Half a Hog

We recently went in on half a hog with friends.  The total cost was $450 for about 100 pounds of pork products which included hams, a shoulder, country ribs, spare ribs, sausage, bacon and chops.  So far, we've had the bacon and chops - I must say that they were to die for...  the flavor is amazing and the bacon cooks up crispy but not overcooked at all. Easily the best of either that I've ever had.  We got our hog from Full of Life Farms.  They are a local farm that raises all of their animals to be antibiotic and growth hormone free.  Once they are ready for slaughter, they are sent to a local butcher in Mount Angel.  When they receive your animal, they call you to discuss how you'd like it butchered and packaged.  

Here's a picture from this morning's breakfast that includes the yummiest bacon ever as well as collards and purple potatoes from our local CSA.  

Next up?  We'll be buying and splitting a half a cow with the same friends!  Our expectations are high after the hog... 

Dill Mayonnaise

Ty just decided that a turkey sandwich with a big slice of tomato and dill mayonnaise would be good tomorrow.  So, with an egg from our chicks, he made his own mayonnaise:

 

Apples!!!

In case you were wondering what it looks like to pile 120 pounds of apples into a Smart car...

After doing some research online regarding local farms stands and pricing, I called out to Justy's Produce because I couldn't find their pricing online.  I now know why - because Justy likes to help his customers and give each one the appropriate pricing.  Since most of my apples were for butter or sauce, sort outs and #2s would work perfectly giving me the best possible price and allowing him to clear out some of his lesser stock without taking a total loss on it.  Win/win any way you look at it!! 

So, after discussing canning and tossing him a few compliments, I inquired as to what he does with the stuff that he can't sell by the end of the weekend but won't last much longer.  His face lit up and I knew I was in business:).  They are closed on Sunday and all Friday and Saturday, he goes through his bins to keep the best product on the floor.  By the end of Saturday, he's ready to wheel and deal on this produce and, if I'm canning it, I don't much care that it might not be the prettiest stuff.  He gave me a magnetic business card and said to call at 5 any Saturday that I'd like to come by.  They close at 7 so he can tell me by then what he'll have and if it'll be enough to be worth my bother. 

After loading up my car, he quipped 'now you've got an uncle in the produce business'!  Yes, I think Justy and I are going to get along really well...  

Freezer!

On Wednesday, Ty and Kona are going to pick up a used upright freezer that we are buying from a friend.  This means that we can really stock up!!  Our first planned purchases are splitting a pig and a quarter cow with the Millers.  Not only is this a more economical way of buying meat but we can also buy from small ranchers who raise their animals without antibiotics or growth hormones and on an organic diet.  It just feels like the right way to live. 

Onion Goggles

No relation to beer goggles!!  Here's what happens when you have 12 large onions to peel and dice and/or you're near the cutting station when 12 large onions are being peeled and diced:).  

Veggies!!!

We belong to the Luscher Farm CSA and we get to pick up fresh, local, organic veggies every Thursday during the 6 month summer session.  If you don't belong to a CSA, why not??!!  It is an amazing way to support your local farmer and local economy.  Not to mention the health benefits of eating local and organic - improved nutrient levels, reduced carbon, reduced long term health costs associated with chemical ingestion, just to name a few!  If you live in or near Lake Oswego, there are 14 whole shares and 24 half share remaining for the upcoming winter session - just follow the link above to purchase your share.  The pick up schedule is every other Thursday during the winter session.

We'll be heading to the farm tonight...  hopefully Ty will take and post a picture of our haul as his first contribution to this blog:). 

Processed Foods

Anna over at the Walden Effect says it better than I could:  http://waldeneffect.org/blog/Processed_foods_and_a_grain-based_diet/.

Ty and I have really taken to heart the importance of moving away from processed foods and focusing our diets more on whole foods, fruits and veggies.  It isn't always easy and we do slip up from time to time but we both can see and feel the difference in how we feel everyday.  It is well worth the effort and it feels amazing to support local growers and farmers. 

Cows and pigs

My grandfather was a cattle rancher and, growing up, we always had a chest freezer full of yummy beef from his ranch in our garage.  As an adult, knowing where my food comes from and how it was grown has become increasingly important to me.  We have a year-round half-share at our local CSA where organic and sustainable gardening methods are employed.  We have two raised beds in our backyard where I try my hand growing a variety of veggies (not always successfully but I'm always learning!).  We have three chickens in a backyard coop who keep us (and our friends) stocked in eggs*.  

So, it should come as no surprise that I'd be interested in buying a quarter of beef and a half or whole pig.  The first obstacle is that we don't have a chest freezer.  But, after some surfing on craigslist, I'm confident that we can find one for a reasonable price.  I'm leaning towards an upright just to minimize the garage space that will be taken up since we both park our cars in the garage.  The next step is researching local farms.  I've found a couple near Corvallis, Oregon that look promising.  We really want to buy from a ranch that uses sustainable practices and raises their animals without antibiotics or growth hormones.  We even have good friends who are willing to go in with us on the purchase - making it even more cost effective and helping to make sure that the meat is gone through fast enough to keep it as fresh as possible.  I guess that the next step will be to email the growers with any questions that we may have and then to make an order!!  


* - I'll be doing a post on this soon but our chicks have been eating their own eggs for about a month now.  I've done some research and will be implemented steps to correct this.  I'll post more once I've started the experiment!