The Growing Green Monday Feature: Halifirien Wood

Todays feature is near and dear to my heart. I'm so pleased to introduce you to the world of wood relief carving and painting done by my oh so talented husband. Located in Medicine Hat, Alberta I give you...

HALIFIRIEN WOOD

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.  ~Martin Luther

Nature is the art of God.  ~Thomas Browne 1635

Hayden working on a piece in his workshop.

The smell of freshly carved cedar fills the air, as I walk into our garage where Hayden has his workshop set up. Little spheres of curled wood lay all over the floor and table. It's the mess of an artist, and it's a beautiful mess. Hayden had been working on a new piece that was just fantastic! Well, every piece is truly fantastic and honestly, I would love to keep them all! But we haven't the room or wall space, and it would defeat the purpose of making a living if we kept every piece that was created. :) However this cedar piece found it's way to our wall for a short time, before it went to the loving home of another, just this past week.

   beautiful cedar piece

(sold)

The endless production of new, creative and beautiful masterpieces, continue to pour into our house, weekly these days, as Hayden has been out at the Millarville Farmers Market this summer, selling his wares. It's been fun watching him come up with new ideas and seeing the excitement that lights up his eyes when he finds a new piece of wood with incredible grains, colors and knots. Hayden in a wood shop is liken to a kid in a candy shop, and it's so fun to be a part of that.

Hayden began his craft only a couple years ago and to see how far he's come and the pieces he's created over this short span of time, is quite impressive. Not just to me (of course I'm going to be a bit biased as his wife) but to all who lay eyes on his work. One would honestly think he'd been honing his craft for several years. To pull a segment of a small bio he had written for one of his shows…
         "Trees surround us everywhere and are very much part of our everyday lives.  Every tree is unique, as different as we are from each other.  Trees are a constant reminder of both the splendor and provision of God.  Rough planks in a wood shop or out in a forest, the creation I see consistently inspires me to create.

           There are an estimated 100,000 plus species of trees on the earth.  Its this diversity that amazes me, I have only seen just a fraction of what exists. 

            I started off dabbling with making a few jewelry pieces, then amassing a collection of wood that my wife suggested I start doing something with."

And doing something with it he has. Here are a few samples of the different pieces that have come out of Hayden's most ingenuitive mind. There are pieces that are solely carved,  known as wood relief carvings, pieces that are carved and painted, pieces that are painted and then carved, pieces that are solely painted, pieces made out of tile, pieces etched onto marble, well, I think you get the picture. There is a LOT of variety.

 carved piece

 reclaimed hardwood that was carved then painted

(sold)

 painted and then carved

 tree is cut out of the wood

 painting on reclaimed hardwood

marble etching

 close up

 tile mosaic

 painted then carved (large piece)

 (sold)

 carved then painted

 real wood veneer glued onto another piece of wood, then carved

(sold)

 reclaimed hardwood end pieces

 carved then painted

(sold)

 carved then painted

(top and bottom are sold)

 carved then painted

(sold)

unique modern piece with fabulous grains.

There are so many more pieces that this hardly even begins to scratch the surface of what has been produced. To see more pictures please visit Hayden's facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Halifirien-Wood/

Besides these pieces, Hayden also has many lovely necklaces (all hand carved out of wood), and the newest addition are some seriously awesome magnets, smaller versions of what you see above. There are always new ideas floating around inside his head, so who knows what will be the next great thing that is created. Only time will tell!
Hayden also can and does do custom work. At his last market, this past weekend, he had a guy, who already owned some cool wood, ask Hayden if he could carve a picture onto it. This is always an option. Or you can request something, even if you don't own any wood.

"Although I can duplicate, every piece will always be a unique piece as the wood changes.  If you envision a different type of wood, or another size, just let me know. " ~ Hayden
 

Hayden is also in the process of getting his web page up and running. We hope to have that up very soon, so please check it out www.halifirienwood.webs.com

For pricing and more details, you can also email Hayden at haydenwerezak@gmail.com and he will be happy to get back to you regarding any questions you may have. 

As a special promo for this blog only, if you purchase a piece and use the PROMOCODE: halifirienwood2012, you will receive 10% off your purchases that are directly from Hayden! You can find Hayden at the Millarville Farmers Market Sept 8th and Oct 6th, but pieces can be purchased from him anytime. His work can also be found in Medicine Hat at The Framing and Arts Centre/The Clay Trade, downtown on 2nd St. (across from the Monarch Theatre) and also at The Hive, also located on 2nd St.

For all you art lovers out there looking for something fresh, unique and local that is sure to wow your guests, Halifirien Wood is your bet. :) Enjoy!

Last Weeks free give-away winner: Jenae Sterkenburg. Congratulations!

Trivia question answer: Bee Venom

next week's feature hint: decadently fluffy sweet

Till next time!

The Mommy Diaries: Part III, Where O Where has my little life gone?

As a new parent discovers, an abundance of changes occur when a baby enters your world. And continues to change as you add a few more to your quiver, but I don't know about those changes just yet.

One such change which occured, which I knew in my head would come, but still wasn't fully prepared for, was time and having a life outside of poopy diapers, feedings and naps. Hanging with friends, staying out till midnight, going to a movie on the spur of the moment, dinners out etc, these become almost non-existant once a baby enters the picture. Instead, you encourage friends to come over to your place, watch the clock to be sure you're home by 7:30 for baby's bath and bed time, and you find yourself so tired from the days' entertaining, bouncing, cooing, playing, walking, cooking, cleaning, and laundry, that you fall into bed at 10pm and hope to catch some sleep before baby wakes up for his/her next feed.

As our little girl grows, things that were more difficult to do have become easier, while things that were easier to do, become more difficult. When L was a new baby, I could pack her up and be out for a few hours at a time and she would sleep the whole merry way. It was no problem at all. However, there was no leaving her for the evening to go out with friends or a date with my husband. 7 months later, we can finally leave her for a few hours of baby free time, but during the day, my time is limited and planned around naps. And even then, plans I do have continue to change throughout the day as an hour nap turns into 2, and then 3. Playdate times constantly change, and sometimes are cancelled altogether if L is in a cranky mood. There are even times when I don't leave the house for days at a time. Your baby dictates what you will or will not do and when you will, or won't, do it. Most of the time, I really and honestly don't mind. But there are those days, here and there, that I long for time away from home with just my husband, a glass of wine, some great friends and a good conversation.

I don't say all this to scare any of you who are hoping, planning or about to become parents. It's not an end to life as we know it, merely a change in priorities for a time, until our kidlets grow up and we can leave them at home to fend for themselves. :)

So I suppose, as I do hope to have more then just one wee munchkin, poopy diapers, feedings, and naps will be my lot in life for a few more years to come. And it's so, so, so worth it, especially when L looks up at me with her beautiful, crystal, brown eyes and gives me the biggest gummy smile that melts my heart, then bends over and blows a big raspberry on my arm. So with that said, come on over to my place and we'll have a jolly good time, just be sure to say good-night by 7:30pm :)

Till next time!

A Wheat Clarification

In past posts I talked about how recently I have become gluten intolerant and have posted a couple delicious gluten free recipes (with more to come, to be sure :)) I also mentioned how wheat has changed over the years, with many new variations on the market today, making our breads light and fluffy with the added gluten.

With that being said, I mentioned how I'm not able to eat anything with this wheat anymore, due to my gluten intolerance. Makes sense as it's the gluten content that is higher in these new wheats. However, I just want to clarify, I never meant, nor implyed, that these new variations of wheat were unhealthy, unsafe, hazardous to your health, or unfit to eat. Unlike GMO (genetically modified) corn, which is rendered inedible, but still broken down and turned into ethenol, high fructose corn syrup and filler additives to many of our foods, these new wheat variations are still very much edible, completely safe to consume, and quite enjoyable, if you're not celiac or gluten intolerant.

 If it wasn't for my gluten intolerance, I would continue to enjoy my thick slices of bread smeared with honey, those fluffy pancakes dripping with syrup, and toasted english muffins topped with egg, bacon and cheese. To be sure, I miss fluffy bread. Much of what is available on the market that is gluten free has the consistancy of cardboard and is dense, dense, dense.

That is why I was so excited about discovering a farm which sells the original, ancient variety of wheat, as it's lower gluten content allows me to still enjoy some of my favorite carb foods, without feeling like I've swallowed a rock. And as I have many friends who are gluten intolerant and/or celiac, I'm always looking to find new and yummy items and recipes that are safe for us to consume with joy.

I personally have friends who grow these new, hardy variations of wheat and I encourage you to start, or continue, supporting your local farmers who do, and feel good about it too. As I'm married to a man who still loves his bread and buns...and cinnamon buns, and have a very large family who does as well, normal flour will still be readily available in my home, just not for my personal consumption.

I hope this helps to clarify what I had said previously and so, enjoy that homemade hamburger, that loaf of cheese bread fresh out of the oven, or that slice of toast with honey, whether it be made with the orignal strains of wheat or the new variations.

Happy Eating!

The Growing Green Monday Feature: Sweet Pure Honey

There's nothing quite like cutting a deadline close. 10 minutes to spare, but such is the life of one with a little babe who's attention takes priority. :) Enjoy this week's growing green feature!

SWEET PURE HONEY

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

I'm quite excited about this weeks growing green feature as it talks about one of my favorite foods...honey.

Sweet Pure Honey is a home business on fire, growing rapidly as people discover their amazing honey, face and body products, candles, and even clothing!

Sweet Pure Honey is located in the prairie community of Porcupine Plain, however Stella now produces the face and body products in Medicine Hat. Owners/beekeepers/artisans Stella Sehn and Sheldon Hill "handpack their natural honey and handmake their lip balms and candles. They have enough bees to occupy 400 hives", which as you can imagine, keeps them quite busy, nevermind making their other products.

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

You may be wondering what is so great about Sweet Pure Honey's honey. What makes it different from any other honey? As someone who has consumed vast amounts of honey over the years, in all forms, let me tell you, never before have I tasted anything so silky, smooth, rich, and exotically delicate. "Sweet Pure Honey is the unprocessed, concentrated nectar of flowers". Never before have you tasted anything of such perfection.

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

Sweet Pure Honey puts their honey through a unique process that I have never seen or heard of anywhere before. The raw honey is extracted and poured into jars by hand. It's then frozen where it naturally sets up to a beautiful, white, spreadable honey butter. The honey "is harvested and packed fresh for their customers", so you can be sure of only the best and freshest in every jar you buy. I had some tonight on a rice cake and it was all I could do to stop myself from digging into the jar with a spoon and eating it plain.

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

You can get their honey in three flavors. The original, white honey butter, a cinnamon honey butter and a cocoa honey butter. I've sampled all of them and they are fantastic and a must try. I guarantee you will love and become addicted to this extraordinary honey.

On top of this honey being so delicious, Sweet Pure Honey supports the Fair Trade Movement and ensures their farmers "are all paid fair value for their crops". So many times we only think of Fair Trade as being connected to those working in a third world country, and I am just as guilty of this. But rest assured, Sweet Pure Honey has thought of our local farmers' wellbeing and supports them accordingly.

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

In addition to making honey, Sweet Pure Honey also uses the beeswax to make heavenly scented candles.

The raw beeswax is collected right from the hive and "is unfilltered and not refined. It contains pollen, traces of honey, and propolis" and has all it's natural properies intact. I don't know about you, but I love burning beeswax candles. The aroma is near intoxicating. To reveal a little secret, I find it hard to resist just sitting and sniffing beeswax candles. It's a little weird, I know, but we all have our vice right?

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

Now let's talk about Sweet Pure Honey's Face and Body line. They take two natural ingredients that we all love, coconut oil and beeswax, and gently blend them together to make the most amazing lip balms and body balms. I use the tinted lip balm everyday, which is also filled with natural MICA minerals to create a nice sheer color. My lips have never felt so moist!

I also swear by the body balm. My little baby girl had some dry, red cheeks forming due to teething, and I used the body balm on her cheeks. By that night all the redness was gone and by the next day her cheeks were back to their smooth, moist and perfect self with no sign of dryness. Plus she then had a faint fragrance of honey that wafted around her all day, which I didn't mind in the least.

 

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

Sweet Pure Honey also makes lovely organic perfume sticks which use coconut oil and beeswax along with tantalizing essential oils to create a fragrance you'll be sure to love.

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

And they have soap too! Made with creamy coconut oil, glycerin and essential oils, a bath turns into something special and your skin feels oh so lovely.



photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

Sweet Pure Honey is growing and it's exciting to see something local gaining vast popularity. I encourage you to check out Sweet Pure Honey's website www.sweetpurehoney.ca for their history, full detail on all their products, price list and how to order. You can also find Stella at the Medicine Hat Farmers Market selling her products alongside the most amazing honey you will ever eat.

Now all I need is some fresh, warm bread made with gluten intolerant friendly wheat and smather it, yes smather, with some delicious, white honey butter.

photograph by Giselle Nerlien*

Stella and Sheldon and their 3 beautiful children



Now for something fun and FREE! That's right! I have some Face and Body products from Sweet Pure Honey that I'm giving away for free. Simply follow the instructions below to have your name entered into a draw for some awesome products to try out! (This is for Medicine Hat residents only as I'm unable to mail these products).

1. Answer the following question via email to growing.green27@gmail.com

 -There is a new facial cream that has effects on your skin similar to that of botox. What is the secret ingredient that causes this effect? hint - the answer has to do with those responsible for today's feature.

2. Comment below and tell me your favorite food, recipe or thing you like to eat with honey or use with honey. I always like to try out something new :) (everyone can do this, no matter where you live!!!)

next week's feature hint: A wide expanse of woodland located in Rohan

*Note: All photographs were taken by Sweet Pure Honey's photographer and consulting partner Giselle Nerlien. If you are interested in her work please email her at photoartbygiselle@ymail.com or check out more photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gisellenerlien/

Happy Eating!!!

Summer Fair and Market fun!

The day was perfect. 28 degrees out, not a cloud in the sky, and a soft cool breeze to fool you into thinking your skin would not burn. Just the way I like it. Especially if it means a day at the market. The market I speak of, is Millarville Market, located at the Millarville Racetrack, just South of Calgary. It's a massive outdoor market with everything from your local produce, bountiful baked goods, exquisite art, and everything inbetween. It's a place where laughter abounds and vendors are quick to offer a smile and friendly greeting.

But today was not just another ordinary day at the market. Today was the Priddis Fair. The 105th Annual Priddis Fair, to be exact, with all kinds of fun for the family. One could enjoy a tractor pull, horse jumping, bouncing in jump castles, parade, pie eating contest, horses that make ice cream, petting zoo and face painting, just to name a few. Along with this, there were the hundreds of entries for different competitions, from chickens to wheat bundles, to delicious home made goods, to art of all kinds. It was a good, old country fair, and it was a delight.

As the throng of thousands converged upon the grounds, seemingly all at the same time and all intent on enjoying the festivities, I found myself among them, waundering through the endless rows of white tents, intent on finding something new and intriguing. My search was not in vain, and I'll expand on some of my finds at a later time, (stay tuned for my weekly feature on Mondays to discover some wonderous new businesses and products!). I met many lovely people whom I had great conversations with, I sampled delicious foods and beverages of all sorts, laughed a lot, and came home with, what I hope will develop, into some new friendships.

My very talented husband, Hayden, is a vendor at this market, where he sells his beautiful artwork and has become part of the market family. I feel as though I've been grafted into this family as well. The comradery between vendors is a breath of fresh air and one I encourage you to experience. I'm not saying you need to become a vendor and sell your creations (although that is always an option) to experience this, but you will sense it just being there to purchase your weeks supply of fruites and vegetables and whatever else strikes your fancy.

The fair may be over for this year, however the market continues on, every Saturday from 9am-2pm, until Thanksgiving (Oct 6th), so there's still time to come and explore before the snow flies. You won't be disappointed and the beautiful drive alone is worth it. No matter where in Alberta you may find yourself, a Saturday drive is always a fun adventure.

till next time!

Gluten Free Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes

For those of you who thought, because of my new going local project, I wasn't going to write about anything else, you were mistaken. The mish mash shall continue indeed. Gotta keep you guessing about what could come next :)

Today I share with you a recipe I endeavoured (and succeeded I might add) to create. My husband had his birthday yesterday, and so instead of cake, I made some cupcakes! What could be better then multiple mini cakes? :) Hayden grew up eating Hostess Cupcakes. You know, the ones filled with an insane amount of preservatives and last 1000 years? Ok, I'm exaggerating a little. Anyway, they were his favourite and he wanted me to try out this recipe.

In this gluten free cupcake book, there is a new take on these classic favourites from our childhood, with no chemicals, no refined sugar, and no gluten. Could life get any better then this? I submit that it cannot! Ok, maybe it can, but still.

I actually never had any intention on blogging this recipe, however I've had many people ask for the recipe, so this is the easiest way to share these delicious cupcakes with everyone. That being said, I have no pictures of the process, just words, so you'll have to use your imagination on this one.

Gluten Free Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes

Batter

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

4 lg eggs

1/4 cup grapeseed oil

1/2 cup agave nectar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 9 muffin cups with paper liners. 

In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grapeseed oil, and agave nectar. Blend the wet ingredients into the coconut flour mixture with a handheld mixer until thoroughly combined.

Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into each prepared muffin cup.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 1 hour.

Now for the next part I changed it up a bit. I'll write what the book says, and then tell you what I did.

To assemble the cupcakes, remove each from it's liner. Flip each cupcake upside down, and use a paring knife to carve out a circle just a bit larger than the size of a quarter and about 1 inch deep in the bottom center of each cupcake. Save the bottom pieces to reseal the cupcakes after filling. use the knife to hollow out a bit more around the inside of the cupcakes, discarding the crumbs.

Fill a pastry bag with the Meringue Frosting (I didn't use meringue, however, I used the whipping cream frosting instead.) Insert the tip of the pastry bag into the cupcake cavities and squeeze to frill. Trim the cupcake bottom pieces to make them thinner, then seal the cupcakes with the bottom pieces.

Frost the cupcake tops with the Chocolate Ganache to a smooth finish, then decorate with the remaining Meringue Frosting, making a curlicue pattern across the top of each cupcake. Serve immediately.

For myself, I didn't want to take all the liners off and touch all the cupcakes, so I chose to, instead, cut the hole in the top of the cupcake. It doesn't make for as pretty of a cupcake, I'm sure, but they looked alright to me :) I also opted to use the Whipping Cream Frosting recipe instead of Meringue Frosting because to me, it just felt right. You can use whatever you like.

Whipped Cream Frosting

1 cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp agave nectar 

(I made only half this recipe and it was just enough for my cupcakes.)

In a deep bowl, whip the cream and agave nectar with a handheld mixer for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is thick and fluffy and soft peaks form.

Use immediately, using a spoon for dollops or a pastry bag for swirls. Or store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Chocolate Ganache

3/4 cup heavy cream

8 ounces dark chocolate chips (just over 1 1/3 cups) 

(I used gluten free dark chocolate melting wafers)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil, then immediately remove it from the heat. Stir in the chocolate until it is melted and smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Let the ganache stand at room temperature for 5 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill until the ganache thickens and becomes shiny and spreadable. This could take anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes, depending on the temperature of your refrigerator.

If the frosting becomes too stiff to work with, reheat the pan ever so briefly over very low heat, and stir until softened.

Use immediately or store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

This was the first time I've ever made Ganache, and let me tell you….WOW! Was it ever rich and smooth and silky. Absolutely delicious. :)

Well, I hope you try this out and enjoy it as much as we did.

Happy Baking!

The Growing Green Monday Feature: TLC Farms

Here is the first Monday feature in my new series. I've decided that I will post just one a week. The goal is to do this every Monday. I think that will be a nice way to start off the week, don't you?

The local business for my first feature is from the Medicine Hat area. TLC Farms is located out on Hwy 3 right by the town of Whitla (just past Seven Persons) and is owned and run by Alastair and Lynn Olsen. They are a local farm selling many types of meat and poultry, such as beef, pork, lamb and even buffalo! You can also purchase chicken in many forms and the most delicious free range eggs (I get a dozen almost every week), as well as in season fruits, veggies, and herbs. They have beef and pork variety packs to keep your freezer stocked and even pre-made meals to help you on those busy work days, when you just don't have time to make a good home made meal.

"So what", you might be saying. I can get all that and more at the grocery store. If you like your processed, artificially colored and flavored, chemically altered food, then the grocery store is for you. However, if you're ready for something wholesome and natural, here's what sets TLC Farms apart from what you buy in the major grocery stores.

To quote TLC Farms from their website "(we) offer the choice of buying meat that was raised outdoors, without the use of chemicals."

All of their livestock (with exception of the buffalo) is raised on location and is free range (raised in a field, not in a stuffy barn or a feed lot). "...through the summer, (their cattle) are grazed on grass and, in the winter, are brought closer to home for protection… All of the feed rations are grown and processed by (TLC Farms)…" The Buffalo are raised in Northern Alberta where grass is abundant.

TLC Farms boasts of being chemical free. They have full control of all their products. They know who is handling the meat, how it is handled and processed and know that all those who are in contact with their products are thorough in cleanliness and adhere to the strict standards that are in place. Because of this, and also because of the natural feed they give their livestock, there is no need to bathe their meat in ammonia or other harsh chemicals that are hazardous to those of us who eat it. One has no idea who has handled the food at a grocery store, whether their hands were cleaned properly beforehand or what has been in contact with that meat. Also, with TLC Farms' ground beef, you can be assured of no "pink slime". There are no animal by-products added to their ground beef. Just pure, delicious meat, which is so lean there is no need to drain any excess fat after cooking. I pick up some ground beef almost every week as we go through it so fast. It makes the most delicious burgers, meatballs, spaghetti sauce, and anything else you can conjure up.

Another thing I LOVE about TLC Farms, is all their livestock are antibiotic and hormone free! This is a rare find indeed as you can be almost guaranteed the meat you buy at the store is chalk full of antibiotics and hormones. Another unnecessary thing we consume with our food. I'm discovering that these additives are effecting people and causing reactions similar to that of allergies. TLC Farms goes back to the roots of raising livestock, like in the olden days, and nothing is injected into their meat.

My husband and I have purchased eggs, chicken breasts, bacon, sausage, steak, and ground beef and have enjoyed it all. I personally would much rather support this local farm, knowing I'm helping them out, but also knowing I'm making a more healthy choice for my family and myself. Every step counts. Are their prices higher then you find at Costco, Superstore and the likes? They are. However, TLC Farms has a motto "You can have it good or you can have it cheap, but you cannot have both". This could not be more true. It's like comparing making burgers at home from scratch or buying a Big Mac from McDonalds. Which is cheaper, but which is better?  There is no comparison between the two and wholesome is always the best choice, even if it is a bit more expensive.

To all you Hatters, TLC Farms products are a must try! I challenge you to step away from the mass produced abundance of the big chain stores and try out the vast variety of what TLC Farms offers. Take a leap of faith. I promise you won't be disappointed. As for my family, we have become a loyal TLC Farms customer and supporter.

You can find TLC Farms at the Medicine Hat Farmers Market every Saturday (go early as they sell their products quickly) and they also do free delivery into the city on Wednesdays if you put in an order ahead of time. They also encourage people to visit their farm, to see how they run it and to purchase products right there. Alastair and Lynn are open and honest and absolutely friendly. You will always find a smile when you visit them.

For more information on TLC Farms, contact information, to read their history in full and for their full product and price list, please visit their website: www.tlcfarms.ca

Here are some of my wheat free, home-made burgers using TLC Farms ground beef.
1 lb ground beef
1 egg
Half an onion, chopped and sautéed
3-4 cloves of fresh pressed garlic (or more if you like garlic)
ground sea salt to taste
pepper to taste
fresh rosemary to taste
oregano to taste
roughly 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup oatmeal (I eyeball it until the beef is the right consistency).

mush it all together with your hands and then form into patties. Grill on the BBQ with your favorite BBQ sauce or grill plain and enjoy.

Happy Eating!

Next weeks feature hint: Something Sweet! Plus a free give-away! Follow me and stay tuned!

P.S.
To all you Hatters, here is a special shout out for a fun day. Country Cruzin' 2012 is coming your way this Thursday, August 16th from 11am to 7pm. It's a tour of 9 different local businesses between Medicine Hat and Bow Island on Hwy 3. It's a fun way to get out and visit these local businesses and have a little fun along the way. Hope to see you out! Below is the map and write up of each of the businesses involved. Take a peek!

Till next time...