Farmhouse Food: Roasting Fresh Poultry

   Fresh poultry; we have it in abundance. Grown here on our little homestead; butchered by our hands and cooked in our very own kitchen, turkeys and chicken (and an occasional duck) are often on the homestead menu.
   Some poultry cook up nice and juicy- just the way we all like it, however, sometimes there is a tough bird in the lot..and that's no good. Here in the homestead kitchen we have found our solution to the fresh poultry toss up.
  

FARMHOUSE FRESH POULTRY

24 hours before baking:

mix 1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup sugar

5 dried cayenne peppers

to every 6 quarts water

Completely submerge the thawed bird and refrigerate 24 hours using resealable plastic bags or a large plastic tub with a lid. I soak my bird breast down for extra tender white meat. 

The day of baking:

Remove the bird from solution and rinse well, inside and out.

In a heavy roasting pan place:

2 large onions, sliced

6 cloves garlic, smashed

5 cayenne peppers

3 large carrots, roughly cut

3 stalks of celery, roughly cut

Dust the vegetables lightly with flour.

Before placing the bird into the roasting pan, place one quartered apple inside the cavity.

Rub the bird all over with butter (my birds are without skin).

Place bird in the roasting pan and bake at 350 degrees approximately 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally. The bird is done when juices run clear and the core temp is 165 degrees.

Rest bird, covered, fifteen to thirty minutes before slicing.

 Fresh cooked poultry freezes well in airtight containers and is a wonderful start of many great farmhouse meals: soups, wraps, salads and casseroles.

   There it is..our base recipe for home grown, fresh poultry roasting. To vary it up a bit we sometimes add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage to the soaking solution and the roasting pan. Either way, it's tender and juicy every time!

Checking our Focus

   Standing together in her beautiful new house, a woman and I were talking. The conversation consisted of desires and dilemmas; furnishings and family, grievances over weight loss (or rather, lack of it)..things I guess we all ponder. As I listened to her concerns my mind wandered back over the years.
   I recall the words of wisdom given to me many years ago when my heart was heavy with the 'have-nots'. Focus on what you have..not what you have not. Simple enough, it seems, yet so hard to actually do. You see, sometimes I struggle with my own contentment..my lifestyle, the size of my family, the season of my life..my weight or the decor of my home. Sometimes I feel insufficient in comparison to others who seem to have it all and have it all together. Times like those, well, they are times when my heart is out of focus and my soul is discontent.
   In such a place as this, when discontent pulls at my being, I have to stop and focus on what I have. I have a beautiful family full of rare and unique treasures valuable beyond all means. I have a body blessed with health and energy able to function in the manner it was made to. I have a husband faithful in love and provision who graciously allows me to lead a life of family and farm. I have a home filled with love and grace; a sanctuary from the world..a place of rest. I have my God and Savior...need I say more.
   Sharing this truth with others often brings odd responses..how can I be content? Because I am greatly blessed..I deserve none of these things..not one of them. It is by the grace of God He chose to allow me this life, this family, this amazing grace...He never owed me a thing and I realize it. I must choose to focus on what I have..not what I have not.
   To focus on what I have means to purposefully set my sights on doing the best with what I have been given, not setting my sights on acquiring more. I need to raise the family I am given to the best of my God-given ability and let it grow as and if it is intended. I need to focus on being a complement and blessing to my husband and not try to change him instead. I need to keep my home well cleaning, organizing and making the best of what I have..not fretting over what desires I think I need.
  
   This conversation has led me to start this new year with a grateful heart and a determined spirit. This year, I want to be content with the gracious blessings I have received and a good steward of my time. This year I am determined to focus on what I have...and make the best of it!
  

Starting a New Year

   Yes, it has happened..a new year. Our weekend was spent with teens all together around the table and in all the chairs..it was a crowded but fun weekend.

 
   A beautiful filet project has been started by Jen. Her hands work diligently with fine thread to create such beautiful pieces..love them!

   Nik has been down with pneumonia..lots of healthy soups and yogurt for her. She is starting to perk up now; so grateful the antibiotics are working!

   The farm boy had a milder respiratory infection but nothing keeps him down long. His days are filled with trick bikes and stake boards..when he isn't on the mats (martial arts are his life :)).

   With the head of the house home there has been plenty of rowdy rumbles, crazy antics and some excellent game time with the teens..full enjoyment of his time off! It will be sad to see him return to work tomorrow.

   I am spending a little time in my 'nest'..nearly completing four new prairie dolls for the shop and desperately trying to finish the quilting on Nik's star quilt. It was pushed aside during the holidays. Some much needed attention was given to it when moments of quiet found me.

   Such a blessing to find family gathered 'round for food and fun when staring a new year. Have a blessed beginning!