Does it count as “homemade” if I use a bread machine?!

I had secretly been crushing a bread machine during my last couple of months in Togo.  I told my mom and when I returned to North Carolina, she bought me one!  Today was my first day using it.  I chose a rye bread recipe because I thought it would go nicely with our bison dinner tonight   So here’s the experiment…I have to say it turned out very well!

All the ingredients for this recipe: (notice the local cheese!)

Cheese & Rye

1 1/2 c. hot water

4 tsp. oil

2 tbsp. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 1/4 c. bread flour

2/3 c. rye flour

2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. fast rising yeast

So while I was out yesterday in Asheville,  I decided to make one more stop in search of local food….Greenlife Grocery. 

It is a local grocery store that only has one other location in Chattanooga, TN.  The website claims “to carry a strong selection of local and regional products, helping to support the local farms and businesses of our area”…and it did!  Even though I found no local produce, I did find a lot in the dairy and meat departments. 

And what did I buy?  Ground bison!  Recently, Nathan was exploring websites on Western North Carolina and found Carolina Bison.  He was very excited and mentioned that we must try it soon.  It is very lean, has lots of nutrients, and is low in fat and cholestoral.  It is raised organically, grass-fed, and has no antibiotics or hormones.  So when I saw bison from the farm at Greenlife, I bought it!  Can you find it in the picture in the last post?!

Nathan has been out of town for a few days so when he arrives home tomorrow night, guess what we’re eating?  Bison, sweet potatoes, and homemade cheese!  Have you ever eaten bison?  Any advice on how to cook it? 

See you tomorrow for the results!

I feel a bit intimidated starting my new blog.  But I figure the best way to begin is to JUMP right in!  So here goes….

As I mention in “About Ann” the winter makes it very difficult to find fresh, local produce.  Even though I have only been in North Carolina for two weeks, I have been busy searching on the internet and driving around town looking for local food.  I had a bit of success today!  I went to the Western North Carolina Farmers Market. 

I was unsure of what to expect and was secretly hoping for more than jams and preserves.  And while there were many jarred goods, I also found some great finds.  Here’s what I grabbed:

So what you see is butter made from cream and salt and produced in Jonesville, NC, as well as “Old Fashioned Hoop Cheese” made in Landis, NC.  I also bought 3 sweet potatoes and some Strawberry Cider!  The cider was made in Saluda, NC with the strawberries of last summer.  I can’t wait to try a glass and think of warm summer days!

Overall, I really enjoyed the famers market.  I think it’s great that even on snowy days, it’s possible to find fresh food.  I can’t wait to go in a few months and enjoy the bounty that summer brings to the farms of North Carolina!

If you looked at the picture closely, you’ll notice that there’s one additional item I haven’t identified!  Look for a post tomorrow about my FAVORITE find!  And most importantly, I can’t wait to cook with my new ingredients.  Hopefully this weekend, I’ll find time and will share photos and recipes!