Naked Green Beans

OK- so they're not completely naked.... but they're pretty darn close!

Ingredients:
Fresh green beans- broken and washed
-or-
Frozen green beans (as much as you wish to serve)
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt or sea salt

Directions:
Steam the green beans until they are al dente
Toss with small amount of olive oil- just enough to coat the beans
Season to taste with salt

That's it!

There is something about the combination of olive oil and salt on green beans that makes them especially delicious. I NEVER have any left overs when I prepare them this way. And- my toddler can't get enough of them! (And we all know getting little ones to eat veggies is not always easy!) Enjoy!

A visit to Sequatchie Cove Farm

This past weekend we visited a local farm that specializes in sustainable farming and organic produce. Recently, they have gained notoriety across the South for their artisan cheeses.

On Saturday, they hosted an open house and farm tour. We were curious, so we went. (Besides, who could resist the opportunity to explore a secluded mountain cove on a beautiful autumn morning.)

One of the owner's residence
(and the official greeter on his way to meet visitors)

Gorgeous mountain cove

Brood of hens gleaning spent garden beds

My little one and her accomplice trying to herd a cat

Sequatchie Cove Farm is by no means a typical commercial farm. It is maintained exclusively by six people- two of whom make the farm's cheese. I am not sure how many milking cows they have total, but during our visit we saw about a dozen or so. "The cheesemaker" said they are at about half their capacity right now and are excited about expanding as demand gets higher. Their dairy barn is the latest addition to the farming operation and houses a state of the art commercial kitchen and aging room. (We were not allowed in for sanitation reasons but did get to peek through the window!)

Who's watching who?

The creamers

My little one and her daddy- right at home with the cows 

The autumn colors

All in all- it was a lovely visit on a beautiful autumn day. And while we have no intention of ever going commercial with our farming (or raising our own meat- sorry folks, just can't do it.....), we were very inspired by what we saw at Sequatchie Cove Farm. Who knows- we may just try our hand at cheese making too someday!

A Nature walk with Fairies

This past weekend, my family and I attended the Festival of Jack O' Lanterns at our local nature center. This is an annual fundraiser and all proceeds go toward the preservation of our local wildlife. In addition to being a sanctuary, the center has several greenhouses on the grounds and a wildlife conservation area that is instrumental in raising awareness about the South's endangered red wolf population.

This year we decided to attend the festival in costume. I had the pleasure of being accompanied by the sweetest little fairy!

Happy Autumn everyone!

Celebrating Appalachian Culture

There is an exciting opportunity coming up in February centering around Appalachian culture. From the schedule, it looks to be pretty intriguing. And best of all- it's FREE!

Here are the details:
Where: The Mildred Haun Conference- Walter State College in Morristown, TN
When: February 4-5, 2012
Theme: "A celebration of Appalachian Literature, Culture, and Scholarship"

Here is a link to the schedule
Here is a link to the site

Best part of all- they will be paying homage to noted Tennessee History scholar and writer Wilma Dykeman! Amazing Lady! A true Steele Magnolia mixed with a heavy helping of Tennessee tenacity!