As we start getting ready to dive into urban homesteading, it's always inspirational to visit a small farm for ideas. We spent this overcast, chilly morning at one of the many homesteads surrounding our little town. We were told there was just about every animal you could imagine there, and it was true!
There were the biggest turkeys you ever did see. I have never seen a turkey quite so big. This lovely gal followed us around the entire time we were there. So cute. I really wanted to bring her home.
There were rare baby goats from New Zealand who lived inside the house, but came out for a visit and a walk through the woods.
There was a "ginormous" (as the little one likes to say) tractor, complete with two buckets, all accessible for a small child to sit on and pretend to drive.
There were geese,
and bigger goats,
and pot-bellied pigs in the greatest little pig pen ever.
We got some gardening ideas, some chicken tractor ideas, some fencing ideas, and a whole lot of urges to just dive in right this second and get a little half-acre farm going in town. Should I mention I almost (almost...) bought a goat yesterday for ten dollars?! With the amount of goat milk the little one drinks, a goat in the backyard would sure be handy! It was ever so tempting...
And I came up with a chicken Waldorf salad recipe today. It's one of my favorite lunches, and after spending a fortune on them at the local co-op, I finally decided to make my own. I never measure ingredients, so you'll have to use your own judgment because I'm totally guessing here...
-chicken (I buy organic chicken breast strips and cook them in a shallow pan with water and olive oil. Put the lid on and in about 5 minutes they are nice and tender.)
-1/2 red onion diced
-1/2 apple chopped with skin on
-2 celery sticks chopped
-1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper (I love this stuff)
-1 teaspoon thyme
-1/2 to 3/4 cup of mayonnaise (I use too much of this stuff on everything. I think it's a food from the Gods...)
-2 cloves raw garlic chopped (or 6 cloves if you're garlic nuts like us)
Mix all together and serve over lettuce. It's really the perfect lunch (or dinner, or even breakfast!). Enjoy!
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ahhh...to dream! I hope you'll have your goats and a homestead one day soon!
Posted by: ariella | April 23, 2009 at 02:09 PM
that recipe looks delicious, I can't wait to try it! I love all the animals, what fun for a little one!
Posted by: Kelly | April 23, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Best of luck with your urban homestead... talk about living a dream! And thanks so very much for sharing your recipe. I think I know what we'll have for lunch this weekend.
Posted by: Kerry | April 23, 2009 at 02:19 PM
I just saved this to my recipe file for future eating. My sister just send me picture of turkey hunting in KS so it's nice to see a picture of a live one.
Posted by: Sarah Jane | April 23, 2009 at 02:53 PM
i love waldorf salad. the only place i can find it is the fresh market and i spend way too much on it there. i'm going to have to try making my own. thanks for sharing the recipe.
also...i see you have a marjane satrapi book listed on the sidebar...is that a new one? gosh i love her..persepolis was life changing for me.
Posted by: Tammie | April 23, 2009 at 03:24 PM
I hate to burst your bubble of love for the turkey but it is a tom: the hens do not spread like that. He is trying to either impress you with his beauty or scare you away....Great salad recipe!
Posted by: Sharon | April 23, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Yum. That salad sounds great.
Next week I am launching a carnival called Food Roots. I just introduced it on my blog today. I was wondering if you'd like to join up. It is part of our homesteading journey as well.
Posted by: Shannon | April 23, 2009 at 04:20 PM
A $10 goat? Are you serious? Too funny. Looks like a wonderful outing.
BTW, your fruit bags from the other day made it onto my "Relishing..." list. Love them.
Posted by: The 6 O'Clock Stitch | April 23, 2009 at 04:38 PM
What a fun outing for everyone. I've thought a bit about getting some chickens and a goat. Not quite ready to take the plunge, but we'll see how this summer goes. Good luck!
Posted by: Jennifer | April 23, 2009 at 04:52 PM
yum! i say get a goat! :) i can't wait to see how this progresses for you. i link to you often in my blog because you inspire me so much! thanks for sharing!
Posted by: chelsea | April 23, 2009 at 05:25 PM
oh my heart melted when i saw the baby goats. i have such a love of goats and dream about one day caring for some myself.
Posted by: Colleen | April 23, 2009 at 08:40 PM
If a Turkey followed me around like that I would LOSE MY MIND!!!
Posted by: rhea | April 23, 2009 at 09:05 PM
Those goats are so cute. That Waldorf salad looks yummy
Posted by: Thimbleina | April 24, 2009 at 02:11 AM
looks like you guys had a great day! full of lots of good times!
Posted by: Heather | April 24, 2009 at 04:59 PM
I think a fun time was had by all, right? Thanks for the yummy recipe...I will, definitely, being trying it out this week over some delicious organic baby greens.
Posted by: cathleen | April 25, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Hi Erin! I've been meaning to share this book with you:: http://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Homestead-Carleen-Madigan/dp/1603421386/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240848051&sr=8-1
I work at an indie book store and we got it in a few weeks ago. I bought it immediately and haven't been able to put it down since. It's definitely worth a browse, at the very least! Let me know what you think!
Posted by: Donlyn | April 27, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Recipe looks wonderful and what a fun day.
We are urban homesteaders. Yard of chickens, apple trees, big garden. I think the neighbors would freak if we got a goat... but I'm thinking about it!
Any writing by Bill Mollison will be helpful!
Posted by: Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie | April 28, 2009 at 02:20 PM