Count yer Blessings--Farmgirl type

Last weekend was a totally lovely experience as a Gathering of Girlfriends, new and renewed came to my little farm thanks to True Friend, Miss Frannie of Greensburg. Frannie, the epitome of Sunshine and seemingly boundless energy gathered 30-40 friends from across the country to arive here in Kentucky for a weekend of sheer fun and excitement the likes of which I've rarely seen. Starting with a tour of charming Greensburg a thriving little town in Green County, a caravan of no less than 8 cars, vans and trucks continued to Flaherty where dear Kathy Anthony of Sugarbucket Antiques opened her beautiful home and log cabin shop to the delight of the group. Kathy had whipped up delishes dishes and drinks on her gorgeous porch, prepared kits for making harvest garlands and more. Then the happy crew flew down the roads again to arrive here with just enough daylight to visit with me and my little sheep girls who loved all the attention they got from the new girl friends. I thoroughly enjoyed having everyone here and sharing with them how our sheep wool is washed and prepared for spinning my yarn and making my little felty things. It really was in many ways a house warming party for me because it was the first time that I had had an event here. I was swept away back to Frannie's lovely cabins back in Green County. We stayed up half the night laughing and giggling like preteens at a pj party and waking to a lovely breakfast made by many hands. We made dools and pumpkin trees, ate another delishes lunch prepared by the girl friends, and played pumpkin bowling (I Won!). The day ended with the most touching circle of sharing poems and love for each other that I have ever experienced. I would love to share some photos but alas I was so caught up in the being there, that i took very few pictures. I will post the links to a coule of blogs full of great pictures and more of the details of the weekend. Thank you Frannie for making this all possible. Here is Karin's site http://www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com/ and Cathy Cobblestone's blog is http://www.cobblestonefarms.blogspot.com/

Harvest Stew

Since a few of the girls from Frannie's Gathering have asked about the Harvest Stew we served, I decided to post it here. I remember finding it somehow through the forum but it is actually posted on CountryHome.com along with a few other yummy sounding recipes from MJ.

I have to admit again that I had very little to do with the actual COOKING of the stew other than finding it and handing it over to my sweet Alan who did all the prep (as well as a lot of help with clean up before and after , gardening, and heavy lifting in prep for the girl's visit. He also was my gentle assistant during the demos.).

Let me say here that I thoroughly enjoyed hosting this little piece of the gathering. It was a joy to my heart to meet such a wonderful group of lovely hearted, talented and just plain FUN LOVING gals. And to the Cleanup Fairies who stormed my kitchen, please don't tell anyone about my dust in the corners! You know who ya are!

Here's the stew:


HARVEST STEW


Add and subtract to this wholesome soup by using what's available—it's the MaryJane way.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced leeks
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
14 cups 1-inch pieces harvest vegetables and fruits, such as peeled sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled butternut squash, peeled beets, Granny Smith apples, and/or peeled parsnips
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup pitted green olives, chopped
2 Tbsp. finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
3 strips orange peel, white pith removed
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup snipped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup snipped fresh mint
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts, toasted

In a large kettle, cook chicken, onion, leeks and garlic in hot oil until brown. Stir in harvest vegetables and fruits, broth, olives, ginger, cumin, paprika, pepper, salt, cardamom, peel, and bay leaves. Bring stew to boiling. Boil, uncovered, 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove and discard bay leaves. Stir in parsley, mint, almonds, and pistachio nuts just before serving. Makes 10 to 12 servings.