Friday Night on the Farm

This evening I went out in the dark to milk Coco. The snow was gently falling and the farm was muffled.

As I headed to the barn, I noticed the waxing crescent moon dipping down in the west, but just barely. She was trying hard to be seen, but the snow and clouds were like a veil.

When I got to the barn, I remembered why it is so good for me to milk Coco: the stream of milk in the bucket, the feel of Coco's warm flank, the soft sounds of cattle and goats and sheep, busily munching their supper of hay, the sight of Mary, scampering around the stall, until she made her bed in a nest of straw.

All is calm.

After saying my goodnights to the animals, I walked up the driveway to the house. Snowflakes fell on my hair. The air smelled pure white. The moon was a little lower in the sky and she and the stars were rather bundled up. I could barely make them out.

The house was warm and smell of venison and onions greeted me as I entered. Here's the recipe for the taco stew we and the girl's friends enjoyed for supper:

1-3 lbs ground venison depending on how many hungry teenagers sit at your table
1-2 onions, chopped

Saute meat and onions until onions are tender and meat is almost browned. Then add:

2-4 cloves minced garlic
canned tomatoes, crushed or chopped
salt
cumin, a generous amount-2 TBSP or so
chili powder, if you wish, 1 TBSP or so
1 can hominy (0ptional, but delicious)
chopped green chili, fresh, frozen or canned
a cup of water

After the stew simmers for a half hour, more or less, add a bag of spinach.

We served the stew with a little cheese sprinkled on top and sour cream and tabasco sauce. Quesadillas on the side. We could have added black beans if I had them ready.

It was perfect food for a table full of very silly children who really should spend another hour or so outside to use up even more hyper energy!!