Friday, June 17, 2011

Fire & Smoke


Here we are in the middle of June and it’s been about three weeks since I last updated anything.  Everything is growing; especially the tomatillos and the weeds.  Neither of which we planted.  We seem to have somewhere around 3000 rogue tomatillo plants coming up in the garden.  They’re keeping all the rogue potatoes, tomatoes, and dill plants company.  Honestly, our garden leaves a bit to be desired this year.  Not for lack of good intentions though.  There’s always something else to be addressed.  Like chickens, ducks, pigs, cats, the dog, the son.  You get the picture.

Actually staying in one spot for a moment.
This week we have a new seasoning blend for you that’s a little different from our last few offerings.  I give you:

Fire & Smoke ~ This subtle blend will add instant heat and a depth of smoky flavor. Perfect for grilling when you want to ratchet the spice up a notch. Try sprinkled on chops, steaks, fish, chicken, or dusted across potato salad, deviled eggs, or corn on the cob. Blended from Black Peppercorns, Hickory Smoked Sea Salt, Cayenne Pepper, and Smoked Serrano Chiles.  I really like this one.  Not that I don’t like all the others we have, but this one’s sole purpose is to add flavorful heat and seasoning.   Its great sprinkled on scrambled eggs, and I’m going to dredge some chicken wings in it and grill them up rather than deep frying them.  Should probably pick up some Blue Cheese too…

Uno's Backside
So all the pigs are doing well.  Uno departed to her new home last Friday.  Friday was a drag.  While she was a tremendous amount of work to raise in the house, she provided an awful lot of enjoyment for both us and the dog.  Cats were pretty glad to see her go though.  Today two of the Red Wattle/Tamworth crosses are also leaving for their new home.  This will leave us with 11 pigs total until the next litter is due sometime in September if all has gone well.  Red Wattle/Tamworth cross meat should be available in December.  We’ll keep you updated.

December bacons on the hoof...

Speaking of all going well, I delivered two pigs (Large Black/Berkshire Crosses) to the butcher on Tuesday.  This means that in theory, if the stars align right, we’ll have fresh pork available at the Boothbay Market on June 30th and at the Crystal Spring Market on July 2nd.  Once again we’ll have bone-in chops, bone-in roasts, Bacon, Chorizo, and Breakfast Sausage.  We’ll also have some flavorful roasts from the hind quarters in addition to ground pork for all you who want to make your own sausage or pot-stickers, gyoza, etc.  We do have some of the less common parts available for anyone that is interested.  This includes hearts, liver, feet, snouts, hocks, heads (for making your own headcheese), and a jowl of two.  Price will be by the pound for most items and if there are specific items you would like set aside, please email us with your request.  We will do everything we can to accommodate you on a first come first serve basis.

You want to clear land get yourself a pig or two.
Oh, we reformulated the Pickling Spices using whole Ginger and Mace and I think you’ll be very pleased with the change.  Same great flavor but now your brine will stay relatively clear. 
Brutus is looking for a new home. Seriously. He needs one.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

It's a Pigs Life! By Uno.

Happy Birthday to Me. Happy Birthday to Me!
I'm 7 weeks old going onto 20. I think I can take the world by storm until something scares me and I go running for Dad, Mom or Tqa. The good old saying "you’ve come a long way baby", sure fits me. Dad tells me, I was the smallest of the bunch and look at me now. I have passed up my step-brothers and sister in size and if you ask me my opinion in looks.
There is enough for both of us.
 Life up on the ridge has been so good, I get to run with my dog, eat peanut butter cookies, chase a duck or two, then go for a swim in the pool. Dad and Mom finally sprung to put me up in my own apartment which is not as big as the house, but I don't get yelled at for scratching my butt on the walls here. The fine dining in the area is a bit to be desired, no one cooks like Mom and Dad. I love it when they bring Tqa out to play and forget to pick up her food for the day. Nothing like dog food to spoil my girlish curves.
Aunt Bungie & My Cousins
My Auntie Bungie's kids are growing really fast also, but they don't get to run around the yard like I do. I heard Mommy say that they don't have the manners to behave in the yard so they stay out back with their Mom. It must be nice to have other piggies to play with, but they have no toys. I don't understand how they can live without their stuffed bunny, balls with jingle bells or pull ropes, plus they don't even have a swimming pool.
What???
Okay, I had better get off here before dad finds out I'm playing with the computer. He hates it when I get my dirty nose prints all over the screen. Have a great day folks! ~ Uno