A Look Inside Food

In addition to naming people, pastures and animals at the ranch, we also have a tendency to name things, especially if they have a personality.  So as the construction took shape of Jilian’s new moveable chicken house and firecracker red was selected for it’s exterior color, the name “Loretta” seemed only appropriate.  Loretta made her grand entrance onto the prairie a few days ago. She looked beautiful in the green grass and against the blue prairie sky. Farmer Jilian, along with her assistants, baby Lincoln and the Shepherd Ivan, gathered the chickens around their new roost to make the introduction.

The purpose of Loretta is to move it around the pastures, allowing the chickens to have new forage, while simultaneously fertilizing the ground through its wire mesh floor. And perhaps the best part is for Jilian, with time saved in not having to clean out the stationary chicken coop. It’s a win-win situation all the way around. Not to mention the eggs, which are a “burst of sunshine” delicious!

Often, when asked about the quality, sustainability and difference of Wild Idea Buffalo meat vs other meats from a potential new customer, I give them as much information as I know.  Highlighting the other positive impacts that sustainable raised proteins can have on the land and the environment, as well as the health of the animals.  But making the switch to sustainable food choices is a big step and it can also be more expensive. So, when I feel that I have covered all the information and people are still hesitant, I ask them to spend $10.00 to $15.00 to do the egg test.  Purchase the cheapest eggs you can find (from chickens raised in cages that never see outdoors) and the most expensive cage-free eggs (from chickens raised in a crowded barn with access to the outdoors, which is rarely used) and then eggs from a co-op or farmer whom you might know (from chickens that run around outdoors and are free to forage.). Crack one of each of the eggs open, allowing you to see for yourself the quality difference in proteins raised in a proper environment, being fed a natural diet, and given the room required to forge.  Seeing – is often believing.

I’m not certain how many folks I talk to ever take the time or spend the money to do the egg test, but when I have done it for students, visitors or new interns they are always shocked at the difference. They also have the opportunity to see the chickens running around the great outdoors in all kinds of weather, and to collect the still warm eggs from the nesting boxes. Often it takes an up close and personal experience for people to make the connection and for the light bulb to go on. Oh! Wow! Got it!

With the 4^th of July just around the corner, this month’s recipe is for Red, White & Blue Buffalo Bacon Burgers! Plus with any purchase this month you will also receive my recipe for Potato Salad, which always gets rave reviews. You will need ORGANIC potatoes and you got it…FARM FRESH HAPPY EGGS! Happy summer everyone! Jill

Red White & Blue Buffalo Bacon Burgers

The quintessential Buffalo Burger, complete with Buffalo Bacon, Blue Cheese and a touch of fruit preserves! This – soon to be new favorite, will have you making it again, and again and again. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 – 1 lb. Ground Buffalo
3 – tablespoons olive oil, plus a little more
1/2 – teaspoon mustard
2 – teaspoon ketchup
1/2 – teaspoon thyme
2 – teaspoon salt & pepper
1 – 10 oz. package Buffalo Bacon
6 – ounces blue cheese
½ – cup chokecherry or plum preserves, warmed
6 – hamburger buns

Preparation:

1.)  Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, mustard, ketchup, thyme, salt and pepper together.
2.)  Mix above with Ground Buffalo until well incorporated.
3.)  Divide into 6 portions and at pat out into bun size patties.
4.)  In large skillet over medium high heat, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Place buffalo bacon in pan and cook until crispy or desired doneness, turning once during cooking time.
5.)  Preheat grill to high heat, 500 degrees. Insure grill grates are clean.
6.)  Brush burgers with a little oil and place on grill. Close grill lid during grilling time. Grill for 2.5 minutes. Turn burgers and top with blue cheese. Close lid and grill for an additional 3 minutes.
7.)  Remove burgers from heat, and allow too rest for a few minutes.
8.)  Place Buffalo Blue Burgers on bun, drizzle with a little of the warmed preserves and top with Buffalo Bacon. Delicious!