Plans for the Day

Another beautiful, sunny day is here. I woke up early this morning to do some morning prayers while listening to the birds get started for the day. Once the family was awake, we had breakfast and planned our day.
    One of the big plans for the day is getting the tire on the tractor changed. It went flat while Les was working on the soybeans in Jefferson. Of course, the company who is coming out to change the tire (it isn't exactly like changing the tire on a small car, it's a lot bigger and heavier!) won't have time until tomorrow. This is a little disappointing because we finally have some great weather to get caught up on the field work. However, there is plenty to do until that is taken care of!
    Before I head out to get started on all that work, I just wanted to let CSA members know that we are putting a canning jar by the cooler for the Standard Process Pick-Up site. This is where you can put the money you owe past your subscription cost. It should come up on your order form and be in your confirmation email, too. Just put your name on the money with a sticky note or on an envelope. Then we can mark you down as paid. If you have any questions, just comment below or email us. 
   Enjoy the wonderful summer day!

Thunder Cake

Today is the first day of summer. We'd like to think that on such a wonderful day we'd get to enjoy the typical sunny, hot weather of Wisconsin. Instead, it looks like we've got some severe storms coming. While we busy ourselves by trying to get field work done before the storms get here, you can get ready for the storm with the classic children's book "Thunder Cake" by Patricia Polacco.
This story follows a small girl who is afraid of storms. Her grandmother has her help make a special cake. As the thunder gets closer the girl runs out to the barn to gather eggs and picks berries for the topping. It's a great tale for kids of all ages that our family has enjoyed for many years.
The cake recipe can be found in the book but we found a copy for you, too.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together one at a time:
1 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs, separated
( blend yolks in. Beat whites until they are stiff, then fold in.)

1 cup cold water
1/3 cup pureed tomatoes

Sift together:
21/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa
11/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture. Bake in two greased and floured 8
1/2 inch pans at 350 degree for
35 to 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate butter frosting. Top with
strawberries.