Hello from Severson Farms,
They say April showers bring May flowers, but we’ve already started seeing our lilac bushes flower.
We managed to get one field planted to oats before getting rained out and while they took a little while to come up, they now look beautiful. We’re also keeping a close eye on a test plot of Einkorn wheat that was planted last fall. It faced extra challenges with several freeze/thaw cycles through the winter. We look forward to seeing how well it survives. Sarah has been busy transplanting seedlings she has been growing in the kitchen over winter and planting new seeds while preparing the garden. This preparation involves pulling up the weeds that have sprouted, tilling up the soil, and dealing with pests. She is trying a new strategy this year.
We’ll keep you updated on its success.
Another sure sign of spring is new life on the farm. We had two calves born this week, one boy and one girl. Both mamas and babies are doing well.
If you enjoy homemade pizza, you may want to try this recipe. We usually make it with our Red Fife bread flour, though we sometimes use our HRW All Purpose as well.
PIZZA CRUST
5 cups bread flour
4 teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water
2 Tablespoons honey
Combine ingredients and knead approx. 5 minutes. If using mixer, use dough hook.
Let dough rest 5 minutes.
Knead 3-5 minutes more till dough soft and supple.
Place dough in well-oiled bowl and cover with towel.
Let rise till double in size. (Optional: punch down and fold dough and allow to rise 2nd time).
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
Divide dough and roll out (usually makes 3 medium size pizzas).
Sprinkle stone or cast iron skillet with cornmeal before adding dough.
Add desired toppings.
BAKE 5-10 minutes until crust is risen and slightly browned.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
May the good Lord bless and keep you, either near or far away,
The Severson Farmers
