Farm Fresh Meal plan Advice from a Seasoned Farm Wife
posted on
July 1, 2024
Hey there, fellow moms! From one busy mother to another, I know how chaotic life can get. But there's a simple joy in feeding your family with farm-fresh produce and meats that make all the hustle worth it. Today, I want to share some fun, easy tips for creating farm-fresh meal plans that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
The Beauty of Seasonal Eating
One of the best things about living on a farm is eating what’s in season. Not only do you get the freshest produce, but you also add variety to your meals. In spring, we enjoy tender greens, radishes, and asparagus. Summer is bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and sweet corn. Fall brings root veggies, pumpkins, and hearty greens like kale. Winter means getting creative with stored root vegetables, winter squash, and canned or frozen summer goodies. The best part is, even if you don’t have a garden or acreage, you can still eat seasonally by visiting the farmer’s market.
Simple Steps to Meal Planning
First, take a look at what’s in season or what you’ve stored. Then, plan your meals around these items. Here are some ideas:
Summer
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with fresh tomatoes and basil.
- Lunch: Cucumber and tomato salad with light vinaigrette and leftover steak.
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with pasta, zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Fall
- Breakfast: Pumpkin oatmeal with cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, and beef collagen.
- Lunch: Roast beef sandwiches on sourdough bread with carrots and broccoli salad.
- Dinner: Roast beef with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables.
Using Homegrown Meats
Raising your own meat adds another layer of satisfaction. You know your animals are well-treated and free from unnecessary antibiotics or hormones. Here’s how we make the most of our homegrown meats:
- Chicken: Roast a whole chicken on Sunday and use the leftovers for salads, sandwiches, or soups throughout the week.
- Beef: Ground beef is a lifesaver. Make a big batch of beef and vegetable stew or use it for tacos, shepherd's pie, or spaghetti.
- Pork: Pork chops are versatile. Grill, bake, or pan-fry them and pair with homemade applesauce.
Preserving the Harvest
Don’t forget to preserve some of that garden bounty! Canning, freezing, and drying can extend the life of your produce. Canned tomatoes, pickles, and jams, as well as frozen fruits and veggies, are lifesavers during winter.
Get the Family Involved
Involve your family in the process. Kids love helping in the garden or picking out food at the farmer’s market, and it’s a great way to teach them about where their food comes from. They’ll be more excited to eat what they’ve helped to grow, pick, and prepare.
Creating farm-fresh meal plans is about enjoying what’s in season, planning ahead, and making the most of what you have. It’s a wonderful way to nourish your family while staying connected to the land. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? Let's make mealtime a delightful experience for everyone!
You can buy delicious, nutritious, and healthy beef perfect for grilling in our store for small town beef straight to you.
Looking for easy recipes? Grab our free kid approved recipes here.