tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57875351029606314742024-03-19T04:55:34.215-05:00Dairy Good LifeStories about cows, kids, cooking, and chaos.Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-27925298287321650452021-01-27T12:41:00.000-06:002021-01-27T12:41:08.931-06:002020 Christmas Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCleUdyIHghCRND_1-bfoP4MLlAbfy-BqOR0yVbm-6liDU5mry3fZuJ2ELcoAMZLkpItd3JMwgh1o-uCGzvlyWrhIbirqC-MgNS4rWBCWJ6FMDdjoPZsbPwkKstQbF-Aejt0vt7ogt4ZL/s1500/IMG_5085_crop_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1500" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCleUdyIHghCRND_1-bfoP4MLlAbfy-BqOR0yVbm-6liDU5mry3fZuJ2ELcoAMZLkpItd3JMwgh1o-uCGzvlyWrhIbirqC-MgNS4rWBCWJ6FMDdjoPZsbPwkKstQbF-Aejt0vt7ogt4ZL/w640-h546/IMG_5085_crop_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Dear Family and Friends, <div><br /></div><div>In many ways, this year of so many cancellations has become a year of revival.
This year we have sat down for more meals together as a family than I can count. I find myself bringing back recipes that I haven’t made in years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier this month, after reading our friend Suzanne’s words, encouraging everyone to continue sharing their Christmas greetings in spite of this year’s challenges, we decided to once again send a Christmas letter.</div><div><br /></div><div>As part of our Christmas letter revival, after an eight-year hiatus, we each wrote down the good things that happened this past year. </div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZjj010JtLZ8mjdcT3ooXYyij2ZM9DAImpDYzKiMnDo0hD9kqSfT4PnZKdyVDUuLZw7TTavfTPkxw14ClaRUB5YVkDmbPX9bchrBTsBr9dUV3E6-ehdcHWul4lS8IhQzF-DbRWJhNsNjh/s1500/IMG_5088_crop_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1188" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZjj010JtLZ8mjdcT3ooXYyij2ZM9DAImpDYzKiMnDo0hD9kqSfT4PnZKdyVDUuLZw7TTavfTPkxw14ClaRUB5YVkDmbPX9bchrBTsBr9dUV3E6-ehdcHWul4lS8IhQzF-DbRWJhNsNjh/w506-h640/IMG_5088_crop_web.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br />
<div>Here are some of the highlights:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Finishing our new sauna (Glen and kids) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Playing in the snow (Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Dancing in Just For Kix shows and competitions (Monika and Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Swinging and tumbling in gymnastics (Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Winning the Regional 4-H Dairy Project Bowl competition (Dan and Monika) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Building countless blanket and cushion forts in the living room (Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Reading lots of books </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Learning to ride bike and do tricks on her bike (Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Watching the Harry Potter movies on family movie nights </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Hiking in Birch Lake State Forest (Sadie, Monika, and Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Searching for agates (everyone, led by Glen) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Playing with cousins and friends </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Being Dad’s big helper – milking cows and riding in the skidloader (Daphne) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Spending weekends at the Cabin and Lake Lot </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Playing softball in St. Rosa (Dan and Monika) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Riding the four-wheeler in the pasture (Dan) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Training for and finishing a triathlon – after a 16-year break (Sadie) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Writing letters to her pen-pal in Arizona (Monika) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Going back to school in person – hybrid for Dan, full-time for the girls </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Trail riding – on a horse! – with my sister (Sadie) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Running cross country (Dan) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Regaining full use of my shoulder (Sadie) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Deer hunting (Glen and Dan) </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">• Celebrating the miracle of life with countless new calves, kittens, and chicks </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Along with all of their activities, Dan, Monika, and Daphne continue to be all-around great kids, big helpers, and good students. Dan is in 8th grade at Melrose Area Middle School. Monika is in 6th grade and Daphne is in 2nd grade, both at St. Mary’s School of Melrose. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Glen continues to keep our farm running. He can often be found researching dairy bulls, looking for the next group of sires that will give us beautiful cows with ultra-rich milk (i.e. lots of butterfat and milk protein).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I try to keep up with the kids, help with farm work, and support the Minnesota dairy community through my work on a number of boards and committees. I still write a monthly column for the Dairy Star and occasionally publish stories and recipes on my blog: www.dairygoodlife.com.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although this year has been challenging at times, we strive to “see the flowers, not the weeds” and focus on the joys. We hope that you, too, are able to find the joys.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases and an abundance of goodness in the New Year!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Glen, Sadie, Dan, Monika, and Daphne</div>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-80132114933168549322020-03-15T22:15:00.003-05:002020-03-17T16:22:12.158-05:00Easy Pecan Pie Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4HrMlrWRpl1rYubMJUFz3aVajYrOYRQvawEGZyN9Mk88GVFu5mOMLMNa1if8M0WlETOPvekSXWZK80mqXUt00OUMuJiVfumsEhJm4SzcqphUg_QP7VR6b5TXelm3u6JMqJVr2hM3NFpL/s1600/pecan-pie-bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4HrMlrWRpl1rYubMJUFz3aVajYrOYRQvawEGZyN9Mk88GVFu5mOMLMNa1if8M0WlETOPvekSXWZK80mqXUt00OUMuJiVfumsEhJm4SzcqphUg_QP7VR6b5TXelm3u6JMqJVr2hM3NFpL/s640/pecan-pie-bars.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These bars are so yummy they fall into the gone-in-one-day class.<br />
<br />
I usually make these for Thanksgiving instead of traditional Pecan Pie. The ratio of shortbread crust to filling and pecans is irresistible.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Tomorrow is the first day of no school due to the coronavirus pandemic. This afternoon, Monika asked me to make these bars. I think she's craving a little comfort food. We probably all are.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Easy Pecan Pie Bars</b></span></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<i>For crust</i><br />
½ cup butter [1 stick], softened*<br />
1½ cups flour<br />
½ cup sugar<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
<i>For filling</i><br />
2 cups pecans, chopped<br />
<br />
3 large eggs<br />
1 cup sugar (white or brown)**<br />
1 cup light corn syrup<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
¼ cup butter [½ stick], melted<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375°F.<br />
<br />
Coat a 9 x 13 baking sheet or glass pan with butter or cooking spray.<br />
<br />
For crust: Beat butter with mixer. Add flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press into pan. Bake crust for 7 minutes. Set aside.<br />
<br />
For filling: Toast chopped pecans on baking sheet in oven for 8 minutes. <br />
<br />
In small bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, sugar, syrup, vanilla, and salt. Whisk in melted butter. Stir in pecans with rubber spatula. Pour pecan mixture over pre-baked crust. Nudge pecans around as needed to ensure even spacing.<br />
<br />
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until edges are firm and center of filling is set, but still jiggly.<br />
<br />
Cool for at least one hour. Cut into small squares. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.<br />
<br />
<b>Notes</b><br />
<br />
*I only use Land O'Lakes Butter – because it's the best butter for baking and because we're farmer-members of the cooperative, which means the milk from our farm is used to make Land O'Lakes butter and cheese.<br />
<br />
If you have a food processor, you can make this recipe with cold butter, as well. Add the flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl of your food processor, fitted with a chopping blade. Pulse briefly to blend. Cut butter into pieces. With food processor running, drop butter into flour mixture. Process on high until mixture looks like beach sand. Press into pan and bake as directed.<br />
<br />
**White sugar gives these bars a mild, buttery flavor. Brown sugar gives these bars a more caramel-like taste. I always use Crystal Sugar Dark Brown Sugar.<br />
<br />
<i>Recipe adapted from Pecan Pie from The All New All Purpose Joy of Cooking.</i>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-15482908904938432842020-03-04T23:36:00.001-06:002020-03-06T08:01:55.195-06:00The attack<i>Last July, I was mauled by a fresh cow while checking for newborn calves out in our pasture. I wrote this piece a couple days after the attack. I'm sharing it here now as part of my psychological recovery.</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Strong bones and cell phones</b><br />
<br />
Every so often – thankfully, not very often – something happens that makes you question your faith and give thanks, both at the same time.<br />
<br />
One of those somethings happened to me last Friday.<br />
<br />
I had just returned home from picking Dan up from summer camp in Palisade. I had shortened a visit with my sisters so that we could get home in time for chores. Glen’s back had seized up earlier in the week and he was moving pretty slow.<br />
<br />
I said I would fetch the dry cows from pasture so that we could get a fresh heifer sorted out and into the barn.<br />
<br />
I had a quick snack, changed into my barn shorts and a cut-off t-shirt, and headed out to the dry cow paddock.<br />
<br />
As soon as I crested the first hill, I could see the dry cows grazing atop the second hill. I headed in their direction until I spotted a black cow lying alone by the second pond. “That would be Goldfish,” I thought to myself.<br />
<br />
I changed direction to go see what Goldfish was doing.<br />
<br />
As I approached, Goldfish stood up and – sure enough – there was a newborn calf lying in what had been her shadow.<br />
<br />
I called Glen to tell him there was another new calf to pick up. There had already been one heifer calf right away that morning and a set of twin heifer calves born while I was gone picking Dan up. Four calves in one day might be a record for us; four heifer calves would certainly set a record.<br />
<br />
I walked up to the calf and picked up its hind leg to see if it was a heifer calf or bull calf.<br />
<br />
The next thing I remember is being on my back, underneath Goldfish, hearing her snorting and seeing her head and front hooves coming at me. I remember screaming at her to stop. I remember feeling pain and disbelief, as in “I can’t believe this is really happening.” <br />
<br />
And then there was a pause in her attack – long enough for me to scramble to my feet and run.<br />
<br />
I made it about 20 feet before the pain in my right leg wouldn’t let me go any farther. Thankfully, Goldfish stayed by her calf. As soon as I stopped, I could hear the engine of our 4-wheeler and knew Glen was on his way.<br />
<br />
By the time Glen reached me, the pains in my right hip and right shin were leagues beyond anything I’ve experienced before. Glen noticed the instant bruises on my shoulder and collarbone and we decided I needed to go to the emergency room.<br />
<br />
I knew I couldn’t get on the 4-wheeler, so Glen called our neighbors and asked them to come with their truck. Then he called his mom and asked her to meet us in the yard. While we waited, he took the stick we keep on the 4-wheeler and got my phone and sunglasses from where they fell next to Goldfish’s calf. He also checked the calf – it’s a heifer.<br />
<br />
Glen, his mom, and our neighbors ended up making a stretcher out of a sheet of plywood and a bed sheet. They rolled me onto the plywood and slid the whole works into the back of his mom’s van.<br />
<br />
A couple hours, a few scans, and a few x-rays later, I hobbled out of the emergency room with nothing more than a dozen nasty bruises and a few scrapes.<br />
<br />
During those hours, I couldn’t stop the attack from replaying, over and over, in my head, but it helped fill in some of the gaps in my memory.<br />
<br />
I know that Goldfish had been to my right when I walked up to the calf. Judging from the pain in my hip and the deep bruise there, I suspect she rammed me just as I bent over and first touched her calf, with her poll driving into my hip.<br />
<br />
Based on the pattern of bruises I’m sporting, I believe I crashed onto my left shoulder and elbow. Goldfish then stepped on my lower legs as she continued forward, leaving hoof-shaped bruises on both calves. The only bruises I can’t figure out are the ones on my right collarbone, chin, and the back of my head. At some point while I was tumbling around, I must have caught a flying hoof or poll.<br />
<br />
Those hours on the stretcher were also filled with lots of questions, anxiety, and lingering disbelief. Why this cow? Why now?<br />
<br />
I have walked up to a cow and her newborn calf probably 1,000 times in 30 years of working with dairy cows. I know that it’s not unheard of for fresh cows to be protective, but I’ve never witnessed anything like this personally. <br />
<br />
Furthermore, Goldfish had shown no signs of concern or aggression as I approached. Did she flip out because I was wearing a hot pink shirt? Do bovines respond to hot pink the same way they respond to red? Was she irritable because of the hot weather? Did she flip out because I was talking as I walked up?<br />
<br />
But if I hadn’t been on the phone with Glen, nobody would have heard me scream…<br />
<br />
Why in the pasture? Our pasture is my favorite place to be. Walking out to bring the cows in is my favorite job. I feel so much peace when I’m out there. To be attacked in my happy place is the ultimate addition of insult to injury.<br />
<br />
Another recurrent thought I couldn’t stop was: “Maybe I shouldn’t be milking cows anymore. This is getting to be too dangerous.” Goldfish’s attack was my fourth cow-inflicted injury in two weeks. I didn’t exactly need something like this to make me question my dedication to dairy farming.<br />
<br />
Then the “what if” questions started and those were the worst.<br />
<br />
What if I hadn’t been able to scramble away?<br />
<br />
What if I had stayed up north to visit longer and Glen had found the calf? He had been home alone.<br />
<br />
What if it had been one of the kids who went out to bring the dry cows in? We send Dan and Monika to check dry cows and/or bring them in from pasture all the time.<br />
<br />
These questions and thoughts – and the flashbacks – are proving hard to shake.<br />
<br />
But, for now, I’m trying to focus on the words of one of the emergency room nurses: “You sure are lucky. Somebody up above must have been watching out for you.”<br />
<br />
And I’m choosing to be thankful. For caring family and good neighbors. For skilled doctors and nurses. And for strong bones and cell phones.<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Originally published in the <a href="https://dairystar.com/Content/Columnists/Sadie-Frericks/Article/Strong-bones-cell-phones/31/172/15790" target="_blank">Dairy Star</a>.</i>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-78750449810344095842019-11-18T18:00:00.000-06:002019-12-01T18:07:19.583-06:00All Things TeaI started drinking tea when I was in college. Isn't that where all good habits start? *wink* My tea habit is now (gulp!) over twenty years old. <br />
<br />
In the beginning, I sipped only herbal infusions, also known as tisanes or herbal teas. At some point, somebody recommended green tea for its health benefits, so I gave that a try and ended up adding it to my tea habit. A few years ago, I started expanding my tea palate to include black, oolong, and pu-erh teas.<br />
<br />
As I explore new teas and learn more about the mental and physical health benefits of drinking tea, my love for tea continues to grow.<br />
<br />
Below is a collection of my thoughts on all things tea and a guide for maximal tea enjoyment.<br />
<br />
1. Steeping<br />
2. Re-steeping<br />
3. Upcycling Tea<br />
4. Cold Steeping<br />
5. Favorite Tea Brands<br />
6. Favorite Tea Gear<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<b>1. Steeping</b><br />
<br />
I love the ritual of making tea as much as I love the beverage itself. For many years, I boiled water for in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. A couple years ago, I switched to heating water in a small stainless steel kettle on the stove. Some claim the different heating methods produce different tasting teas, but, if there are any, they are minute.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Measure desired amount of water:</li>
<ul>
<li>Tea bags – 8 ounces per bag</li>
<li>Tea sachets – 16 ounces per sachet</li>
<li>Loose leaf tea – 8 ounces for each teaspoon of tea leaves</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<i>* I heat ¾ of the water I need for the tea, then add cold water and/or ice after the tea is steeped to make the correct amount of tea. This way, my tea is ready to drink right away – without scalding my tongue.</i></div>
<ul>
<li>Heat water to ideal temperature:</li>
<ul>
<li>White tea – less than boiling (175°F)</li>
<li>Green tea – less than boiling (175°F)</li>
<li>Oolong tea – depends on the variety; some use less than boiling, some use boiling</li>
<li>Black tea, pu-erh tea, herbal infusions – boiling (212°F)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i>* <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-brew-tea-water-temperatures-766316" target="_blank">This guide from The Spruce Eats</a> gives a great (and more detailed) explanation of ideal water temperatures for tea.</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Pour hot water over tea. (Don't add tea to hot water.)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cover mug or teapot and steep:</li>
<ul>
<li>White tea – 1 minute</li>
<li>Green tea – 3 minutes</li>
<li>Oolong tea – 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the variety</li>
<li>Black tea, pu-erh tea – 5 minutes</li>
<li>Herbal infusions – 5 to 7 minutes</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Remove tea bag, sachet, or strainer from mug.</li>
</ul>
<i>*Save your sachet or steeped tea leaves. See section below about re-steeping.</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Add cold water and/or ice to cool tea to preferred drinking temperature. Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Adjusting the flavor: If your tea tastes too bitter, try reducing the water temperature or steeping time. With loose leaf tea, you can try using fewer leaves. </li>
</ul>
<b>2. Re-steeping</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am 100% a child of the 'Reduce. Reuse. Recyle.' era. So I love that many teas can be steeped a second time for even more enjoyment. Some teas even taste more delightful on the second steep.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The best teas for re-steeping are loose leaf teas or those packaged in sachets. Tea in bags doesn't re-steep very well.</li>
<li>The number of times you can re-steep depends on the variety. In general, green, oolong, and black teas and herbal tisanes are good for two or three steeps; pu-erh tea can be steeped five times or more.</li>
<li>All varieties of tea can be re-steeped with boiling water. There's no need for cooler water for green or white teas.</li>
<li>Add 1 - 2 minutes to the original steep time, to extract more flavor from the tea.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>*I steep all of my teas and herbal infusions, except pu-erhs, twice. Then I upcycle the twice-steeped tea (see the section below). Read more about re-steeping in <a href="https://www.divinitea.com/how-many-times-can-i-resteep-tea/" target="_blank">this post from DiviniTea</a>.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCWoMfHeGSaFbPKNTlAaNx2Mx1E1d81INUWhsaXhYt3Pu37Ow8j6Gxc07vnp8cs7ekI5f3EihtVemzBjKA_JofTFmO029Wz42fvxYj-zokJowDqZAVgeChk5brSb_27SnlRh_O70Edmdv/s1600/tea-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCWoMfHeGSaFbPKNTlAaNx2Mx1E1d81INUWhsaXhYt3Pu37Ow8j6Gxc07vnp8cs7ekI5f3EihtVemzBjKA_JofTFmO029Wz42fvxYj-zokJowDqZAVgeChk5brSb_27SnlRh_O70Edmdv/s640/tea-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<b>3. Upcycling Tea</b><br />
<br />
My sister, Sara, gets credit for this idea. While visiting, she made a cup of tea for the drive home. After she left, I found the tea bag sitting in a cup full of water on the counter. I asked her about it and she said she always soaks her used tea bags. Now I do, too, but with a few tweaks to the method.<br />
<br />
After I've steeped (and re-steeped) my tea, I put the tea bag, sachet, or loose leaves in a glass jar. I fill the jar with 16 ounces of cold water, cap it, and stick it in the fridge. A day or two or three later – whenever I get to it, really – the tea has transformed the water into a delicious, lightly flavored water.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if this beverage should be called upcycled tea or tea water – neither sounds very cool. Regardless of moniker, this flavored water is delightful. It's also a clear indicator of my frugality; every last drop of flavor (and beneficial phytonutrients) is squeezed out of the tea I purchase.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Cold Steeping Tea</b><br />
<br />
Upcycling tea prompted me to try cold steeping tea. Mostly, this came about because hot tea isn't as enjoyable during the hot summer months as cold tea.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Combine cool water and tea in glass jar with lid.</li>
<ul>
<li>8 ounces water per tea bag</li>
<li>16 ounces water per tea sachet</li>
<li>8 ounces water for each teaspoon loose leaf tea</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Place jar in refrigerator to steep.</li>
<ul>
<li>Steep green, oolong, and black teas for 8 to 24 hours.</li>
<li>Steep herbal teas for 8 to 48 hours.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Strain tea or remove bag/sachet.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cold steeped tea leaves/bags/sachets can be re-steeped several times.</li>
</ul>
<i>*Read more about cold steeping tea in <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/2015/06/how-to-make-the-best-cold-brew-iced-tea.html" target="_blank">this article from Serious Eats</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Favorite Teas</b><br />
<br />
I dedicated <a href="https://dairystar.com/Content/Columnists/Sadie-Frericks/Article/A-cup-of-tea/31/172/14262" target="_blank">one of my newspaper columns</a> to the topic of tea. While writing that column, I counted how many varieties of tea I actually had on hand. The number topped 40. Instead of listing my entire collection, here are some of my favorite tea brands:<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<u>Online</u> (sold as loose leaf, in sachets, and in bags)<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.harney.com/" target="_blank">Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.republicoftea.com/" target="_blank">The Republic of Tea</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.thewhistlingkettle.com/" target="_blank">The Whistling Kettle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.rishi-tea.com/" target="_blank">Rishi Tea & Botanicals</a></li>
</ul>
<u>Grocery Store Brands</u> (sold mostly in bags)<br />
<ul>
<li>Tazo</li>
<li>Stash</li>
<li>Bigelow</li>
<li>Celestial Seasonings</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>6. Favorite Tea Gear</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Tea Kettle</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator dglnoborder" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimDj0hNRAhbmMHTjHm8j9GVxSHYE3R7c0id-HmcRo23lCFI51WNVoCSZriXc3WHwpjAAsRZLUbT5PnBpBLNg_L98QMLzL0RjmqHZ_b0N-qfeR2AWg4upYdxWQuhFKQCJzjwCcxiG2ogIp/s1600/tea-kettle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimDj0hNRAhbmMHTjHm8j9GVxSHYE3R7c0id-HmcRo23lCFI51WNVoCSZriXc3WHwpjAAsRZLUbT5PnBpBLNg_L98QMLzL0RjmqHZ_b0N-qfeR2AWg4upYdxWQuhFKQCJzjwCcxiG2ogIp/s320/tea-kettle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N5WFII/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless 1 Quart Tea Kettle</a></div>
<ul>
<li>Tea Mug with Infuser</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator dglnoborder" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-blZmrqF4nVyJUG1sTgngScA4tKLvO7hvo1Gs41eH1DeyHBSOKO2oHIkMmvv7UwUgkHPVVj2YDOhGxZAzs6PKXI11v8QcMUl5a_4KGPU7ZFeBCASQwliTf8wc1xUflSTkj3kb8RiuGwe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+12.14.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="794" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-blZmrqF4nVyJUG1sTgngScA4tKLvO7hvo1Gs41eH1DeyHBSOKO2oHIkMmvv7UwUgkHPVVj2YDOhGxZAzs6PKXI11v8QcMUl5a_4KGPU7ZFeBCASQwliTf8wc1xUflSTkj3kb8RiuGwe/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+12.14.29+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017938B6/ref=twister_B004Q7EK36?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">FORLIFE Curve Tall Tea Mug with Infuser (15 oz.)</a></div>
<ul>
<li>Tea Pot with Infuser</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator dglnoborder" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh5FZWBJVEHrJ-phVPMXiBEZw9WPCThLAv2jQZhXII0KhMxR2n_h4mCqNKVEb48LWal8W18LjLVBJicv7SfUsa4gIKzbDTxBzVyjOBJP9sQRgTM8AzMx5toNX1BWzT_bYTUSy5WWMz-N-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+12.18.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="954" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh5FZWBJVEHrJ-phVPMXiBEZw9WPCThLAv2jQZhXII0KhMxR2n_h4mCqNKVEb48LWal8W18LjLVBJicv7SfUsa4gIKzbDTxBzVyjOBJP9sQRgTM8AzMx5toNX1BWzT_bYTUSy5WWMz-N-/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+12.18.06+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZMNLO0/ref=twister_B004Q7EKE0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">FORLIFE Curve Teapot with Infuser (24 oz.)</a></div>
<ul>
<li>Tea Sachet Squeezer</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Squeezing your tea sachet or tea bag is frowned upon by some, but I am a diehard squeezer. I love strong tea, enjoy bitter flavors (to a certain degree), and don't like dripping tea bags dribbling all over my counter.</blockquote>
<div>
<div class="separator dglnoborder" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjhg_Vfv4mWdux7YZJ6S0RyIlBZhW_Svu3pGkuv5qSJzBx2zmLP73jDt6qhViMP4hg_lF5SRd5-w6wlquYgin2qJSLDJp4ptmkfg2k5WDGWA-UGhdkeDP8PJnOheWM3rs8ZcNqhPwMC_U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+5.41.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="646" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjhg_Vfv4mWdux7YZJ6S0RyIlBZhW_Svu3pGkuv5qSJzBx2zmLP73jDt6qhViMP4hg_lF5SRd5-w6wlquYgin2qJSLDJp4ptmkfg2k5WDGWA-UGhdkeDP8PJnOheWM3rs8ZcNqhPwMC_U/s200/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+5.41.04+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KLX83A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Kuchenprofi Stainless Steel Tea Bag Squeezer</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Travel Mug</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator dglnoborder" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rMjF1AQwa_-xX4fE4k8YA-ZdGi7REk25tutEL0n2XMivwHaoSUz-hwBkn_5LFSIFHaSOQETMqL2pgppSxLK9lGfjG6R9p6F_eZxKsAEYkqy8mqk4u3ZGBjpQ6e1YH7XT4FV1M3JOKf6v/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+5.44.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="424" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rMjF1AQwa_-xX4fE4k8YA-ZdGi7REk25tutEL0n2XMivwHaoSUz-hwBkn_5LFSIFHaSOQETMqL2pgppSxLK9lGfjG6R9p6F_eZxKsAEYkqy8mqk4u3ZGBjpQ6e1YH7XT4FV1M3JOKf6v/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-12-01+at+5.44.38+PM.png" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D4S36ZD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">S'ip by S'well Stainless Steel Travel Mug (16 oz.)</a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Happy tea sipping!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><i>I have no affiliation with the brands listed in this post, nor was I compensated for mentioning them.</i></span>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-87909255494476026902019-09-22T16:49:00.000-05:002019-09-22T18:58:34.692-05:00Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Lightly sweetened and made with 100% whole grain, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are scrumptious.</span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins</span></b></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
¼ cup butter, melted [half a stick]*<br />
½ cup packed brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2¼ cups diced apples**<br />
OR 1 cup unsweetened applesauce <br />
OR 1¼ cups apples + ½ cup applesauce<br />
½ cup whole milk<br />
<br />
1 cup quick cook oatmeal<br />
1½ cups white whole wheat flour<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray muffin tins*** with nonstick cooking spray or grease as desired.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in apples (and/or applesauce) and milk.<br />
<br />
Mix together oatmeal, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.<br />
<br />
Add dry ingredients to apple mixture. Fold together just until dry ingredients are mixed in. Don't over mix.<br />
<br />
Spoon batter into prepared tins, filling tins ¾ full.<br />
<br />
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.****<br />
<br />
<b>Notes</b><br />
<br />
*As always, I recommend Land O' Lakes butter. And not just because the milk from our farm goes to Land O'Lakes. Land O'Lakes truly makes the best-tasting butter, which makes baked goods taste better.<br />
<br />
**I leave the peels on the apples when I dice them. Less work, plus more fiber.<br />
<br />
***I use my Grandma Jeanie's vintage Comet muffin tins. I suspect these tins make smaller muffins than modern muffin tins. This recipe makes 18 vintage-size muffins.<br />
<br />
****Muffins made with fresh, diced apples will bake faster than muffins made with applesauce.<br />
<br />
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<br />
When the bees out-pollinate themselves. And it rains all summer long. So you have more apples than you know what to do with. And the apples are as big as your hand. You pull out all the apple recipes you have. This apple muffin recipe has been a favorite for many years now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3nSVDtqWezE9KbDvLNCPs6i_VDQp_JOtv_jIQ6q0UxXGIqIRQrDKjt0h2LmZTaPE43o0YT_ii6QuHWy73WN9j83Qf1H3oJwk8u4C3huSihtmkJtKpWsxbDPX_Q-d-llZrA-Tndclskza/s1600/IMG-0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3nSVDtqWezE9KbDvLNCPs6i_VDQp_JOtv_jIQ6q0UxXGIqIRQrDKjt0h2LmZTaPE43o0YT_ii6QuHWy73WN9j83Qf1H3oJwk8u4C3huSihtmkJtKpWsxbDPX_Q-d-llZrA-Tndclskza/s640/IMG-0194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you like these muffins, you might also like these <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2014/08/apple-cinnamon-toaster-pancakes.html" target="_blank">Apple Cinnamon Toaster Pancakes</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy, friends!Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-27984774815615823422019-04-08T20:49:00.000-05:002019-04-26T21:03:55.875-05:00Dan's Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSomlY5p6UgYsN8OUudVlpPShrzvgU118pg4onqiF4hRvLUE60lgAbCZ6eb_S0HGGx8Ahk5IX4Le5EaYilu1qTIQmYRvAHWsD339D1mGPAyfoNj1JpHtSod0Zbe8Ui4U9UXS-6AePRgZuY/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSomlY5p6UgYsN8OUudVlpPShrzvgU118pg4onqiF4hRvLUE60lgAbCZ6eb_S0HGGx8Ahk5IX4Le5EaYilu1qTIQmYRvAHWsD339D1mGPAyfoNj1JpHtSod0Zbe8Ui4U9UXS-6AePRgZuY/s640/IMG_0725.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dan's Chocolate Chip Cookies</b></span></div>
<br />
<i>Makes approximately 48 cookies</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
1½ cups Land O Lakes® Butter [3 sticks]<br />
1¼ white sugar<br />
1¼ firmly packed brown sugar (I use dark brown sugar.)<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
½ teaspoon lemon juice<br />
<br />
4¼ cups all purpose flour [510 grams]<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
¼ teaspoon cinnamon<br />
<br />
3 cups chocolate chips [18 ounces] (I use semi-sweet or milk chocolate or a combination.)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375°F.<br />
<br />
Cream butter and sugars together. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla and lemon juice.<br />
<br />
Stir flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together. With mixer running, add flour mixture to butter mixture, about a half cup at a time. Mix just until flour is fully incorporated. Add chocolate chips and mix briefly.<br />
<br />
Drop by heaping tablespoons (#40 scoop), 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies are puffed up and just starting to brown around the edges. They will flatten into chewy cookies as they cool.<br />
<br />
Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove to cooling rack to cool completely.<br />
<br />
Serve with a big glass of milk.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:</b></i> Mix ingredients as if making cookies. Spray half sheet baking pan (11 x 16) with cooking spray. Press dough into prepared pan using butter wrapper. Bake at 375°F for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars. Serve with a big glass of milk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Story Behind the Recipe</span></b></div>
<br />
One day, after I finished making a batch of my most-loved <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2014/06/simple-goodness-on-farm-recipes.html">Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>, Dan asked me, “Can you make plain chocolate chip cookies? Like, with no nuts or anything like that?”<br />
<br />
I didn’t have a tried-and-true recipe for plain chocolate chip cookies.<br />
<br />
I thought for half a second about doing an internet search. But the idea of sifting through thousands of versions of chocolate chip cookies didn't appeal to me. (Out of curiosity, I just did a Google search for “chocolate chip cookies.” It yielded over 20 <i>million</i> results.)<br />
<br />
But I know a baking guru who's far better than the internet. And she happens to be a dear friend.<br />
<br />
I sent a quick message to Becky.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5oHQUz6st3aWWiwzGLqXMvNBMJCZwfcK_JRrhynCcosVATly0b1gwjgbeYttJJI7AgZpKghO6kpxgZjGVssuZ5GRhbJTjIKzd-CgvoGVCI61Mt_lY22CjIxpOZo1SF2Z8DfUibm9azWd/s1600/IMG_0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5oHQUz6st3aWWiwzGLqXMvNBMJCZwfcK_JRrhynCcosVATly0b1gwjgbeYttJJI7AgZpKghO6kpxgZjGVssuZ5GRhbJTjIKzd-CgvoGVCI61Mt_lY22CjIxpOZo1SF2Z8DfUibm9azWd/s400/IMG_0728.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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Until recently, Becky was the director of the Land O’Lakes Test Kitchen. I know the folks in the Test Kitchen test and tolerance test and test again each recipe before it becomes part of the Land O’Lakes recipe collection. I knew that if anyone could recommend the best "plain" chocolate chip cookie recipe, it was Becky.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7RoHdHJ5CmkkX7KmoQhDxxAd3lRIoD3a39I69DZUCgDAikw2fFNGUt2OqnKlTdg1GkIAc1fd4Qx4FX9pW5ANC28EIBMsML6DUE7b3OV5m5WlTQGjg8-NoO81IhcQRXCMEBcREm0ODgAZ/s1600/with-becky.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="875" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7RoHdHJ5CmkkX7KmoQhDxxAd3lRIoD3a39I69DZUCgDAikw2fFNGUt2OqnKlTdg1GkIAc1fd4Qx4FX9pW5ANC28EIBMsML6DUE7b3OV5m5WlTQGjg8-NoO81IhcQRXCMEBcREm0ODgAZ/s640/with-becky.png" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky and I together in the Land O'Lakes Test Kitchen a couple years ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Becky recommended two recipes from the Land O'Lakes Test Kitchen: <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/17480/chewy-jumbo-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> and <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/18134/five-star-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Five Star Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>.<br />
<br />
The recipes are essentially the same. The only difference is the size of the final cookie. I gave the recipe a try and baked the smaller-sized cookies. Dan – and the rest of my family – loved them instantly.<br />
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<br />
I agreed with my family. But I thought, "I can make these better."<br />
<br />
<b>Better. </b>This a common theme for both my life and our farm. Our farm motto is: "Better for our cows, better for our land, better for our family, and better for our community." I'm always asking, "How can I make this better?"<br />
<br />
So I did. Borrowing the concept from my own favorite chocolate chip cookies, I added extra chocolate chips, a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of lemon juice. You can’t taste the cinnamon and lemon, they just add dimension to the flavor profile – much the same way good tea and fine chocolate have nuances of flavor above and below the main flavor notes.<br />
<br />
I shared the "better" cookies with my friend, Summer, and she said, “There's something special in these, isn’t there.”<br />
<br />
"Yeah, there is," I grinned. "Butter!"<br />
<br />
Then I let her in on my secret. There’s no point in keeping a good recipe a secret.<br />
<br />
Here's the best part about these cookies, though. I've made this recipe with too much flour, too much sugar, milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, without the cinnamon and lemon juice, with dark brown sugar and light brown sugar... No matter the mistakes or variations, these cookies are delicious.<br />
<br />
I was telling Becky one day about how forgiving this cookie recipe is. She said, "That's the sign of a good recipe. And that's why we do tolerance testing – to find the best recipes that turn out every time."<br />
<br />
Dan's Chocolate Chip Cookies – as we now refer to them – really are some of the best cookies ever.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">I am a Land O'Lakes Cooperative member-owner. I received compensation from Land O'Lakes for this post. All opinions are my own.</span></i>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-46745674035287142462018-02-12T17:58:00.001-06:002018-02-13T14:30:15.177-06:00Easy Cheesy Valentines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklc47jFlcekix4ZBbsVgH6KySYS6CEns0dblYAXN2xJoN_sogvYC11v7uSL0882Qdhiu_gKVwQNHt4_tkvE-J9lrcmuCIUmiuXl3kH9e3azAWYOM8ocwuVAURM5b5cSE3oGtzZ8kUjC-K/s1600/IMG_8023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1282" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklc47jFlcekix4ZBbsVgH6KySYS6CEns0dblYAXN2xJoN_sogvYC11v7uSL0882Qdhiu_gKVwQNHt4_tkvE-J9lrcmuCIUmiuXl3kH9e3azAWYOM8ocwuVAURM5b5cSE3oGtzZ8kUjC-K/s640/IMG_8023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking for an awesome alternative to candy for your kids' Valentine's Day exchange at school?<br />
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These Cheesy Valentines are perfect!<br />
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<b>1. Start with your favorite snack cheese or string cheese.</b><br />
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Cheese makes a great Valentine's Day gift because it's so tasty! But, from a mom's perspective, cheese is great because its protein helps counter all of the sugar that comes with traditional Valentine's Day treats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy-ecmtL_2194ssnaSjrclhbvI1JvHMbLDGIFXR5QL1pBlq-8OncpcKLuIb93swAf3plGTBv4tvmJPFkuhXOS5bWEtfNvYs54ZaR232lsN97Y9iS5zFxMqOzBnwDyKZrTw1T7rsnkwrgh/s1600/IMG_8025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy-ecmtL_2194ssnaSjrclhbvI1JvHMbLDGIFXR5QL1pBlq-8OncpcKLuIb93swAf3plGTBv4tvmJPFkuhXOS5bWEtfNvYs54ZaR232lsN97Y9iS5zFxMqOzBnwDyKZrTw1T7rsnkwrgh/s640/IMG_8025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Add a cute label.</b><br />
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Standard mailing labels (Avery 5160 or 8160) fit perfectly on most snack-sized cheese.<br />
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The <b><a href="https://www.avery.com/software/design-and-print/" target="_blank">Avery Design & Print</a></b> online label designer makes designing labels super easy.<br />
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Older kids can design their own labels. My littler kids sat with me and picked out the clip-art and fonts they wanted for their labels.<br />
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<b>3. Pack the cheese snacks in an insulated lunch bag with a small ice pack so they stay cold until the exchange.</b><br />
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Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgSQQ31MRDG8RgcvHkGMLToUUBei_KPTRSBPjTRLyFefVl4Pn_w32X3UwpznN5SVjNumIJG0y-SedXDWzjlpS5T33PIkFQVvB5k6_DXaDt7SLCuJCN_uw76lKbRV8vAmqefXmr-6hYc9w/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgSQQ31MRDG8RgcvHkGMLToUUBei_KPTRSBPjTRLyFefVl4Pn_w32X3UwpznN5SVjNumIJG0y-SedXDWzjlpS5T33PIkFQVvB5k6_DXaDt7SLCuJCN_uw76lKbRV8vAmqefXmr-6hYc9w/s640/IMG_8028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="color: #666666;">I am a Land O'Lakes Cooperative member-owner; I did not receive compensation from Land O'Lakes for this post. </span></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="color: #666666;">I have no affiliation with Avery Products Corporation, nor did I receive compensation for this post. </span></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="color: #666666;">All opinions are my own.</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-39143194621545720912018-01-30T13:55:00.001-06:002018-01-30T14:43:49.473-06:00Fiesta Stoup<span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Veggies + Meat + Spices = Party in your mouth. But don't try eating it without cheese. Then it's not nearly as much fun.</span><br />
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<b>Fiesta:</b> party or celebration... derived from the Latin word for feast...<br />
<br />
<b>Stoup:</b> thicker than soup... thinner than stew...<br />
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And that's exactly what this spicy, meat and veggie-rich soup/stew is: a party in your mouth.<br />
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But don't try eating it without cheese. Then it's not nearly as much fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6lWatYm510BH3JEZ99iwNtrYtIZ-9SRO7FqM4JTvldZHqjYEbDCxn9c6zqCAtVSGfYCbWjr98_Q0cdfvUO4GGTePHn1KY_8HmvIq9UMwjyBrVTOcbmcg6L8dpY0L48mlUvjN8uPVvoJF/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6lWatYm510BH3JEZ99iwNtrYtIZ-9SRO7FqM4JTvldZHqjYEbDCxn9c6zqCAtVSGfYCbWjr98_Q0cdfvUO4GGTePHn1KY_8HmvIq9UMwjyBrVTOcbmcg6L8dpY0L48mlUvjN8uPVvoJF/s640/IMG_7805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This stoup comes together in minutes with three easy main ingredients: a bag of frozen sliced bell peppers and onions, a can of diced tomatoes, and shredded meat. I usually use leftover beef roast or pork roast. If I'm really craving this stoup, I'll bake a couple frozen chicken breasts and shred them.<br />
<br />
I've been making this stoup for so long, I can't even remember how I first came up with the idea. But I do know what keeps me making it:<br />
<br />
✔ Delicious!<br />
✔ Quick and easy to make<br />
✔ Minimal prep with recipe-ready ingredients<br />
✔ Repurpose leftover roast beef, roast pork, or chicken<br />
✔ Keeps and reheats really well! I make a double batch and eat it for lunch all week.<br />
✔ Super nutritious: fiber (from veggies), protein (from meat and cheese), and phytonutrients (from veggies and spices) <br />
✔ Very low carb<br />
✔ Easily customizable: cut back on the chipotle and cayenne peppers for less heat; add a can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed); the variations are endless<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAoBrSgPsoZziz2HHy4OyhxvILBH0jma8ctJSdZFU_yumJ4l_F6x3Zt0sD5EoQ-mxOZXWfm6VCFtajIvrZSK6WfIPQTPp-RVSvq7Is3DBqLCkWEtZdPvfb9Fas6EZwaY9pcpW2cv6hPXz/s1600/fiesta-stoup-fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAoBrSgPsoZziz2HHy4OyhxvILBH0jma8ctJSdZFU_yumJ4l_F6x3Zt0sD5EoQ-mxOZXWfm6VCFtajIvrZSK6WfIPQTPp-RVSvq7Is3DBqLCkWEtZdPvfb9Fas6EZwaY9pcpW2cv6hPXz/s640/fiesta-stoup-fb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fiesta Stoup</span></b></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
1 cup chicken broth (or 1 cup water + bouillon/soup base)<br />
14 oz bag frozen sliced bell peppers and onions (like <a href="https://www.birdseye.com/product/stir-fry-2/" target="_blank">Birds Eye® Pepper Stir-Fry</a>)<br />
14 oz can petite diced tomatoes (with juice)<br />
2 cups cooked, shredded beef roast, pork roast, or chicken (approx. ½ pound)<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons chili powder<br />
2 teaspoons ground cumin<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
½ teaspoon onion powder<br />
½ teaspoon cocoa powder<br />
¼ teaspoon ground oregano<br />
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika<br />
¼ teaspoon chipotle chile pepper<br />
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne red pepper<br />
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon lime juice<br />
<br />
Co-jack cheese, sliced or shredded (I love the convenience of <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/products/cheese/co-jack-snack-cheese/" target="_blank">Land O'Lakes® Co-Jack Snack Cheese</a>.)<br />
<br />
<i>Optional Accompaniments: sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips</i><br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Combine broth and frozen vegetables in medium pot. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are hot.<br />
<br />
While vegetables are heating, combine spices in small bowl.<br />
<br />
Add tomatoes, shredded meat, and spices to vegetables. Mix well to distribute spices. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors.<br />
<br />
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.<br />
<br />
Serve with cheese. I like to take a bite of Co-Jack Snack Cheese and follow it with a bite of Fiesta Stoup. It's just as good if you top the hot stoup with shredded cheese and let it melt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbZVNTxp_QZtkJwL-kxM6c-Hv2TafVgVWfUtbvXIxUc_1UHl03CmoGuEct81XNK7A8N1RYYbbwfaN1avU7Vdkvm0NfA3rOV3JNYg1phpSUSeZ0xlVjzfQTXi4V0pgLp-txuWgFIlG9prJ/s1600/fiesta-stoup-pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbZVNTxp_QZtkJwL-kxM6c-Hv2TafVgVWfUtbvXIxUc_1UHl03CmoGuEct81XNK7A8N1RYYbbwfaN1avU7Vdkvm0NfA3rOV3JNYg1phpSUSeZ0xlVjzfQTXi4V0pgLp-txuWgFIlG9prJ/s640/fiesta-stoup-pin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">I am a Land O'Lakes Cooperative member-owner; I did not receive compensation from Land O'Lakes for this post. </span></i><i><span style="color: #666666;">I have no affiliation with Birds Eye or Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, nor did I receive compensation for this post. </span></i><i><span style="color: #666666;">All opinions are my own.</span></i><br />
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-70536897730276900672018-01-17T10:29:00.001-06:002018-01-18T12:14:22.577-06:00Just Born – Favorite Newborn Photos and Stories of 2017<span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">There's something abidingly special about newborn calves. Even after 30 years, every new calf still fills me with excitement, awe, and appreciation.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC8zG0WI0CYvywoihFN6TNFG2ZDsmcG9RmrLQyKXymbOq6MqWbPu3B0RukjDsIO0X53QjnQnJ8pUUUnurox2_IXISzoF_NjBljPUm60rkb7A3QZUSjjmG9oj_T6tSamTv0GnaKa57uNXx/s1600/IMG_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Darcie and Darla" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC8zG0WI0CYvywoihFN6TNFG2ZDsmcG9RmrLQyKXymbOq6MqWbPu3B0RukjDsIO0X53QjnQnJ8pUUUnurox2_IXISzoF_NjBljPUm60rkb7A3QZUSjjmG9oj_T6tSamTv0GnaKa57uNXx/s640/IMG_5910.JPG" title="Darcie and Darla" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Darcie and Darla</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There's something abidingly special about newborn calves. I've been doing this for almost 30 years now. Checking for new calves, fetching new calves from pasture, assisting with the delivery of calves, etc. Every new calf still fills me with excitement, awe, and appreciation.<br />
<br />
I could write a blog post about each calf and the story of her birth, the story of her family in our herd, what makes her special, and on and on. Perhaps this year I will. I didn't write much last year, but I'd still like to remember these newborns and their stories.<br />
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Plus, I find the challenge of taking newborn photos thrilling. There's nothing more rewarding than capturing a perfect moment in a picture. Cow and calf both looking, eyes open, ears up. Lots of times it all comes down to good timing and good luck, but I have developed a few tricks for getting the picture I want. The photo above of Darcie and her calf Darla from this summer is one of the best newborn photos I've ever taken. However, Glen thinks the photo, just below, of Agape and her calf, Ree, from 2014 is my best photo ever. Which one would you vote for?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJFRviY8ut59uaxyzWVn36uDE75XTP6NarcpGQdkFICfbc5YNZM8TGLrgbHER0fTMBfFc3CpXpOK_ynmWz0I1LYuP_ATXsyrHcMHZvxKZCNnFDZEtdu_rty4C5LuUBjhnBDLVkv3G-3yJ/s1600/IMG_1311_sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Agape and Ree" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJFRviY8ut59uaxyzWVn36uDE75XTP6NarcpGQdkFICfbc5YNZM8TGLrgbHER0fTMBfFc3CpXpOK_ynmWz0I1LYuP_ATXsyrHcMHZvxKZCNnFDZEtdu_rty4C5LuUBjhnBDLVkv3G-3yJ/s640/IMG_1311_sq.jpg" title="Agape and Ree" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Agape and Ree</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Anyway, in addition to the photo of Darcie and Darla, here are the rest of my Favorite Newborn Photos and Stories of 2017.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Double delight</span></b><br />
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This story has multiple levels of incredible.<br />
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The story involves twin sisters Agape and Amore (pronounced Uh-gah-pay and Uh-more-ay; Greek and Italian words for love). Both Agape and Amore were due to have their calves a day apart: August 13 and 14. The odds of them both becoming pregnant at essentially the same time are incomprehensible. Especially considering that they're seven years old now and cows' fertility tends to decline as they age.<br />
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Their so-close due dates meant Apape and Amore got to spend their dry period together in the dry cow pasture. (We don't milk cows during the last two months of their gestations; this dry period, as we call it, allows them to rest before their next lactation and devote their energy to growing their unborn calf.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vxSSJD6hpPxZjDpjP4JkqVCFQS51uB8llnNmCJOLYkKqKDPuly1N8NCmN9S1P1PkC2oy2IQOLq9Qbg06cQy3GFZdK8z_EzYFVg7m8mXAgzlyI4sb6KhCk19CHA-9XZG5K5J8fmyrMWdV/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vxSSJD6hpPxZjDpjP4JkqVCFQS51uB8llnNmCJOLYkKqKDPuly1N8NCmN9S1P1PkC2oy2IQOLq9Qbg06cQy3GFZdK8z_EzYFVg7m8mXAgzlyI4sb6KhCk19CHA-9XZG5K5J8fmyrMWdV/s640/IMG_7773.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Agape (right) and Amore</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As their due dates approached, it started to look like Agape would calve early and Amore would calve late. With dairy cows, early calves tend to be girls and late calves tend to be boys. We kept our fingers crossed that <i>both</i> Agape and Amore would have heifer calves.<br />
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Agape did calve early, on August 9, with a heifer calf. This heifer calf is Agape's fifth heifer calf out of five pregnancies. It's rare for a cow to deliver 100% heifer calves. We named Agape's calf Agatha.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2htrQXzMlSYISpsiRAjFf04RSJliU9Cto0gYnbwdZaWtDZ4NAvBZn7QP7L1Cb8uzelldnZL3WdxRwsraNC8cIQjXN9QpgNQFTduc8f7JUSedTJZM75ZBaZPzzhKIKms7cn_f0SkZk3fd/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Agape and Agatha" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2htrQXzMlSYISpsiRAjFf04RSJliU9Cto0gYnbwdZaWtDZ4NAvBZn7QP7L1Cb8uzelldnZL3WdxRwsraNC8cIQjXN9QpgNQFTduc8f7JUSedTJZM75ZBaZPzzhKIKms7cn_f0SkZk3fd/s640/IMG_7772.JPG" title="Agape and Agatha" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Agape and Agatha</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Four days later, and right on time, Amore had her calf. It's also uncommon for cows to calve exactly on their due dates. Joy of joys, the calf was a girl!<br />
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Unlike her twin sister, though, this was Amore's first heifer calf out of five pregnancies. The stars must have aligned just right for Agape and Amore to both deliver heifer calves at (almost) the same time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36wIuM1wWtUF3etYSzLkHmF5Cfpsun2rWgGE3cesCB9EIPhTn7SOo45R7Yr82Wwt7_VkXf7wRjA-81jQzQqZrt-OzFFZ4bM4_IX0q4hcxTGzHfC517nuA5Yyu-obuG950aoTlepoRRS1I/s1600/IMG_7774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amore and Athena" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36wIuM1wWtUF3etYSzLkHmF5Cfpsun2rWgGE3cesCB9EIPhTn7SOo45R7Yr82Wwt7_VkXf7wRjA-81jQzQqZrt-OzFFZ4bM4_IX0q4hcxTGzHfC517nuA5Yyu-obuG950aoTlepoRRS1I/s640/IMG_7774.JPG" title="Amore and Athena" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Amore and Athena</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">No photos, please</span></b><br />
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Not every cow and calf pair agree with my ideas about newborn photos. Case in point: Georgia and her new heifer calf, Germany. It still turned out to be a pretty neat picture.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpGzVPGkCT3XfuPXIfJW8xGQmMU-Mltwpe7XRwI2laMJlL7oq7WTVFDipKMXl9WxP2RCEMC9V1GAOEfMd2zeXBKckEHVG05YgpCz8-2Pd4s1R3SBxB1sbMZ9ZGSbdyg2NA_aaaTixd9Pa/s1600/IMG_6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Georgia and Germany" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpGzVPGkCT3XfuPXIfJW8xGQmMU-Mltwpe7XRwI2laMJlL7oq7WTVFDipKMXl9WxP2RCEMC9V1GAOEfMd2zeXBKckEHVG05YgpCz8-2Pd4s1R3SBxB1sbMZ9ZGSbdyg2NA_aaaTixd9Pa/s640/IMG_6295.JPG" title="Georgia and Germany" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Georgia and Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Three for you, three for me</span></b><br />
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Sisters Georgia (above) and Geisha (below) both gave birth to their third heifer calves this year. I didn't get a picture of Geisha with her calf, Glamour.<br />
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On our farm, cows achieve a special status when they have three daughters in the herd. Georgia and Geisha's mom, Gyspie, gave us five daughters in the 8½ years she was with us: Geisha, Georgia, Ghana, Gypsum, and Gambler. All of the cows in this family are redefining what it means to never age. Georgia is six years old now and starting to show her age a little, but Geisha, at 7½ years old, looks half her age.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmzGPboJ5kFIFy1AURGAQWtAHZ4GcKq7Bx1VyOrUcCkl1TVQHfhWzzHz_gdPSpSyGeBQOtYmsM93TuC554yK4qrKUuxEM_KE3hp3bKJkB78QFgNqBxOFAzveq3ynbhUN3vWZa-YCCq6iS/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Geisha" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmzGPboJ5kFIFy1AURGAQWtAHZ4GcKq7Bx1VyOrUcCkl1TVQHfhWzzHz_gdPSpSyGeBQOtYmsM93TuC554yK4qrKUuxEM_KE3hp3bKJkB78QFgNqBxOFAzveq3ynbhUN3vWZa-YCCq6iS/s640/IMG_1087.JPG" title="Geisha" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Geisha</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Like mother, like daughter</span></b><br />
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Sometimes calves come out looking just like their mothers. Sometimes they look like their fathers. And sometimes we just scratch our heads and wonder how exactly their chromosomes combined.<br />
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Glee came out almost a spitting image of her mother, Gloriana. Her arrival was met with many hoots, hollers, hips, and hoorays. Milking Shorthorn heifer calves are always exciting – especially roans.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx0hCaZLfqgDEBKqpD3n5vfctoy13N55eqYKodd33o6rIdz7xAVuxTEpDsnCo93j3nF2L6NIA3t0UXVej1XQhGrWqhpQGM8FAe8p0snf8W4aOZuqNQPzcpC5cwYFbJ7x23vBRZ6d-yql5/s1600/IMG_7008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gloriana and Glee" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx0hCaZLfqgDEBKqpD3n5vfctoy13N55eqYKodd33o6rIdz7xAVuxTEpDsnCo93j3nF2L6NIA3t0UXVej1XQhGrWqhpQGM8FAe8p0snf8W4aOZuqNQPzcpC5cwYFbJ7x23vBRZ6d-yql5/s640/IMG_7008.JPG" title="Gloriana and Glee" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Gloriana and Glee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just, just born...</span></b><br />
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I don't often take pictures of seconds-old calves. Mostly, because during the summer our cows calve on pasture and we're rarely right there when they calve. And in the winter, we rush newborn calves to the incubator to warm them up, so there's no time to dally around snapping pictures. Plus, brand spankin' new calves are wet and slimy, which makes them considerably less photogenic than their dry, fluffy versions.<br />
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But, this year I got a couple photos of calves with their mothers immediately after their arrival.<br />
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Garnet's heifer calf, Glow, was much hoped for. Garnet is one of our Milking Shorthorns and the kids really wanted a spring Milking Shorthorn calf to show at the fair. Glow did end up going to the fair, with Monika at the halter, and did very well for a baby calf.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rXAmD1s7W2bgTYZSMhJXBSIqii4gh3d9kuwXMPRRhIktN56IZDdQGjOBTNU_EGWUbvuLC5zjnhvHW8F0nXnGm1o1-BCkaDk58Yb_D-yfBhgpTcCZdJj8D6JIf0gl5VoUDN56qABUP6AT/s1600/IMG_5282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garnet and Glow" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rXAmD1s7W2bgTYZSMhJXBSIqii4gh3d9kuwXMPRRhIktN56IZDdQGjOBTNU_EGWUbvuLC5zjnhvHW8F0nXnGm1o1-BCkaDk58Yb_D-yfBhgpTcCZdJj8D6JIf0gl5VoUDN56qABUP6AT/s640/IMG_5282.JPG" title="Garnet and Glow" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Garnet and Glow</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We said goodbye to Wink this fall. She will forever be one of Glen's favorite cows. This is the last picture I took of her. I'm glad it was a good one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEmLzyyqZYTWS484l2B9hfc5b0Y-iBuRc3qEh7TC49InTxJOVQAS1hKR8u1PzksDzshLSTeOheiSvZv0UYEhS-QmYDu6PUi8cqbD7myNkBmNtym-ILNN3BllLE_V2WAROZGyjpq0ICQhc/s1600/IMG_6558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wink and her bull calf" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEmLzyyqZYTWS484l2B9hfc5b0Y-iBuRc3qEh7TC49InTxJOVQAS1hKR8u1PzksDzshLSTeOheiSvZv0UYEhS-QmYDu6PUi8cqbD7myNkBmNtym-ILNN3BllLE_V2WAROZGyjpq0ICQhc/s640/IMG_6558.JPG" title="Wink and her bull calf" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Wink and her bull calf</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My niece actually took this picture of Stephanie and her calf, Sky, this spring; I was out of town with the kids when Stephanie calved and my niece knew that Monika would want to see a picture right away. (Stephanie is Monika's Jersey cow.)<br />
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One thing I love about this picture is that, if you look close, you can still see the soft white pads covering Sky's little hooves. These soft pads cover a calf's hooves in utero to make sure his/her sharp hooves don't puncture the placenta or the cow's uterus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMk69zJaHmGzG-ogoN4ABWHBe3q1v30mEx1wDYicO1hzLxZ7vNa1hGoW3BaB4P6H-cktGEh7Dr5SiPf7tYJ9RkekZJwRDwZmVkrR-paNTaiKUbNtGYdDklpYKfLZWec5uzEKtid5ZP9WR/s1600/IMG_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stephanie and Sky" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1102" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMk69zJaHmGzG-ogoN4ABWHBe3q1v30mEx1wDYicO1hzLxZ7vNa1hGoW3BaB4P6H-cktGEh7Dr5SiPf7tYJ9RkekZJwRDwZmVkrR-paNTaiKUbNtGYdDklpYKfLZWec5uzEKtid5ZP9WR/s640/IMG_4863.JPG" title="Stephanie and Sky" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Stephanie and Sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last, but certainly not least...</span></b> <br />
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One of the best newborn calf stories of the year is the story of Wonder and Whoops. The story is so good it has it's <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/02/a-wonderful-whoops.html"><b>own separate post</b></a>. (With even more photos of this adorable cutie!)<br />
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Whoops ended up going to the fair this summer, too, with Dan at the halter. She, too, did<b> <a href="https://hoards.com/blog-21431-theres-nothing-wrong-with-a-red-ribbon.html" target="_blank">pretty darn well</a></b>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpHPyL9OGKNWFVWsOTCdg_4MbhlWA_VBDXrN55RsN3rKc6zvoYm7vrBUd0_4sglWSPp0xGbFl7tTLAHH__9V7hBVUsghY8fmmE_uDIOwe_aCjCFtnVg2_xj5zOkTlM8AkwU-NFGH5Ll4M/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpHPyL9OGKNWFVWsOTCdg_4MbhlWA_VBDXrN55RsN3rKc6zvoYm7vrBUd0_4sglWSPp0xGbFl7tTLAHH__9V7hBVUsghY8fmmE_uDIOwe_aCjCFtnVg2_xj5zOkTlM8AkwU-NFGH5Ll4M/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" title="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Whoops</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-61223230983525242162017-12-29T11:08:00.000-06:002017-12-29T12:23:17.084-06:00Secret surgeryI've been struggling for the past week with whether to write about my recent surgery or continue to keep it hush-hush. I mostly kept the surgery a secret beforehand – telling only family and a few close friends.<br />
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But, I've decided that...<br />
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1. Writing is how I process the events of our lives.<br />
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2. I'm bored out of my freaking mind and writing gives me something to do.<br />
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3. If I try to explain everything here, fewer people will speculate about why I'm shuffling around with a belly pooch that looks suspiciously like I just had another baby.<br />
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4. If I continue to succumb to my fears of sharing, surgeries like mine will continue to be discussed only in hushed voices. <i>[i.e. It seems perfectly normal and acceptable to talk about having heart surgery or an appendectomy; why does it seem awkward to discuss female-only surgeries?]</i><br />
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5. Perhaps my story will help another woman decide to seek solutions to her own health issues.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtJCedTwmpngY4T2vmjX-mjhjr4kJS9jSUYxTlU3-YWcWmQcRwSPGW1QM0viPqVPSXA0iQxVyEF_yP7ymBgDuUcaV_dN7qdlYk_xLMgZfAaNXFp_xqcudGkhVNikoDdtA0GsDNAkn5t3R/s1600/flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtJCedTwmpngY4T2vmjX-mjhjr4kJS9jSUYxTlU3-YWcWmQcRwSPGW1QM0viPqVPSXA0iQxVyEF_yP7ymBgDuUcaV_dN7qdlYk_xLMgZfAaNXFp_xqcudGkhVNikoDdtA0GsDNAkn5t3R/s640/flowers.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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One week ago, I underwent a series of surgical procedures – the most familiar of which was a partial hysterectomy – to correct a series of anatomical problems.<br />
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To put it another way, my uterus and several other pelvic and digestive organs weren't where they were supposed to be and my team of surgeons put them back in their proper places – and in some cases, removed them.<br />
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If you're a dairy farmer reading this, you know that when organs don't stay where they're supposed to, cows have serious, life-threatening problems. <br />
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I wasn't having any serious, life-threatening problems. <br />
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However, at one point after diagnosis, while trying to help our kids understand what was wrong with me, I did compare my condition to a DA. (For you non-farmers, DA stands for displaced abomasum – a condition in which one of a cow's stomachs slips out of place. A DA requires emergency surgery for correction.) Our kids have seen our vets do surgery on cows in the past.<br />
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My situation included a half-dozen conditions that were painful at times, caused digestive problems, and interrupted my ability to do my farm work.<br />
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For several years, I dealt with the issues by trying to improve them myself: I tried a physical therapy program and special exercises; I changed the way I ate and exercised; I lost 40 pounds. All of those changes were supposed to help, but they didn't – my problems just kept getting worse.<br />
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Finally, this summer, I decided enough was enough and asked for a referral to see a specialist. The specialist said no amount of exercise or therapy was going to improve my conditions. He recommended surgery and sent me to see a second specialist for additional confirmation.<br />
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The second specialist agreed with the plan for surgical correction. He added extra surgical reinforcement to the plan since I have a physically-demanding job.<br />
<br />
In the end, a half-dozen organs were involved in my conditions. The list of procedures included in the surgery is so long and hard to say (medically speaking) that we've just been referring to the surgery as a pelvic overhaul.<br />
<br />
And just like there were multiple conditions, there were likely multiple causes: carrying and delivering three 9-pound babies; 20+ years of hard, physical labor, including a lot of heavy lifting and squatting down to milk cows; and my own genetics. The result was weakened ligaments and other supportive tissues that allowed organs to slip out of place, much the same way hernias happen.<br />
<br />
Today, I can say that I think the worst is behind me.<br />
<br />
The procedures went well. Part of the surgery was done laparoscopically with a robot and part of the surgery was done the old fashioned way – by hand. My surgeons were great and the nurses who took care of me during my hospital stay were exceptional.<br />
<br />
My post-surgical pain has subsided considerably. So has the abdominal swelling. I'm not nearly as exhausted as I was the first couple days.<br />
<br />
The timing wasn't the best – surgery right before Christmas was no fun. And we really didn't need another surgery in the family right after Daphne's <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/11/daphnes-appendectomy.html">appendectomy</a> and <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/12/another-word-in-daphnes-story.html">abscess surgery</a>. But we had met our health insurance deductible and I knew we couldn't afford not to have the surgery this year, so I pushed to get it scheduled.<br />
<br />
The most challenging part now is the activity restrictions during recovery: bed rest for the first two weeks and then another four to six weeks of next to nothing with a 10-pound lifting restriction. Which means no farm work at all. Dan and Monika have been helping a lot outside in my absence – and in the house, too. <br />
<br />
But I'm trying not to complain about the recovery process, because I chose this solution and can already tell that my previous symptoms are gone.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to feeling a whole lot better in the new year.<br />
<br />
<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-60822479672587084162017-12-24T11:13:00.000-06:002017-12-24T11:13:35.460-06:00Dairy Christmas and Happy Moo Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW7OCfftv7tAvkv5Sb_Byvb_2u34ALBNln8Q4swW3SxHIo1TAczRw03j_WzW-sIYNZD3D3GZUFow1O9LFEA6jZaMcVHa5_HmcrnvNObd_7N5kKEEiDpC3IAk54tVaY5IifTC1ys8DjYDd/s1600/christmas-card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1066" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW7OCfftv7tAvkv5Sb_Byvb_2u34ALBNln8Q4swW3SxHIo1TAczRw03j_WzW-sIYNZD3D3GZUFow1O9LFEA6jZaMcVHa5_HmcrnvNObd_7N5kKEEiDpC3IAk54tVaY5IifTC1ys8DjYDd/s640/christmas-card.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Dear Friends,<br />
<br />
Whether you're near or far...<br />
<br />
Whether you're a new friend or an old friend...<br />
<br />
Whether we've shared a laugh together recently or not...<br />
<br />
Know that we're thinking of you this holiday season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlywsMs7T_6tocp9WSdBBOD3VSoHfjgwCp4kt4sYkAV23k7J8hPqiftF61MMKIh2-F8ArqlyfIUez9bFTuw97QzL9cHevREh-egGwJ1NjBi9k2gCwchUteYC5MmlNRGOyoZO7syTjCBmN/s1600/family17-2_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1173" height="656" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlywsMs7T_6tocp9WSdBBOD3VSoHfjgwCp4kt4sYkAV23k7J8hPqiftF61MMKIh2-F8ArqlyfIUez9bFTuw97QzL9cHevREh-egGwJ1NjBi9k2gCwchUteYC5MmlNRGOyoZO7syTjCBmN/s640/family17-2_blog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Dan is 11 years old now and in 5th grade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedfwvgIowBQnEpwTU-kg9gkHSqx4FUI4bsZM93afrthTpQPgG6V6Vn1S1S61bTfi1LK13REoQ1gQxTIuVNFTPrCXW8S7u2zoEqoKJUWVMgMdvwhjmeiJmqGCUnCwmZ5LyTNofioIgEglV/s1600/family17-3_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedfwvgIowBQnEpwTU-kg9gkHSqx4FUI4bsZM93afrthTpQPgG6V6Vn1S1S61bTfi1LK13REoQ1gQxTIuVNFTPrCXW8S7u2zoEqoKJUWVMgMdvwhjmeiJmqGCUnCwmZ5LyTNofioIgEglV/s640/family17-3_blog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Monika is 8 years and in 3rd grade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HjU6oRm-mHst1BUa2Cz3yTxao1-TsFwF3qjnGdB3JFa7PuzSiq_TBJg6cd2MBEJZRxUjKrtwBP_157pa8HFZtnNTcuSM2Hexm2c_7lwHrjqztON9xpiGctXkz7ninZMXK5styHPbirtQ/s1600/007_digital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HjU6oRm-mHst1BUa2Cz3yTxao1-TsFwF3qjnGdB3JFa7PuzSiq_TBJg6cd2MBEJZRxUjKrtwBP_157pa8HFZtnNTcuSM2Hexm2c_7lwHrjqztON9xpiGctXkz7ninZMXK5styHPbirtQ/s640/007_digital.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Daphne is 5 years and in pre-school. She will start Kindergarten in the fall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpG7N6KPxGyS5_K3QJN9L0NnOp8KVei2rEIzichXwTh5DvujzTARNH-DUbyftAkCF3iqp-OwXQ-H0K4hGsclu0dhLuBOAmj3zFZt6z1Ll7zQhAYH_2Aqa_wlJugB-EaWmym45toGpScdv/s1600/family17-1_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpG7N6KPxGyS5_K3QJN9L0NnOp8KVei2rEIzichXwTh5DvujzTARNH-DUbyftAkCF3iqp-OwXQ-H0K4hGsclu0dhLuBOAmj3zFZt6z1Ll7zQhAYH_2Aqa_wlJugB-EaWmym45toGpScdv/s640/family17-1_blog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Glen and I celebrated 15 years of marriage in September and can't believe how fast these years have gone by.<br />
<br />
We will remember 2017 for several reasons – both rewarding and challenging. But through it all, we are incredibly thankful for the gifts of family, love, and health.<br />
<br />
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous Christmas and all the best in the new year.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
The Frerickses<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-55610711117330636022017-12-18T10:16:00.001-06:002017-12-18T10:16:41.340-06:00Auntie Konnie's Peanut Butter Krispy Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs5UiP0y_G0fJACLP2KOtAA5jRuINtJI1q7WKijPNdgpChDTCFcMNQvu6fQer2XguUiSfzzNhf-a5CdS2URXrXVXF78kmW0LZJ_Cq_civRLxto-nMfWPuOy8cdvhOwD5JVNqQB9EFVOzD/s1600/Krispy-Bars-sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs5UiP0y_G0fJACLP2KOtAA5jRuINtJI1q7WKijPNdgpChDTCFcMNQvu6fQer2XguUiSfzzNhf-a5CdS2URXrXVXF78kmW0LZJ_Cq_civRLxto-nMfWPuOy8cdvhOwD5JVNqQB9EFVOzD/s640/Krispy-Bars-sq.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Running short on time this holiday season? Need a quick, festive treat for your Christmas gathering? My Auntie Konnie's Peanut Butter Krispy Bars – drizzled with chocolate and </i><i>dressed up with sprinkles</i><i> – are perfect. These rich, chewy bars are not your average krispy bars. Made with a full stick of Land O Lakes® Butter and lots of peanut butter, they're more fudge than they are cereal.</i><br />
<br />
There are few holiday traditions I love more than creating and decorating Christmas cookies and candies. Each year I develop <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2015/01/the-christmas-cookie-list-2014.html" target="_blank">a list of treats I plan to make</a>. Most often, that list includes more than a dozen different treats – many of them recipes I've created myself, others heirloom recipes that have been passed down from beloved family members and friends, and usually a new recipe or two that I've stumbled upon.<br />
<br />
This year, though, life had other plans for me. With Daphne's <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/11/daphnes-appendectomy.html" target="_blank">recent surgeries and hospitalizations</a>, the only things I've been measuring are medications. I've accepted that my long list of Christmas cookies will wait until next year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq-SsaYK_X97GW35Yy8XhRqXhrM2Cg-InDVKhgUthfMVddX28Zd_S40IZQcdtLGCDhol9NlHHzs8QVQ7yne9j0v7UsT8mo0uC6cDaqkXheUW6acqVl15_rF50gJ7QJHm7JTsEW-kaYsG3/s1600/IMG_7608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq-SsaYK_X97GW35Yy8XhRqXhrM2Cg-InDVKhgUthfMVddX28Zd_S40IZQcdtLGCDhol9NlHHzs8QVQ7yne9j0v7UsT8mo0uC6cDaqkXheUW6acqVl15_rF50gJ7QJHm7JTsEW-kaYsG3/s640/IMG_7608.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
But I still wanted to bring something sweet along to Glen's family's Christmas gathering this past weekend. During chores one morning last week, I pondered what I could whip up quickly. Usually, when I need a hurry-up pan of something sweet, I make my <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2013/06/first-crop-summer-fun-and-best-summer.html" target="_blank">Cocoa Crispy Bars</a>, but, tasty as they are, I decided they weren't festive enough.<br />
<br />
Then I thought of my Auntie Konnie's Peanut Butter Krispy Bars. <br />
<br />
One day this fall, when I was still daydreaming about Christmas cookies and candies, I took inventory of my baking cupboard. I was shocked to find six bags of marshmallows. Who needs six bags of marshmallows? Who bought them all?<br />
<br />
(We won't talk about how many pounds of butter we have in inventory. That's never an issue. *wink* )<br />
<br />
Determined to reduce our inventory, I decided to make marshmallow krispy bars. The only problem was that marshmallow krispy bars were my culinary nemesis for a long time. I almost always make krispy bars with corn syrup and sugar. Whenever I tried to make krispy bars with marshmallows, they turned out un-chewable.<br />
<br />
My Auntie Konnie always made the best peanut butter krispy bars. <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/10/time-to-mourn.html" target="_blank">She died this fall</a> and I will forever regret not asking her for her recipe – although I suspected she never followed one.<br />
<br />
I asked my sisters if they had her recipe. They confirmed my suspicion. Auntie Konnie didn't follow a recipe. Just use lots of butter and peanut butter, they said. <br />
<br />
Well, I had six bags of marshmallows to experiment with, so I gave it my best shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjyzHCsUiq6Ns754ePTwxE5B01L6Vw57Zp2rAW7fzMymjLvk0i2wzkkxSmz7Wnofda-ne33YnnCtlitPy5-lXflUHuHzuBs_dd_2zDZCtr-EHoWYhGh6hO_3fSqfWVfmCdK323cJ5xUqZ/s1600/IMG_7609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjyzHCsUiq6Ns754ePTwxE5B01L6Vw57Zp2rAW7fzMymjLvk0i2wzkkxSmz7Wnofda-ne33YnnCtlitPy5-lXflUHuHzuBs_dd_2zDZCtr-EHoWYhGh6hO_3fSqfWVfmCdK323cJ5xUqZ/s640/IMG_7609.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Three bags of marshmallows later, I had both the ingredients and technique perfected. My peanut butter krispy bars now taste just as good as Auntie Konnie's. The secret really is lots of butter and peanut butter. Isn't everything better with lots of butter?<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to my need for a quick Christmas treat...<br />
<br />
It seemed fitting to remember Konnie by turning her signature dessert into festive, Christmas bars.<br />
<br />
I whipped up pan of peanut butter krispy bars and decorated them with white and dark chocolate drizzles and lots of Christmas sprinkles.<br />
<br />
Dan, Monika, and Daphne were super impressed. And, I have to say, they disappeared pretty quickly from the dessert table at Christmas.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking Auntie Konnie's Peanut Butter Krispy Bars will have a regular spot on my list of Christmas treats. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH28CRFZiB42uCCdVV0JrgcE0Ii5W42iHer9zeYyiyo6d3b9gcS7tAzc24yDUO51Motuk2CZTOvDKZwI3AjArjkSzvZ7dLPXlSkjOqDezQKoqr5-1da3TfApMCBQMypQ4EDa4vsxog3f6/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH28CRFZiB42uCCdVV0JrgcE0Ii5W42iHer9zeYyiyo6d3b9gcS7tAzc24yDUO51Motuk2CZTOvDKZwI3AjArjkSzvZ7dLPXlSkjOqDezQKoqr5-1da3TfApMCBQMypQ4EDa4vsxog3f6/s640/IMG_7610.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And just in case you’re still wondering about whether to put them on your list, here are all the reasons Auntie Konnie’s Peanut Butter Krispy Bars are perfect Christmas treats:<br />
<br />
✔ Delicious!<br />
✔ Quick and easy to make<br />
✔ Ingredients you probably have on hand<br />
✔ Kid-friendly – to make and to eat<br />
✔ No advance prep or chilling required<br />
✔ No baking<br />
✔ No refrigeration required (save space in the fridge!)<br />
✔ Infinitely customizable – sprinkle with crushed candy, toffee bits, or whatever your heart desires!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bogvl8nwncPCs7MDp_HZ33Pprdh7YR90A31Lrzxi-vwdCV5dDauVLbmW2LKuRMoqlW3THXxDtwJFaerIcXNKz-o9fAdiDlOJ8Ly8WxFgVYJ1zfkte8mkNXIRgjEtA7J1VxE5jnpbGaAe/s1600/Krispy-Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bogvl8nwncPCs7MDp_HZ33Pprdh7YR90A31Lrzxi-vwdCV5dDauVLbmW2LKuRMoqlW3THXxDtwJFaerIcXNKz-o9fAdiDlOJ8Ly8WxFgVYJ1zfkte8mkNXIRgjEtA7J1VxE5jnpbGaAe/s640/Krispy-Bars.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Auntie Konnie’s Peanut Butter Krispy Bars</span></b></div>
<br />
<i>Make time: 30 minutes</i><br />
<i>Yield: 24 bars</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
½ cup (1 stick) Land O Lakes® Butter<br />
16-ounce bag of marshmallows<br />
1½ cups peanut butter (chunky or creamy)<br />
6 cups crisp rice cereal<br />
<br />
2 ounces chocolate chips (⅓ cup)<br />
½ teaspoon solid coconut oil or shortening<br />
2 ounces white almond bark or white chocolate chips (1 cube or ⅓ cup)<br />
Green and red nonpareil sprinkles<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Spray a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray and wipe out excess.<br />
<br />
Melt butter in a large pot or dutch oven over low heat. (Save the butter wrapper – you’ll use it later!)<br />
<br />
Once butter is melted, add marshmallows to pot. Keep heat low and stir frequently until marshmallows are completely melted. (If the heat is too high, the finished krispie bars will be too hard.)<br />
<br />
Remove butter-marshmallow mixture from heat and stir in peanut butter, then cereal.<br />
<br />
Spoon cereal mixture into prepared pan. Use butter wrapper to press down evenly.<br />
<br />
<i>To decorate:</i><br />
<br />
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) together, then drizzle over bars. (I melt the chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave, transfer the melted chocolate to a plastic sandwich bag, snip off a corner of the bag, and drizzle.)<br />
<br />
Repeat with white almond bark or white chocolate.<br />
<br />
Top with sprinkles.<br />
<br />
Let bars cool before cutting into 24 squares.<br />
<br />
Store in airtight container.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="color: #999999;">I am a Land O'Lakes Cooperative member-owner. I received compensation from Land O'Lakes for this post. All opinions are my own.</span></i>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-60545443232918032032017-12-11T16:52:00.001-06:002017-12-11T16:52:14.454-06:00Another A-word in Daphne's story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8f9cBNLnX4H1r9gjiBnA9Xp2YkeZGUsHM5X412uaytcFKIf6rRMUa5dEk4eLVYKdkffygt9OP0HjWAEL6kNX6hkvwz92qFne7n55WUpMrunwgfx_-6H6AEqE0ip8hD2do1vSDt8QAP2U/s1600/IMG_7529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8f9cBNLnX4H1r9gjiBnA9Xp2YkeZGUsHM5X412uaytcFKIf6rRMUa5dEk4eLVYKdkffygt9OP0HjWAEL6kNX6hkvwz92qFne7n55WUpMrunwgfx_-6H6AEqE0ip8hD2do1vSDt8QAP2U/s640/IMG_7529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Another surgery.<br />
<br />
Another hospitalization.<br />
<br />
Another A-word added to Daphne's life story.<br />
<br />
When I published the story about <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/11/daphnes-appendectomy.html">Daphne's emergency appendectomy</a>, I thought the story was over. But it wasn't. <br />
<br />
On Tuesday, November 28, Daphne woke up tired. She went potty, said she wasn't hungry, and asked me to cover her up with a blanket on the couch. Warning bells went off inside my head. I took her temperature – as I had every morning since we had returned home. Her temperature was 100°F – well below a true fever. But Daphne's discharge instructions said to notify her doctor if she had a fever greater than 101°F or a temperature of 100°F or greater for over 24 hours. I recorded her temperature and the time and got her some ibuprofen to help her feel better.<br />
<br />
Eight hours later, Daphne's temperature was again 100°F. When she woke up from her second nap of the day at 7:00 p.m., I could tell right away her situation had worsened. She was yelling at the cat and felt considerably warmer when I wrapped her up in a hug to settle her down. The thermometer confirmed my observation: 101.5°F.<br />
<br />
I called the hospital. The surgeon on call explained my options: if I felt her condition was serious, I should bring her in right away; if she was comfortable, I could wait until morning. He said there was a probable chance that an abscess had formed from bacteria left over from her ruptured appendix. In that case, they would likely need to drain the abscess using an ultrasound-guided procedure.<br />
<br />
I gave Daphne another dose of ibuprofen and she went right back to sleep. An hour later, her temp was normal and she was still sleeping soundly. So I decided to wait until morning to go in. I tucked Dan and Monika into bed and tried to sleep myself.<br />
<br />
The next morning, I wouldn't have guessed anything was wrong with Daphne. <br />
<br />
Her initial lab work at the clinic, however, indicated that something was going on inside of her. Her white blood cell count was elevated and so was her temperature. Dr. Lundeen, the surgeon who examined Daphne, ordered another CT scan to check for an abscess. <br />
<br />
Shortly after the three-hour wait for the CT scan began, Daphne began crying softly; she said her stomach hurt and that she wanted to lay down. We found a bench seat in a waiting room so Daphne could lay down. Thankfully, while I was on the phone with the imaging department trying to find some pain relief for Daphne, they said there had been a cancellation and her CT scan appointment was moved up.<br />
<br />
Our friends in the pediatric unit – where we checked in first so that an IV could be started – welcomed us with smiles, hugs, and Daphne's blanket. Her blanket was in the laundry when we discharged after her appendectomy and I didn't remember it until a couple days later.<br />
<br />
The nurses started an IV in Daphne's hand and then escorted us down to the imaging department. After the CT scan, we returned to a holding room in the pediatric unit to wait for the results. Daphne slept, which I've now decided is her default response to pain. <br />
<br />
It wasn't long before Dr. Lundeen arrived with the results of the CT scan. There was, indeed, at least one large abscess – a little bigger than a golf ball – deep in Daphne's lower abdomen. There could be a couple smaller ones, as well, he said, or they might just be parts of the large abscess. Unfortunately, he said, because of the location of the abscesses, it would not be possible to use an ultrasound-guided procedure to drain the abscesses. Surgical removal was the only option.<br />
<br />
Dr. Schmidt, the surgeon who did Daphne's appendectomy and who would also be doing this second surgery, came by a little later to explain the procedure. The plan included starting Daphne on IV antibiotics and pain medicine right away and doing surgery first thing the next morning. Most likely, the procedure could be done laparoscopically; Dr. Schmidt would collect a sample of the abscess fluid for culturing (if possible), drain the abscesses, remove any abscess walls, irrigate her abdominal cavity, and install another abdominal drain. <br />
<br />
Daphne spent the rest of the day sleeping, eating popsicles, and watching Disney princess movies. (Before her hospital stay was over, we watched every Disney princess movie in the pediatric unit's extensive movie collection.) She told me that night, "Don't tell Dan and Monika that I got to watch <i>two</i> movies and eat <i>two</i> popsicles in one night!" Life is truly all about perspective.<br />
<br />
Daphne's surgery the next morning (Thursday) went as planned. It was not nearly as frightening this time to send her into the operating room. Either because I wasn't sleep deprived or because I had a full night to let the reality of the situation sink in. My dad came down to sit with me during surgery and stayed with us at the hospital to help.<br />
<br />
Daphne woke up in recovery a lot sooner after this procedure and was much more active the day of her surgery. Glen, Dan, Monika, and Glen's mom came down to visit that night; it was good for them to see her up and active.<br />
<br />
I suspect that one of the pain medications she got actually caused excessive excitability, because she hardly slept after surgery and was still asking to go for a walk at 9 p.m. that night. <br />
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<br />
We switched pain medications and the next day (Friday) she took a 5-hour nap – which was much-needed for both of us.<br />
<br />
Daphne also started eating right away, which kept us on the fast-track to going home.<br />
<br />
On Saturday morning, lab tests confirmed that Daphne was recovering well. After the lab tech drew Daphne's blood for the tests, Daphne told her, "Thank you. That was very gentle." Then she asked the lab tech for a hug. From the surprised look on Sophie's face, I wonder how often lab techs get hugs from patients.<br />
<br />
The abscess-fluid cultures and pathogen sensitivities finished that morning, as well. Prescriptions were ordered for continued treatment at home and Daphne was given the all-clear to go home.<br />
<br />
My freak out moment for this hospitalization came when our nurse told me that Daphne would be going home with her abdominal drain in place. Daphne's first JP drain had been removed just before we left the hospital. The doctors wanted to leave this one in for another week, to make doubly sure all of the extra fluid in her abdomen had a chance to drain out. I balked at the idea – partly because there was next to nothing draining out at this point; partly because the idea of abdominal drains and Daphne playing in the barn didn't sit well in my head. And I knew better than to believe that I could keep Daphne out of the barn.<br />
<br />
But, I agreed to let caution prevail. <br />
<br />
When we got home, I strapped the drain tubing to Daphne's stomach with vet wrap. Daphne didn't let the drain slow her down. She did rest a lot for the first couple days, but it wasn't long before she showed up in the barn one morning and told me, "I laid on the couch for a while after I woke up and made a plan. I figured I could come out to the barn if I just tucked my drain inside my snowpants."<br />
<br />
This past Thursday, I took Daphne back to the clinic for her follow up. Dr. Schmidt said she looked great and removed the abdominal drain.<br />
<br />
Daphne got on the bus this morning to go to preschool – for the first time in over three weeks. I'm taking that as a sign that our lives are returning to normal (whatever normal is ). I sincerely hope that this is the end of this chapter in our story.<br />
<br />
And that leaves me with another group of doctors, nurses, and medical professionals from the St. Cloud Hospital to thank:<br />
<br />
• Surgical Team: Dr. Schmidt, Dr. Lundeen, Dr. Singh, Dr. Martinson (after hours phone support), Dr. Fauske (anesthesia), Yen (post-surgery PA), Nicole, Denise, a few whose names I can't remember and more we never met<br />
• Recovery: Jessica and Sam<br />
• Pediatric Unit Doctors, Nurses, PCAs, and Staff: Dr. Peitso, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Newman, Kelsey, Deb, Toshie, Angie, Michelle, Katie, Trina, Kenzie, Kristina, Jon, Scott, Jess, Marcella, Laura, Claire (nursing student), Stephanie (the lady with the paints and all the toys), and a few more whose names escape me<br />
• Lab Techs: Sophie and the techs from the clinic lab<br />
<br />
Thank you, as well, to everyone who, again, visited Daphne, sent cards and gifts, brought food over, helped with chores, and provided long-distance emotional support.<br />
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<br />
<b>Our perspective this Christmas season is much different than it has been in years prior.</b><br />
<br />
More than anything else this year, what matters is celebrating the gifts of family, love, and health. We really don't need anything else. <br />
<br />
The past three weeks were challenging for us, but we recognize that they could have been much worse. We know that other families will be spending Christmas in the hospital or without their loved ones. (In the midst of everything going on with Daphne, we buried <a href="https://star-pub.com/Content/Default/Obituaries/Article/Carol-Billigmeier/-3/52/2143" target="_blank">Dan's beloved teacher</a> after she lost her six-year battle with cancer.) We know that grief for our loved ones, regardless of when we lost them, is often strongest during the holidays.<br />
<br />
We pray for those families especially. We pray for love and health for all families.<br />
<br />
This Christmas, hold tight to those you love.<br />
<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-63687850149065253382017-11-24T17:26:00.001-06:002017-12-13T08:28:10.847-06:00Daphne's appendectomy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqw3jeDF912_9xl6B5FwZ5zp9ha9L5no3-y1hfe3Lu3rQyNOBe1OVWX9ULG7-IhMaVXGjUdk3B7Digr-QwCBW0ddJovRAyLsqt5eLURZpfzLwipNH2nGEiacIYUjp1SpVN1mboDsf5AkJ/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne and Nurse Mary" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqw3jeDF912_9xl6B5FwZ5zp9ha9L5no3-y1hfe3Lu3rQyNOBe1OVWX9ULG7-IhMaVXGjUdk3B7Digr-QwCBW0ddJovRAyLsqt5eLURZpfzLwipNH2nGEiacIYUjp1SpVN1mboDsf5AkJ/s640/IMG_7469.JPG" title="Daphne and Nurse Mary" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Every Thanksgiving, we give thanks for all of the good things in our lives. This year, we're especially thankful for doctors and nurses and Daphne's health...<br />
<br />
<i>[Before you continue reading, consider yourself warned. There are some graphic details and a gory photo ahead.]</i><br />
<br />
On Saturday, November 18, I drove Daphne to the Melrose Hospital emergency room at 11:50 p.m.<br />
<br />
Daphne had been sick all day Saturday, first vomiting several times during the wee hours of the morning and then developing a fever. She slept on the couch all day, uninterested in eating and only wanting ice cold water to drink. By early evening, her temperature was 103°F. When I got her up to take some ibuprofen, she said it hurt her tummy to sit up. Afterward, she went right back to sleep and her fever came down. <br />
<br />
All day long, I went through possible diagnoses in my head – and on the phone with my sister, a nurse. Her fever seemed high for just a stomach bug. I knew strep throat was going around and that illness could explain her vomiting, fever, and lethargy, but not necessarily her stomach pain. Perhaps her stomach hurt from dry heaving at the end of her vomiting spell. By suppertime, I was debating taking Daphne to urgent care, but the hospital and clinic in our town don't have urgent care, making the closest urgent care a 45-minute drive away. I didn't think strep throat warranted a visit to the emergency room and I didn't think Daphne could sit long enough for a 45-minute drive.<br />
<br />
By bedtime, her temperature was coming back up and she asked to be carried up to bed. I asked Daphne where her tummy hurt and she said, "Where my legs attach to my tummy." I asked her to point to the place and she touched her lower right abdomen. My thoughts turned to appendicitis, mostly because my cousin's 5-year-old son had been hospitalized for an appendectomy just a month ago. But Daphne wasn't crying or complaining – she actually seemed pretty comfortable as long as she was laying down.<br />
<br />
During the night, I woke up to the sound of Daphne calling for me. I got up and went to her, but by the time I got there, she was sleeping again. I laid down next to her anyway. As I laid there, I listened to her interrupted breathing and thought, "Something's not right." As she slept, she was taking a breath in, holding it, and then letting it back out. I listened for a couple more minutes before letting my practicality give into my gut instinct. I got up, shook Glen awake, and told him I was taking Daphne to the emergency room. I called the hospital and told them I was bringing my 4-year-old in; she'd been vomiting, had a fever, complaining of abdominal pain, and was now breathing funny.<br />
<br />
I started the van to warm it up. I wrapped Daphne up in her blanket and carried her downstairs. She asked about her winter boots, so I decided it wouldn't be the worst idea to at least somewhat dress for the frigid weather. I set her down on a kitchen chair to put her boots on and she promptly vomited clear yellow liquid all over her blanket and boots. I ran upstairs for a new blanket, wrapped her up again, and carried her to the van.<br />
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The monitors in the ER showed that her heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature were elevated, but the only number I can remember is that her temp was 104.2°F. The nurses started an IV and swabbed her nose for influenza. A lab tech drew blood. The doctor's exam ruled out strep throat, pneumonia, and ear infections. When the doctor pressed on her tummy, she said it hurt everywhere.<br />
<br />
The lab work came back: no influenza, she was quite dehydrated, her WBC (white blood cell) count was below normal, but her CRP (c-reactive protein, a test that measures inflammation) was elevated. The doctor agreed that something was going on and we started talking about imaging to check her appendix. He wanted to rule out a bladder infection first, so we decided to collect a urine sample through a catheter, since it was probably going to be a long time before Daphne had any urge to go.<br />
<br />
The urine sample was negative for infection. The doctor then said we had two choices: admit Daphne to the hospital, continue the IV fluids, and recheck her WBC and CRP in six hours – or do a CT scan right away to check her abdomen for the source of pain. Because her WBC count was low and her pain wasn't more intense during the "rebound test", he wasn't certain it was her appendix.<br />
<br />
I went with Option B: do the scan right away so that we could either know for sure it was her appendix or rule it out. The scan only took a couple minutes, but since it was now 2-something in the morning, the radiology tech said the images would be sent to a doctor in Australia for interpretation, so it could be an hour before we had results.<br />
<br />
I settled in to wait, but ten minutes later Daphne's ER doctor walked in with the CT scan report and said, "It looks like her appendix is the problem and it looks like it's ruptured."<br />
<br />
The doctor ordered IV antibiotics and called the on-call surgeon in St. Cloud. At first he thought the surgeon would come to Melrose to do the appendectomy, but after the phone call he said that, because of Daphne's young age and the rupture, the surgery would be done at the St. Cloud Hospital. The next call was to the Melrose Ambulance for transfer to St. Cloud.<br />
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At this point, it was around 4 a.m. We usually get up for morning chores at 4:30 a.m., so I waited until 4:25 to call Glen and let him know what was going on and make a plan. Glen would do morning chores with our employee and I would go with Daphne. Glen then called his parents; his dad would come out to the farm to help with chores and his mom would pick up a few things for me from home and then meet us at the hospital.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIeLw_tdvUxZcscPn3JvkYb2r763wf-K7PmyXcO2f5ynI9jfmnMgYVM9LdW3SJPIxriF5N_LHgnVliPHSIVT2hrCfQ766PJ9fFbiPPY9TUjNaZb2_Q56aKZuysU6r06gO961EWU8nuZN9/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne heading to the ambulance" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIeLw_tdvUxZcscPn3JvkYb2r763wf-K7PmyXcO2f5ynI9jfmnMgYVM9LdW3SJPIxriF5N_LHgnVliPHSIVT2hrCfQ766PJ9fFbiPPY9TUjNaZb2_Q56aKZuysU6r06gO961EWU8nuZN9/s640/IMG_7475.JPG" title="Daphne heading to the ambulance" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometime after 5 a.m., Daphne and I left in the ambulance for St. Cloud. Daphne continued to be quiet and sleepy.<br />
<br />
The ambulance crew brought us to Daphne's room in the pediatric unit. We waited there until it was time to go to pre-op. We got to pre-op and found out that the surgery ahead of us had become complicated, so our wait in pre-op ended up being an hour and a half. Daphne continued to sleep and ask for water; she couldn't have water, so that made her pretty ornery.<br />
<br />
Finally, the surgical team came to take Daphne to the OR. I walked with her up to the OR unit doors and gave her a kiss and a hug. She asked me, "Why aren't you coming with, Mom?" Using every ounce of composure I had, I told her that moms can't go into the surgery room. They rolled Daphne's bed through the big double doors and I let all of the worry I had held back for the past 12 hours spill out.<br />
<br />
The surgeon had told us he expected the procedure to take 30 minutes. He would remove her appendix and, depending upon what he found inside, probably flush her abdominal cavity. I went with Glen's mom to the family waiting room. A little later, the waiting room hostess came to tell us that surgery had started. I closed my eyes, figuring sleep would be the best way to wait. I'm not accustomed to pulling all-nighters anymore, so my foggy brain dozed right off. I woke with a start 40 minutes later and realized nobody had come to tell us the procedure was over.<br />
<br />
Another 20 minutes passed – the slowest of my life – before the call came from the OR that Daphne's surgery was over. The surgeon would come talk to us shortly and then we could go see Daphne in recovery.<br />
<br />
The surgeon came and reported that the diagnosis of ruptured appendix was 100% accurate. (There had been some questions before surgery about what exactly was going on. Daphne's lack of intraperitoneal fat made it hard to see her appendix on the CT scan.) He gave us a picture from the laporscopic camera he used during the procedure and the picture below of Daphne's ruptured appendix after it was removed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEywy62zLdbUwKSRjbxg8kTF26pRmLpXH5FdRuVutjbWyLZbEoLUe8GAqPK_GELjEgaCvZTOQvxJHysS4TpL_T4dKoiXWsORFFjnlicCQim5N52w1ycmqPTijeP6_Xsu52eTSDa9nGrE4/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne's ruptured appendix" border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1450" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEywy62zLdbUwKSRjbxg8kTF26pRmLpXH5FdRuVutjbWyLZbEoLUe8GAqPK_GELjEgaCvZTOQvxJHysS4TpL_T4dKoiXWsORFFjnlicCQim5N52w1ycmqPTijeP6_Xsu52eTSDa9nGrE4/s640/IMG_7471.JPG" title="Daphne's ruptured appendix" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
He said that there was so much purulence (aka pus) inside her abdominal cavity that he used 4 liters of saline solution to clean out her insides, which made the surgery take longer than expected. A JP drain was inserted into one of Daphne's incisions to continue draining the fluid after surgery.<br />
<br />
He also explained that the reason why Daphne's WBC count was so low in the ER was that her WBC had already peaked and fell, likely because she was in early sepsis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq9US-mNx7frXljBJ-jNxEEEjL8XK6JjOcqDMGuntIZJpEchPdf0ikVTIPJ6Hy9MkS4o-QBZnJOcuheypTrIpR9Euql1YnY7PsLgCc30JKhDw8XzgWlVaEodrmpyKMuKUMPoOdB7_pkun/s1600/IMG_7470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne in recovery" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq9US-mNx7frXljBJ-jNxEEEjL8XK6JjOcqDMGuntIZJpEchPdf0ikVTIPJ6Hy9MkS4o-QBZnJOcuheypTrIpR9Euql1YnY7PsLgCc30JKhDw8XzgWlVaEodrmpyKMuKUMPoOdB7_pkun/s640/IMG_7470.JPG" title="Daphne in recovery" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
An hour later, Daphne finally started to wake up in recovery. Just as we rolled back into the pediatric unit, Glen, Dan, and Monika arrived to see Daphne.<br />
<br />
Glen and Dan were pretty quiet, but Monika kept saying, "I can't believe my little sister went from being OK to needing surgery in less than a day!" I guess our kids are more familiar with the need for scheduled surgeries and less familiar with the need for emergency and urgent surgeries.<br />
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Daphne slept through the rest of Sunday. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D3zNhyWSIOrPonhX5UvJQ3DFnQ2nxsH3hclUND0Z5aSz73nHl8PyYk6v98mXjOPnEWRseZgOTcNEvypWHluHHARAiXZyNYT0v4d-0cjAQoOQSt3KyBjATLkHRdvmNLIGT6lDKjeyIHAD/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne sleeping in hospital" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D3zNhyWSIOrPonhX5UvJQ3DFnQ2nxsH3hclUND0Z5aSz73nHl8PyYk6v98mXjOPnEWRseZgOTcNEvypWHluHHARAiXZyNYT0v4d-0cjAQoOQSt3KyBjATLkHRdvmNLIGT6lDKjeyIHAD/s640/IMG_7481.JPG" title="Daphne sleeping in hospital" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
She slept a lot on Monday, too, and was downright ornery when she was awake – and rightly so. Her tummy hurt a lot. She didn't want to talk or eat or walk. I made her walk back from the bathroom during the middle of the night and she vomited again as soon as she got back in bed.<br />
<br />
Tuesday started out with Daphne in a better mood. She ate a little and went for a walk to the playroom. Her good mood dissolved into ornery and tired by the afternoon.<br />
<br />
My mood went from good to worse, too. The results from Daphne's Tuesday morning lab work showed that her CRP and WBC had gone up instead of going down. Our nurses said we would likely be spending Thanksgiving in the hospital. Daphne's surgery PA (physician's assistant) said they'd do more blood tests on Wednesday and make a decision regarding discharge then.<br />
<br />
It looked like Wednesday would be more of the same. The morning started with another blood draw that made Daphne hysterical. Daphne cried every time we made her walk and pouted when I asked her to eat and drink. She refused to take her oral meds, insisting they just give her medicine through her IV. She told me she didn't want to go home.<br />
<br />
Then, Nurse Kelsey said the magic words that turned everything around. "If you eat and drink enough, we can take the IV out of your arm, Daphne," Kelsey told her. Daphne literally started gulping down milk and Gatorade.<br />
<br />
The next time we asked her to walk back from the bathroom, Daphne said she only wanted to walk in the hallway. Nurse Kelsey told Daphne, "I need to see if you can walk back from the bathroom before I can let you walk in the hallway." With that, Daphne almost trotted back to her bed and climbed up into it herself. (Prior this, I had been carrying her to and from the bathroom.)<br />
<br />
In a matter of minutes, Daphne returned to being the silly, spunky girl we know. She had her nurses nearly rolling with laughter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bm_Xkw3STQhQ4E9-YI3gSbp9n_bwIWBXeaEfJHwuVbUidztmYjl2HYfWQSEDXMKQERE8qUviRuawG16ihrWXtW1gDL39uFg4BWw9zkFa_u-so8CsJpKRhlJO7GxTW3vvjHB58CMziLBS/s1600/IMG_7454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne and Takoda, the therapy dog" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bm_Xkw3STQhQ4E9-YI3gSbp9n_bwIWBXeaEfJHwuVbUidztmYjl2HYfWQSEDXMKQERE8qUviRuawG16ihrWXtW1gDL39uFg4BWw9zkFa_u-so8CsJpKRhlJO7GxTW3vvjHB58CMziLBS/s640/IMG_7454.JPG" title="Daphne and Takoda, the therapy dog" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly after, the surgery PA came and said that since her CRP and WBC count were down, Daphne could go home. <br />
<br />
Daphne's brave nurses – Cass and Kelsey – came to remove her JP drain and IV. Neither process was anything close to comfortable – mostly because the tape they used to hold those things in was the strongest ever. It was the first time we had to hold Daphne down. Daphne got so worked up that she got a bloody nose. Thank goodness Glen was there by then, because he's the bloody nose expert in our family. Daphne eventually settled down and we got her cleaned up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWNYU8IR4VyMnXcvIfJOqPIlkhrw3zRf9TmJjaquTGp_2sTr_Y4NUZLzbfgG0u0UXyDUREoA_du1JlTYU3uT_e4yZb8y3ScYQJeDsqmqnhTejAhmZzm2-ZCadY90-Y4hkq1MOdpRy009i/s1600/IMG_7468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daphne with Nurse Cass and Nurse Kelsey" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWNYU8IR4VyMnXcvIfJOqPIlkhrw3zRf9TmJjaquTGp_2sTr_Y4NUZLzbfgG0u0UXyDUREoA_du1JlTYU3uT_e4yZb8y3ScYQJeDsqmqnhTejAhmZzm2-ZCadY90-Y4hkq1MOdpRy009i/s640/IMG_7468.JPG" title="Daphne with Nurse Cass and Nurse Kelsey" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Daphne gave her nurses each a big hug and we headed for home.<br />
<br />
Looking back on the past couple days, I am so incredibly thankful for many people: family and friends, who helped us out at home, came to visit Daphne, and lent long-distance support over the phone; <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/11/a-new-lease-on-life.html">our employees</a>, whose help with farm chores made the week a lot more manageable; and all of the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, who gave Daphne the very best medical care.<br />
<br />
To all of the folks from the Melrose and St. Cloud Hospitals – most of whom are listed below – thank you from the bottom of my heart!<br />
<br />
• Melrose ER Team: Dr. Wendlandt, Jolene, and Amanda<br />
• Melrose Lab Tech: Nikki<br />
• Melrose Radiology Tech: Hannah<br />
• Ambulance Crew: April and Clay<br />
• Surgical and Pre-Op Team: Dr. Schmidt, Dr. Lang (anesthesia), Yen (post-surgery PA), Eileen, a few whose names I can't remember and more we never met<br />
• Recovery: <strike>her wonderful nurse whose name I can't remember</strike> Marie<br />
• Pediatric Unit Nurses, PCAs, and Staff: Mary, Cass, Kelsey, Deb, Kristy, Janet, Kenzie, Marcella, Toshie, Jeannie, Jess, Michelle, Anna, Jon, Natasha and Emily (nursing students), Brittany (the lady with all the toys), and a few more whose names escape me<br />
• St. Cloud Lab Techs: Erik and Judy<br />
<br />
And, lastly, a huge thank you to Nurse Mary, pictured in the first photo above, for going above and beyond. Mary is an old dairy friend of mine, who I hadn't seen in a long time. (For you dairy readers, you might recognize her as a former Princess Kay of the Milky Way.) When Mary walked in for her shift as our night nurse on Sunday night, we were equally shocked to see each other. Her instant hug meant so much at that moment. Mary came back throughout our stay to visit, to sit with Daphne so I could shower, and to bring me lunch. She stopped in one last time as we were leaving for one last hug. <br />
<br />
Seeing Mary this week reminded me that friends are friends forever, regardless of the interval between visits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2017/12/another-word-in-daphnes-story.html">UPDATE: Unfortunately, there's more to this story... Read the rest here.</a>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-48717258918564197602017-11-11T14:11:00.000-06:002017-11-11T14:11:48.525-06:00A new lease on life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6D-jE8G3Y9dUgSW449-0rza0l8GkyXPmBp_-aCNk8GHFeQzyEbiIlKXFrQO0NAg7Zpb5BNWN7VjV7Kjd0CiHA6l0zM1H1vrVzXZ-0H23HpmN6PgMetK9pkLthMzA3J_gePENESYJneQ8/s1600/IMG_7342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sunrise over dairy farm" border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1510" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6D-jE8G3Y9dUgSW449-0rza0l8GkyXPmBp_-aCNk8GHFeQzyEbiIlKXFrQO0NAg7Zpb5BNWN7VjV7Kjd0CiHA6l0zM1H1vrVzXZ-0H23HpmN6PgMetK9pkLthMzA3J_gePENESYJneQ8/s640/IMG_7342.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Like the sun rising on a new day, a big change here on our farm has given us a new lease on life.<br />
<br />
A couple weeks ago, we hired our first full-time employee.<br />
<br />
This might not seem like a big deal to some, but it's a big change for us. For the past 12 years, Glen and I have done most of the work here. We get extra help as needed from family and friends, including a good friend who has done relief milking for us for over 10 years now.<br />
<br />
But that was no longer enough.<br />
<br />
To put it simply, our herd size has grown considerably over the past year. We’re now milking 100 cows. The reasons for this growth could fill another post with a complicated explanation of dairy markets and economics. What’s not complicated to understand, though, is that milking more cows means more work for us – more work than we could handle ourselves.<br />
<br />
We trudged through the spring and summer with a workload that left us completely exhausted. Most days, it felt like we were barely getting through the day, or worse, falling behind.<br />
<br />
I can’t even remember when we started talking about hiring full-time help. It came up during milking one morning. We’ve talked about hiring in the past, but never gave it serious consideration. This time, it was clear: We really need another person here.<br />
<br />
We found that person a couple weeks ago. The young man we hired is a quick-learner, has a great sense of humor, and is fun to work with. In the short time we’ve been working with him, we already feel like he’s part of the family.<br />
<br />
We also feel like we can breathe again. Instead of feeling constantly behind, it now feels like we’re moving forward. The exhaustion and frustration we felt before have been replaced with energy and satisfaction. Dairy farming is fun again.<br />
<br />
I am so incredibly thankful we made this decision when we did. I'm thankful, too, for this young man's interest in working with us.<br />
<br />
What's more, and just as important, is that we're once again finding time for the other things we enjoy. We took the kids out to eat. Glen got to go deer hunting. I've actually been cooking supper. Glen and I went to an auction – together! That counts as a date in my book.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness for changes for the better and for more good things to come.<br />
<br />
<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-47212879928793601642017-10-30T20:02:00.000-05:002017-12-12T20:21:57.687-06:00Time to mourn<i>“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”</i> Ecclesiastes 3:1-4<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJIMDp9hd2bR0bvf3zvHjq8u9ZJKj3hW_ugNXA21pfxgXtJlAqAubZegd-rFMjbzuzB58Z66wwckP5KvH-5FaPSkoueAXukADp3XBSI_uNliz9SOjsnNLUhXODhCuKsAegN-GwNMtPvq4/s1600/IMG_E7191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="750" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJIMDp9hd2bR0bvf3zvHjq8u9ZJKj3hW_ugNXA21pfxgXtJlAqAubZegd-rFMjbzuzB58Z66wwckP5KvH-5FaPSkoueAXukADp3XBSI_uNliz9SOjsnNLUhXODhCuKsAegN-GwNMtPvq4/s640/IMG_E7191.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My Auntie Konnie’s time to die came on Friday, October 13. <br />
<br />
In several ways, the past two weeks have been some of the hardest of my life.<br />
<br />
One of the hardest parts has been the need to explain who Auntie Konnie was and why saying goodbye to her hurts so much. Apparently, at least from the countless quizzical looks, most people don’t think losing an aunt should bring so much grief.<br />
<br />
But Konnie was more than an aunt. <br />
<br />
My mother worked a full-time job an hour’s drive away from our farm. When my sisters and I were little, Mom dropped us off at Konnie’s house for the day. When we were a couple years older, Konnie started coming to our house instead. We spent as many of our growing-up hours with Konnie as we did with anyone else. And her willingness to run her daycare business out of our home meant my sisters and I had an incredible world: a houseful of kids to play with, a dairy farm to roam over, and being close enough to Dad and Grandpa that we saw them everyday, too, and were there to pitch in with farm chores as we grew old enough to help.<br />
<br />
Konnie was the one who taught us how to cook and clean; that barn language belonged in the barn, not the house; and that lying about your misbehavior was far worse than misbehaving itself.<br />
<br />
We knew Konnie’s time with us was limited. <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2016/01/the-oysters-and-starfish.html" target="_blank">Three years ago, almost to the day of her death, we almost lost her to septicemia following a cortisol injection.</a> The recovery from that ordeal was long and complicated, but Konnie came out of it with a renewed appreciation for life. The sadness that had filled her when her only son (and only child) died in 2013 seemed to lift away.<br />
<br />
Konnie’s long recovery gave us our turn to take care of her. Then, a bout with pneumonia this spring led to the discovery of a suspected tumor in her lungs. Konnie never smoked a cigarette in her life, but cancer doesn’t follow the rules.<br />
<br />
Konnie was too frail for surgery or chemotherapy, so we worked to accept the inevitable. But knowing death is coming doesn’t it make it any easier to accept. The grieving is still just as hard.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the world doesn’t stop spinning – even for a moment – to allow time for grief. There is no time to mourn. The grieving just keeps on while you go through the motions of living. Numb to the core, but still moving. The kids need supper and help with their homework and clean clothes for school tomorrow. The cows need to be milked. There are no mental health days for dairy farmers – or moms.<br />
<br />
At the same time I lament these relentless demands I am thankful for both my family and my farm. Thankful I’m not grieving alone. Thankful for the joyful moments our children create – smiles that pierce through the sadness. Thankful for a job that allows me to keep working while my mind remembers, grieves, and heals. Cows don’t care if I cry while I milk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dairystar.com/Content/Columnists/Sadie-Frericks/Article/Time-to-mourn/31/172/13881" target="_blank">This post first appeared as a column in the October 28, 2017 issue of the Dairy Star.</a>Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-3610538434788495432017-02-15T09:56:00.002-06:002017-02-15T11:13:10.257-06:00A wonderful whoops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpHPyL9OGKNWFVWsOTCdg_4MbhlWA_VBDXrN55RsN3rKc6zvoYm7vrBUd0_4sglWSPp0xGbFl7tTLAHH__9V7hBVUsghY8fmmE_uDIOwe_aCjCFtnVg2_xj5zOkTlM8AkwU-NFGH5Ll4M/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpHPyL9OGKNWFVWsOTCdg_4MbhlWA_VBDXrN55RsN3rKc6zvoYm7vrBUd0_4sglWSPp0xGbFl7tTLAHH__9V7hBVUsghY8fmmE_uDIOwe_aCjCFtnVg2_xj5zOkTlM8AkwU-NFGH5Ll4M/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" title="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Forget flowers and chocolates and jewelry. I got the best Valentine’s Day gift ever – even if it was by accident and it arrived a little early.<br />
<br />
It all started nine months ago on May 10, 2016.<br />
<br />
“Do you think maybe there were a few things going on that day?” Glen asked cheekily, looking back.<br />
<br />
I don’t remember exactly what was on our to-do list that day, probably fieldwork and planting. But I do remember standing in the barn office with Glen, talking about the heifers that were caught in the headlocks for work that morning.<br />
<br />
“Your Milking Shorthorn heifer needs to be preg checked,” Glen said. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl8t1x164jc_GXwe94bsuMbH3iOXMXDJg4drzVpAo6XwAkKkR9X0rD225h908kZlKe96yQCZLsHbiIgu7hE4b6XC9J8SXGuOIm3JuXKlV5jwtXbpH4MjSnHmsz5gMhEnYlYHKKE8FPCg2/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl8t1x164jc_GXwe94bsuMbH3iOXMXDJg4drzVpAo6XwAkKkR9X0rD225h908kZlKe96yQCZLsHbiIgu7hE4b6XC9J8SXGuOIm3JuXKlV5jwtXbpH4MjSnHmsz5gMhEnYlYHKKE8FPCg2/s640/IMG_4729.JPG" title="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of our pregnancy checks are done via blood samples, so we simply needed to collect a vial of blood from Dallas to bring to the lab.<br />
<br />
“And Wonder is in heat,” Glen said.<br />
<br />
Wonder is a stylish Holstein heifer out of our W family. She carries a polled gene, so Glen selected a red-and-white polled bull for her first service, but she didn’t settle. Glen decided to try the same bull again for her second service.<br />
<br />
Later that day, when Glen and I stopped to discuss the day’s progress, he made a confession.<br />
<br />
“I made a mistake,” he said.<br />
<br />
He went on to explain that when he pulled the thawed straw of semen out of the thaw unit, he double checked the straw before loading it into the gun. But the straw wasn’t the Holstein bull he had in mind – it was one of the Milking Shorthorn sires we had in the tank.<br />
<br />
“I think I still had Milking Shorthorns on my mind after talking about Dallas,” Glen tried to explain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B-rijDMRtcYLm9yJmFn70hwZcgXmrfIkhWAoFfzJDqkmrDjccx5k9BXkzZXpp8vAFEEQU7Lu0O6RMCEdzzp62p6iuj2fZnEK5O5LBBQY5g_9uHoT2_qe8saiT4wkzWMQklIa1sj2J24O/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B-rijDMRtcYLm9yJmFn70hwZcgXmrfIkhWAoFfzJDqkmrDjccx5k9BXkzZXpp8vAFEEQU7Lu0O6RMCEdzzp62p6iuj2fZnEK5O5LBBQY5g_9uHoT2_qe8saiT4wkzWMQklIa1sj2J24O/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG" title="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
You’ve heard of distracted driving; well, this is what I’d call distracted breeding.<br />
<br />
Instead of discarding the Milking Shorthorn straw and thawing a Holstein, Glen put the Milking Shorthorn in Wonder. I know some dairy farmers would have chalked it up as a loss and thawed another straw. I think it is proof of how much Glen really loves me – or he’s just that frugal.<br />
<br />
Upon hearing his admission, I jumped for joy.<br />
<br />
“Maybe she won’t settle,” Glen said, half hoping.<br />
<br />
But Wonder did settle. And I jumped for joy again when we got the pregnancy report 30 days later.<br />
<br />
We already had several roan calves out of the Milking Shorthorn bull that Glen accidentally thawed, so I knew there was a really good chance Wonder’s calf would be blue roan. The prospect almost made me cry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCcM2vAmTIPiYM8pfV0szeVtv4-IbTsFKF-obtEBvVWrDMUZ9V8K5fRSd7DjVxluZ5ccKHY2owtrbE53NvARvHqtkFFYhTSsiprvZ0bPKJ16FxWgCP75H6tFjtcH0_dtz3jw1oi0RJOI-/s1600/IMG_4727.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCcM2vAmTIPiYM8pfV0szeVtv4-IbTsFKF-obtEBvVWrDMUZ9V8K5fRSd7DjVxluZ5ccKHY2owtrbE53NvARvHqtkFFYhTSsiprvZ0bPKJ16FxWgCP75H6tFjtcH0_dtz3jw1oi0RJOI-/s1600/IMG_4727.JPG" title="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My last blue roan, Glory, passed away unexpectedly in April of 2015, leaving me heartbroken. She passed so quickly, I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye. She was, undoubtedly, my favorite cow. For eight years, she was my reminder of and connection back to the beautiful blue roans I grew up with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBNVEyCQ4cE4pnjSgzTRc7pXxe7Svo3kVyuYQXHAAg65YsYE4XzjiAEUt7h5z3JqW0drNPPFmb7udu0DY5AS9ITJSJDoqwPSy0ioFJroz-CN4sP5z5PjCwQnMc-KRbX0A30MMG_J-xVHv/s640/blogger-image--1129928846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glory: blue roan dairy cow" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBNVEyCQ4cE4pnjSgzTRc7pXxe7Svo3kVyuYQXHAAg65YsYE4XzjiAEUt7h5z3JqW0drNPPFmb7udu0DY5AS9ITJSJDoqwPSy0ioFJroz-CN4sP5z5PjCwQnMc-KRbX0A30MMG_J-xVHv/s640/blogger-image--1129928846.jpg" title="Glory: blue roan dairy cow" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of Glory’s descendants are red roan, but I knew deep down she was my last blue roan.<br />
<br />
We decided several years ago that we were done crossbreeding. The Jersey crosses would all be bred continuously to Jersey; the Milking Shorthorn crosses would all be bred to Milking Shorthorn. All Holsteins would be bred to Holstein – no new crosses. Without a Holstein x Milking Shorthorn mating, it would be next to impossible for another blue roan to be born on our farm.<br />
<br />
But miracles do happen. Sometimes in the form of accidents.<br />
<br />
“Please let it be a heifer!” I cheered every time I saw Wonder’s mating in our record system.<br />
<br />
Then, Wonder showed up on the Heifers To Calve list with a due date of February 14, 2017 and my excitement tripled. It would be hard to top a Valentine’s Day blue roan heifer calf.<br />
<br />
When Wonder started showing signs of calving early, my hopes intensified. An early calf was more likely to be a heifer.<br />
<br />
All of my hoping and cheering paid off.<br />
<br />
On February 2, Wonder delivered a beautiful little blue roan heifer calf.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGLwhyphenhyphenxlCQa4_BEYwNrrqPlNigsIWYb3quRJ8LPsV7oKTUjP9vQ4HSlbiceKuiSalUq4VJFjfByvr25Iue5rdQesP0c67iU2fH-5OUDyfo-bHhzutZglihb826lHvC7DtPg9zGAaWZYfh/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGLwhyphenhyphenxlCQa4_BEYwNrrqPlNigsIWYb3quRJ8LPsV7oKTUjP9vQ4HSlbiceKuiSalUq4VJFjfByvr25Iue5rdQesP0c67iU2fH-5OUDyfo-bHhzutZglihb826lHvC7DtPg9zGAaWZYfh/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" title="blue roan Holstein x Milking Shorthorn dairy calf" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I was so ecstatic I could hardly sleep that night. I’m still excited. Wonder herself calved in looking just as stylish as she did as a heifer. This little blue roan calf could turn out to be pretty spectacular.<br />
<br />
All because of a wonderful whoops.<br />
<br />
P.S. After much discussion, my little blue beauty's name will be Whoops.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dairystar.com/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=172&ArticleID=13074&TM=37264.8" target="_blank"><i>This post originally appeared as a column in the Dairy Star.</i></a><br />
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-58405895821432607022017-02-14T23:16:00.000-06:002017-02-15T09:15:25.307-06:00Farming with the one you love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My husband, Glen, and I will celebrate 15 years of marriage later this year. For 12 of those 15 years, we have been dairy farming together.<br />
<br />
We’ve learned a thing or two (or three) about taking care of our marriage while also taking care of our cows and crops.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Compromise</b><br />
<br />
Every marriage requires blending two different sets of values. Couples who farm together often have to combine two different philosophies on farming, as well.<br />
<br />
I take a lot of pride in the fact that, in many ways, our dairy farm represents the best of the very different dairy farming systems Glen and I grew up with.<br />
<br />
This hybrid system required a lot of compromise. Compromise is often associated with accepting lower standards . . . for us, compromise meant accepting something different than what we were accustomed to.<br />
<br />
I can remember sitting in the haymow, bawling my eyes out, the first winter day we kept the cows in the barn overnight. I was accustomed to housing cows outside, but that wasn’t an option on our new farm. We needed the cows’ body heat to keep the waterlines in the barn from freezing.<br />
<br />
I didn’t need to be concerned, though. Glen had a lifetime of experience with housing cows inside. We used his experience to create the best environment possible for keeping our cows comfortable.<br />
<br />
On the flip side, Glen had relatively little experience grazing dairy cattle before we started farming. Now, grazing is an integral part of our farming system.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Communication</b><br />
<br />
I know this sounds cliché, but clear communication really is essential for married couples. Yet, it’s so easy to slip into subpar communication habits.<br />
<br />
Part of the issue is that farming couples spend a lot of time together — far more than our married counterparts with nonfarming jobs. After awhile, we tend to assume our partner should automatically understand what we mean when we speak (or gesture), but we all know what happens when we assume.<br />
<br />
Planning is another area where communication is essential. A quick conversation in the morning about the day’s plans can prevent a lot of issues.<br />
<br />
We had a hiccup right after I upgraded from an old school phone to a smartphone. Not because I was spending more time with my phone than my hubby . . . that’s a real issue for some couples . . . but because I started using the calendar on my phone instead of the paper calendar in our kitchen. Glen said not being able to see the week’s activities . . . everything from the kids’ activities to my meetings . . . made him feel like he was out of the loop. Now I keep track of activities and events in both places.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Compassion</b><br />
<br />
There are three little words that, when used appropriately, can make all the difference in a marriage.<br />
<br />
The words aren’t “I love you.” They’re even easier to say than that.<br />
<br />
When your partner gets kicked by a cow or a gate falls on their foot or they smash their thumb with a post maul, show a little compassion and ask, “Are you OK?”<br />
<br />
Yes, it might be clear that they’re OK because they’re still standing, but save the tough love for somebody other than your spouse. “Are you OK?” sends the message that “I care about you and your well-being.”<br />
<br />
Ninety-nine times out of 100, the incident victim will feel just fine physically within minutes, but a little compassion will leave them feeling loved for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
And nothing beats feeling loved.<br />
<br />
Happy Valentine’s Day!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hoards.com/blog-20440-Farming-with-the-one-you-love.html" target="_blank"><i>This post originally appeared in the Hoard's Dairyman Notebook.</i></a><br />
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-42599066312878195332016-12-23T09:30:00.002-06:002016-12-23T10:09:22.045-06:00Delicious Giving + Oatmeal-Brown Sugar Cut Out Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic1KUN4DUomVBB2NczDwp5A2MPez523sIFgGSJ7y0FirFixum6J0Ko_b7kLWP-BAoVjztKifwjgmPLr4eyZ5-qOJC-669pqaTsWa7iy08oQLg220eavD_u4UTawULb-wtfcN8bv4PpAO9/s1600/oatmeal-cut-out-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic1KUN4DUomVBB2NczDwp5A2MPez523sIFgGSJ7y0FirFixum6J0Ko_b7kLWP-BAoVjztKifwjgmPLr4eyZ5-qOJC-669pqaTsWa7iy08oQLg220eavD_u4UTawULb-wtfcN8bv4PpAO9/s640/oatmeal-cut-out-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Two events have me thinking about cookies right now.<br />
<br />
Christmas is the obvious occasion. For me, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tray of homemade goodies. Decorated cut out cookies with icing and lots of sprinkles always make an appearance on my cookie trays – both the trays I bring to Christmas gatherings and the ones I give as gifts.<br />
<br />
The other event is the fundraising auction our school holds each year. While the auction isn’t until spring, the auction committee is already at work collecting donations for the auction. Last year, I donated a gift certificate for custom-made decorated cookies along with samples of each of the cookie flavors. The winning bidder got to choose from <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2013/12/cream-cheese-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">Raspberry-Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies</a>, Chocolate-Hazelnut Cut Out Cookies (from Bridget Edwards' cookbook, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1gxjfNu" target="_blank">Decorating Cookies</a></i>), <a href="http://sweetopia.net/2014/11/the-perfect-peanut-butter-cut-out-cookie/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Cut Out Cookies</a>, and Oatmeal-Brown Sugar Cut Out Cookies (see recipe below).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcClQL90k_3XpknR3ETsyBm_JSghWDnO7Hyg9Vsbz9WI_4cWGkgdqHZgVUEa918_CbIrnMlrTcrNeczqM0rhi3eAkRs2JbhTdndg-vnaCL0SBtSMs2uxMU6vbZeqQNE49miB9cmyBjJ_/s1600/oatmeal-cut-out-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcClQL90k_3XpknR3ETsyBm_JSghWDnO7Hyg9Vsbz9WI_4cWGkgdqHZgVUEa918_CbIrnMlrTcrNeczqM0rhi3eAkRs2JbhTdndg-vnaCL0SBtSMs2uxMU6vbZeqQNE49miB9cmyBjJ_/s640/oatmeal-cut-out-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I haven’t decided whether I’ll donate decorated cookies this year or go with something like gift certificates for milk and my homemade <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2014/06/simple-goodness-on-farm-recipes.html" target="_blank">Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>. But I do know that whatever I donate will be edible.<br />
<br />
Edible gifts are perfect in so many ways. Few things speak kindness more than homemade cookies or delicious treats. Plus, most people already have enough “stuff” so receiving (or bidding on) a consumable gift is often much preferred.<br />
<br />
For the several years now, we have given edible gifts to teachers, bus drivers, our mail lady, and others. A pound of <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/products/butter/sticks/salted-butter/" target="_blank">Land O Lakes® Butter</a>, a tub of <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/products/butter/tubs/cinnamon-sugar-butter-spread/" target="_blank">Land O Lakes® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread</a>, and a package of <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/products/cheese/dairy-case-snack-cheese/co-jack-snack-cheese/" target="_blank">Land O Lakes® Co-Jack</a><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/products/cheese/dairy-case-snack-cheese/co-jack-snack-cheese/" target="_blank">®</a><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/products/cheese/dairy-case-snack-cheese/co-jack-snack-cheese/" target="_blank"> Snack Cheese</a> fit perfectly inside <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081GJO5C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">these assemble-at-home cardboard boxes</a>. I add a handful of paper shreds to make it look festive and the kids decorate the outside of the box with markers or simply tuck a card inside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BPZFDS_XlHmHWlxtOiXCwlhyphenhyphenUz6lToL4PZWjmUgjRThQZf09ZKq10DygeyN4jr7ApYS33po2G_DjodGzV_7_O2VSyyJ-eOP6Q8Sl54o9obIPA1rGcl-zJpw-id-QcxOCQo4aRAyn63bL/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BPZFDS_XlHmHWlxtOiXCwlhyphenhyphenUz6lToL4PZWjmUgjRThQZf09ZKq10DygeyN4jr7ApYS33po2G_DjodGzV_7_O2VSyyJ-eOP6Q8Sl54o9obIPA1rGcl-zJpw-id-QcxOCQo4aRAyn63bL/s640/IMG_4411.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
If you like the idea of edible gifts, here a few more ideas from the <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" target="_blank">Land O’Lakes Test Kitchen</a> to consider:<br />
<ul><li><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/recipe-collection/485/food-gifts-from-the-kitchen/" target="_blank">Food Gifts from the Kitchen</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/recipe-collection/551/holiday-cookies-for-sharing/" target="_blank">Holiday Cookies for Sharing</a></li>
</ul>And, last, here’s the recipe for my <b>Oatmeal-Brown Sugar Cut Out Cookies</b>.<br />
<br />
If you like the combination of oatmeal and brown sugar as much as I do, you’ll love these out-of-the-ordinary cut out cookies.<br />
<br />
I was so excited when I first spotted a recipe for oatmeal cut out cookies while browsing a recipe site. Unfortunately, that recipe resulted in downright terrible cookies. My dog wouldn’t even eat them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV-KX55NcqcBgqnTSStKKC7edrKoqORD5iEv0ep09QU3G-jt1_cm72VvZ_YvSPrmWfriUyReh4_oxDbAArxUYv7T6lktNsWUtUf8xm1_05ruX2u46aKCv5WMnhnxs9kDC2znr94jbaCYS/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV-KX55NcqcBgqnTSStKKC7edrKoqORD5iEv0ep09QU3G-jt1_cm72VvZ_YvSPrmWfriUyReh4_oxDbAArxUYv7T6lktNsWUtUf8xm1_05ruX2u46aKCv5WMnhnxs9kDC2znr94jbaCYS/s640/IMG_0417.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I decided that the idea of an oatmeal cut out cookie was worth pursuing, so I fiddled around with the recipe and several tweaks later ended up with cookies that are definitely worth getting excited about.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AeySCMDxwHU4YQoxsPDWdEJgSgAad0I3afDvOT0rKJoGMwNel-8zU392b5XJinGFPPmM8-eCKklRgScR-Bu6N3ZwmKa5cnICoNYQgrwDwxNhrs8-1yRve-EqMcM-A3KgAkDZttjQkFlG/s1600/oatmeal-cut-out-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AeySCMDxwHU4YQoxsPDWdEJgSgAad0I3afDvOT0rKJoGMwNel-8zU392b5XJinGFPPmM8-eCKklRgScR-Bu6N3ZwmKa5cnICoNYQgrwDwxNhrs8-1yRve-EqMcM-A3KgAkDZttjQkFlG/s640/oatmeal-cut-out-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I outline my cookies with royal icing (using <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" target="_blank">Bridget’s recipe from Bake at 350</a>). Then I fill the cookies with vanilla-flavored <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2016/12/cookie-icing.html" target="_blank">Cookie Icing</a> and top them with sprinkles. They would also be divine with cream cheese frosting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcClQL90k_3XpknR3ETsyBm_JSghWDnO7Hyg9Vsbz9WI_4cWGkgdqHZgVUEa918_CbIrnMlrTcrNeczqM0rhi3eAkRs2JbhTdndg-vnaCL0SBtSMs2uxMU6vbZeqQNE49miB9cmyBjJ_/s1600/oatmeal-cut-out-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcClQL90k_3XpknR3ETsyBm_JSghWDnO7Hyg9Vsbz9WI_4cWGkgdqHZgVUEa918_CbIrnMlrTcrNeczqM0rhi3eAkRs2JbhTdndg-vnaCL0SBtSMs2uxMU6vbZeqQNE49miB9cmyBjJ_/s640/oatmeal-cut-out-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oatmeal-Brown Sugar Cut Out Cookies</span></b></div><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<br />
1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened*<br />
1 cup dark brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup oatmeal, ground fine<br />
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
½ teaspoon ground ginger<br />
<br />
<i>Directions</i><br />
<br />
Cream butter and sugar together in large mixing bowl. Beat in egg, vanilla, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk ground oatmeal, flour, cinnamon, and ginger together. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three parts and mix just until flour is completely incorporated. Divide dough into two pieces; shape each piece into a disc and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour.<br />
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*Note: You can prepare the dough for these cookies with cold butter, as well. Cut the butter into chunks before creaming with sugar using heavy-duty mixer. Reduce chilling time to 30 minutes.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350°F. On a well-floured surface, roll one piece of dough out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased (or parchment-lined) cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes (this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking). Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes or until they look done in the center. Let cool for 10 minutes on cookie sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.<br />
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Decorate as desired. <br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">I am a Land O'Lakes Cooperative farmer-owner. I received compensation from Land O'Lakes for this post. All opinions are my own. Land O Lakes and the Indian Maiden brandmark are registered trademarks of Land O’Lakes, Inc. </span></i><br />
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Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-39400503938567703812016-12-22T23:22:00.000-06:002016-12-24T18:24:52.064-06:00Pretty Little Christmas Wreath Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUjHZ-GQTIIbgEuInJcJ3Ywd3RmHHk27DC8OR30RwUhGeEy8WNz9pgIICZ-HKSxLPnC9grEyjAf2U4UA_ChIRrwwMKkkzBt4XkIHRG2Hxk19nRaZYHc19rlMv3P-WBVjSt95N25_3BdkI/s1600/IMG_4395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUjHZ-GQTIIbgEuInJcJ3Ywd3RmHHk27DC8OR30RwUhGeEy8WNz9pgIICZ-HKSxLPnC9grEyjAf2U4UA_ChIRrwwMKkkzBt4XkIHRG2Hxk19nRaZYHc19rlMv3P-WBVjSt95N25_3BdkI/s640/IMG_4395.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The great thing about decorated cut out cookies is that the sky is the limit when it comes to creating new shapes and designs. I follow some incredible cookie decorators and they're always putting cookie cutters together to make new creations.<br />
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I saw wreath cookies similar to these a couple years ago, made out of gingerbread and decorated with royal icing. They looked adorable but tasted horrible. No offense to the bakery that made them; I'm just not a fan of gingerbread or royal icing.<br />
<br />
So last year I decided to try recreating these with my <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2013/12/cream-cheese-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies</a> and <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2016/12/cookie-icing.html" target="_blank">Cookie Icing</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZW1_4lBCJibA4vUE06r7dvfSR9p5CTA08p6tNndZ3nV8dVFwBfgZLBpNc3sKZfmOi1J9gVRGyf5-MI19Z41EnbozGrajFMmiMi4hlzFQLzgMyRt8_spfosCJ0eNzn6CScW_pvc_7u1v7/s1600/IMG_4393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZW1_4lBCJibA4vUE06r7dvfSR9p5CTA08p6tNndZ3nV8dVFwBfgZLBpNc3sKZfmOi1J9gVRGyf5-MI19Z41EnbozGrajFMmiMi4hlzFQLzgMyRt8_spfosCJ0eNzn6CScW_pvc_7u1v7/s640/IMG_4393.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used this 8-petal flower from a cookie cutter set that had been my grandmother's. The miniature curvy hexagon (or whatever it is you call this shape) came from a set that I got as a gift from a friend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdFcOnFNMk3H-Towqo3MM5pjxLhFGAbrkKlpl8YHmVaUSNmuo11fOGkLeaiWEk-yQokeaDMuYOmwufcJJdni7tK3v3dxSW3y-9CaEdbtO5fqjMYt9eXkWMz7hsUXFVA8e1qfLzQyqdHH7/s1600/IMG_4394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdFcOnFNMk3H-Towqo3MM5pjxLhFGAbrkKlpl8YHmVaUSNmuo11fOGkLeaiWEk-yQokeaDMuYOmwufcJJdni7tK3v3dxSW3y-9CaEdbtO5fqjMYt9eXkWMz7hsUXFVA8e1qfLzQyqdHH7/s640/IMG_4394.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The two cookie cutters worked perfectly together. The bakery wreaths had a simple circle in the middle, which would work, too. But I really like the look with the curvy hexagon.<br />
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I outlined with cookies with royal icing. I often outline simple shapes with my Cookie Icing for Outlining, but for intricate shapes like stars and these wreaths, I find that royal icing works better and doesn't change the taste of the finished cookie.<br />
<br />
Then I filled the outlined cookies with Cookie Icing for Filling. If you're new to outlining and filling cookies, I highly recommend reading Bridget Edwards' cookbook, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1gxjfNu" target="_blank">Decorating Cookies</a></i>. She explains the process incredibly well.<br />
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Once the cookies were filled, I placed red confetti circle sprinkles around the wreath and covered the rest of the cookie with green sugar sprinkles.<br />
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Ta-da! Pretty Little Christmas Wreath Cookies. If I really wanted to get fancy, I could have added some red fondant bows or other decorations of the sort, but I like to keep things simple.<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty Little Christmas Wreath Cookies</span></b></div>
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<b>Materials</b><br />
<ul>
<li>prepared sugar cookie dough (try these <a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2013/12/cream-cheese-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies</a> or use your own favorite recipe)</li>
<li>a 2½-inch flower-shaped cookie cutter (with 6 or 8 petals)</li>
<li>a 1-inch curvy hexagon cookie cutter OR use a 1-inch circle (mine came in a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Cookie-Cutter-Set-Tin/dp/B000U3NHD4/ref=pd_day0_79_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000U3NHD4&pd_rd_r=SD965X5SYZN58Q7E2NAF&pd_rd_w=jBrGK&pd_rd_wg=aHR07&psc=1&refRID=SD965X5SYZN58Q7E2NAF" target="_blank">set like this one</a>)</li>
<li>royal icing (I use the <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" target="_blank">recipe from Bridget Edwards' blog, Bake at 350</a>; I usually make a half of a batch, since I'm only using it for outlining)</li>
<li>icing bag and a #3, #4, or #5 round tip</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2016/12/cookie-icing.html" target="_blank">Cookie Icing for Filling</a></li>
<li>squeeze bottle for icing (or use a plastic zipper bag with the corner cut off)</li>
<li>toothpicks</li>
<li>red confetti circle sprinkles</li>
<li>green sugar sprinkles</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Roll sugar cookie dough out into 1/4" thickness.</li>
<li>Using well-floured cookie cutters, cut flower shapes out of dough.</li>
<li>Cut a curvy hexagon out of the center of each flower.</li>
<li>Bake cookies according to recipe directions and allow to cool completely.</li>
<li>Outline inside and outside of wreath cookies with royal icing, using the round tip.</li>
<li>Let royal icing dry. (This doesn't take very long.)</li>
<li>Fill royal icing outlines with cookie icing, spreading with toothpick as needed.</li>
<li>While cookie icing is still wet, place red confetti sprinkles around the wreath.</li>
<li>Immediately top rest of icing with green sugar sprinkles.</li>
<li>Let icing dry for a couple hours before handling or packaging cookies.</li>
</ol>
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-26659381881978553732016-12-22T23:16:00.000-06:002017-01-04T12:54:18.255-06:00Cookie Icing for Outlining and Filling<i><span style="color: #666666;">Make pretty decorated cookies without royal icing.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntbRIui9Wn8IOhcMRhZK4etGMaDwhNhFuO7y8mxz8MQn59-q0zoswmpvTYfttVvQdqq8a8-yy3EG-n7M73XNV2fiHNt4zSl1HQTCcAuec1_vJtrfd5KwHg27vRnueBxjdggykUp3_-LJa/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntbRIui9Wn8IOhcMRhZK4etGMaDwhNhFuO7y8mxz8MQn59-q0zoswmpvTYfttVvQdqq8a8-yy3EG-n7M73XNV2fiHNt4zSl1HQTCcAuec1_vJtrfd5KwHg27vRnueBxjdggykUp3_-LJa/s640/IMG_5043.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I first came up with this icing recipe to frost my Christmas 2013 cookies. (<a href="http://www.dairygoodlife.com/2014/01/the-best-sugar-cookie-frosting.html" target="_blank">You can read the story here.</a>) Three years later – and hundreds of cookies – I'm still using the same recipe, albeit with a few small tweaks along the way. This version is the best-tasting cookie icing I've ever come across – and it looks pretty darn good, too. Even better, the top of the icing dries enough to stack the cookies but the icing inside remains a little soft.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpGoRTrXX9SGbraNMBz089S1ENzjGS8NPfme6O9p5XtNBX9wdMWpqgd7YxmszYxOJA8hsLJmXB7CkVyzoImNgoPZuSLH_HA5YjuGW1fmXp7wNkZvPyjwVTLh3vhfxE7cLAv8VXSAYXt3j/s1600/decorated-cookies-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpGoRTrXX9SGbraNMBz089S1ENzjGS8NPfme6O9p5XtNBX9wdMWpqgd7YxmszYxOJA8hsLJmXB7CkVyzoImNgoPZuSLH_HA5YjuGW1fmXp7wNkZvPyjwVTLh3vhfxE7cLAv8VXSAYXt3j/s640/decorated-cookies-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Raspberry-Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, outlined and filled with Cookie Icing</td></tr>
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When I first made this icing, I spread it on cookies with a knife. In 2014, after much inspiration from <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bridget Edwards</a> and her <a href="http://amzn.to/1gxjfNu" target="_blank"><i>Decorating Cookies</i> cookbook</a>, I switched to piping an outline around the cookies, thinning the remaining icing just a little, and filling (or flooding) the outlines with the thinned icing before topping the icing with sprinkles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5jVNccV8_8byW-d23cQCcBjjKV7jUXGuR30FhMhFubAlyjnOJDzOWcyl_nX58mYRr2Qmq9PhJP1-5j3n1dLcUT4QRzQufY__4JqYxsrpRGo1qqYAsrmDi0MuVyKaEhvW_CoYg5L8YfCm/s1600/decorated-cookies-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5jVNccV8_8byW-d23cQCcBjjKV7jUXGuR30FhMhFubAlyjnOJDzOWcyl_nX58mYRr2Qmq9PhJP1-5j3n1dLcUT4QRzQufY__4JqYxsrpRGo1qqYAsrmDi0MuVyKaEhvW_CoYg5L8YfCm/s640/decorated-cookies-5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Raspberry-Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, outlined and filled with Cookie Icing</td></tr>
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I should note here that I have never tried drying this icing on cookies without sprinkles. I usually use colored sugar sprinkles, but I've used nonpareils, too. I think the sprinkles help the icing harden enough to be handled and packaged. I personally love using sprinkles to add color to cookies because (1) it means I only have to make white icing and (2) it gives my kids a fun way to help with the cookies.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIIbscXzp2VlxFdmM2G1qbYcIjADmZ4C_Nhs9B9Ls4YK1lIyJxwGK6sp7dXSTn1i46Avp85QRLnb6yqIaC7g5AVBxxDkPHQR6Jr31j75orx2OFUkE412rQXGNe7ayK27LYhfET4mxkCeg/s1600/decorated-cookies-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIIbscXzp2VlxFdmM2G1qbYcIjADmZ4C_Nhs9B9Ls4YK1lIyJxwGK6sp7dXSTn1i46Avp85QRLnb6yqIaC7g5AVBxxDkPHQR6Jr31j75orx2OFUkE412rQXGNe7ayK27LYhfET4mxkCeg/s640/decorated-cookies-6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Oatmeal-Brown Sugar Cut Out Cookies, outlined and filled with Cookie Icing</td></tr>
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Actually, this entire method of outlining, filling, and sprinkling is very kid-friendly. My kids have tried their hand at piping the outlines. It's a little tricky for them yet. But it's very easy for them to fill the cookies using a squeeze bottle and toothpick before adding the sprinkles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C9cuBev6c63WBYAYxwdFEgb7CT9fqnfMJlM-OjDKZsLEQ_ZKYYqyU7NMbFH5SAb_EujQcXpbMnVh78v5F0yDUejJCjv1v0GLpLV44Efxw_7xGH9Hb2D37tHB02LHg8GZsGiWRXPYDAh3/s1600/decorated-cookies-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C9cuBev6c63WBYAYxwdFEgb7CT9fqnfMJlM-OjDKZsLEQ_ZKYYqyU7NMbFH5SAb_EujQcXpbMnVh78v5F0yDUejJCjv1v0GLpLV44Efxw_7xGH9Hb2D37tHB02LHg8GZsGiWRXPYDAh3/s640/decorated-cookies-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Monika piping an outline</td></tr>
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We even had friends over for a cookie decorating party with pre-outlined cookies. The kids filled the cookies and topped them with sprinkles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4BqlcBWIycwdHYE40Oahk2VXEC7IUzm0QEuHr4NrXPjvOZaOMltB-pURuf4wjcDbeiDn1yaeM152Vn2EvjFv95HLpgdopnmTyuxDdd_XArV5bSTst0nP-ObJ-OKavxzHurxSuGbHV_a-/s1600/decorated-cookies-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4BqlcBWIycwdHYE40Oahk2VXEC7IUzm0QEuHr4NrXPjvOZaOMltB-pURuf4wjcDbeiDn1yaeM152Vn2EvjFv95HLpgdopnmTyuxDdd_XArV5bSTst0nP-ObJ-OKavxzHurxSuGbHV_a-/s640/decorated-cookies-4.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Chocolate-Hazelnut Cut Out Cookies, with Cookie Icing outline</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVGLM7KWVzBp1VBWi_WY9c70anWEVmmXMYgneuyYb2yKkwgbdcam_QgdmmYS6AJswsa_q_RpxdkkVNHShygSbUPTcW_iLM-WlHAF4pg7WR3oIcwqUSUqXQYwFpVjUtOpD5g44ESoYq3pD/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVGLM7KWVzBp1VBWi_WY9c70anWEVmmXMYgneuyYb2yKkwgbdcam_QgdmmYS6AJswsa_q_RpxdkkVNHShygSbUPTcW_iLM-WlHAF4pg7WR3oIcwqUSUqXQYwFpVjUtOpD5g44ESoYq3pD/s640/IMG_5046.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Chocolate-Hazelnut Cut Out Cookies, outlined and filled with Cooking Icing</td></tr>
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In 2015, I got a stand mixer for Christmas and tried making royal icing for the first time. I'm still not a fan of the taste, but it does work extremely well for outlining cookies – especially intricate shapes like stars and wreaths. And a royal icing outline doesn't change the taste of the finished cookie.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUjHZ-GQTIIbgEuInJcJ3Ywd3RmHHk27DC8OR30RwUhGeEy8WNz9pgIICZ-HKSxLPnC9grEyjAf2U4UA_ChIRrwwMKkkzBt4XkIHRG2Hxk19nRaZYHc19rlMv3P-WBVjSt95N25_3BdkI/s1600/IMG_4395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUjHZ-GQTIIbgEuInJcJ3Ywd3RmHHk27DC8OR30RwUhGeEy8WNz9pgIICZ-HKSxLPnC9grEyjAf2U4UA_ChIRrwwMKkkzBt4XkIHRG2Hxk19nRaZYHc19rlMv3P-WBVjSt95N25_3BdkI/s640/IMG_4395.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, outlined with royal icing and filled with Cookie Icing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic1KUN4DUomVBB2NczDwp5A2MPez523sIFgGSJ7y0FirFixum6J0Ko_b7kLWP-BAoVjztKifwjgmPLr4eyZ5-qOJC-669pqaTsWa7iy08oQLg220eavD_u4UTawULb-wtfcN8bv4PpAO9/s1600/oatmeal-cut-out-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic1KUN4DUomVBB2NczDwp5A2MPez523sIFgGSJ7y0FirFixum6J0Ko_b7kLWP-BAoVjztKifwjgmPLr4eyZ5-qOJC-669pqaTsWa7iy08oQLg220eavD_u4UTawULb-wtfcN8bv4PpAO9/s640/oatmeal-cut-out-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">assorted cut out cookies, outlined with royal icing and filled with Cookie Icing</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cookie Icing for Outlining</span></b></b></div>
<b>
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makes enough icing to outline 6 dozen 3-inch cookies using a #4 round tip<br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
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200 grams powdered sugar [2 cups] (don't worry about sifting)<br />
3 tablespoons heavy cream<br />
1 tablespoon light corn syrup<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
1/4 teaspoon flavored extract* (almond, raspberry, orange, vanilla, etc.)<br />
pinch salt<br />
15 drops white food coloring (optional)<br />
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<i>Directions</i><br />
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Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until completely blended. Transfer icing to a decorating bag fitted with a #3, #4, or #5 round tip. Outline cookies. Allow icing to dry before filling cookies. (Usually, by the time I'm done outlining all the cookies, the first outlines are dry enough to fill.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cookie Icing for Filling</span></b></div>
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makes enough icing to fill 3 dozen 3-inch cookies<br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<br />
200 grams powdered sugar [2 cups] (don't worry about sifting)<br />
3 tablespoons heavy cream<br />
1 tablespoon light corn syrup<br />
1 tablespoon <b>+ 2 teaspoons water</b><br />
1/4 teaspoon flavored extract* (almond, raspberry, orange, vanilla, etc.)<br />
pinch salt<br />
15 drops white food coloring (optional)<br />
<br />
<i>Directions</i><br />
<br />
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until completely blended. Transfer icing to squeeze bottle. Fill outlined cookies, nudging icing up to the outline using a toothpick. Immediately top icing with sprinkles.<br />
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Note: Cookie Icing for Filling also makes a delicious icing/frosting for cinnamon rolls, quick breads, bars, or any other treat that just tastes a little better with icing.<br />
<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-7897258329103916352016-12-08T16:45:00.000-06:002016-12-08T16:45:01.348-06:00Fudge Nut Bars<span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">These family-favorite bars have a chewy oatmeal cookie base topped with soft fudge filling and dappled with extra cookie dough.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWb_t4jUIpXl_ZaYQmPDPMefKh4uT7oLDOe13WqctigQgZYD2923RZfuj6tueh2NarQc_EmoJ4Ks-O5wY4NADoyP7S6d8_9AwTgAl-Rsf9akGkQ7do6mEO8wLwLy99ow0vVrnvSQm2zjL/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWb_t4jUIpXl_ZaYQmPDPMefKh4uT7oLDOe13WqctigQgZYD2923RZfuj6tueh2NarQc_EmoJ4Ks-O5wY4NADoyP7S6d8_9AwTgAl-Rsf9akGkQ7do6mEO8wLwLy99ow0vVrnvSQm2zjL/s640/IMG_4317.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars" width="480" /></a></div>
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I didn’t know there was such a thing as <b>Fudge Nut Bars</b> until I met Glen. His mom, Doreen, always has a pan of bars or a bucket of cookies ready to share with family and friends. One time when we visited, that pan of bars was the most incredible combination of a chewy oatmeal cookie and soft fudge filling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2B3XayN0pzPpXF3AwFm70MJMSjwJkFCp_O2bEC3b2XlTyVEVy9PADo6SA4wNzCYDq0xpyQuJYn-9_7jyFm9_STuh5Cag9naDVkdwTgpaxyXo3czvGmRIM-tFbsL75bNjNAeWu3J_KfHy/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2B3XayN0pzPpXF3AwFm70MJMSjwJkFCp_O2bEC3b2XlTyVEVy9PADo6SA4wNzCYDq0xpyQuJYn-9_7jyFm9_STuh5Cag9naDVkdwTgpaxyXo3czvGmRIM-tFbsL75bNjNAeWu3J_KfHy/s640/IMG_4321.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars recipe card" width="480" /></a></div>
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After Glen and I were married, I asked Doreen for the recipe for her <b>Fudge Nut Bars</b>. She happily passed it along. I love these tried and true recipes, neatly scripted in ballpoint ink onto recipe cards. There’s something about holding the recipe card in your hand, admiring the penmanship, and remembering the baker or cook who took the time to record the ingredients and directions for a beloved treat or dish. The recipe for <b>Fudge Nut Bars</b> fills both sides of a small index card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKN1-oN0EYD12dCUBgd446iYq-0FgWx4NeWShfD83XyafzwnAu0cg7N2cPpzekMdct7S4r9xcVAaK4POgi3A_YATSAkD3A-zeQv-H1z8gkCLs3rJKZS7QE6VdDEjgNl2Y3kZzbCrS8VkP/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKN1-oN0EYD12dCUBgd446iYq-0FgWx4NeWShfD83XyafzwnAu0cg7N2cPpzekMdct7S4r9xcVAaK4POgi3A_YATSAkD3A-zeQv-H1z8gkCLs3rJKZS7QE6VdDEjgNl2Y3kZzbCrS8VkP/s640/IMG_4307.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - ingredients" width="480" /></a></div>
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These delicious bars start with a traditional oatmeal cookie crust, made delicious with Land O Lakes® Butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and rolled oats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4rY73lgc4TlkLdDEPOfSwM_OkyQORdAIyf3dqF5JJLsjka7gTAtRfYb_VJvLo6IdQAp9VpjRAVYGS8csLYSndAX316-ulXh_GVTbjmFJObMvDriIFVplKsZkRAj5WtXqpDdDfNS8kgho/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4rY73lgc4TlkLdDEPOfSwM_OkyQORdAIyf3dqF5JJLsjka7gTAtRfYb_VJvLo6IdQAp9VpjRAVYGS8csLYSndAX316-ulXh_GVTbjmFJObMvDriIFVplKsZkRAj5WtXqpDdDfNS8kgho/s640/IMG_4308.JPG" title="Fugde Nut Bars - crust dough" width="480" /></a></div>
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After the dough for the crust is prepared, the fudge nut filling is made in a saucepan on the stove. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XyFqTCFOlNEBNW3VSjU2HK07FfaZnqRyEHtywl2gK7_18oP407Kv3nNRpcguZWr-Q0yeOIwRZNApFzR9R69Ad2aQ2oYC4cXtnT4nb-pDvnTaM6H-UY4RflUM8c79eSfnANCgT_vreYTX/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XyFqTCFOlNEBNW3VSjU2HK07FfaZnqRyEHtywl2gK7_18oP407Kv3nNRpcguZWr-Q0yeOIwRZNApFzR9R69Ad2aQ2oYC4cXtnT4nb-pDvnTaM6H-UY4RflUM8c79eSfnANCgT_vreYTX/s640/IMG_4309.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - filling ingredients" width="480" /></a></div>
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Chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and more butter are melted together before being united with chopped walnuts or pecans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaICX_IfI0VJIriEKVPCRAe1MEwt96trsmD5O3ydBrifX1IpfbDdN29yIologyLF5LrQZEmZQDzfShJ9RzG_SBAE2ojr2d-hX19EmkIxPU25HJhkfdgqRimpVmDbrgYbNJACkbz6DaM_r/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaICX_IfI0VJIriEKVPCRAe1MEwt96trsmD5O3ydBrifX1IpfbDdN29yIologyLF5LrQZEmZQDzfShJ9RzG_SBAE2ojr2d-hX19EmkIxPU25HJhkfdgqRimpVmDbrgYbNJACkbz6DaM_r/s640/IMG_4310.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - making filling" width="480" /></a></div>
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While the filling cools, part of the oatmeal cookie dough is pressed into a bar pan. The rest of the cookie dough is saved for topping the bars. This can be rather sticky dough, so be sure to have some softened butter handy for buttering your fingers – it will make spreading the dough around a lot easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs2GHj8TSr4tW07AFnqR1-SIiOwDSkHlYrwEi9aISvRF6C_ur5LWJtPNFeYVJiDbwtlFC81VLAdMppKhNwcxavB6GP5V8HS0VIQbucGlnGF3xDAYGXUwEFQuA0fh1h3ABKFiCIwN9Pjtv/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs2GHj8TSr4tW07AFnqR1-SIiOwDSkHlYrwEi9aISvRF6C_ur5LWJtPNFeYVJiDbwtlFC81VLAdMppKhNwcxavB6GP5V8HS0VIQbucGlnGF3xDAYGXUwEFQuA0fh1h3ABKFiCIwN9Pjtv/s640/IMG_4311.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - crust" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've also found that sticking the bowl of oatmeal cookie dough in the freezer for 10 minutes or so while you make the filling helps make the dough easier to work with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_1BiEcBwsX_Ykwz8puA-t0QKzAGJYbdFAQH2caOZ5EeqRbvxTWH50KI_sQVyjBAumVsEsGk6d4JE1I3SZFEPw0MRoLthAQ6ZnDdzoB2MFF4qk7JIhwPGdjheIeVi-njlLT47eXPK74wU/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_1BiEcBwsX_Ykwz8puA-t0QKzAGJYbdFAQH2caOZ5EeqRbvxTWH50KI_sQVyjBAumVsEsGk6d4JE1I3SZFEPw0MRoLthAQ6ZnDdzoB2MFF4qk7JIhwPGdjheIeVi-njlLT47eXPK74wU/s640/IMG_4312.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - adding filling" width="480" /></a></div>
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The oatmeal cookie dough is topped with the fudge nut filling and the remaining cookie dough. The easiest way to top the bars is to use your fingers to break off little pieces of cookie dough and drop them on the filling. The top cookie dough layer won’t completely cover the filling layer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0bmbY7xDwaZp79RY6UKHnkcNnGeR8_jNF8wX1CLSimMl2fXM4Vx119Qeq1Y_Rnlpiz0HkvWWSGGBrDrm2EgQOylQupBmrkVq6CIvVmWU-kINYWMNF49x0XxvR2A80vlQO17Iv2OB0Be8/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0bmbY7xDwaZp79RY6UKHnkcNnGeR8_jNF8wX1CLSimMl2fXM4Vx119Qeq1Y_Rnlpiz0HkvWWSGGBrDrm2EgQOylQupBmrkVq6CIvVmWU-kINYWMNF49x0XxvR2A80vlQO17Iv2OB0Be8/s640/IMG_4313.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - crumble topping" width="480" /></a></div>
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The finished bars will have a sort of dappled look to them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYAXnS9VIjff9ay_11fYq-0yZVlSnD4uRxzwKFfridqgeQ73ZOat3_eP2buSPswArA6aTqIUCJtcfrvpA33-UChvYNkJFC2lZSVHYuHo-2NJ02DVbl_Fz5r0pDT7QGtbUdEuAHWBHBa9b/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYAXnS9VIjff9ay_11fYq-0yZVlSnD4uRxzwKFfridqgeQ73ZOat3_eP2buSPswArA6aTqIUCJtcfrvpA33-UChvYNkJFC2lZSVHYuHo-2NJ02DVbl_Fz5r0pDT7QGtbUdEuAHWBHBa9b/s640/IMG_4315.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - baked" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a closer look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbwgjWhLbPH2lgPqpfxnDBsdi_4q14jiQwPt3BLirX7KDH3aaH1gsyNIKpNP6jw8X_tJ_tuy3ORrEeyry9FxOveaNE9Obv_n0EBBp2Mw2qa4opQae4N6t-gz4smat8Ff1ID9dTykgyc15/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbwgjWhLbPH2lgPqpfxnDBsdi_4q14jiQwPt3BLirX7KDH3aaH1gsyNIKpNP6jw8X_tJ_tuy3ORrEeyry9FxOveaNE9Obv_n0EBBp2Mw2qa4opQae4N6t-gz4smat8Ff1ID9dTykgyc15/s640/IMG_4316.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars - close up" width="480" /></a></div>
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Have I mentioned how delicious <b>Fudge Nut Bars </b>are? It’s like the flavors of an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie got together in a whole new way. They will quickly become a family favorite. Judging from how much my own kids like these bars, I’ll be sharing the recipe with them someday, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpaI3thbIZ8MChi2nm26mxgJ8BylnBmSP-FhTEvqkCtj_kLGPAhxYZg3ddA1kvvJ2UE3e0IXqZffhG8Jn9uKXKLf3IV4Wgq257hPFWUzZaublKl1lJ3m0sxLFoXO-FZn3cBU35itLo-20/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpaI3thbIZ8MChi2nm26mxgJ8BylnBmSP-FhTEvqkCtj_kLGPAhxYZg3ddA1kvvJ2UE3e0IXqZffhG8Jn9uKXKLf3IV4Wgq257hPFWUzZaublKl1lJ3m0sxLFoXO-FZn3cBU35itLo-20/s640/IMG_4318.JPG" title="Fudge Nut Bars" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fudge Nut Bars</span></b></div>
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Makes: One 10 x 15 pan of bars<br />
Prep time: 30 minutes<br />
Bake time: 25 minutes<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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<i>for crust</i><br />
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1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened<br />
2 cups brown sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
2½ cups flour<br />
3 cups quick rolled oats<br />
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<i>for filling</i><br />
<br />
2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter<br />
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br />
1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 10 x 15 bar pan with nonstick cooking spray.<br />
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Cream 1 cup butter and brown sugar together. Scraping down sides of bowl frequently, mix in eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in flour until completely blended, then oats. Set oatmeal mixture aside or chill in freezer.<br />
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In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add condensed milk, chocolate chips, ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir constantly until all ingredients are melted together and filling is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in chopped nuts.<br />
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With well-buttered fingers, press ⅔ of oatmeal mixture into prepared pan. Spread fudge filling over oatmeal mixture. Using your fingers, drop small chunks of the remaining oatmeal mixture over filling.<br />
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Bake for 25 minutes. Bars are done when tops of oatmeal cookie chunks are golden brown.<br />
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Let cool completely before cutting into bars+.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><i>I am a Land O'Lakes Cooperative farmer-owner. I received compensation from Land O'Lakes for this post. All opinions are my own. Land O Lakes and the Indian Maiden brandmark are registered trademarks of Land O’Lakes, Inc. </i></span><br />
<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-47333847008239265632016-10-13T08:30:00.000-05:002016-10-13T08:30:37.454-05:00And the crowd roared for the homebred cow [Hoard's Dairyman Post]<i><span style="font-size: large;">There's just something special about homebred cows...</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Qk2-9WV6BHR4LRX8cyqh7-bmrDWSOYcFbT2xAgzZHxGMHwB6ebUeQtQnH5v5w7gp2ufsmlPx8GKXa6r6_xAAmO9T4YxuhsOrl-vNI5eVkO4Ed0mnukVwVE6hrRAsRxYmMLK4P6NuYHS/s1600/IMG_3890-752079.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6340810773153210978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Qk2-9WV6BHR4LRX8cyqh7-bmrDWSOYcFbT2xAgzZHxGMHwB6ebUeQtQnH5v5w7gp2ufsmlPx8GKXa6r6_xAAmO9T4YxuhsOrl-vNI5eVkO4Ed0mnukVwVE6hrRAsRxYmMLK4P6NuYHS/s640/IMG_3890-752079.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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With lights dimmed, spotlights shone on seven exceptional cows as they entered the Coliseum for the presentation of 2016 World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion. Each beautiful cow represented the best of its breed. Notably, six of the seven Grand Champions were bred and owned by their exhibitors.<br />
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As the spotlights fell upon the Holstein, my heart tried to burst with pride and excitement. The Grand Champion Holstein was Sheeknoll Durham Arrow, a 6-year-old cow known affectionately as Thomas. Thomas’s owners, the Sheehan family of Minnesota, are friends of mine, and I’ve been following Thomas in the showring for years.<br />
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Clearly, the rest of the dairy enthusiasts watching the Supreme Champion ceremony had similar feelings. The announcer was barely a dozen words into Thomas’s introduction when the applause started. Cheers and applause continued until Thomas took her place alongside the Grand Champions from the other six breeds. However, no other Grand Champion garnered the audible recognition that Thomas did.<br />
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What was so endearing about this Holstein cow?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9csA4iXTRQ-fmOJnd0BBW5otSsJagGKcadmH18k27Ru12CquJtIraHrXUGLjagpm5a_5XBdKVgxjVYPM_i0cAGqpM1EnaiZ1EEToPaD1SMe3_uIGSdQYCp0GfMSchVqpQCQkv3ijWkI-H/s1600/IMG_3897-753973.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6340810779969513250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9csA4iXTRQ-fmOJnd0BBW5otSsJagGKcadmH18k27Ru12CquJtIraHrXUGLjagpm5a_5XBdKVgxjVYPM_i0cAGqpM1EnaiZ1EEToPaD1SMe3_uIGSdQYCp0GfMSchVqpQCQkv3ijWkI-H/s640/IMG_3897-753973.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">Photo by Morgan Kliebenstein. Used with permission.</span></div>
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[<a href="http://hoards.com/blog-19681-And-the-crowd-roared-for-the-homebred-cow.html" target="_blank">Read the rest of this post in the HD Notebook.</a>]<br />
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-82650367972735131992016-10-12T23:30:00.000-05:002016-10-13T00:20:14.695-05:00A skunk and six kittens [Dairy Star Column]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Baby kittens are right up there at the top of the list of the best things about living on a dairy farm.<br />
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Skunks are right down there at the bottom of the list of the worst things about living on a dairy farm.<br />
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Last weekend, we had both.<br />
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We got a preview of what was to come on Friday night when the eau de skunk wafted into the barn during evening milking. I always hate knowing that there’s a skunk around, but not knowing exactly where it is. I’m sure I looked more than a little paranoid as I carried the bottles out to the bull calves in the hutches.<br />
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On Saturday night, the smell returned and so did the critter.<br />
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I was in the house putting the kids to bed while Glen finished chores, so I missed all of the action. The only sign I had that anything was happening outside came from Ozzy, our Australian Shepherd. <br />
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Anytime there’s something amiss outside, Ozzy will slip in through the front door the minute someone opens it. Ozzy is not a house dog by any means, so he is promptly escorted back outside. The kids would love to keep him inside, but his eau de barn is very strong and I’m afraid he’d quickly overheat in his ultra-shaggy coat.<br />
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On Saturday night, Ozzy zoomed into the house and I had to drag him back outside by his collar. Then, as soon as I closed the storm door, he rounded and was scratching on the door like he was possessed. Ozzy is a 75-pound dog; I thought he might actually do some damage if he continued. So I let him back in the house. I grabbed the baby gate to quarantine him in the entryway. At least then the whole house wouldn’t smell like hot barn dog.<br />
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When Glen got in, Ozzy’s demand for refuge in the house finally made sense.<br />
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Glen said he was letting cows out when he had a feeling he should check the machine shed for the skunk. It’s unreal how often this sixth sense of his is right. <br />
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[<a href="http://www.dairystar.com/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=172&ArticleID=12695&TM=55848.33" target="_blank">Read the rest of this column in the Dairy Star.]</a><br />
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787535102960631474.post-75308255390900164692016-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:002016-10-03T06:00:31.115-05:00A startling experience with stray voltage [Hoard's Dairyman Post]<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Outlet damaged by lightning causes problems...</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsi9-SaIMpQBtVanDpdFlOsoEmMGRkvZ2BiJ3hdMHexcYmOVbpNug7Itm-ahZ-aNwAoJJKxhcI9cYoemmq8nkpaAK4uSCXLYUrGJQbDE91lVeavK1SP4-aA32YMdu4DV0DvaiQtCqK1Pb/s1600/IMG_8750_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsi9-SaIMpQBtVanDpdFlOsoEmMGRkvZ2BiJ3hdMHexcYmOVbpNug7Itm-ahZ-aNwAoJJKxhcI9cYoemmq8nkpaAK4uSCXLYUrGJQbDE91lVeavK1SP4-aA32YMdu4DV0DvaiQtCqK1Pb/s640/IMG_8750_r.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sometimes heifers bellow for a reason.<br />
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One group of heifers wouldn’t stop bellowing. At first we thought they were just being typical heifers . . . the kind that expect a pail of grain every time you walk by the pen. But they’d had their grain for the morning and they had a fresh bale of alfalfa hay.<br />
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Maybe their automatic waterer needed cleaning, we thought. So Glen grabbed a scrub brush and went to scrub it out.<br />
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Holding onto the steel column next to the waterer with one hand, Glen scrubbed the sides of the water trough. Then his hand dipped into the water as he reached to scrub the bottom and he felt a jolt of electricity.<br />
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He didn’t believe he’d actually been shocked, so he put one hand on the steel column and touched the surface of the water again. He felt the tingle of an electric shock again.<br />
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The breaker that powers the heating elements in our automatic waterers is still turned off for the warm weather season, so the shock Glen felt had to be from stray voltage. Still in disbelief, Glen went to get his digital multimeter to verify his findings.<br />
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The multimeter showed 3.1 volts of electricity flowing between the column and the water. No wonder the heifers wouldn’t be quiet. Bovines are even more sensitive to stray voltage than humans.<br />
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We immediately called our electrician.<br />
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[<a href="http://hoards.com/blog-19599-A-startling-experience-with-stray-voltage.html" target="_blank">Read the rest of this post in the Hoard's Dairyman Notebook.</a>]<br />
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<br />Sadiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17300059782325932736noreply@blogger.com0