Finally Spring seems to have asserted itself enough to encourage the daffodils, flowering cherries and even tulips to bloom! It's also baby-time on the farm, with goats, lambs and calves being born. Here is George with new goat twins.
Our biggest news is that we are finally beginning work on our WOOD-FIRED OVEN BAKERY AND CAFE, which has been in discussion for a few years now.
Our daughter Sarah and her husband Jan have returned from working in Europe and are taking on the project. Construction should be starting within a few weeks, so excuse the mess when you come out for a visit! Most of what is served in the cafe will be raised on the farm. In addition to cheeses and dairy products the meat, vegetables, some fruit and berries and even honey will come right from our farm, direct to the cafe kitchen.
CHEESE NEWS
In the first quarter of every year we make as much Cheddar as we have milk for, so that it can get tucked away in the cave and quietly ripen away there for as long as possible. The cheese girls are building lots of muscles, lifting these 10kg wheels around!
The cheeses are wrapped in cheesecloth, then smeared with melted lard to seal in the moisture and flavour, and seal out unwanted bacteria and mould. As time goes by the exterior of the cheese becomes mottled with a unique blend of moulds that contribute to the flavour of the cheese, but do not penetrate through the cloth. When the cheese is ripe, the cloth is peeled off to reveal a perfect cheese!
NEW PRODUCTS!
We are planning to launch a new product on May 1st: non-homogenized whole natural milk, gently pasteurized and bottled fresh! This is the real old-fashioned cows milk, where the cream rises to the top, to be skimmed off for your morning coffee or drizzled onto some fresh summer berries...or just shake to blend for real whole milk.
We are also working on yogurts and other fresh products, will keep you posted.....
FAQ'S on milk:
- "Natural" milk has not been homogenized or standardized. The butterfat, protein and other components are left as they are, and will vary slightly from day to day. Our whole milk will have a BF content ranging from 3.8% to 4.5% depending on the season. "Natural" milk can also mean "raw" milk (see below).
- "Standardizing" is the process of separating out various components of milk and re-blending them to create the desired final product.
- "Homogenized" milk has been forced under high pressure through a tiny nozzle to shatter the fat globules and keep the fat suspended in the milk. The cream will no long rise to the top. "Homo" milk in the grocery store means homogenized "whole" milk that has been standardized to 3.25% BF.
- "Pasteurized" milk has been heated to kill any pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the milk. The law in Canada requires that all milk sold for human consumption must be pasteurized. Industrially prepared milk will have been heated to 75C. UHT milk is shelf stable and has been heated to just under the boiling point. Our natural milk is gently heated in the vat to 63C, then cooled and bottled, preserving more enzymes and natural bacteria than when processed at higher temperatures.
- "Raw" milk has not been pasteurized at all, and as such is not legal for sale in Canada.
Be sure to pick up the new CIRCLE FARM TOUR Brochure for Agassiz-Harrison Mills and enjoy a day in the country exploring the various farms and sights. Go to www.circlefarmtour.com for more info and downloadable maps.
TULIP FESTIVAL in Agassiz! Why drive down to Washington State when you can visit the Tulips of the Valley fields right here in Agassiz! Festival begins on April 18th, however check www.tulipsofthevalley.com for updates on the blooms.
Mark your calendar for the SLOW FOOD CYCLE TOUR on JULY 28th.
FARMERS MARKET SEASON begins again next month, we will post a list and dates of the markets where we will be this year in the next couple of weeks.
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Christmas is on the doorstep and what better way to experience the Spirit of the season than the Journey to Bethlehem Pageant at the Farm House Natural Cheeses.
DATE: DECEMBER 17
TIME: PAGEANT PERFORMANCES AT 2 PM AND 6:30 PM
CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CRAFT BARN: 11-4
Accompany Mary and Joseph as they search the village of Bethlehem for accommodation. Meet the shepherds, kings, angels and innkeepers. See the animals in the stable and the sheep in the fields.
Bring your camera and take a picture of the kids with the donkey.
Make it a special day out and treat the family to a day on the farm.
Children can create a decoration for the tree in the Craft Barn.
Watch for the horse-drawn wagon. Jump on and take a ride around the farm!
Visit the CHRISTMAS MARKET for Christmas specialties and a hot lunch! Chili, BBQ Beef on a Bun, and Raclette Cheese platter.
Sip a real hot apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and take time for a walk around the farm to visit the animals. There are some VERY cute and friendly kittens in the stable...
CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CRAFT BARN:11-4
Admission to the Pageant is by donation, with all proceeds to Haiti Arise for the Goat Dairy Project.
Stock up the Christmas larder with handmade artisan cheeses right from the farm.
IT'S HERE!! 2011's first Farm House Gruyere "Heidi" cheese. Made with the summer pasture milk, this nutty, creamy, aromatic cheese is perfect for the table, broiled on French Onion soup, or in a traditional Fondue.
We can grate your fondue cheese blend to order. Have you always wanted to enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue, but don't have a fondue pot? We can lend you one (deposit required). Serve your fondue with Farm House Country bread for an authentic Swiss meal!
Try our new (actually, it's over a year old!) FERMIERE. This grana-type cheese is available by the piece or grated, and is perfect on pasta or shaved thinly on a salad or grilled veggies. Mmm that wonderful flavour!
The Cheese Shop has everything for the Foodie on your list:
- Artisan cheeses
- Traditionally made Sauerkraut and Garlic Sauces from Limbert Mountain Farm
- Herbs and medicinal teas
- Honey from Honeyview Farms
- Wine Jellies
- Now available: farm-raised beef, pork and goat meat
- Fresh organic free-range eggs
- Local organic whole wheat flour from Cedar Isle Farm
- Cheesecakes
- Fruitcakes
- Specialty gifts
- Gourmet Cheese Baskets
- Local handmade chocolates
- Cheese Sampler Boxes
The shop is open from 10am-8pm on December 17th.
We hope to see you out for the event!
ORDER YOUR CHEESE BOXES FOR CHRISTMAS DELIVERY THIS WEEK. IT IS NOT TOO LATE!
We are looking back on a very eventful summer here on the farm. Two of our daughters were married in separate outdoor weddings amidst our stunning scenery. The beautiful brides were brought to the ceremony on the wagon driven by George and pulled by Dick and Blake, our two Clydesdale horses, all decked out in their wedding finery. We are thankful for the perfect weather we had for both of the weddings.
As I write this, I look out onto one of the most beautiful afternoons that this Fall has brought us, with the sun slanting on the hillsides bright with autumn colours, and fresh snow on the mountain tops, and I wonder where the time has gone.
This season's Farmer's Markets have kept us busy and in touch with so many of our customers and friends. We really enjoy the interaction, feedback and visits with you at our Market stand in Langley, Richmond and Ladner.
We will be doing a few more markets and events this fall:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Langley Community Farmers Market: November 19 and December 10, at the Darvonda Greenhouses/Milner Gardens 6690- 216th (just off Glover Road) in Langley. www.langleycommunityfarmersmarket.com
Slow Food Vancouver is hosting a TERRA MADRE event on Nov. 19th to raise funds to send a farmer to the bi-annual Terra Madre event in Italy. Find all details at www.slowfoodvancouver.ca. Debra will be hosting a short seminar on the Families of Cheese, including a tasting, and will also have some Farm House cheeses for sale.
Debra and George will also be in attendance at the GUMBOOT dinner at Seasonal 56 Restaurant on 56th and 264th in Langley, Wed, November 21. Chef Adrian Beatty and his wife Shannon are committed supporters of local farmers, and are leading amongst the chefs we know for using local products. They have put on a series of dinners featuring local producers, all seated at the big harvest table, so plenty of great interaction, and of course awesome food from Adrian's kitchen. Go to www.seasonal56.ca for more info and reservations.
We have been working at some new cheeses, and will be launching our first batch of grana-style cheese on November 26, during the Circle Farm Tour Christmas in the Country. Our 2011 Cranberry Goat Caerphilly is ripening in the caves for Christmas, and we are busy stocking up on some traditional favourites.
As you may remember, we are now ripening all of our cheddars in the traditional method, wrapped in cheesecloth and sealed with lard. These are just beautiful cheeses! Be sure to try our Clothbound Cheddar, you will enjoy its ripe floral flavour and a slightly salty tang.
Take home a fresh-baked Farm House Cheesecake for entertaining or a family treat. Choose from Swiss Chocolate Kiss, Lemon Lush, and Voluptuous Vanilla made with Farm House Fromage Frais (cows milk), and Zesty Lemon and Chocolate Flake made with Chevre (goats milk). They freeze perfectly. We can also make gluten free cheesecakes to order.
Christmas in the Country: Nov. 26-27
The Agassiz-Harrison Mills Circle Farm Tour Christmas weekend offers lots of special items and events on the participating farms. Come out and explore, pick up some unique gifts and foods for the season, and experience the special atmosphere of Christmas in the Country.
- Enjoy a hot apple cider and Swiss Christmas cookie
- browse the shop for specialty foods and gifts
- Farm House Christmas fruit-cakes and Farm House Country bread will be available
- enter a draw for a great cheese-y prize
- enjoy a walk around the farm to visit the animals.
Shop hours are 10-5 on Saturday, and 1-5 pm on Sunday.
Limbert Mountain Farm Christmas: Dec 10, 10-4
Enjoy a great day out with the family! Select and cut your own tree the old-fashioned way, join others around the fire with a cup of apple cider and special goodies.
50% of proceeds go to the Agassiz Fire Department.
JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM PAGEANT: December 17th
We are expanding the Pageant this year to a full-day event scheduled closer to Christmas, and combining it with an outdoor Christmas Market.
Bring the whole family to experience the Christmas story in a whole new way, with live actors and animals in an outdoor setting, much like it may have been so many years ago.
Join Mary and Joseph as they enter Bethlehem seeking accomodation. See village people at work, the shepherds in the fields and the angels singing. Follow the couple on the donkey as they knock on doors and finally settle in the stable. Sense the atmosphere of peace and calm amongst the animals in the stable, as you see the Christmas story enacted in a way you may never have experienced before.
In addition:
- treat the family to a hot meal at one of the market stalls. Featuring BBQ beef on a bun, Farm House Raclette platter and more
- beverages include hot apple cider, Christmas coffee and tea, and real hot chocolate!
- visit the vendors tents for Christmas baking (Farm House fruitcakes, cookies, chocolates, Farm House Country bread) and specialty foods and crafts
- bring the kids to the children's craft area, where they can decorate an ornament and place it on the giant Christmas Tree (suggested donation: $1 per ornament-all donations to Haiti Arise)
- climb on the horse-drawn wagon for a trip around the country fields
Cheese Shop hours: 10 am-8 pm (open later this day)
Market hours: 11-4
Childrens Craft barn: 11-4
Journey to Bethlehem Pageant: at 2 pm and 6:30 pm (runs approx 1/2 hour)
This event is free of charge however we gladly accept your donations for our chosen charity Haiti Arise, with all (100%) funds going toward the building of a goat farm and dairy in Haiti for milk and cheesemaking. www.haitiarise.org
NOTE: IF THE WEATHER ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT CO-OPERATE WE MAY HAVE TO CANCEL THE EVENT. PLEASE CHECK OUR BLOG, OR PHONE 604-796-8741 FOR UPDATES
CHEESEMAKING WORKSHOP
We offer a full day hands-on cheesemaking workshop. The following dates are available now for booking:
February 25, 2012
The workshop is limited to 12 participants.
Cost: $250
A full day of hands-on instruction in 3 different types of cheese. Includes a fresh cheese draining bag, workbook with recipes, lunch, coffee breaks, and a selection of Farm House Cheeses to take home with you.
Debra's cheesemaking book 200 Easy Homemade Cheese Recipes will be available to participants at a reduced price.
Time: 9 am to 3-4pm.
Place: At the Farm House Natural Cheeses, 5634 McCallum Road Agassiz.
For more info and a detailed schedule please email debra@farmhousecheeses.com or phone us 604-796-8741.
Make it a Weekend Retreat
Why not come and spend the weekend or a week experiencing country living in this beautiful rural area? For accommodations choose from our many local options, including Harrison Beach Hotel, and South Garden Bed and Breakfast.
Looking for a quiet farm retreat, a true country experience? Our neighbours at Blackberry Lane B & B offer a relaxing corner in the country for your enjoyment. Their newly-built Blackberry Suite is luxurious and comfortable and accommodates up to four guests. The Fern Room features its own private entrance from the wrap-around deck with access to the outdoor hot tub. A common room is available for spending time cuddling in front of the fire or curling up with a good book. Please use the link above for more information.
Haiti Goat Dairy Project
Our family is thankful for the bounty that we experience here in our beautiful valley. We believe that sharing with others who are not so fortunate is an important part of life, so we are excited to tell you about our Haiti Goat Dairy Project. Learn more here.