8 Sep 2018

Early Harvest, Seasonal Signs, and Other News Fresh From the Farm

by amy@amyharkemoore.com | posted in: Reflections of a Ruralist | 4

Inside: Harvest comes early this year, odd signs in a dry season, and my new (unofficial) mission. Catch up on all the latest fresh from the farm.

Early harvest. — Not sure why, but this picture reminds me of something out of *The Wizard of Oz*.

Harvest Comes Early This Year

Harvest has been unusual this year, and the fact that it’s early is a testament to God’s goodness. Because of my cousin Phil’s passing right before spring planting, we weren’t sure what we would do about our crop land. Then enters one cousin who mentioned other cousins we just hadn’t thought of (it’s a really, really big family) and pretty soon the land was rented, planted, and a crop of corn was popping up through the soil and reaching for the sky. And though the summer was drought-dry, causing the corn to mature more quickly, the ears were surprisingly a decent size.

So now it’s barely September, and my seasonal wall of corn is down. Next year it will be soybeans, most likely, which doesn’t create much of a wall. Not my favorite, mind you, but always a lovely sight when a field is thriving and growing.

Such is the rhythm of farm life in the heartland.

There’s no other place on God’s green earth I’d rather be.

Odd Signs in a Dry Season

I am an observer of the natural world, which means paying attention to anything from woolly caterpillars to plant growth patterns to bird migrations and critter behavior. Sometimes that includes the two-legged kind, if I’m being honest. Not that people are critters. But you get what I mean.

With the dry weather, a few things have gotten my attention. As previously mentioned in another post, I noticed the beauty of a field of chicory–the chicory thriving because it handles drought like a pro where the more aggressive weeds needed rain and didn’t grow.

As of late I’ve seen geese flying over a couple of times. Yes, already. Hmm. . . Does it signal an early onset of winter–or a harsh one? I’m not a prognosticator. I’d like to think we’re in for a mild winter with plenty of fall weather proceeding it. Either way, life will be good. Why worry about it.

Mushrooms have been popping up in the yard, too. I hasten to add I am, again, only an observer. I have no idea what is poisonous or not, so I’ll just watch them with curiosity.

Another interesting sign I’ve noticed is this little brown moth that has a white patch and an orange patch on its wings. Or, rather, many of these moths. They are everywhere, all over my flowers. Their presence is not annoying, but I’m wondering why I typically don’t see this many. Except this year.

Interesting. . .

If anyone is a brown moth expert, let me know, will you?

My New (Unofficial) Mission

As I’ve been going through my photography class this year, I’ve learned to keep my eyes open for the remarkable, the startling, the beautiful, the curious. Still learning. And will be for a long time.

I’m also thinking outside the box (pondering outside the container?) and trying new angles, new perspectives, new ways of seeing.

But there’s something I’ve been chewing on lately. This idea that beauty can be found in the most ordinary of things.

As I walk around the farm I see so much that needs repair. Most days I can remain positive, imagining what God has in store for this little farm or ours. But until those steady prayers offered up by Mom and me (and probably Matthew, too) come to pass, I’m looking for beauty in unlikely places.

Watch for it in the coming months.

Beauty in the ordinary. — I love the way the morning sun lit up this spider web.

What’s happening in your neck of the woods? Tell us about it in the comments.

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Bucking Bales: A Family Tradition

Posts that appeared a year ago on the blog:

Slipping into Fall, Internet-less, and Other News Fresh From the Farm

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2 Sep 2018

Make Our Simple Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

by amy@amyharkemoore.com | posted in: Simple Food | 0

Inside: Just in time for fall, our simple spicy pumpkin seeds are a quick, easy, and healthy snack to whip up for any occasion, whether for the big game or your next party. Also great for packing in lunches or toting to a casual gathering. Try the recipe before the leaves start turning!

Years ago when I was looking for a good source of magnesium to help replenish my mineral levels, pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) were on my list. At the time I couldn’t find them in my small town grocery store, but these little seeds have really come on the scene recently, and with good reason. The humble little pepita is a powerhouse of nutritional value, offering a wide variety of nutrients like magnesium, copper, manganese, protein, omega 3s, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are an important natural food for men’s health due to the high zinc content, and the phytoestrogens in the seeds help reduce menopausal symptoms in women. They can help regulate insulin, and as a rich source of tryptophan, they may improve sleep. And pumpkin seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties.

But did I mention they taste great, too?

Win. Win. Win.

Where to Find Pumpkin Seeds

First things first, it’s important to start with the right seed. While you can find interesting recipes for whole roasted pumpkin seeds, what I’m talking about here are the hulled, raw pepitas which are a lovely shade of green. In my Kroger store I found them on a display shelf between the produce department and the organic/health food and products section with other nuts and seeds. In the upscale suburban grocery store near where Hubs works, he found them in the health food aisle among the bulk food items. If you’re looking for an online source for pepitas, you can find various brands here on Amazon. I would strongly suggest not buying the type you need to hull to get the tiny green seeds. Way more work than you want. And the price for pepitas is pretty inexpensive for what you’re getting, so definitely do yourself a favor and buy the hulled, raw pumpkin seeds.

The Recipe

Spiced pepitas. — Very snackable. *Picture by Mike Moore.*

So it’s not complicated at all, and I’d be surprised if you didn’t already have the spices on hand to make these little gems. The choice of oil is up to you, but I’ve been using a lot of flavorless coconut oil (MCT oil) because it’s easier on my digestive system. After that the seeds spend a short stint in the oven to get all toasty warm and flavorful.

Yum. Are you ready?

Save Print

Simple Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Author: Amy Harke-Moore

Recipe type: snack

Cuisine: American

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup of hulled, raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of cayenne
1 teaspoon of sea salt
4 teaspoons of sweetener (or sugar if no dietary restrictions)
4 teaspoons of coconut oil (liquid, not solid)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl mix seeds, oil, and spices well and spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Bake for 10 minutes and let seeds cool before serving.
Enjoy!

Notes: Fill a mason jar with our simple spicy pumpkin seeds, add a bow, and share a little autumn goodness with someone.

Try making a batch to celebrate the season!

Pepitas snack. — Fall in a bowl. Reach in and take a handful!

Have you ever eaten pepitas? Tell us about it in the comments.

Related posts:

My Top Ten Must-do Fall Activities

How to Soak Nuts

Spiced Nuts

Crunchy Green Bean Snack

Posts from a year ago on the blog:

Making Folk Art Flowers

Starting the Long and Sentimental Project

24 Aug 2018

My Top Ten Must-do Fall Activities

by amy@amyharkemoore.com | posted in: Simple Food, Simple Living | 0

Inside: Fall is just around the corner, so I’ve chosen my top ten must-do fall activities from my fall bucket list. See if your list matches mine.

Top ten must-do activities for fall. — My son-in-law Jared tossing leaves for grandpuppy Odin to catch. *Picture courtesy of Emily Moore.*

August, we hardly knew ye. . .

Is it just me or did summer speed by? The month of August is such a transitional time. Going from the lazy days of summer to the structured days of back to school. The strange thing is, even if your children have left the nest as mine has (six years ago this month), the rhythm of yellow buses and school bells never really leaves us. September feels like a second January in a way. Whatever wasn’t tackled or attempted from the goal list can still be accomplished in these last months of the year.

And September brings an excitement in the air–at least for us autumn enthusiasts! I’m already checking the coffee aisle for pumpkin spice flavored coffee and scanning clothing catalogues for sweaters and boots. A list is also forming in my head of what I want to do before the weather gets too cold and, well, miserable. From my fall bucket list I’ve boiled it down to my top ten must-do fall activities. Here are my favorite picks for the quickly approaching season.

Autumn leaves. — Lovely leaves! *Picture by Emily Moore.*

My Top Ten Must-do Fall Activities

Wear my favorite sweater and boots. (Number 2 from the fall bucket list.)
Buy a cheery pot of mums. Or several. (Number 6 from the list.)
Sip a pumpkin latte and read a good book in my favorite coffeehouse. (Number 7.)
Simmer a pot of soup on the stove when the weather turns cold. (Number 9. . . Here’s a good recipe.)
Save seed from my favorite flowers. (Number 12. . . How to save seeds here.)
Make fried apples. Quick recipe: One sliced Granny Smith + 1 tablespoon of butter + 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or sweetener) + 1 handful of walnuts. Saute apple slices in butter over medium heat until barely tender. Add sugar and walnuts and cook until slices start to caramelize. Serves 1. (Number 20. . . Yum!)
Attend a fall festival. Bonus points if it’s named after a fruit or vegetable. (Number 23.)
Saute nuts in a pan on the stovetop. (Number 15. . . Find the recipe in this post.)
Find the closest scenic route and take a fall color tour. (Number 16.)
Make a list of ten things I am thankful for! (Number 25. . . Start a gratitude journal.)

Admittedly, my top ten must-do fall activities list is pretty simple. You won’t break the bank paying for any of these doings, and none of them are difficult. But that’s what we’re all about at ARGW. Simple living. Enjoying the season we’re in–or almost in.

Have fun with the list.