Winter Springs & Healthy Resolutions

Last night I dreamt of Polar Bears. In my dream the Polar Bears were in my bedroom at the ranch, only it was the bedroom that I had as a child. My childhood room was decorated with a single poster of a momma Polar Bear and her cub. The momma Polar Bear in the poster had a tear in her eye. I can’t remember the caption, but for some reason I loved that poster. It reigned over my room like a guardian.  In my dream I felt in danger from the Polar Bears, but when they saw the poster, they gave me a look, a look that said, “She’s cool, you’re safe, don’t worry” and then they left. It felt so real when I awoke with my hand resting on Henry’s furry head and the subzero temperatures breezing through the cracked window over my head. I’m not sure why I dreamed of Polar Bears? Maybe it was because of a documentary I watched on how their world is becoming more fragile and how their days without change are numbered. Or maybe it was because the ranch is currently on an ice cap, or maybe a little bit of both.

The current ice cap status of the ranch is due to the wonderful little springs that bubble up out of the ground throughout the draws. Dan calls these places “the female parts of the ranch” which I think is wonderful. These special giving springs add to the specie diversity of our place, as all living things need water and flock to wherever it is. Even in a drought, there is usually some kind of mud hole, which is usually found right in the middle of our driveway. But last year’s moisture has been a game changer, with every dip in the earth already filled with water the springs have fingered down onto the bottom ground in a sheet of ice. The accumulated moisture feeds the underground springs and they continue to percolate to the surface hitting the “this years” artic temperatures in ice sculpture form, creating a slippery, frosted surface all over the ranch.  Yet, on warm days when the sun and the earth have thawed the ice you can find little pools of water lined with a carpet of new green grass.  These findings trigger a tiny glimmer of “hope for spring” inside of me.

I imagine the buffalo back in their winter pasture, walking and grazing on dried native grasses and then “Nirvana,” a pocket of juicy green goodness! Although we are surrounded by 24,000 acres of hearty winter forage, I wonder after months of eating the stuff if the buffalo wouldn’t prefer the spring mix instead? As for me and my always over indulgence in all things hearty holiday edible, I too could use a few more greens! This month’s recipe celebrates both winter and the promise of spring, and hopefully will be a satisfying meal that helps with your possible “health” resolutions.  So happy New Year everyone and best wishes to a healthier you, healthier landscapes and a healthier environment for all creatures great and small! Jill

Winter Buffalo Bacon & Spinach Salad with Maple Orange Vinaigrette (serves 2)

Ingredients:

4 to 6 – strips Wild Idea Buffalo Bacon
2 – Tb. olive oil
1 – yam or sweet potato, par cooked, skinned and diced
¼ – cup walnuts
½ – tsp. salt
½ – tsp. black pepper
¼ – tsp.+ cayenne *optional
1 – cup canned black beans, rinsed
1 – orange, segments only
4 – red onion slices, thin
2 – eggs, coddled
2 – handfuls spinach, rinsed and dried

Maple Mustard Vinaigrette (makes 1 cup)

*Vinaigrette Recipe is a favorite of mine from “Savoring the Seasons” cookbook by Lucia Watson of “Lucia’s” in St. Paul MN

Ingredients:

1 – Tb. Dijon mustard
2 – cloves garlic, peeled
1 – shallot, peeled
½ – tsp. salt
½ – tsp. black pepper
¼ – cup cider vinegar
¼ – cup maple syrup
¼ – cup olive oil

Place all vinaigrette ingredients in blender a pulse process until blended. Store in refrigerator.

Preparation:

1.)  Prep sweet potato by either par boiling or microwaving until slightly tender but firm. Cool and remove skin. Dice sweet potato, place in bowl and add walnuts. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne. Toss and set aside.
2.)  In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat.
3.)  Add desired bacon strips to skillet and cook until crisp, turning once during cooking. About 5 minutes total. Remove bacon to paper towel and return pan to burner.
4.)  Add additional oil if needed and heat. Add diced sweet potato and walnuts to pan and sauté until lightly browned, tossing pan occasionally.  About 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat.

Place spinach in a bowl and drizzle with ¼ cup salad dressing.  Toss to coat. Divide spinach and arrange on center of plates. Top with black beans, oranges, red onion, sweet potato and walnuts. Place bacon on the top and finish with coddled egg. Drizzle additional dressing on salad