter and I could have easily finished off the whole thing, if it wasn't for Baby D's will power coaxing me out of it. Such a smart young man, to engage portion control to his mother.

 

Now keeping reality at bay, I will break down this recipe before you. The rustic presentation was a crucial assist towards its luring appeal. Could easily be served at any dinner with an emphasis perhaps on the "Family Style" would be recommended. If you don't have the time, or patience's, or keep a frozen stash in your freeze; To make your own dough, I would suggest purchasing the old reliable dough in a can. Either the blue label or any other generic would work brilliantly. As far as ingredients go, you should have everything on hand with perhaps the exceptions of the apples. Yet considering this time of year, you may keep the doctors antidote on near by. Bon Appetit my friends!

 

 For more information regarding this recipe please click HERE.

 

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

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