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Posts by Richard Foster:

farm-to-bottle2

From Farm to Bottle

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Here are the key details from the article:

  • In Illinois, Tilstra siblings Jeff, Julie and Josiah are innovating the traditional farming norms of their family.
  • Their farm, named Jalyn Acres after its first-generation owners Jake and Lynelle, sprouts corn and beans but has now expanded to cultivate wheat and barley.
  • The Tilstra siblings’ innovation includes creative uses of land and connecting food to alcohol for unique grassroots entrepreneurship.
  • The corn and leftover wheat is used in collaboration with Ethereal Confections and Whiskey Acres Distilling to create unique, locally crafted chocolates and beverages
  • They also survive the seasonality of farming through on-ground winter camping for additional income.
  • The siblings’ passion and perseverance are significant factors behind their success in farming.

The Tilstra Siblings: Innovating Off-the-Cob and Into the Glass

The Tilstra siblings in Illinois are tearing up the farming playbook, popping corn kernels off the cob and distilling them straight into your whiskey glass. Traditional? Not quite. Innovative and impressive? You bet.

More Than Just Cornfields

Who would’ve thought that cornfields nestled in the Midwest could double as flourishing winter campsites? Or that the corn niblets you munch at dinner could simultaneously warm your belly in the form of craft spirits and appease your sweet tooth in ethereal chocolates?

From Farm to Bottle

Moving from the simple cycle of sowing and reaping to the nuance of fermentation and aging, the Tilstras have added a distinct layer of complexity and novelty to their family’s farming tradition.

All hail these plowing pioneers who are sowing whiskey seeds and reaping a rich entrepreneurial harvest. But, regardless of craft beverages, chocolates and camping sites, it all drills down to their unfettered passion. The Tilstra trio is a testament to the earthy truth that diligence, creativity, and a can-do spirit can take siblings from sharing a sandbox to carving out a legacy in the farming soil.

So here’s to Jeff, Julie, and Josiah, who have found a way to infuse a little hooch into our husk. Cheers! Also, who knew that camping in a cornfield during winter could be a thing? Well, put on your warmest undies and grab your mallow stick—it’s time to get s’moring and urban-legend swapping in between the snow-dusted corn stalks. Pass the hot cocoa, please!

  • https://www.agweb.com/news/business/succession-planning/next-gen-spotlight-illinois-siblings-capitalize-their-location
Exploring Hunte's Gardens: The Enchanting Paradise of Barbados

Hunte’s Gardens: The Enchanted Eden of Barbados

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– Hunte’s Gardens, nestled in the heart of Barbados, is often described as a magically enthralling paradise on Earth.
– The verdant garden is a vibrant showcase of natural beauty and floral diversity that leaves visitors breathless and inspired.
– It’s the brainchild of horticultural wizard, Anthony Hunte, whose creativity and dedication have transformed a natural sinkhole into a tropical oasis.
– Its strangely symmetrical beauty is enhanced by the fascinating variety of rare plants, the melodious songs of native birds, and the dramatic multi-tiered setting.
– Hunte’s Gardens also offer a unique experience of rural living. It’s security against urban hubbub and the perfect spot to rejuvenate one’s sense of peace and calm.
– Despite being a major tourist attraction, the garden manages to retain an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Anthony’s Eden

– Anthony Hunte, is the maestro behind this enchanting utopia. His dedication, along with his exceptional knowledge of plants and aesthetics, is the main reason for Hunte’s Gardens stupendous success.
– He’s been known to mingle with the tourists, adding a personal touch and creating lasting impressions with his pleasant demeanor and intriguing anecdotes.

The Spellbinding Solitude

– Despite drawing crowds from around the globe, Hunte’s Gardens still maintains its serenity, offering visitors an escape from their bustling lives into the cozy lap of nature.
– The lush surroundings also provide an excellent platform to nurture a direct connection with Mother Nature, making it a refreshing retreat.

In terms of “hot takes,” it seems like Hunte’s Garden is what you’d get if Pinterest and Planet Earth had a baby. A verdant mix of savage greenery and curated florals, it’s the horticultural equivalent of a mixtape—an eclectic collection of gorgeous plants set to the beat of bird songs. This rustic paradise is shaking its green fist at urban chaos, retaliating with captivating tranquility that’d make even the busiest city-dweller stop and smell the roses, or ferns, or whatever those exotic plants are. Always remember, folks, you don’t have to be Tarzan or Jane to appreciate the jungle…sometimes it’s just a man named Anthony, a few plants, and a dream.
https://ahsgardening.org/about-us/news-press/exploring-under-the-caribbean-sun-with-the-ahs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exploring-under-the-caribbean-sun-with-the-ahs

leftover-pizza

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover pizza

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Easy Meal Ideas for Leftover Pizza

Breakfast

  1. Pizza Scramble: Scramble eggs with chopped up pizza toppings.
  2. Bacon and Egg Pizza: Top leftover pizza with a fried egg and some crispy bacon.
  3. Pizza Bagels: Chop up the pizza and spread on top of a toasted bagel.

Lunch

  1. Pizza Panini: Make a sandwich using pizza slices as bread, warmed up in a Panini press.
  2. Pizza Salad: Toss salad greens with chopped up pizza slices and your favorite dressing.
  3. Pizza Soup: Add chopped pizza pieces and some broth to a pot for a quick pizza soup.

Snack

  1. Pizza Dip: Blend leftover pizza into a dip, and serve with breadsticks or vegetables.
  2. Pizza Bites: Cut pizza into tiny pieces and bake until crispy, serve with marinara sauce or ranch dip.
  3. Pizza Roll-Ups: Roll up pizza slices, secure with a toothpick, and bake until warm.

Dinner

  1. Pizza Pasta: Chop pizza and add to pasta with some tomatoes and garlic.
  2. Pizza Casserole: Layer pizza pieces with cheese and vegetables, then bake.
  3. Pizza Tacos: Fill taco shells with heated pizza pieces and top with lettuce and tomatoes.
leftover-spagetti and meatballs

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover spagetti and meatballs

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Meal Ideas for Leftover Spaghetti and Meatballs

Breakfast

  1. Spaghetti and Meatball Frittata: Mix spaghetti and meatballs with beaten eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Bake until set.
  2. Spaghetti and Meatball Breakfast Casserole: Layer spaghetti and meatballs with cheese and a beaten egg/milk mixture. Bake until set.
  3. Spaghetti and Meatball Breakfast Burrito: Wrap spaghetti, meatballs, cheese, and scrambled eggs in a warm tortilla.

Lunch

  1. Spaghetti and Meatball Wrap: Load spaghetti, meatballs, and any preferred veggies into a wrap.
  2. Italian Pasta Salad: Toss cold spaghetti and chopped meatballs with some vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and Italian dressing.
  3. Spaghetti and Meatball Soup: Add chopped spaghetti and meatballs to a blend of broth and mixed vegetables. Cook until heated through.

Snack

  1. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out a bell pepper, fill with spaghetti and meatballs, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese turns golden brown.
  2. Spaghetti and Meatball Muffins: Mix chopped spaghetti and diced meatballs with egg and cheese, spoon into muffin tins, and bake until set.
  3. Meatball Pizza Bites: Top small pizza dough discs with sauce, chopped meatballs, and cheese. Bake until golden.

Dinner

  1. Shepherd’s Pie Italiano: Layer spaghetti and meatballs, cooked veggies, and mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Bake until hot and bubbly.
  2. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs: Toss spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce and lots of cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Spaghetti and Meatball Stir-Fry: Toss chopped spaghetti and meatballs with stir-fry veggies in a skillet. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve hot.
leftover-Holiday Ham

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover Holiday Ham

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Breakfast

  1. Ham and Cheese Omelet
  2. Ham Hash with Fried Eggs
  3. Ham and Spinach Frittata

Lunch

  1. Ham and Bean Soup
  2. Ham and Cheese Panini
  3. Ham Salad Sandwich

Snack

  • Ham and Pineapple Pizza Bites
  • Ham and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Ham and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Dinner

  1. Ham and Vegetable Stir Fry
  2. Ham, Peas and Pasta Casserole
  3. Ham Fried Rice
fathers-day

I’m a Father?! What The…

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It’s Father’s Day.

My wife and daughter are still sleeping. I thought I’d rise early, pour a bourbon, and set the record straight.

I’m a father?! How did this happen?!

Well, I blame my wife and daughter. Making me a father is the single most irresponsible thing my wife has ever done. I blame my daughter less. She was not the instigator. She has, however, fully embraced the experiment and is now a co-conspirator.

I’ll never forget that moment I became a father, the deafening and unstoppable crying of a child who just entered a world of confusion and uncertainty. My newborn daughter whimpered a little too. But, it was my blood pressure and sobbing that concerned the doctors.

On leaving the hospital with our new beautiful daughter, my wife and I, hurriedly and awkwardly, figured out the puzzle known as “car-seat.” We slammed the doors on the getaway car. My wife yelled, “punch it!” I kept checking the rearview. I was certain the hospital, who’d obviously messed up the paperwork and found us worthy parents, had now identified the error and were in pursuit.

I’m now five years into this father thing. It’s all cosplay. I seriously don’t know what I’m doing. Thank God for my wife. She got this. Thanks to her, our daughter is actually smart, beautiful, and kind. I know they know that I’m faking it. But, it means the world that they still take a day to pretend with me and give me credit. It’s the participation medal I never received as a child.

I wonder about my father, my grandfathers, and their dads. Did they feel this way too? Were they just winging it like I am? Probably so. But, I’m glad they faked it so well.

It’s Father’s Day. My eyes are watering up. I love you May. I love you, Olivia. Thank you for making me a papa.

leftover-Tri-Tip

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover Tri-Tip

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is a versatile ingredient that can be worked into all types of meals. Here are 12 easy meal ideas for leftover Tri-Tip.

Breakfast

  1. Tri-Tip Breakfast Burrito

    2. Fill a soft tortilla with leftover tri-tip, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of vegetables.

  2. Tri-Tip and Egg Sandwich

    3. Layer thin slices of Tri-Tip, a perfectly cooked egg, and some gouda cheese on a toasted bun for a satisfying breakfast sandwich.

  3. Tri-Tip Hash

    4. Chop leftover tri-tip and pan-fry with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty hash. Serve it with a sunny-side-up egg on top.

Lunch

  • Tri-Tip Salad

    • Toss thinly sliced tri-tip with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing.

  • Tri-Tip Wraps

    • Use large lettuce leaves to wrap up sliced tri-tip, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese. Add some salsa for a bit of spice.

  • Tri-Tip and Vegetable Stir-Fry

    • Cut the leftover tri-tip into thin slices and stir-fry with a mix of your favorite vegetables for a quick and easy lunch.

Snacks

  1. Tri-Tip Quesadillas

    2. Slice Tri-Tip and combine with cheese between two tortillas. Fry until crispy and serve with sour cream and salsa.

  2. Tri-Tip and Cheese Sliders

    3. Use small buns to create sliders with slices of tri-tip and your favorite cheese. Serve with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping.

  3. Tri-Tip Tacos

    4. Cut the Tri-Tip into thin slices and serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and fresh cilantro for easy snack-sized tacos.

Dinner

  • Tri-Tip Stroganoff

    • Cut the Tri-Tip into cubes and simmer in a mushroom and sour cream sauce. Serve over egg noodles for a hearty dinner.

  • Tri-Tip Fried Rice

    • Stir-fry leftover Tri-Tip with rice, peas, carrots, and soy sauce for a quick and easy dinner.

  • Tri-Tip Pizza

    • Use your favorite pizza crust, spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce, add thinly sliced Tri-Tip, onions, bell peppers, and top with shredded cheese.

leftover-Pork Chops

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover Pork Chops

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Easy Meal Ideas for Leftover Pork Chops

Breakfast

  1. Pork Chop and Egg Scramble

  2. Pork Chop Breakfast Burrito

  3. Pork Chop Hash with Sunny Side up Egg

Lunch

  1. Pork Chop Salad Wrap

  2. Pork Chop Fried Rice

  3. Pork Chop Quesadillas

Snack

  1. Fried Pork Chop bites with BBQ Dip

  2. Pork Chop Nachos

Dinner

  1. Pork Chop Stir Fry with Vegetables

  2. Pork Chop Pizza Topping

  3. Pork Chop and Mushroom Risotto

  4. Pork Chop Pasta Alfredo

leftover-BBQ Brisket

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover BBQ Brisket

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BBQ Brisket Leftover Meal Ideas

Breakfast

  1. BBQ Brisket Breakfast Tacos

    • Mix leftover BBQ brisket with scrambled eggs and veggies, stuff into a soft tortilla, and top with salsa.

  2. Brisket Hash with Poached Eggs

    • Fry boiled potatoes in a skillet, mix in brisket, onions, pepper, and top it with a poached egg.

  3. BBQ Brisket Biscuit Sandwich

    • Serve the leftover brisket on a toasted biscuit, top with cheddar cheese and a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

Lunch

  1. Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    • Place BBQ brisket and some cheddar cheese between two slices of bread, and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

  2. BBQ Brisket Wrap

    • Roll leftover brisket, salad greens, and ranch sauce in a tortilla for a quick and easy lunch.

  3. Brisket Salad

    • Toss BBQ brisket with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and your favorite dressing for a light and tasty lunch.

Snack

  1. BBQ Brisket Nachos

    • Pile tortilla chips high with brisket pieces, cheese and jalapenos, then bake till cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and guacamole.

  2. Brisket Stuffed Jalapenos

    • Stuff jalapeno halves with BBQ brisket and cream cheese. Wrap with bacon, then bake till crisp.

  3. Brisket Sliders

    • Place leftover brisket on mini brioche buns for a delicious snack or party appetizer.

Dinner

  1. BBQ Brisket Pizza

    • Top your pizza dough with BBQ sauce, leftover brisket, onions, bell peppers and cheddar cheese before baking.

  2. Brisket Chilli

    • Mix diced BBQ brisket with kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic and chilli spices for a hearty dinner.

  3. BBQ Brisket Shepherd’s Pie

    • Use BBQ brisket as a base, top with sautéed veggies, and cover with mashed potatoes before baking till golden.
leftover-Tri-Tip Steak

12 Delicious Meal Ideas For Leftover Tri-Tip Steak

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Meal Planning with Leftover Tri-Tip Steak

Breakfast

  1. Tri-Tip Breakfast Burrito

    : Fill a tortilla with scrambled eggs, thinly sliced Tri-Tip steak, and favorite vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes. Top with cheese and salsa.

  2. Tri-Tip Steak and Eggs

    : A classic breakfast combo. Pair leftover steak with fried or scrambled eggs. Add a side of toast or home fries.

  3. Tri-Tip Steak Hash

    : A one-pan dish with roasted potatoes, onions, peppers and chunks of Tri-Tip steak. Ideal with a poached or sunny-side-up egg on top.

Lunch

  1. Steak Salad

    : Toss diced steak into a salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and crumbled feta. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

  2. Tri-Tip Steak Wrap

    : A wholesome lunch wrap with leftover Tri-Tip steak, lettuce, tomatoes, and Caesar dressing.

  3. Steak Noodle Soup

    : A comforting bowl of noodle soup with slices of Tri-Tip steak, bok choy and mushrooms.

Snack

  1. Tri-Tip Steak Quesadilla

    : A quick and delicious snack. Fill a tortilla with pieces of Tri-Tip steak, onions, bell peppers, and cheese. Grill until cheese is melted, then cut into wedges.

  2. Steak and Avocado Salsa on Toast

    : Toasted bread topped with guacamole, thin slices of steak and spicy salsa. Perfect as a quick bite to keep hunger at bay.

  3. Steak Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

    : Stuff mini bell peppers with a mixture of leftover Tri-Tip Steak, rice, and shredded cheese. Bake until cheese is melty and peppers are soft.

Dinner

  1. Steak Fried Rice

    : A filling dinner that uses leftover Tri-Tip steak, cooked rice, mixed vegetables and soy sauce. Cook them together in a wok or large frying pan.

  2. Tri-Tip Steak Pasta

    : Saute the leftover steak with garlic, then toss it with cooked pasta, olive oil, chili flakes, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add some fresh basil leaves.

  3. Tri-Tip Steak Tacos

    : Place grilled pieces of steak on soft flour tortillas. Add your favorite toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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