POSTED BY
Nicole
on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 9:39 PM
TAGGED Family Review Network, Food, Giveaway
TAGGED Family Review Network, Food, Giveaway
When I was 4, my folks uprooted us from our small home in the small city and transplanted us right into rural Iowa. We lived in a housing development that consisted of 10 acre non-farm properties. The school that I attended was itty-bitty and covered families from miles away. They, on the other hand, we're mostly farm families.
I have fond grade-school memories of spending the night at my best friend's house. Liz lived on a farm which meant work was required of every family member and ATC's were tools of the trade and not recreational toys. It wasn't always that way... remember being in second grade and participating in a coloring contest in class. I colored my farm animal the wrong color, according to Liz. They aren't that color in real life. I learned a lot about farm life from Liz.
Now I'm much older and have lived a life much further from the farms. Yet I have an appreciation for the farm life and all the hard work required of it.
When Family Review Network asked if i was asked if I wanted to participate in a blog tour for the Midwest Dairy Association, I thought of the my childhood memories and immediately said yes.
You see, Midwest dairy farm moms face the same challenges that my classmates faced. Farm life is hard work involving the entire family and is a 24/7 job - so maximizing family time is crucial. When possible, especially during the holidays, they use meal time to have real conversations. Unlike the days of my childhood, they need to restrict cell phones as they sit down to enjoy each other's company over dinner.
And helping out in the kitchen is always a great source of bonding. Helping with dinner prep or after-dinner dishes is always a great opportunity for quality time. Cooking up a batch of brownies or pumpkin bars is even better.
I received a baking dish, recipe card and potholder that I used to make something special. I surfed their website for one that would be perfect and opted for a batch of brownies. From scratch. Yes. Me. Baking and not burning. The recipe was very easy to make, despite being all from scratch. Who knew?
The best part is that the final product not only got a thumbs up from my husband, my neighbor and my neighbor's daughter but it got a super thumbs up from MY daughter. I was surprised by how much better it tasted than what we usually make... from a box.
The Midwest Dairy Association website has a wealth of information, including recipes like the one I created above, as well as important resources for schools. I encourage you to check out! In he meantime, enter this great giveaway where you have the chance to win a quality time baking gift basket of your own!
For more information about life on the dairy farm, the dairy farm families, recipes and more, visit their website. You can also stop by their blog or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube!
Disclosure: Family Review Network provided the Prize for this giveaway. As a thank you for sharing with you, an additional package was sent to me to facilitate this post. All opinions, photos and calories from the brownies are my own.
I'd like to try the Inside-Out Cabbage Rolls recipe.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Balsamic Strawberries with Ricotta Cream I have been eating ricotta cheese like it's going out of style, this recipe looks like a great twist.
I would love to try this recipe. The brownies look sooooo good!
I could really use a new 9x13 as my old one shattered all over in my oven just a few days ago.
Those brownies look wonderful.
I learned that there are a lot of bloggers on the Midwest Dairy site. I had no idea.
You story reminded me of when my younger sister, would hide after dinner, so she didn't have to help with dishes.
BBQ-Ranch Quesadilla Wedges looks good to try
Pulled Pork Soft Tacos sound amazing! I might have to make them next week!
I heard those pans are wonderful, would like to win this one and try those yummy brownies.
I'd like to try the baked french toast
http://www.midwestdairy.com/0p28r95/baked-french-toast-with-maple-yogurt-and-fruit/
sweetheart4171(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'd like to make the Baked Pears with Vanilla Yogurt and Granola recipe. Looks so yummy. Thanks!
romapup at gmail dot com
Throughout the years, dairy farmers and processors have worked closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state regulatory officials to establish safety regulations and practices.
JILL.WATKINS@GMAIL.COM
Oh I think the CoJack Cheese Crisps look fantastic! So easy and yummy!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup sounds good
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I like their Antipasti Holiday Skewers recipe
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I want to try and make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
i want to try the gin's brownies
lmurley2000@yahoo.com
Would like to try the Creamy Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup
jenhedger at hotmail dot com