Category: Farmhouse Recipes

Making Sourdough Bread

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Sourdough Bread

Nothing is quite as nice as a good Sourdough Starter, and making Sourdough Bread! Not only is it a great bread, with wonderful flavours, but has no yeast or sugar added! Not to mention the Health Benefits of Sourdough!

According to a review in Food Science & Nutrition the fermentation process helps make calcium, phosphorus and iron more available to the body.EatingWell.com has a great article, Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread, According to a Dietitian, that tells us of other benefits too!

So, it’s an amazing process, first making a Sourdough Starter, we called ours John! You know, John Dough!

By the way, here’s the Sourdough Bread Recipe from Cultures For Health.

Categories: Breads Farmhouse Recipes In The Pantry Sourdough

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We Made Butter From Whey and Wish We had Way More!

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Goat Milk Butter

Recently we made Cheese from our Goat Milk, and a little Colostrum! Yes, even Colostrum makes great Cheese! When we make Cheese, we start with Milk, or Colostrum, usually Milk, and as we process it the Milk is separated in Curds and Whey! Yes, just like Little Miss Muffet we eat our Curds and Whey! 

Normally when you Make Butter, you use Cream and that is usually made from Cow’s Milk, because it is easier to separate the Cream from The Milk. When You milk a Cow the Cream rises to the top of the milk and you simply skim it off and use it. Goat Milk is naturally Homogenized, meaning the Milk and Cream are naturally combined. To separate Cream from Goat Milk you need to let it sit, and after a few days the cream will slowly rise to the top.

Till recently, when we had a happy accident, or happy discovery, depending on which way you look at it. See, after separating the Curds and Whey, after having used the Curds for making Cheese, we sat the Whey aside to use it as a base for a Chowder. For a few days, and maybe a little longer, we let the whey is in our cold-room. When we were ready to use it, we noticed something, sort of like a white, floating, disc was sitting on top of our Whey! Much to our surprise we had discovered that You can Make Butter from Whey!

Categories: Farmhouse Recipes Goat Milk Products In The Pantry Uncategorized

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Artisan Chèvre Fromage made at Briden Farm

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Briden Farm Cheeses

With a couple of our Briden Farm Goats recently freshening and our regular milking goat still milking nearly two years after her last freshening we now have three of our six goats in milk. Freshening is when Goats give birth to their Kids. Having three goats giving milk at the same time produces a little extra, although some of it is definitely going to the kids, we’re able to use enough to not only give us fresh milk everyday, but also enough to allow us to have a little extra for making Cheese! 

I love the process of Cheese Making and when we can do it with our own fresh Milk, and then use Watkins Herbs and Spices to flavour it! Wow! I most always use Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano, and either Minced or Fresh Garlic and often fresh onions. Adding the dry ingredients to the Milk as it heats, just after adding the White Vinegar and before the curds separate from the Whey! Yes, just like Little Miss MuffetLittle Miss Muffet, we eat ur Curds and our Whey! I even have the spider to prove it! 

Actually the Curd is what is used to make the Cheese, and the Whey is delicious and nutritious and we often use it as a base for making some type of Seafood Chowder! It really enhances the flavour, is full of protein and very good for,You and makes it taste great! Topped with Sea Salt and Black Pepper of course! 

Ok, I know, I probably didn’t need to include the photo of the Spider! However, other than that, this is a wonderful time to come visit! Of course You’ll have to walk up our snowed in Laneway, but once you get here you’ll find some really good Cheese, and maybe even a good cup of tea, or coffee! Or, something else! 

Anyway, thought you might like to se how we keep busy this time of year when we’re not doing chores! Cheese Making is just one of the fun things we get up to here in our Winter-Wonderland… 

Winter Walk of Rice Mullen Road at Briden Farm

It is a great little escape and wonderful place to play in the snow!

Please let us know You’re coming though! Just call Brian at 902-907-0770

 

Categories: Farmhouse Recipes Goat Milk Products Goats In The Pantry Learning Experiences Life at Briden Farm Winter

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The Benefits of Maple Syrup

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Making Maple Syrup

It’ll soon be Maple Syrup Season and it’ll be time for you to enjoy the Sweet Taste of Maple Syrup! Tapping Maple Trees is a time honoured tradition, not only in Canada, but on a personal basis also. I remember my Dad, Vic, tapping the big Maple Trees that grew on the lawn. Boiling the sap gathered from the Trees was often left to my Mom, and gathering the sap from the Trees was often my job.

Recently someone asked, “What’s in it? Is it any different than Sugar?”

So, I thought I’d create a post about the benefits of Maple Syrup.

Now, just in case You have come here from away, and don’t know what Maple Syrup is…

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that is produced by boiling down the sap of sugar maple trees. It is a popular alternative to traditional sweeteners like white sugar or corn syrup and is known for its distinct flavor. It is more expensive because it is very labour and time intensive, and requires fuel to fire a stove or boiler, and it takes 40 Gallons of Sap to make just one Gallon of Syrup!

Here are some of the benefits of maple syrup:

  1. Nutrient Content: Maple syrup contains various nutrients, including manganese, zinc, potassium, and calcium. While it should not be considered a significant source of these nutrients, it does contribute small amounts to your overall intake.
  2. Antioxidant Properties: Maple syrup contains antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are believed to play a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
  3. Lower Glycemic Index: Compared to refined sugars, maple syrup has a lower glycemic index. This means it has a milder impact on blood sugar levels, making it a preferable option for individuals who need to manage their blood sugar.
  4. Natural Sweetener: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that doesn’t undergo extensive processing. It lacks the additives and preservatives often found in refined sugars and artificial sweeteners.
  5. Phytochemicals: Maple syrup contains various phytochemicals, including lignans and coumarin compounds. These compounds have been studied for their potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
  6. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that certain compounds in maple syrup may have anti-inflammatory effects. Reduced inflammation is associated with various health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases.
  7. Flavor Variety: Maple syrup has a unique and rich flavor that adds depth to a variety of dishes. It is not only used as a sweetener but also as a flavor enhancer in both sweet and savory recipes.
  8. Sustainable Harvesting: The production of maple syrup involves tapping the sap from maple trees without harming the trees themselves. When done sustainably, this practice can be considered environmentally friendly.

It’s important to note that while maple syrup does offer some potential health benefits, it is still a sweetener and should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, the grade of maple syrup can affect its nutrient content and flavor, so when choosing maple syrup, opt for pure, 100% maple syrup rather than products with added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Have Questions? Want to Pre-Purchase Your Maple Syrup to insure Your Supply!? Call Brian at Briden Farm 902-907-0770.

Categories: Farmhouse Recipes Maple Syrup Season

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