Hi Everyone!

    Finally, it is May!  That means the colder weather is gone and we'll have lots and lots of SUNSHINE, right?  Apparently NOT here in Tennessee.  The rain rolled in again and the temps dropped again this weekend.  We had the first Robertson County Farmer's Market this past Saturday and our awesome customers braved the nasty, wet, cold weather to come out and support all of our local farmers.  The market was wonderful even if the weather wasn't. I think the only ones happy on our farm about all of this rain are the ducks. My three mallards think I am building them new ponds but really, its just water pooling since the ground is maxed out with water. Cher is still sitting on her nest.  I think we'll have baby ducks anyday now.  Cher is in a really, really, really bad mood right now.  

     Remember last month when I told you I was looking for a vintage camper to use a my mobile retail space?  Well, meet Bubbles:

Bubbles is a 1968 Shasta Compact Camper.  She's a little lady, only 13 feet long and in need of a facelift, paint job, and a re-do of her interior, but I am so excited to get her.  She has the original stove, frig, and sink inside.  She is getting new tires before I bring her to the farm, but that will be happening very soon.  I'll post pictures of her as we go through the renovation. I promise, she'll be AMAZING once she is done.  We've entered Intuit's Small Business Growing Strong contest for a chance to win a cash prize to help with Bubble's Renovations.  If you have a minute, please vote for us by clicking here.  You can vote once per day! 

  My little bottles babies are growing like weeds.  The girls THINK they are old enough to drive now, but I've told them I am just not comfortable with them zipping around the farm in the UTV.  Still they LOVE to play on anything!

  Speaking of weeds, I put up some temporary fencing in a very overgrown area of our woods and let the big girls and their babies enjoy all of the green-goodness.  Goats LOVE all of the weeds, baby trees, brush, etc.  They can clean out an area very quickly.  I've found it is the quickest way to a goat's heart

I will begin weaning babies in the next couple of weeks and will have some bucklings and doelings for sale.  If you are interested in getting a Nubian from us, send me an email at info@hiddenspringsfarms.com and I will email you a listing with pictures.  Our bucklings sell for $75.00 and our doelings start at $125.00  I am limited on doelings so let me know ASAP so you'll be at the top of the list. 

   This month, we have a couple classes going on that you might be interested in joining:

May 18th:  Beginning Bread Making  (1:30 - 4:00 pm)  Imagine freshly baked breads in YOUR kitchen.  We'll teach you how to make wonderful bread for your entire family to enjoy.  $25.00 plus $5.00 supply fee.  Yep, you'll be taking some fresh bread home...or you'll at least enjoying eating WHILE you drive home. 

May 22nd: Herbal Salves & Lip Balms (1:00 - 3:00 pm)  Learn to make your own herbal salves and lip balms with simple, easy to find ingredients; just like great grandma did.  $25.00 plue $5.00 supply fee. You'll be taking home your own Salve and lip balm that you create yourself.

May 25th:  Beginner's Melt & Pour Soap Making Class (1:00 - 3:00) This class is open to all ages.  This easy method of soap making is great for a mother/daughter day.  $25.00 plus a $5.00 supply fee.  Children under 12 can attend for just $5.00 with a paying adult.

     If you are looking for a fun event to attend this coming weekend, join us at the Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival on Saturday, May 11th Noon - 6:00 pm at Nashville Shores.  We'll be selling our Goat's Milk soap and previewing our Wine Soap made from Tennessee Wines!  You can get more information about the event by clicking here.

   Finally, we want to wish all of the Mom's out there a VERY, VERY Happy Mother's Day!  We're offering a special on our Goat's Milk Soap just for Mom!  Order 3 bars of our goat's milk soap and get the 4th one FREE!  To order, visit our soap website at www.girlygoats.com  Pick your 4 bars and use the coupon code MOM13 when checking out.  The coupon will take $4.50 off your order.  This offer is good just for the month of May. 

   Enjoy your week and think Sunny thoughts

The staff at Hidden Springs Farms

Happy Easter Friends!

   We want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter.  We hope you are able to spend time with family and friends and have a wonderful day. 

    We know that Spring is supposed to be here but it is not reflected in our recent weather.  The pastures are basically swampland and if I could figure out how to make money out of MUD, I'd be a millionarie relaxing on a sunny beach somewhere.  The other day, we went from sun to rain to hail to snow.  Kind of like 4 seasons in about an hours time.  This is actually hail, not snow.

It has been very busy here on the farm.  All of the Nubian girls have had their babies.  I felt like I was working full time in a delivery room.  We ended up with 21 babies all together.  I have 4 bottle babies now.  You got to see Baylee in our last newsletter and I have since added Fawn, Bella, and Brittany.  Fawn and Baylee were both from two different sets of triplets and they were just too much for momma.  Bella and Brittany are Tye-Dye's girls.  This is Tye-Dye's first time having babies and she was just so confused on what she was supposed to do so, I'm raising her girls.  Now, if I can figure out how to hold 4 bottles with only 2 hands, life would be much easier. Here is a picture of Baylee, Bella, and Fawn.  Brittany is a little camera shy. 

  OK, so you probably think I am like grandmother showing off all of the pictures of her grandchildren.....my baby goats are kind of like additional grandchildren. :>) 

  Our first set of baby chickens arrived the middle of March.  Cute little ones right now but that changes quickly.  We will have whole chickens ready for the first farmer's market the beginning of May.  Tyler loves the babies chickens.

    I have more baby chicks arriving next week and more the end of April.  I went to Kentucky a few weeks ago and bought some new laying hens from the Amish.  Brought the girls home and they had settled in nicely until Friday evening when I discovered that all but 2 of the new girls had been killed.  ARUGH!  I called my son and had him come out and put traps all around the coop.  I told him "load it up!  I want whatever it was".  Well, we caught a HUGE Racoon, I mean HUGE!  Let's just say, he will not being having anymore free chicken dinners.  So, I am back in the market for more laying hens.....again

     We have a lot of classes scheduled this month:

Raising Chickens:  April 6th, 9:00 - Noon ($40.00)

Growing Herbs: April 6th, 1:00 - 2:30 ($25.00

Herbal Salves & Lip Balms: April 13th, 1:00 - 3:00 ($25.00 + $5.00 supply fee)

Cold Process Soap Making: April 20th, 1:00 - 3:30 ($35.00 + $5.00 supply fee)

Poultry Processing: April 27th, 1:00 - 4:00 ($35.00 + $9.00 per bird)

  You can register by emailing me at info@hiddenspringsfarms.com  Or, if you have questions about any of the classes, you can download the class schedule on our homepage or just email me.  I'll be happy to answer your questions.  And, we'd love to have you attend.

   Its COUNT-DOWN time for farmer's market!  We start the first Saturday in May.  Are you ready?  I've been busy the last few weeks getting things ready.  Our new herbal vinegars are almost ready to be bottled.  I've got a list a mile long of new breads, pies, and treats to bake, and there is a TON of goat's milk soap curing.The only hold up is getting things started in the garden.  Its been too muddy to plant but I really want to get my lettuce, peas, and such planted.  I am going to be doing the SUN DANCE!   I always get so excited when the Farmer's Market is getting ready to start.  I can't wait to see everyone!  I'm working on my display too and putting together some cute things to show you.  I'd love to find one of these to use as my farmer's market "store".  Anyone have an old travel trailer hiding in their backyard or barn they'd like to sell.  I LOVE the vintage.  (it doesn't have to be this pretty and I'd prefer one that "needs work"......I have a very handy hubby) 

      Thanks to all of you for your continued support!  Happy Happy Easter!

The Staff of Hidden Springs Farms

Hi Everyone,

     Can you believe that February is over already?  Boy, it sure flew by fast.  It was a short month, but we've had so much happening on the farm.  We're also counting the days until Spring gets here.  I'm itching to get started in the garden and to see things start to get green again.  I know its not too much longer because the babies are starting to arrive at Hidden Springs Farm. 

   Our first new addition is named "Trouble" because he caused me so much trouble.  I was fast asleep when I heard his mother and all of the cows bellowing very loudly.  So, at 11:15 pm,in 20 degree weather,  I pulled my coveralls on over my PJ's and drove over to the pasture and found Pearl with her new son.  Apparently she was telling everyone else to stay away and they were telling her "congratulations".  Anyways, this handsome little guy is so much fun to watch running around the pasture.

   The Girly Goats are also starting to have their kids.  You can tell how big the ladies are getting who haven't delivered yet and honestly, they do start to look like they are miserable.  Check out the bag (udder) on Olivia (the one with her butt to the camera :>)

   Olivia gave birth to triples about two days after this photo was taken.  For whatever reason, she has decided she didn't want to take care of this cute little lady, named Baylee.

   Baylee is in the laudry room right now while she gets used to taking a bottle.  Image having a newborn human baby.......having a bottle baby is the same thing.  They eat, sleep, poop, and cry.  And, they cry VERY loud when they want their bottles.  Cute as a button though.  Amelia had twin girls.  She is a first time momma and doing an awesome job with her girls.  They are all in the barn right now because the weather has been so cold and wet the last few days but as soon as we see some sunshine, we'll let everyone outside to play.  You can say we are officially on "Baby-Watch" because we still have 8 more girls that will be having babies.  Its a lot of work, but I do love the babies~

     I don't know about you, but opossums are one of the ugliest animals around.  Our oldest son caught this young one and brought it over to show me before letting it go in the woods. Its alive, but playing possum....look at those teeth!

    A couple of reminders for you:

** We are still taking orders for our "We Love Local Chicks" CSA.  Remember, if you place your order and pay in full by March 15th, you can save 5%.  We have several options for you and you can get all of the details by clicking here

**We start our classes and workshops this month!  We have so many different things you can learn right here on our farm.  This month we have Raising Chickens, Home Spa, Soap-Making, and more.  You can download our full 2013 Class & Workshop Schedule by clicking here.

   The Robertson County Farmer's Market starts in just about 60 days!  Can't wait!  If you've never attended, make a point to visit us this year.  We start the first Saturday in May and run through the last Saturday in October.  Market starts at 8:30 and ends at noon and we're at the Fairgrounds.  This year we are allowing some select local arts & crafts folks and food vendors.  (Thanks to the City of Springfield and the County for changing the policies so we have this option!)  If you know of anyone who creates non-farm type crafts or food, let them know to contact me for details on what it takes to become a vendor.  The non-farm vendors will go through a jury-process so you can rest assure that we are not becoming a flea market or a "made in China" fair. Our first jury is being held on March 30th from 9:00 - 11:00 at the fairgrounds. 

    We visited two goat dairies this month to do a little research on what it takes to have a Grade-A goat dairy and Cheese-making facility.  (We're only in the research phase so, no, I don't have any goat cheese for sale. **smile**)  A special Thanks to Kim at Kira's Kids Dairy in Spencer, TN and to Jim & Gayle at Bonnie Blue Farm in Waynesboro, TN for taking time from their busy schedules to show us around and answer all of our questions. It was interesting and informative.  Its always fun to visit other farms and see what folks are doing.  Plus, you get to meet some awesome people!

    I will stop now before I write you a book.  You know how much I love our farm and everything we do here so its easy for me to get carried away. Have a wonderful March and think warm thoughts!

The Staff at Hidden Springs Farms

Hi Everyone,

   It's felt like a rollercoaster here the last month with our crazy weather.  70 degrees one day, tornado & rain the next, and then a huge drop back into the burrrrrrrrrr cold temps.  Mother Nature is very moody these days. 

   All of the animals are doing well.  Let's face it, animals are pretty darn smart when it comes to handing weather. Smarter then some of the humans I see going into the grocery store with short sleeves and no jackets when it is 30 degrees outside.  All of the girly goats cuddle up, the cows find a place to get out of the wind, and even the chickens know better then to sit out in the rain.  Pete, our young bull, decided for some reason, that a mud-mask was appropriate.  He does look kind of tough with it on.  Maybe he thinks the young heifers will find him attractive!

We have the details posted for our 2013 Poultry CSA  Our Motto this year:

  For our new readers, each year Hidden Springs Farms does a Poultry CSA.  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  Basically folks purchase a membership or share in the farmer's harvest.  CSA's help to bring farmers & communities together.  We have several options for you including:  pastured-raised chickens, Thanksgiving Turkeys, Eggs, and this year a week fresh Bread share.  We will have deliver at the Robertson County Farmer's Market, the Clarksville Farmer's Market, and if we have enough folk sign up, we'll also be doing a Nashville Delivery. The CSA begins the beginning of May and runs through the end of Oct.  (Of course, the turkeys will be delivered in November in time for Thanksgiving)  You can download our CSA brochure on our home page (www.hiddenspringsfarms.com)  If you have any questions, please email me.  If you'd like to sign up, we are doing it a little different this year:

1. Download our brochure and make your selection(s)
2. Send us an email with your selections.  Please include your name, phone number, and pick-up location.  Also, you can save your spot with a 50% deposit.  Your balance will be due May 1st
   
3. We will send you an invoice via PayPal.  Once your invoice is paid, you are officially signed up.

We are offering two things to our EARLY BIRD CSA Members.  If you sign-up and pay in full by March 15th, you will save 5% on your total CSA order.  AND, we have some fabulous bummerstickers coming for you as well.  Remember Local Chicks really are the BEST! 

     I had the opportunity to attend a really fun class in Murray, Kentucky on growing Shiitake Mushrooms.  It isn't often I get to attend classes.  I also spent time at the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association Meeting and the State of Tennessee Grower Conference.  Now you know what I do with down time during the winter months. I love to learn new things.

For those of you who like to attend classes as well, our 2013 Class & Workshop Schedule is now available.  (You can download it from our home page!)  Classes & Workshops start in March! Pre-registration is required.  Just email us the classes you are interested in and we'll send you an invoice. We have a lot of classes & workshops set this year just for you.  Our classes are popular so ensure your register early.   Here's our March Line-up:

• March 2nd Noon - 4:00 pm  Raising Goats 101:  This class is prefect for those who want to learn about raising goats for fun and profit.  $40.00
  
• March 9th Noon - 3:00 pm  Raising Chickens 101:  Learn all about our feathered friends!  $40.00
• March 12th  ONLINE CLASS: Raising Chickens 101:  this class is just like our on-farm class but you get to take it ONLINE.  prefect for those of you with busy scheudled that can't get to the farm.  This class meets for 3 one-hour webinar style classes. 
  
• March 16th 1:00 - 3:30:  Beginning Bread Making:  NEW for 2013.  Imagine freshly bake bread in your kitchen.  We'll teach you how! $25.00 plus a $5.00 materials fee
• March 30th:  1:00 - 3:30  Cold Process Soap Making:  This very popular class will teach you to make soap the old fashioned way just like great grandma did.  $35.00 plus a $5.00 supply fee
• March 23rd 1:00 - 3:00  Home Spa Class, another NEW class for us.  Learn to make your own lotions, scrubs, bath oils, and more.  $35.00 plus a $7.00 supply fee. 
  

Now, our last piece of news for those of you that do not follow us on Facebook.  We had Ms. Courtenay DeHoff from Rural TV (RFDTV) out at the farm last week to do a story on our farm and our Goat's Milk Soap.  We had such a great time.  I will let you know when the program will air. 

 Have a wonderful Month!  And don't forget Valentine's Day is Feb. 14th.  If you need a cute, locally, handcrafted gift, visit our Soap site for some super cute Valentine's days specials!  www.girlygoats.com

Stay Warm!

The Staff of Hidden Springs Farms

Happy 2013 Everyone!

     We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, enjoyed New Year's Eve and is getting to spend time with family and friends on this first day of 2013.  I just gone down taking down the Christmas tree and getting everything back in normal order.  I don't know about you, but I am always ready to put the tree up, but happy to take it down on January 1st.  It's nice to have everything back in its place. 

    I know it is winter and I do enjoy the colder weather, but this rain is driving me nuts.  Mud, mud, and more mud.  Yuck!  If it would at least get below 30, then the mud would freeze.  I can handle frozen mud.  Ken has been going back and forth to North Dakota for a project and you can imagine the weather that far up North.  minus-zero temps, snow, and ice.  But doesn't it look beautiful?  (and NO MUD!)

     It's a bit of a down time on the farm right now.  This is our planning and recovering time.  Now, that's not to say it is "laying around reading books time", but we're not quite as rushed.  Yesterday, Griffin, one of my horses went to his new home in Memphis.  It was like a wild west round-up trying to get him on the gentlemen's trailer.  I guess he didn't want to go.  But I feel good about him going to a home where he'll be trained and trail ridden and a very nice man bought him.  Rebel is a bit lonely right now and trying to figure out where his buddy is so I'll have to spend more quality time with him.

    The two little bottle babies, Bert & Ernie, will be heading to their new home on January 10th.  I do love my bottle babies, but its time for them to go.  And, I've decided to sell my two dairy heifers, Josie and Clarabell.  If you're looking for a family milk cow, let me know.  I might have one that will work for you.  Both girls were bottle babies so they are friendly and they've been running with Pete, our bull, for the last couple of months so should be breed.  That means babies and milk will be coming! I've just decided that milking 12 dairy goats in the Spring will not leave me enough time to milk to cows too.  (part of my New Year's resolution is to be more sensible regarding my time.....I am not superwoman and I'm not twenty)

     I am still working on our Class & Workshop schedule and will have that posted soon. I try to plan out all of the classes for the year so it takes me a bit to get everything on the calendar.   I will also have our Poultry & Egg CSA posted in the next few weeks.  (see, planning month)  It won't be long before I'll be having little chicks arrive to grow out for our Poultry CSA.  I wish the finished chicken looked as cute of the baby chicks. 

    Now, I KNOW its a bit early to start talking about the Farmer's Market but its about this time every year that I start getting excited about the garden, planting, and deciding on new products.  We will have nice garlic this year.  All of this rain is making for very happy garlic.  One new product will be our Herbal Vinegars.  We infused our fresh herbs into different vinegars like Apple Cider, White, and White Wine.  These are great for salads and cooking and we'll have some very nice combinations like:  Rosemary-Garlic, Lemon Thyme, and Basil-Pepper. We are working on our packaging and labels, but we'll be ready by the first market.

   Don't forget to visit our Girly Goats site for information and happenings on the Goat's Milk Soap side of the farm.  I think I mentioned a few months ago that we have set up a new site specifically for our soaps.  We also do a newsletter for Girly Goats and you can sign up if you'd like on the site. 

    And finally, here's a nice "comfort food" type of recipe that is fast, easy, and really warms you up on a cold evening.  It's one of our favorites.

Baked Enchiladas

1 pound hamburger

1 packet Taco Seasoning

1 can black beans (drained)

1 Can Enchilada Sauce

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Cup chopped Onion

1 small can green chili's

3-4 Cups shredded Chedder Cheese (or other cheese that you like)

1 box taco shells

   Brown hamburger, drain grease.  Stir in taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water,  chopped onion, green chili's and beans.  Heat over low heat until beans are hot.  In the meantime, combine Enchilada Sauce & Cream of Chicken Soup in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat sauce for 40 seconds and then stir, set aside.  Stand taco shells up in a 13 X 9 pan. (you might need an extra set of hands to help until all of the shells are standing)  Put a small amount of the sauce mixture in each shell.  Then spoon the hamburger mixture in each shell.  Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and top with the cheese.  Bake in a 350 degree oven until cheese is melted; approx 20-25 minutes. 

     We hope you have a WONDERFUL 2013!

The Staff of Hidden Springs Farms

Hi Everyone,

   It's December and Christmas is just a short time away.  We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and was able to spend some time with family and friends.  We had a great time.  We cooked one of our turkeys with all of the "fix'ins" and enjoyed leftovers for a few days.  And, I put 7 pints of Turkey Soup in the freezer to enjoy when the weather turns really cold. 

   There is a lot happening here.  First, we need your help.  Our soap business, Girly Goats, is entered in two small Business Contest and we need your votes.  The first is with Start Up Nation for their Home-based 100 contest.  You can vote for us once per day by clicking here  The 2nd contest is through Intuit for their "Support Your Local Business" and Love a Local Business Contest.  We are hoping to win a $5,000 prize to help us purchase commerical soap making equipment to help keep up with demand.  You can vote for us once per day for this contact by clicking here.  You don't have to sign up for anything and you won't get any spam, just click & vote. Feel free to share these links with your friends and family as well.   Thanks in advance!  

    Next, we are proud to announce that our Goat's Milk Soap and Gardener's Salve has been selected by Black Diamond Celebrity Gifting to be included in a Gift Basket being sent to actress Kathy Bates who is recovering from breast cancer.  We are happy to be sending our products to Kathy. (we loved her Movie Misery)  We'll include a picture of the gift basket once we receive it from Black Diamond. 

   It's a bit quiet around the farm right now as all of the animals are settling in for winter.  I picked up four new girls for the farm.  An early Christmas present for me!  These girls are called Black Baldy.  They are a cross of an Angus and Hereford.  I've named them:  Angel (she the little one in the very back), Libby, Thelma and Louise.  The girls are happy now and getting to know me.  I think they are pretty darn cute too.

     Cher, our little duck, is still sitting on her nest but I think she is standing guard over eggs that arent' never going to hatch. She hasn't given up yet, but I have.  I suppose I could be surprise one morning, but it isn't looking too good. The Nubian girls are all pregnant and we will be expecting our first little kids around the end of Feb. 

   You often hear folks saying it is hard to find good help.  But, I think we have that problem licked here.  Our Grandson, Tyler, LOVES to get the feed out of the truck and into the barn.  Now, remember, those are 50 lb bags....they weigh almost as much as he does. He climbs up in the truck, pushes the bags out and then, drags them into the barn.  I hope he enjoys doing it 

when he is 16! 

     We are working on our class & workshop schedule for 2013 and will be adding several new classes.  We will be offering:  Beginner Bread Making, Poultry Processing (learn to process your own chickens), Advanced Cold Process Soap Making (Color & Techniques), Beginner Melt & Pour Soap Making, and Home Spa.  And, we'll have our regular classes as well.  We are also adding a few online classes for those of you who aren't able to come to the farm to attend a class.  Isn't technology great!   We'll have the information on dates and times posted in January.  We hope you'll join us for a class or more next year! 

   Just a quick reminder; if you need any small gifts this Christmas season, remember our line-up of Goat's Milk Soap, Lotion, and body products.  You can order online at our Girly Goats site by clicking here. And, if you are local, you can always call or email us to place an order.  We're happy to meet you in town.  We do lots of soap deals in the Kroger parking lot.  

    And finally, we want to take a minute to thank all of you for your continued support.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful family, friends and customers.  We want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!  

The Staff Of Hidden Springs Farms

Hi Everyone!

   Its been awhile since I've sent out our newsletter.  Sorry, I am a bit behind this month.  We never seem to find enough hours in the week to get everything done.  We're still trying to figure out how to find an extra 5 or 6 hours in a 24 hour day. 

   Lots of stuff happening at the farm. First, our oldest son, Jon, and Melissa were married at the farm on September 2nd.  Lots of preparations for that, then family coming into town, and praying that the rain would at least give us enough of a break so that the guest could remain dry AND the couple could say "I Do" without getting rainned on.  It was a beautiful ceremony and we finished up before the rain came down again.  And yes, that is a camo tux on our grandson , Tyler. 

     For those of you that have been reading our newsletter for awhile, you know that we are fairly new to raising cattle.  The past 30 days have really been an educational experience.  First, while hubby was out of town and I was supposed to be driving Tyler to school, I discovered that ALL of my cows had decided to break through the fence and visit my neighbors cows.  I get an "A" for my cowgirl round up efforts.  It only took me about 2 hours to get them all back and repair the fence.  Then we decided to wean our little bull calf, Pete.  Got everyone through the chute, separated. That evening while feeding the bottle calves, I watched Pete, walk through the pasture to get back to his momma.  He got out.  Rounded him up, separated AGAIN.  Only to discover the next morning that his Momma and Pearl, our other BIG cow, plowed the fence down to get out to try to get back to the baby boys.  Let me tell you, rounding up calves is one thing, trying to get a 1200 lb cow to go where you want her too is another story.  I think things have finally settled down.  As you can imagine, we sleep every well at night.  Here's Pete.  He's a good look'in guy

     We have a couple classes this month for those of you who might be interested. 

Soap Making:  September 22nd 1-3:00  $35.00  Pre-registration required

Preserving the Harvest (Canning): September 29th 1-5:00, $65.00, Registration Required

You can email us if need more information or if you want to register to attend. 

  Speaking of Soap Making, we have some NEW fragrances coming out soon.  Curring now are: Red Grapefruit, Holiday Berry, Fresh Cut Grass, and my favorite, DIRT!  Yes, we have soap that smells like Dirt.  (My house smelled like a bag of fresh potting soil while I was making it.) It might not be a fragrance that everyone likes, but it is definately good for getting clean. We'll let you know when it is ready. We also have new packaging.  We found a wonderful source for cute boxes made from recycled material.  We will have that all set the 1st of October.  Keep a look out!

     Remember, now that the fair is over, the Farmer's Market is back.  Last week we got some locally grown Apples.  WOW, so much better tasting, then store bought.  And, we even saw PUMPKINS....which in my world is a great sign that Fall is coming!  We are ready for that.  Cooler weather, leaves changing, nice! 

     Have a great September!

The Staff of Hidden Springs Farms

Hello Everyone!

    Can you believe it is July already?  The year is really flying by.  I am actually ready for fall to get here.  This last week with temperatures breaking 100 degree has simply reinforced that summer is no longer my favorite time of year.  Walking through the pastures is like walking on potato chips.....crunch, crunch, crunch.  We need the rain to visit soon.  Join us in doing the Rain Dance!!

     We want to thank the folks that came to our last soap making class and our herbal salve class this past weekend.  We had a great time even though it was very hot.  We will start our fall classes in September so if you didn't a chance to join us for a soap-making, herbal salves, raising chickens/goats, or another class this spring, you still have time this fall. 

   We spent today canning and freezing green beans.  A bushel of beans takes a long time to preserve but it will be well worth it this winter. 

I want to share this really easy, simple pie recipe.  We have a ton of wild Blackberries on the farm and we've eaten a bunch and made jam, but a homemade blackberry pie is wonderful!  And, this one is E-A-S-Y!

Blackberry Pie

Pie Crust (you will need a bottom and top crust, uncooked)

4 Cups of Blackberries (can use other fruit if you don't have blackberries)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cupe flour

1 egg

2 TB Sugar

   Combine 3 1/2 cups of Blackberries with 1/2 cup of sugar and flour.  Stir to mix well.  Pour Blackberry mixture into your botton crust.  Top with the 1/2 cup of berries that were not mixed with the sugar and flour.  Add your top crust and pinch to seal.  Beat egg and then use to brush on top crust.  Sprinkle with 2 TB sugar.  Make two small cuts in top of crust to vent.  Bake at 425 for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 and continue baking until crust is golden brown and berries are bubbling. (about 30 minutes)  Cool before cutting. 

     The Robertson County Farmer's Market has been AWESOME this year.  We have so many vendors and lots and lots of wonderful meats, fruits, veggies, bread.....the list goes on and on.  Mark your calenders for July 14th.  This is customer appreciate date at the Market.  We'll have special drawings for give-a-ways from our farmers.  The market starts at 8:30 and goes til noon. 

    If you like fudge, you really need to try our ***NEW*** Goat's Milk Fudge!  Made with fresh milk from our herd of Nubians, it is udderly delightful!  We have:

* Udderly Chocolate

* Udderly Raspberry

* Udderly Nutty

* Udderly Peanut Buttery

You can get your Fudge at the farmer's market. 

     Have a safe and fun 4th of July!  We are looking forward to a tasty BBQ and a nice relaxing day. 

The Staff of Hidden Springs Farms