Hello all,
From our family to yours, we hope you are having/will have a blessed and amazing 2021! We also want to say THANK YOU for all the support you have given our small family ranch in 2020. What a way to end January/start February, with a snow storm! 2021.
Ranch Happenings: Boris is still in with his ladies and seems to be a happy boy. Speaking of a happy boy, Pofey looks like she may be preggers or at least a willing participant in the process. She is a great momma so we’re really looking forward to another beautiful red litter from her. All the pigs now have access to indoor and outdoor but it appears they like to frolic in the snow as much as the dogs! They and burrow into the snow to keep warm or go in their straw filled areas and be snuggly warm.
The chickens , conversely, do NOT like the snow an awful lot. They will venture out into it but they seem less than pleased. Niko is kind enough to dig out paths for them occasionally so they can still see the ground. Eggs are still going strong! Speaking of chickens, next month we plan to start construction on the new chicken house and destruction (with care) on the old. If anyone would like to help, we will have a good time and you’ll leave with a full belly. It certainly won’t be a one-day-affair so lots of opportunities are open.
We all had quite a scare yesterday, January 31st, when Gus was driving home from plowing the neighbor’s driveway on the 4-wheeler and was run off the road. He had some serious angels looking over him because he was on a path to hit a telephone pole and after getting him up out of a ditch and taking him to the hospital, found no serious injuries. He will be wandering around the house stoned or lying in bed for the next few days but we are so grateful to the Lord for protecting him. He is also not allowed to drive on Indiana Ave anymore without a “support vehicle” behind him.
Again, thank you so much for being patient with us as we work through January and February. The beef delay will be short lived and we appreciate everyone being so understanding.
We do still have chicken patties which seem to be so popular, not sure how much longer but we’ll do our best to keep them coming. We are having some for dinner tonight in fact.
Watch our Facebook page for the Ready Set Meals. We have started back up making hot and ready to eat dinners. Prices range from $30-$60 for a family of four. Suggestions are always welcome, what would you like to have but don’t want to cook???
Starting March 1st, we will have 8 available CSA slots so if you know anyone who may be interested, have them give Gus a call ASAP
DOG FOOD: The very short wait list is getting shorter as we work out how much we need so if you would like to add it let us know. Pricing: Beef- $7.25/lb. Boar- $5.25/lb. Turkey- $5.25/lb
Veggie CSA: Everyone, whether you were a part of the veggie CSA last year or not, should have received the very first Gatto Family Farm newsletter! They have such exciting things planned for this year. Feel free to contact Janet directly with any questions. 708-359-4449
This is officially (at least in Melissa’s mind) the coldest and longest month of the year where she starts strongly suggesting we move so stay warm and well.
As always, we appreciate your support so much. Eat well, stay well.
Recipes:
Kugela (Lithuanian dish)
1 pound bacon
1 large onion Grated
5 pounds potatoes (we like reds best) finely grated and soaking in cold water
½ cup flour
1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
6 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
*Fry up bacon, set aside and saute onions in grease. Mix together grease, bacon, onion, and potatoes. Add flour, evaporated milk and eggs. Scramble together. Add salt and pepper to taste. You’ll want a fair amount of each. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish and for about an hour at 325. This can be a great breakfast or side dish or snack.
Bacon chicken patty melt
Fry up bacon and set aside. Grill onions in the bacon grease and set those aside. Grill up your chicken patty and layer all this crazy goodness together on a multigrain sandwich bread with cheese of your choice (we love a sharp white cheddar) and butter the bread then grill in your pan. No condiments are even needed for this bad boy.
Let us know what y’all think.
Thank you for supporting our small family ranch,
Gus, Melissa, Niko, Nina Athanasopoulos