Ma’s Pumpkin Bread

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Now that you have found Love Led Farm to be your source for farm-fresh eggs, what will you make with them?  How about trying a delicious quick bread that your family will absolutely love.  My own gang comes running when I announce, “I made pumpkin bread”!

Pumpkin Bread

My husband grew up in the era of Crisco baking.  After we were married, I began looking for quick bread recipes that used healthier oils and stumbled upon this one.  Then David declared it to be “better than his mother’s.” and I knew I had scored Big Time.

Through the years, I continued to play with the recipe.  I lowered the amount of sugar and tried various oils.   I found that I can use at least half einkorn or spelt flour.  And then there are those eggs.  Yes, I can use four chicken eggs, but two large duck eggs or a goose egg/chicken egg combo also works surprisingly well.

Here is the simple recipe.

Ma’s Pumpkin Bread

  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups of sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (omit for banana bread and add 1 tsp. vanilla)
  • 1 cup of oil (I use avocado)
  • 4 chicken eggs or an equivalent of duck or goose eggs
  • 1 15-oz. can packed pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 2/3 cup water–use a bit more with duck or goose eggs
  • Stir the dry ingredients together.  Add the wet ingredients, mixing only until everything is combined.  Pour into a prepared pan.  I use either my angel food pan or my bundt pan.  Two loaf pans will work well, too.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

And that’s it.  How easy is that?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.  Want banana bread?  Just substitute four bananas and a little vanilla.  Zucchini bread?  Squash bread?  Add nuts, raisins, or coconut?  Why not experiment like I do?

Yesterday, I decided to make zucchini/carrot bread.   I replaced the pumpkin with 2 full cups of shredded zucchini and 2 cups of shredded carrots.  I used 2 cups of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of cinnamon.  My husband declared it a keeper, and I was happy to be able to sneak some extra veggies into our diet.  A simple glaze of confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese and a bit of milk would send this bread over the top.

zucchini/carrot bread

Is your mouth watering yet?  What if you dislike baking or simply don’t have the time.  I can help you with that.

Take a look at the Bread Page on our website.  I bake a few breads to order, including pumpkin and banana.   I do the work; you enjoy the results.  Each loaf is made with Love Led Farm eggs, unbleached flour, evaporated cane sugar, and avocado oil.  The breads are delicious and downright good for you.

To place an order, simply contact me.  We will choose a day and time for your pickup.  Your freshly baked, mouthwatering treat will be ready and waiting.

We are all striving to improve our health by choosing foods that are nutritious.  Why not also choose to make them delicious?  We offer both on Love Led Farm.

See you soon!

 

Goose Eggs: An Adventure in Eating

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Georgia, Cucumber, and Pickle

A few years ago, my grandson began his campaign to add a goose to our growing menagerie.  My hesitation centered around visions of customers being chased back to their cars by territorial birds.  When Oliver pled for me to save a gentle giant who was temporarily living at Grandpa Schoenborn’s farm, I knew I had been beaten.  I mean, how does “Ma” say no to that?  George arrived at Love Led Farm.

Imagine my surprise when George began building a nest and laying eggs!  Quickly and conveniently, we changed her name to Georgia.  She really is a nice gal, but goose eggs?

A year or two later, I was told of two more female geese who were available.  Living at the Critter Barn, they were driving the staff and visitors crazy with their noise.  Cucumber and Pickle (also females) became members of our Goose Guardian Patrol.  In charge of varmint control, the three girlfriends roam freely in and behind the barn away from customers.   My added bonus?  More goose eggs!

Geese are seasonal layers.  From February thru May, they produce eggs that are easily the size or 2 or 3 chicken eggs. With a minimum of 40 eggs apiece, that became a lot of “What do I do with these”?  It was time for some research and kitchen trials.

First, I found out that goose eggs are highly nutritious.  High in protein (12-14 g), they contain all the essential amino acids needed for good health.  Their fat (13-20g) is high in Omega 3’s; they are low in carbs (1-1.5 g); rich in B vitamins (especially B12); and high in Vitamins A, D, and E.  They are packed with minerals:  chlorine, selenium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.  They provide trace minerals like zinc, copper and magnesium.   Sounds like a health-lover’s powerhouse, right?

The cautions have to do with their high cholesterol (over 800 mg) so you might not want to eat a whole one every day.  Also, goose eggs should be cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees or higher, so they are not suitable for dishes or dressings calling for raw egg yolks.

So, what do you do with a goose egg?

One whisked egg

 

Here are a few suggestions.

  • Make an Omelet.  As I said, one egg is equivalent to 2-3 chicken eggs.  Fill it with spicier ingredients like sausage, cheddar cheese, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, etc.  and you will have a nutritious meal big enough for 1 or 2 people.
  • Make an Egg Casserole.  I use 3 well-scrambled eggs to make a dish large enough to last for several days.  Easily reheated in the microwave, a slice satisfies my husband from morning until noon.  Again, you will want to add ingredients that contribute zesty flavors.
  • Try baked goods that beg for richness and structure.  Last week, I made pumpkin bread.  My recipe called for 4 chicken eggs, so I used 1 goose egg and 1 chicken egg.  The bread was dense, and moist; the flavor was delicious.  I plan to make more for the freezer. I did learn to whisk my goose egg thoroughly before adding it to the batter.  This avoids the stronger “eggy” taste of goose eggs.
  • Make pasta or gnocchi.   Cooks prize goose eggs as star ingredients in rich, golden pastas.  This is my next test trial–I’ll post my results.
  • Make Custard.  I haven’t tried this, but I’m told that goose egg custard is delicious.

By searching, “Cooking with Goose Eggs,” I found several excellent sites with tips and recipes.  It turns out that cooking with goose eggs isn’t as strange as it seems.

Are you ready to experiment?  For the remainder of March, I will be happy to give you a free goose egg just for fun.  Then, if you want more, I’ll sell them by the egg.  Check our shop or website for pricing, and remember, these are seasonal–available until mid-May.

If you try one, let me know of your results.  It is fun to hear of your cooking adventures using our products.

As always, feel free to contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  Supporting local small farms like ours are journeys that we make together, even when trying goose eggs.

See you again soon, on Love Led Farm.

Now, About Duck Eggs…

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Sometimes I wonder why I bother with ducks.  Usually, this happens in mid-summer while I am trudging through tall, scratchy weeds searching for the last illusive egg that will fill an order.  Then the duck parade comes marching by or I am surprised by a hidden nest that contains a full dozen.  And I remember:  the ducks do earn their keep.

Our free-range ducks are in charge of garden/pasture clean-up.  They aerate and fertilize the soil while snacking on their favorite foods which include ticks, mosquitoes, fly larvae, and leafy weeds.  And yes, the ladies of their herd lay delicious eggs.

Who wants to eat duck eggs, though?

Goose, duck, and chicken eggs.

As it turns out, many people do and for good reasons.  A difference in their protein structure means that folks who are allergic to chicken eggs can often eat duck eggs.  Just imagine–eggs are back on their menu.

Avid bakers treasure them because batters are richer; cakes and cookies have more loft.  Duck eggs also make delicious pasta.

Duck eggs have larger yolks and less albumen.

Now that we have been eating them for several years, I can honestly say that neither David nor I can taste the difference between chicken and duck eggs.  I will say that due to their size and higher protein, a duck egg in the morning will satisfy your hunger far longer than a chicken egg.

Interested in more detailed information?  Check out this duck/chicken egg comparison published by Mother Earth News a few years ago:  https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/the-proscons-of-eating-duck-eggs-vs-chicken-eggs-zbcz1705

Here are a few tips I have learned about cooking with duck eggs:

  • A duck egg is roughly the same size as 1 1/2 chicken eggs.  When substituting in a recipe that calls for 2 eggs for example, I use 2 smaller duck eggs or 1 large duck egg.
  • Duck eggs don’t have as much moisture which can result in a drier batter, so I just adjust my liquids.
  • Duck eggs are excellent as is when scrambled.  For fried eggs, try adding a bit of water and a lid to your pan to allow for steaming.
  • Duck eggs can be boiled.   For soft-boiled eggs, allow 7-9 minutes; medium would be 10-12 minutes; hard-boiled should be 12-15 minutes.
  • Because their shell is so much thicker, duck eggs will remain fresh longer than chicken eggs–up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

As with our chicken eggs, Love Led Farm duck eggs are in hot demand.  The best way to acquire yours is to order ahead.  A text, an e-mail, or messaging works best.  I will be happy to supply your duck egg needs.

Happiness is a muddy pond.

Now that we’ve spent 2 weeks talking about chicken and duck eggs, are you ready for a new adventure?  Next week, let’s talk about goose eggs.  See you then, on Love Led Farm.

Simply an Egg?

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Young mom, I have been where you are–looking at a farmer’s organic eggs and trying to justify the price.   Maybe you’ll just stick with the grocery store.  After all, they are just eggs.

Empty nester, I have been where you are. You have a little more wiggle room your budget these days. But is the price of local pastured chicken actually worth it? After all, it’s just chicken.

Seniors, I am now in your shoes. A fixed income means trying to decide where to cut your spending. Can you really afford that einkorn sourdough bread? After all, it’s just a loaf of bread.

Through the years, David and I have dedicated ourselves to learning about the relationship between nutrition and the body. We consider basic foods such as eggs, dairy, meat, grains, and produce to be the fundamental building blocks of health.  On which item shall we compromise?

Take for example, those eggs. You cook two for breakfast; add a couple to your tuna salad; and follow the cake recipe by adding three more. Now they aren’t “just eggs.” They are either contributing vital nutrients or depleting the body of its ability to function properly.

Which are our eggs, and which came from a store? Hint: look at those yolks.

By refusing to compromise on food basics, far more than your food budget is affected. Your family seems healthier–fewer trips to the doctor. You have more energy–a walk in the evening is preferable to sitting in front of the television. The food you prepare is satisfying and just tastes better–family and friends compliment your cooking.

And standing there, it dawns on you. Because basic food choices are so important, maybe cheaper eggs aren’t such a bargain after all. Perhaps bargains should be left to the toilet paper aisle.

We sell non-gmo, free-range chicken eggs.  The temptation to compromise on feed has been real–especially this winter when road conditions to the mill were awful.  After all, it’s only feed, right?  I ask myself though, if basic ingredients are the building blocks for nutrition, am I willing to sacrifice the health of my hens and ultimately, the health my body?

Healthy hens mean healthy eggs

At Love Led Farm, we are committed to offering real food that is truly good for you, provided with honest integrity, and without compromise.

Thanks to you, our chicken eggs are in hot demand.  Email, text, or leave a message on my phone, and together we will arrange a pick-up day that works.

And if you are willing to consider duck eggs, well, hang on.  Next week, let’s talk about them.

See you soon!

 

It Started with Chickens

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Many years ago, I was inspired by friends who already had chickens and began planning my own flock.

David, being an intellectual sort of guy, studied until he had found the right housing design.  The coop was perfect after we hitched one corner to the back of our minivan and pulled it square.  The gate built for their fenced-in yard was a masterpiece.

We moved the chickens into their Taj Mahal and quickly learned something:  chickens can fly!  Right over the top of their beautiful fence and gate and into the surrounding woods.  Being responsible folks, we began a nightly ritual–the chicken round up.  Our family, including 3 little girls and a dog, would fan out through the woods, chasing the birds back to their home.

We’ve learned a few other things since then.

Guess what?  Chickens come home at night on their own.  They don’t need to live in a palace.  In fact, they will live and lay their eggs pretty much wherever they choose.  You could say, they rule the roost.

Since then, I have learned far more important things such as how to keep poultry in excellent condition and how that translates into heathy, nutritious eggs.

This year, I will focus much of my attention on these feathered friends, the heroes of Love Led Farm.   Over the next few weeks, I’ll reintroduce you to the humble egg and to the girls who bring provide them.

Join me as we return to the basics of eggs.  Next week, we’ll start with chickens.

See you soon, on Love Led Farm.

 

 

Adjusting Our Stride

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Who remembers the chicken tractors?

At the age of 55, we hung our first banner at the entrance of Love Led Farm.  My lifelong dream had come true.  Twelve years have passed, and we are now…well, you can do the math.  While my mind still bursts with ideas, my body says, “Hmm.”  David just sighs and gives me “the look.”

The good news is that Love Led Farm isn’t going anywhere.   After a challenging farm year, we just decided that this would be the perfect year to make some adjustments.

Let’s start with the products we won’t have this year:

  • No Pork.  The hog pasture needs some serious repairs.
  • No Lamb.  Thanks to the Holland Drought, we’ll spend the year regenerating their pastures.

A chicken on every shelf

Now, here’s what we will offer:

  • Duck and Chicken Eggs – With more daylight and warmer temperatures ahead, the girls should soon be increasing production.
  • Raw Honey – We still have plenty to share with you.
  • Gluten-free English Muffins – Want a delicious breakfast treat?  I bake these to order.
  • Oatmeal Spelt Bread – This is also baked this to order.  Made with good-for-your-body ingredients, this moist bread is perfect for toast and sandwiches.

Keeping warm

Over the next few weeks, let’s take a closer look at each of these products.  Also, check out our updated website:  www.loveledfarm.com.

Join me this year as I share where our path is leading–it’s pretty exciting.   For now, I’ll just dangle a couple of hints in front of you:  laying hens and fruit.

I’ll be in touch soon.

2025 Recap At The Farm

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Something Sweet

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Although our hives appear to be quiet, much is happening inside.  Thousands of bees are humming and moving about, keeping one another warm.  They are feasting on stored honey and bee candy (solid blocks of sugar syrup that beekeepers provide to insure the bees’ winter survival).  Are they, like us, thinking about warmer days ahead? 

Meanwhile, my family happily feasts on the fruits of our bees’ labors.  We would be delighted to share some with you

Raw honey is one of our farm products.  Just after the holiday season, we bottled up enough to last us all for many months.  Would you like some?

Love Led Farm Raw Honey is sold in 3 sizes:  8 oz., 19 oz., and 43 oz. bottles and jars.  Because it quickly crystalizes in cool temperatures, we store this liquid gold in the house during the winter.  Simply contact me, and I can have your honey waiting for you to pick up in our shop.

Sore throat?  Soothe it with raw honey.   How about hot tea on a cold day, sweetened with raw honey?  Perfect.  Want a thoughtful gift for a friend…well, you get the idea.  Knowing that this golden goodness comes from your local Farm Friends?  Pure Nectar!

Next week, let’s talk about something delicious to spread your raw honey upon:  fresh, homemade breads from Love Led Farm and Flourful Bake Shop.

Warmly,

The Sabbatical

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I didn’t write much last year.  It seemed to be a time for reflection and refocus.  Frankly, farm challenges required the rest of my attention.  Hard choices once made, allowed the freedom to move ahead into a fresh new year.

If you have ever visited our website, take a look again.  You will notice a big change:  the goats are gone.  It was time, and my precious girls are happy in their new homes.

I am happy, too.  Now I can pay closer attention to the other delicious products that Love Led Farm has to offer–and to their providers.

Here is the list of available choices for this year:

*Free-range, non-gmo duck and chicken eggs

*Freezer pork

*Raw honey from our own bees

*Homemade breads from both Love Led Farm and Flourful Bake Shop

That’s it!  Short and simple, isn’t it?  But who knows?  The list may grow.  After all, there is always something new to learn, to test, and to share.

In February, we’ll discuss each of these product lines in detail, and I will tell you how you can enjoy them for yourselves.  Meanwhile during these winter weeks, stay cozy, safe, and encouraged.  Spring is only a few weeks away.

I’ll see you soon, on Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

Honey Harvest

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Pure local honey is a treasure worth waiting for.

Perhaps you remember that David and Meg delayed their honey harvest until spring so the bees would have enough to last through the winter.  A couple of weeks ago, they finally opened the hives and we held our breath.  How much honey would there be?  Would there be enough to share?

A fun way to answer those questions is to take you on a quick tour of Honey Harvest 2022.

Harvesting the Honey

You have probably driven past bee hives like these.  In West Michigan, farmers actually “rent” bees to pollinate their blueberries in the spring so you might notice these boxes at the edge of their fields.

Every few months, while the rest of us watch from a respectful distance, David and Meg suit up to check on their hives.  When they sense that enough honey has been produced, it’s time to harvest.

These boxes, called supers, contain frames, in which the bees have created hundreds of honey-filled cells.  The first step of harvest is to pry each frame out to examine it more closely.

The bees seal each cell with wax.   This special heated knife scrapes open the seal, releasing the golden nectar.

The frames are loaded into brackets in an extractor.  Ours holds 4 frames at a time.  Think of it like the inside of your dryer turned upright.  As someone turns the handle, the frames spin, releasing the honey.

Of course we ask our taste testers to check the honey for quality assurance.  He (Wilder) heartily approved.

At the bottom of the extractor is a spout which through which the honey flows.  A double filter system catches wax, bits of pollen, and other impurities. Filtering can actually take several days to finish.

Finally, the honey is bottled and labeled.  And you know the answer to our questions.

Yes, We Have Honey!

The picture above is only a tiny view of my dining room table, filled with jars and bottles of honey.  We have a wide range of sizes–something for everyone.  Let me know what you need and I’ll make sure you get exactly the size you would like.  Or, stop by our farm where you will find a few containers that you can choose from.

Payment is easy.  We gladly accept cash, checks made out to Robin Tucker, and we now take Venmo.

Are you just too busy to think about buying honey during these summer months?  Don’t worry.   Our friends, the bees, have blessed us with plenty for months to come.

Local, raw Love Led Farm Honey is only one of the fine products we offer for your health and enjoyment.  How can we serve your family today?

See you soon…on Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

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