One brave soul

As the first snow fell to the ground a few days ago here in central Illinois it was still in the night. I proceeded to fill the chicken's breakfast trays early in the morning and then opened the door to let them out of their home. Normally it's a steady stream of hungry chicken flowing immediately out the door, but to my supprise, the house went silent and every one of our birds stood with wide eyes at the first sight of snow in their lives. I'm sure it is much like a child experiencing it's first snow so it took me back for a second. Our chickens have personality, that's why our eggs are so good... Only one chicken of our whole colony was brave enough to explore; a true outlier.

Winterizing the chicken house

we woke up the other morning and the watering unit in the chicken house was frozen solid. We looked around the farm for supplies that are laying around not in use and came up with a solution. We placed insulation in between each 2x4 and then sealed it with the peach colored panel. I think the peach color adds a little softer tone and brightens up the room a little.
Then the last thing we did was build three walls that surround the mobile. the front is still exposed and the roof has a little hole in it too. I have been monitoring the temp outside and seeing what days the water freezes. So far if it is about 10-15 degrees the water freezes. Thats a huge improvement on temperature. Every two days we take the panels off and spread mulch on the manure. This takes care of the smell and is starting a compost. once the compost heats up then the chickens will be alright for the rest of the winter.

The Canvas

The plate to a Chef is like the canvas to a painter.

We eat with our eyes before we even taste a bite.

Plating a Pork Belly Dish with Sous Vide Turnips, Roasted Red Onions and Carrots.

Must See Movies!

For the last year we have been seeking educational and inspiring entertainment. Some of the most inspiring form of entertainment would have to be the movies that have come out recently. They are movies that showcase a movement and empower the recipient with the knowledge needed to understand some of the most important topics in the world today. Each one of these movies is connected to the vision and mission of Epiphany Farms Enterprise.

Please follow these links. I promise, you will deeply appreciate the valuable information that they have to offer.

The Movie Fresh

Dirt the Movie

Food Inc.

The Inconvenient Truth

King Corn

The Future of Food

While writing the list I had to add some not so recent movies as well.

Hi- Tea with the Kulb's

Apple Squares

Red Barron Apples, Cinnamon and Fall Spice

Assorted Scones

- Pumpkin - Pork, Cheddar, Scallion – Blank with Peach Jam

Baby Breakfast Quiche

Onions and Sausage

Fall Salad Greens

Smathered in Simple Fashion

Poly- Tunnel Root Vegetables

Beets, Turnips, Radishes and Rice Wine Vinaigrette

Warm Pork Broth

Carrots, Potatoes and Pork Belly

Assorted Sandwiches

- Egg Salad and Radish - Tortilla and Chicken

- Roasted Beef on Focaccia

Cookies

- Biscotti de Prato – Classic Chocolate - Coriander

Stu really hit a home run with his Apple Squares and Scones.

Apple Squares

Scones: Savory and Sweet

Three Flavors: Basic Honey Butter, Spiced Pumpkin, Ham and Cheese

Served with a side of Peach Preserve and Whipped Butter and Local Honey

Practice Makes Perfect

One of the coolest things about the dinner parties is the fact that we get to personally serve our creations to the guest. It is so much fun to be able to take high end dinning techniques into peoples home and show them what they are all about.

This is a Fall Salad of Beet Roots and Stems, Carrots, Turnips and Pea Blossoms.

Lesson of the Day: Hawks Like Chickens

Guanciale

One of our goals is to name all of our pigs after pork products. The challenge is to never use the same name. We got a new pig on October 31st and he is here to stay. We named him Guanciale. Guanciale is unsmoked italian bacon made with pig jowls or cheeks. Guanciale is our first boar, He is very laid back, super smart, and his nose is like a tractor. We put a little leash on his neck and walked him from his temporary stall (in the barn) to his winter house (in the garden). On his way there he stopped and with one swoop of his nose he took up a handfuld of roots. He is in piggy heaven, and his next door neighbors are two smoking hot girls. Ms. Pancetta, and Ms. Mortadella.

Busy Life

Epiphany Farms 2009!!

(Busy Life at the Modern Sustainable Farm)

The party, meeting, farm tour, and all other occasions are recorded here. You had or will have a party with us? Check your name on the calendar!

Part Man, Part Machine, All Mustard

Mike Mustard: The man behind the Photos.