Our Girls
We love our farm fresh eggs!! Our new crop of girls have been busy in the coop. Almost a dozen eggs a day!
As a child, my granny kept a good-sized flock of Rhode Island Reds on the family farm. Those dark brown eggs were plentiful and a staple.
I keep a container in the kitchen for food scraps of veggies, fruit, egg shells, and grains that are fed to our girls. Soon they will benefit from the post-Halloween pumpkins. They love pumpkin! Nothing goes to waste if you have chickens!
I was in a rush to get dinner on the table last night and had already planned on quiche with fresh cantaloupe. I discovered that a well-buttered pie dish is a good replacement to a crust when carbs matter. Eating later than usual it hit the spot. A simple recipe with ingredients I usually have on hand:
Bacon and Swiss Cheese Quiche
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 of an onion chopped and sautéed (optional)
3 eggs
1 1/2 - 2 cups cream or milk or a combo
salt & pepper
Pie crust or a buttered pie pan
Sauté the bacon & onion together and let that cool while you mix up the other ingredients, then add the bacon and onion. Butter the pie dish or place the pie crust in a pie plate, pour in the filling, and bake. Serve with a side salad or fresh fruit.
Bake @ 375 for 45 - 60 minutes
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Farm-fresh eggs offer several health benefits:
1. Higher Nutrient Content: Compared to store-bought eggs, farm-fresh eggs often contain more vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, D, E, B12, and folate. The yolks are typically richer in color, indicating higher carotenoid levels.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Eggs from free-range or pasture-raised chickens often have higher omega-3 fatty acid levels, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
3. Better Quality Protein: Farm-fresh eggs provide high-quality protein with all essential amino acids, making them a great source for muscle building and repair.
4. Antioxidants: Fresh eggs are rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and may protect against age-related macular degeneration.
5. Lower Cholesterol Levels: Some studies suggest that farm-fresh eggs may have lower cholesterol levels compared to commercially produced eggs, especially if the chickens are raised on a natural diet.
6. Less Risk of Contaminants: Farm-fresh eggs often come from chickens raised in healthier environments, which may reduce the risk of contamination with antibiotics or hormones.
7. Better Taste: While not a direct health benefit, the superior taste of farm-fresh eggs often leads to more satisfaction, potentially resulting in less need for added fats, salts, or unhealthy flavorings in meals.
We keep our eggs unwashed on the counter in a wire basket. The unwashed eggs are protected by a “bloom” which keeps the eggs fresh and free of bacteria. They will stay fresh for weeks this way. Once the eggs are washed; keep refrigerated.
✅ Raise chickens or find a chicken farmer or farmers’ market.
