Baby Business Venture

For the past couple months I've been doing some research on baby food businesses. There are a lot of choices in other countries, but here in the US we just don't have enough options.

Consumers like options- that's why I'm doing some research for a business plan for a homemade baby food company (but this company will have a special and unique twist like no other). Stay tuned for the twist...

What are your thoughts on this? What are you looking for as a mother who wants to provide the best for your child? What convenience factors would you want? What price point would you pay?

Help me out with some of the research, please? From one mother to another...

(PHOTO: Caston enjoying some of mama's homemade ghetti and meatballs. )

More Baby Food Recipes

I've been experimenting in my kitchen with homemade baby foods. I decided before Caston was born that I wanted to make his food, but didn't know how fun it would be! And I've had a lot of response for me to post more on the subject and more recipes.

All you really need is a food processor or food mill, ice cube trays and a little bit of creativity!


I read about how good salmon is for babies because of the natural DHA and Omega 3 fatty acids in the tasty fish, so I thought how could I incorporate it in a baby food.


Sweet potatoes, olive oil and a few other ingredients make this baby food very tasty! I taste test all Caston's homemade foods. If I wouldn't eat it (and I'm not a picky eater) I won't feed it to him! I've tasted the prepared foods in the jars- NO Thank You- I'll pass on that!


Don't be afraid to put in some seasonings in your homemade baby foods as well. Just as long as you don't include sugar or salt in the food.


The older your baby gets the less finely pureed the food will become. Follow your babies reaction though- all babies are different and are ready for chunkier and more dense foods at different times. By the time most babies are 8 months old they can have some table food that the family eats, like potatoes, beans, carrots, cottage cheese (which Caston loves), yogurt (we buy YoBaby- it's easier on their bellies), and many other items. See more here.


Try to buy vegetables that are in season and local. Much of the produce we buy in stores is at least 14 days old by the time your purchase it in the stores and has traveled over 1,500 miles from farm to the store. If you can't find it local and fresh- choose frozen.

When pureeing foods, reserve the water the vegetables or fruit was cooked in to add back a little in the puree to mix easier. The water holds many of the nutrients your baby needs.

Also, just because you don't like something doesn't mean your baby won't. Be adventurous when making baby's food- he/she will thank you!

Here are some of the recipes that Caston loves (and they are mommy approved as well):


Fancy Salmon
2 (3 oz) salmon filets, poached and fully cooked
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 medium white potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp. onion powder


Cook salmon fully and set aside. Boil potatoes until soft. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree to desired texture.


Asparagus Delight
1 lb. of fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 head of fresh broccoli, cut
1 tsp. olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1/2 tsp. onion powder

After washing and trimming the vegetables- stem until tender. Add all ingredients in a processor and puree.


Spinach and Cauliflower Oh My
1 lb of spinach leaves (or use 1 bag of frozen spinach), cooked
1 head of cauliflower, steamed
1 clove of garlic
2 apples, peeled and cooked

Place all cooked items in a food processor and puree.

Red Cabbage Fun
2 apples, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 cups of red cabbage
3 T. of golden raisins
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup water

Place all ingredients in a pan and boil for 10 minutes and then puree.

Berry Bounty
1 cup of blueberries
1 cup of blackberries
1 cup of strawberries
2 bananas


Simmer the berries in water for 6 minutes, then strain. Place berries and bananas in food processor and puree. When you serve this, you might have to add some cereal to thicken it up. Cereal is great to thicken up fruit purees.

It's Dairy Month

June is Dairy Month, so let's celebrate with recipes full of dairy products!

Check out a recent cook article I wrote about the Grisham Dairy in SW Mo...Sheena (pictured) shares some of her favorite dairy recipes that are perfect for summer bbq's!

Cook article in Missouri Farmer Today.

Other great dairy recipes here.

If you are looking for some local SW MO milk- check out Ozark Mtn. Creamery in Mtn. Grove.

Special Day

This photo was a recent family photo we had taken and it just brings a smile to my face. I think about how much our lives have changed and how blessed we are to have our little boy.

Tomorrow is a special day. Our wedding anniversary - 6 years! Where does the time go?

We usually go out to a nice romantic dinner for our anniversary, but I decided to make it more personal this year. I wanted to cook our anniversary dinner.

So, I went to the farmers' market last week and bought a leg of lamb from my friend Nancy Rasmussen of Sunny Lane Farms. Told Nancy that it was going to be for our anniversary dinner and she smiled and was happy I shopped with her for the special occasion! (I love shopping with our local farmers...)

I've never cooked leg of lamb before and I'll admit - I'm a little intimidated!

But, I called a very good friend of mine who is a chef and he gave me the 411 on cooking the perfect leg of lamb.

Check back tomorrow for the recipe!

(PHOTO: From TiffanyKelly.com)

Caston Hits 6 Months

Our little fellow turned 6 months a couple weeks ago and I haven't even had time to post a new photo from the latest photo session with Tiffany Kelly. I swear the older I get the more times flies.

In this picture Caston is on a blanket in the front yard holding an airplane that Charlie's dad made for the wee man. It hangs in his room with another plane. When Tiffany came to do the pictures she went through Caston's room gathering props and saw the latest plane that grandpa made and had to use it in a picture. Which was a great idea!

I've been busy making lots of baby food purees the past couple of weeks. I'm trying to set at least one day every two weeks to make new purees. This way I have plenty on hand in the deep freeze.

I never imagined I would be working at home, raising a baby! My, my how things change. I wouldn't have it any other way though. Working for myself has allowed our family to live a much more fullfilling life and it's so rewarding. I've been able to watch my son grow and learn each and everyday. I am so thankful for that.

My husband's job has allowed us to live a great life and we are very thankful to be living near our families finally.

God blesses us in so many ways, sometimes we just have to open our eyes and hearts to realize it.

Making Baby Food...So Easy

When I told folks I was going to make my own homemade baby food..they laughed. "Yeah, we will see how much time you have for that after the baby comes..." Mind over matter people!

Well, come on over to my house and see the bags of baby food I've made over the past couple weeks - in a very short amount of time I might add. Only the best for Caston!

I choose fresh vegetables mostly (how lucky that it's starting summer and I'll be able to shop at the farmers' markets for most all vegetables and fruits), but the fruits and vegs that are high in pesticides typically, I'm buying either locally or frozen.

I look at it this way...why wouldn't I want my baby to have the freshest most nutritious food? Plus, have you smelled some of that jarred baby food- YUCK! I wouldn't eat it.

I made sweet pea puree the other day and looked at how brightly colored the peas were. The jarred stuff looks like a brown-green color and I've never known a baby to like peas. Well, mine does! It's his favorite thus far.

I'm also making sure Caston has an adventurous palate by incorporating things like avocado, salmon, pumpkin, butternut squash and even kale. I think kids are picky eaters bc they aren't shown how fun food is!

And, you save money! Trust me on this or read this.

If you are interested in making your own baby food check out these resources:
Baby Center
Wholesome Baby Food

Cookbook: So Fresh

Once a week I take about an hour and make a couple batches of baby food and freeze the food in ice cube trays and some freezer cups. Then, just pull out the different foods at each meal. Simple as that.

The older Caston gets the more he will just eat what we eat. I whole-heartily believe this is the best food for your baby....no preservatives and additives- just fresh and healthy food!

Give it a shot!

Muffins with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Some friends and I have been tampering with Weight Watchers recipes because each recipe is nutritionally balanced and I've heard good things about many of the system's meals. So, I had to try some to see if it was worth it. It is!

Since having a baby I've become very health conscious (not that I wasn't before), but I'm really trying to cut back on the butter (Paula Deen would be disappointed) and pump up good oils (like olive and canola).

I want to live a long life and see my babies (yes I meant to use the plural word and no I'm not pregnant right now - I know that would be the next question) grow old, marry and have babies of their own. I want to Live Strong - have you checked out that website?

Our family has always eaten well, but too much of anything isn't a good thing. So, that's why we've decided to make healthier eating choices. Now, don't think that means you won't see deliciously divine desserts or my favorite southern foods- anything fried! It's just I'm going to be trying to combine a little health kick here and there.

Starting with this. The first Weight Watchers recipe I decided to try was of coarse a dessert! I love my sweets. These muffins with homemade strawberry sauce are amazing and healthy!

I was stunned on how good the strawberry sauce was.....I could have just eaten it alone. The best part is it's almost strawberry season in Missouri...look for strawberries to be ripe for the pickin' in about two more weeks!

Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think!

Lemon Yogurt Muffins with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

from Weight Watchers

2 spray(s) cooking spray
2 cup(s) strawberries, finely chopped, divided
2 Tbsp strawberry jam
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp table salt
2 large egg(s)
8 oz Yoplait Original 99% Fat Free Lemon Yogurt, or similar product
1/3 cup(s) sugar
1/4 cup(s) canola oil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp lemon zest, or more to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 12-hole muffin pan with cooking spray.

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup strawberries with next 4 ingredients; set over medium-low heat. Cook until boiling, whisking constantly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 cup strawberries; set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, lightly whisk eggs; whisk in remaining ingredients until smooth.

Make a well in center of dry ingredients and spoon in egg mixture; gently fold to combine.

Fill each muffin hole 3/4s full with batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 15 to 17 minutes. Remove from oven and serve each muffin with 1 heaping tablespoon strawberry sauce on top.

The Debate: Oven Roast or Crock-Pot

Everyone has an opinion on this debate: Oven roast or Crock-Pot roast. I've cooked roast in the oven and in the Crock-Pot and I have to say that nothing beats a roast cooked the old fashioned way in the oven. The taste is so much better and it's really not any more difficult.

(PHOTO: Loving that he can now sit in his big boy chair to eat his cereal. today Caston was all giggles.)

I used to throw a roast in the Crock when I worked out of home bc I thought it made my life easier (and it did a few nights). But, you can also cook a roast in the oven at a very low setting and cook it while you are at work just as easy.

But, I won't argue with anyone of this debate. I will suggest that if you are a fan of a Crock roast you just try my oven recipe and then tell me which you like best.

I did some experimenting with my roast recipe earlier this week....and we have a winner.

Lane's Oven Roast

1 (3-4 lb) roast

2 cups dry red wine (Merlot)

2 cups of tea

3 beef stock cubes

4 Bay leaves

4 stalks of celery, plus the celery leaves (roughly chopped)

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

3 carrots, roughly chopped

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

4 garlic cloves, diced

1 tsp. salt

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. ground peppercorns

1/2 tsp. Thyme, chopped

Sear the roast in a cast iron skillet with about 2 T. of olive oil in the bottom of skillet. This is the key to a good oven roast. Using a cast iron skillet will give you the very best sear- keeping the moisture of the roast.

Place all ingredients in large baking dish with a top. Lay the seared roast on top and be sure the veggies lay around the roast. Take some of the liquid and drizzle it over the roast. Sprinkle the roast with a little more salt and pepper. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for about 3 1/2 hours or until roast is done. The roast will be done with you can stick it with a fork and it falls apart.

NOTE- All ovens cook differently. Watch the roast so you do not over cook it.

I always know when my roast is ready because the entire house smells delicious. Funny, I know- but true!

Enjoy!

The Perfect Ending

I swear the older I get the faster the weeks go...it seems like it was Monday just yesterday. Guess they are right, "time flies when you're having fun." The weather in the Ozarks is amazing and I thank God for living back home in the south. The trees are budding out and the warm breeze is the perfect ending to a wonderful week!

I started the week off at my parents on the farm for some interviews with some local farmers for upcoming articles and ended the week doing some much needed landscaping. (Which BTW my mother told me how happy she was that I lived so close now...she said it was like she had her daughter back home. I almost cried bc it made me so happy!)

Our new house had barely any landscaping (which is nice - meant we didn't have to remove any old plants that I didn't like). We spent all day yesterday outside digging holes, planting and mulching. We still aren't done though. I still need to incorporate some hostas and day lillies into the mix, plus whatever annuals I decide to plant.

I'd like to find a local nursery in or around Hollister (so if anyone has any suggestions let me know). Otherwise, I'll be headed to the farmers' market in Springfield.

Here's an updated photo of our little man! Hard to believe he'll already be five months in a week- he's such a little hambone. His newest discovery is his toes, which he has taken to sucking on. I was worried about this at first, but read that it's perfectly normal. But, usually babies don't start the toe sucking until month 6. You can bet that I make sure his little pigs are very clean!

Here's a recipe I pulled off a 100 mile diet blog that we recently made. The leftover chicken makes for great chicken salad the next day!

Shallot Rub for Roast Chicken (enough for a small bird)

2 shallot cloves

2 garlic cloves

1 large stalk rosemary, leaves removed

4 T butter

2 T olive oil

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, and pulse until well combined.

Mama Jan Featured in MFT

I'm lucky enough to be able to write for a great farm publication, Missouri Farmer Today. I do a cook's piece each month and the most recent article was over my mother, Jan Baldwin.

(PHOTO: Mom holding a plate of ghetti. Find the recipe here.)

I thought it fitting that I blog about her because I would not have the love of cooking if it wasn't for her. She taught me so much and I still cherish our times gathered in kitchen making pies, holiday feasts and sharing great family memories over a glass of wine.

It's funny how something as simple as cooking with your kiddos can have such a profound effect on them after they mature and start families of their own.

In our family cooking brought us closer. We would cook dinner, talk about our day and share many laughs over the dinner table.

I hope to share this same tradition with my family someday...take the time tonight and cook a meal with your family. Trust me your children will thank you someday.

Looking for the Best of What Missouri Has to Offer

Attention! Attention!

The 2010 Best of Rural Missouri is official...I'm always excited to see the annual results from this special contest. Best Agritourism Spot, Best BBQ, Best Pizza (BTW congrats to Hilltop Pizza in Fair Grove for winning that...I love, love their pizza) Best Outdoor Adventure, Best Ice Cream (oh, how I miss Central Dairy in Jeff City)...the list goes on and on.

My family enjoys each year when this contest is announced. We plan many weekend and day trips to visit many of the winners of this contest each year. We've discovered wonderful "hole-in-the-wall" eating establishments that have become some of our favorite places to visit when we are out and about traveling. It's funny how you can discover a new adventure right in your back door.

Make your own plans today and take a look at where your next family trip could be by looking at the contest winners.

Beef...it's What's Cooking at My Home

Being beef producers our family sits down to many meals that are centered around beef. It's always nice to have new recipes that incorporate hamburger. If your like me you go to your old standby hamburger recipes a lot, and always appreciate a new way to use hamburger for a fresh recipe.

I recently interviewed a farm family in my hometown for a article I'm working on for one of the publications I write for.

Rocking Z Ranch- the Sauls Family -Dale, Connie, Rolly and Megan are beef producers that sell at some local farmers' markets in southern Missouri. The farm raises all-natural Angus beef that is free from hormones, steroids, antibiotics and growth enhancers.

Their website is full of great tips for cooking beef and recipes that the family create.

Check it out...I'm sure you will find a new recipe to share at your dinner table tonight! And be sure and take a look at the Missouri Beef Industry Council's website for beef recipes as well.

9 Ways to Shop Healthy and Save Money

My inbox is full each morning I get up, from business emails to family correspondence. But, one of my favorite emails I get daily is from Children's Health....it's even trumped my Google Alerts I have set for Missouri Ag and Local Foods.

Recently, the topic in the newsletter was saving money with a growing family and I thought the info made a perfect blog post for all us working mothers and fathers. My favorite tip is # 8.

Hope you find a couple ways to shave a few dollars from your grocery bill each month.

Grocery Shopping on a Budget: 9 Ways to Shop Healthy and Save Money
From Children's Health

1.) Plan, plan, plan. “If a family or head of household can take an hour to plan a week’s worth of meals and make a grocery shopping list and another hour to grocery shop, then the family can be good for a week,” says Shelley A. Rael, RD, a registered dietitian and health education consultant at the University of New Mexico’s Employee Health Promotion Program in Albuquerque. This is a win-win situation as food prepared at home is generally healthy and less expensive.

2.) Buy in bulk. Whether it’s choosing a “family size” pack of skinless chicken breasts and freezing what you don’t use right away or one large container of nonfat yogurt instead of individual servings, buying big can equal big savings.

3.) Cut those coupons. “Clipping coupons and shopping sales will never go out of style, especially when there are many mouths to feed,” says Amy Berns, RD, a registered dietitian with Medical Network One’s Michigan Institute for Health Enhancement in Trenton. Coupons are everywhere these days, from local flyers to the Internet. Check individual food companies’ Web sites for discounts, rebates, and coupons you can print yourself.

4.) Shop the perimeter of the store. Most stores are organized with packaged foods in the middle. As much as possible, stick to the outer areas where you can find the healthier fruits and vegetables, meat, and dairy. Also, while these foods may seem expensive, be sure to consider actual serving sizes and how many meals you can get from one purchase. “Produce may appear expensive at the outset,” says Rael, “but it can be part of a meal or a snack. Many people see ‘$3.99 per pound,’ but don’t think about how that pound could potentially be spread across several meals or people.”

5.) Try some substitutions. Instead of expensive and less healthy beef, buy more chicken and pork. Beans are another good source of protein and are usually much cheaper than meat. Fish can be bought frozen or canned to cut down on cost as well.

6.) Try the “IKEA” style of eating. That means “some assembly required,” says Ashley Koff, RD, a registered dietitian in private practice in Los Angeles. “Rather than buying the salad already made, buy the pieces and assemble it yourself. Instead of the ready-to-eat pasta dish, buy the sauce, the cheese, the meatballs, and some organic frozen vegetables.” Not only is it less expensive to purchase items individually, but you will also be avoiding the preservatives used to increase a packaged food’s shelf life.

7.) Skip the snack foods. Products like chips, cookies, and soda are unhealthy and represent an unnecessary expense for shoppers looking to save money. Popcorn, dried fruits, and nuts are good, nutritious substitutions for chips.

8.) Go local and buy in-season. “Look for fresh local and in-season produce as this is usually more affordable than choosing imported produce,” says Erin Palinski, RD, a registered dietitian in private practice in northern New Jersey. “If fresh produce seems too expensive, try choosing frozen or canned. It is more affordable and has a longer shelf life. To cut down on the sodium content of canned vegetables, try rinsing them before cooking and serving.”

9.) Be creative. Whether it’s trying a new recipe with ingredients bought using coupons or putting a new twist on an old favorite, shopping and preparing different foods can be fun.

Caston 3 Months...How the Time Flies

Caston turned 3 months last week...it's that amazing? Charlie and I sat at dinner and were just talking about how a blur our lives have been the past three months: New jobs (for both of us), moved south, sold a house, bought a new house, painted the new house, oh...and had a baby! Throw that all together and what do you get? One crazy time...we wouldn't recommend it.

BUT- we are so lucky to have everything fall into place at the right times. We feel very blessed to be closer to family and have our beautiful baby boy in our lives. He has really enriched our lives and made us better people! Amazing how little ones do that , isn't it?

Today we had a photographer come and do a photo shoot of the family and Caston! I discovered Tiffany Kelley through searching online. I knew she was the perfect photographer for us after I was she not only was a "social media junkie" (like me), but that her photos were modern- and at the same time classic.

Caston was a little angel all throughout the photo shoot and Tiffany posted a "Sneak Peek" of the pictures on her blog, check it out!

Happy 2010

Wow! 2010...10 years ago I graduated high school, went off to college at MU and met the man who is now my husband.

Six years ago I graduated college, married my high school sweetheart and started my first job out of college.

Now my husband and I have created our beautiful baby boy and are getting ready to make another life change- moving back to the southland and we couldn't be more excited.

It's always been our plan to move back down to Southwest Missouri- but we thought we would have to hold out on that chapter for a little while yet. But, due to some changes of events- we have the opportunity to move sooner than we thought.

It's a funny thing- life- that is. I've learned more than ever- when one door closes...another one always opens. And a door has opened for the McConnell family to move closer to our families and we couldn't be more elated!

Come Jan 15 we will be Hollister, Mo residents and 10 minutes from our favorite place- Table Rock Lake! Not to mention close to the ones we love! And another chapter begins...

We have so much to be thankful for in our lives this past year...here's to bigger and better things to come in 2010!

What I've Learned about Raising Babies

My life has been turned upside down lately- I heard that’s what happens when you have a baby- but I didn’t realize how much my life would change.

Here is what I’ve learned the past three weeks since we brought our son Caston home from the hospital:
1.) I have the most awesome husband in the world- who BTW is the greatest father too!
2.) I can still function (well kinda) on no sleep and mini power naps
3.) My house doesn’t have to be spotless clean all the time
4.) I can’t cure all of the reasons why Caston cries- sometimes he just cries bc he’s a baby – and that’s the only way he can communicate
5.) I never imagined I would be so deeply in love with my baby boy the instant he was placed in my arms
6.) You have to ask for help from others- they really want to help you out
7.) Sleep when Caston sleeps
8.) It’s ok to cry- hormones are wacky things!
9.) Remember to take time to reconnect with the hubby each night
10.) I should have enjoyed those sleepy Saturday mornings while I had them
11.) No matter how much I read about babies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, childcare- I still won’t know everything! Books can’t teach you everything- sometimes you just have to drive in and either sink or swim!
12.) I am even more thankful of the scarifies and love that my parents have given me through the years!
13.) Some people think they know everything about raising babies- when really they don’t know squat. But, just smile when they give you advice and go on about your business.
14.) There’s a major difference in Pampers and Huggies diapers- I will never buy Huggies ever again.
15.) It never gets old watching Caston sleep so peacefully!
16.) Spit-up happens…so does pee and poop
17.) Dreft laundry detergent is my all-time favorite smell
18.) Babies won’t be babies forever- so enjoy the snuggle time while you can
19.) Always give yourself at least 15 minutes longer to get ready to go into town. That’s how long it will take to make sure the diaper bag is ready, the baby has a clean diaper, you look half way presentable, and to get the bay in the car seat.
20.) Life is short- enjoy every moment- you won’t have it forever!

Caston Ray McConnell

Haven't had much time for updating all my social media sites...been busy being a mommy. Our family welcomed Caston Ray McConnell into the world on November 18 at 4:51 am in Jefferson City, Mo. He weighed 7.7 lbs. and was 20.5 inches long.

I never imagined how quickly my life could change in just one moment until he was born! He is the reason my husband and I were made for each other. All we do is sit and watch every movement, every smile, yawn, kick, squirm- anything he does. We don't want to miss a single moment...

It's also amazing how you look at your own parents differently after giving birth. You think about the sacrifices they've made, the lessons they've taught and the love that they give you. I hope to be as good as a parent as mine were to me.

Caston is the very best Thanksgiving blessing ever! I hope your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and many family moments that will last forever...

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Galore

Some folks have thought I've had the baby, since I haven't posted in awhile. No- just busy "nesting" and doing a lot of freelance work at home. I have another blog that I'm using as part of my freelance work: Taste of Missouri. You can also find me busy at work on Twitter as TasteofMissouri or look me up on Facebook.

Last night I was busy in the kitchen finishing up processing the last of my pumpkins and decided to make some pumpkin bread- which is my favorite part of the holidays! Instead of baking two loafs, which the following recipe makes, I made two trays of pumpkin muffins! Let me tell you- the muffins are the perfect size for snacks and go so perfect with a nice frosty mug of milk!

I can't stress how important it is to use only fresh pumpkin for this recipe. My father and I grow our own pumpkins and then process them. We have enough pumpkin left for the whole year. If you use pumpkins to decorate with in the fall, process the pumpkin.

Read an old post of mine about how to process pumpkins at home for the very best pumpkin puree for your holiday baking needs!

Baldwin Pumpkin Bread
3 C. Sugar
3 1/2 C. Flour
1 C. Oil (1/2 vegetable, 1/2 sunflower oil- don't have sunflower oil- don't fret, you can still just use vegetable oil)
2/3 C. Water
2 cups Pumpkin
4 eggs well beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix well about 50 strokes. Stir in nuts (I like walnuts).
Fill in bread pan half full and bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.

You Make Lemonade

Sometimes life throws us lemons…and we make a choice. A.) We either dodge to miss the lemons being thrown at us or B.) We make lemonade. I choose B.

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns and everything in between, but it’s how we get through the tough times that truly matter. That’s what shows our character and our passion.

You all know me from the author of Home Cooking is What I Like, but I’ve also started a new blog that really represents Missouri Local Foods (Unmonitored, Unfiltered and Uncensored). Check out my other blog: "A Taste of Missouri...One Farm at a Time."

It is here that I hope to shed some light on the real issues facing Missouri local foods, its producers and food security. But, I also hope to introduce you to some of the most unique, tasty and sustainable farming operations around our state.

I’ve been so blessed to have met farmers, ag professionals, academia and others dedicated to excelling Missouri’s local food industry. Plus, being a former marketing specialist in the area of direct marketing, agritourism, farmers’ markets and organics I’ve learned marketing techniques that help to set our local foods system apart from other states.

Join me as we “Taste Missouri, One Farm at a Time.” Also, be sure and look me up on Facebook and Twitter as TasteofMissouri.

Photos From Savannah

My trip to Savannah was a wonderful opportunity to indulge in life's little pleasures (homemade chocolates from Wright Square Cafe, Shrimp & Grits from Mom and Nikki's Soul Food, from scratch cupcakes from Back in the Day Bakery (you may have seen Cheryl's appearance on Paula Deen's show) she also has a wonderful blog : Buttercream & Roses I would suggest everyone check out.

But, the best part of my trip to Savannah had to be meeting Jamie and Bobby Deen! It would have been ever better if Paula her self had been there- but I doubt she's in Savannah much with all the publicity tours and events I've seen her at recently. The price you pay to be well-known I guess. But, I did have the opportunity to eat dinner at the Lady & Sons Restaurant - and was very impressed with the food. Plus, I did some shopping at the Paula Deen Store - how touristy of me I know - but hey - "when in Rome..."

One of the neat aspects of eating at the Lady & Sons is the southern charm of the staff and that each night an old fashioned dinner bell is rang! (Makes me feel like I'm back on the farm again) The night we ate dinner our waitress even sang a little jazz tune for the dinner guests!

Besides the 10 extra pounds I brought back with me from Savannah (totally kidding, well sorta) I brought back a new respect for "real cookin'."

Real cookin' to me is food made with real ingredients, by real people, in real kitchens that takes real time - not 30 minutes to prepare! (Yes, you that know me understand where I'm coming from on the 30 minute meals idea.)

So, on this real cookin' post I'm going to pull something special out of the recipe archives: Dec 5, 2007 Post "Cream of Crab Soup to warm Your Heart." This is one of my favorite soups that can be made up in a hurry and is perfect to warm you up on a chilly night! Enjoy!