Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Social Networking & Staying Connected

As I was driving into work today, I was mentally checking off the things I needed to accomplish like updating the WSU's website, posting upcoming meetings on Twitter, getting internal communications out, so on and so forth. It made me think about how social networking is also helping the Ag industry communicate with those who are not involved in farming or ranching, but have an interest. Facebook, Twitter or blogs are excellent ways for us to "tell our story" and put a face on the family farms. I have had people come up and say how much they enjoyed my blog and found it informative when I write about what we are doing on the farm. A couple days ago I ran into one of our guests from our "Dinner on the Farm" series (which I've blogged about too) and she told me that she and husband still talk about their fun evening; plus she is a follower on my blog. Having non Ag people read my blog is one thing, but I have to admit, I was a little intimated when my husband told me my blog had been sent out to the Idaho Grain Producers board members… I thought, will they find it interesting? But then I realized that Ag people are interested in what other Ag people do, we like to stay connected to our fellow colleagues. In fact Marcie Williams, Past President of American Agri Women had emailed me to relate her own humorous "dog cookie" story (i.e. my 12.23.09 blog) so I guess I'll just keep on writing about random topics on farming, our life and whatever pops into in my crazy little brain. But I also welcome suggestions too! =)

To my recipe junkies: Tonight I'll post another yummy recipe called Apple Pie Bread... yummm. Well, my break time is done, off to the murky depths of the website.

Updating the blog @ 7pm

APPLE PIE BREAD

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk
2 teas baking powder
2 eggs
1 teas vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups shredded, pealed apples (about 4 medium)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Streusel nut topping

Preheat oven 350, grease 9/5/3 inch loaf pan. Set aside.
In a bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds, then add in sugar till combined. Add buttermilk, baking powder, eggs & vanilla, mix well. Add flour, salt, mix well. Stir in apples and nuts.

Spoon in batter into loaf pan, spread evenly, then sprinkle STREUSEL NUT TOPPING: in a small bowl combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 TBL flour and cut in 2 TBL butter, stir in 1/3 cup chopped nuts.

Bake 60-65 min or till wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 min, remove from pan, cool completely on wire rack. Wrap & store overnight before slicing. Enjoy