Rosemary Sage Roasted Chicken

Lets just get this out in the open.

I love butter.

In fact I love it so much that I've taught my kids something that I consider to be very important. It goes like this...butter makes everything better.

Say it with me now, "Butter makes EVERYTHING better."

Ok yes, now we can move on cause the recipe in this post is just simply delicious AND it contains a lot of butter.

Mmmmmm.

I have about darn near perfected the roasted chicken. It is so good, soft, juicy, and finger lickin' tasty that I just have to share it with you. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn't?

When I first got married I was so intimidated by the (whole) chicken. I had no idea how to cook it and quite frankly didn't really want to touch it. I cooked a few and they were just as bland as a piece of unbuttered toast and dry to boot. The whole chicken quickly was put on the back burner and I turned to the boneless skinless chicken breast. While the chicken breast is very versatile it can also be very dry (I have a trick for this too - later friends, later) and can't go as far as a whole bird.

I can't remember the last time I bought chicken breasts. I miss them at times, but I can get at least two meals, maaaybe three out of a whole chicken. Plus I make bone broth with the carcass when I'm done. Score! I'm pretty sure you can't make two chicken breasts last as long as that (I said two because there are after all, only two breasts on a chicken).

So before we get started on the chicken I'll show you a little technique I've come up with. It makes life much easier and tastier. I like to put butter under the skin of the chicken and on top. Have you ever tried to put butter under the skin of a chicken? No matter the answer, let me show you how I do it.

Get 1/2 cup of butter to room temp and peel one small head of garlic.

Mince or crush your garlic into your butter and mix thoroughly. I like to make my butter VERY garlic-y because I love garlic too. You can definitely do as much or as little as you want, but please, add garlic.

Once mixed, put your garlic-y butter on wax paper. Spread it out to about the size of an elongated stick of butter. Next you'll want to wrap the edge of your wax paper around your butter and squeeze all the air out. Gently make the butter into a smooth tube and keep the wax paper as wrinkle free as possible (this is so when you go to unwrap the butter, the wax paper will easily come off). Gently twist the edges of the wax paper like you see on a taffy candy wrapper. Put butter into fridge and let harden (I like to do this step the day before to make sure that is is ready).

Now for the finger lickin' chicken.

First things first. Rinse off your chicken inside and out, then dry it off with paper towels. Don't skip the drying off, it makes for a crispier skin and it makes it easier when you go to slather the butter on the bird. Believe me if you don't dry off your chicken, the only thing that is going to have butter on it is YOU.

Next take scissors and cut one slit on each of the legs. Once you've made your cuts, take your finger stick it under the skin and separate the skin from the meat. You'll also want to separate the skin from the breasts in the same manner. I about get my whole hand under the skin on the chicken breasts. I want my butter to go far.

Now is the time to whip out your tube of garlic butter. Unwrap the morsel of buttery goodness and cut the whole thing into slices. Separate 2-4 slices from the bunch and then stick the rest in a baggie and put it in the fridge for future use. Split one of the slices in half and then slide the halves under the skin on the legs. Next slide the other slices under the breast of the chicken. Make sure you really get them in there. You don't want your butter to drain out of your chicken do you? Of course not.

Once your done sliding the butter under the skin, stuff the small stash of herbs (below) into the cavity along with a lemon that's been cut into quarters. Tie the legs together with a piece of baking twine.

Next you'll need to make the herb butter for the outside of the chicken.

I have herbs growing right outside my door so I grabbed a handful of sage and rosemary and thought it good for my chicken. You can really use whatever herbs you want, but this combination is a good one. Separate a small stash for the inside of the bird (above) and then mince the rest for the butter. You really want to make this as small as you can. Also, if you choose to use fresh rosemary, be sure to remove the needles from the stem. The stem is essentially wood and is no bueno for eating. Once your done mincing, add it to about 1/4 cup of softened butter and mix well. I like to add a bit of salt too, but do whatever suits your taste.

Generously rub the herb butter all over your whole chicken and make sure you cover it well. The butter should stick well if you made sure that your chicken is dry. Once that's done, drop the rest of the herb butter on your potatoes (assuming your cooking your chicken on potatoes).

Cook for about 1 1/2 hours with your oven on 350 degrees. If your potatoes aren't quite done yet (don't cut them too big), cover your chicken with foil and then turn the oven up to about 375 for about 10 minutes and that should do the trick.

And voila, you have a fantastic mouth watering roasted chicken! Make sure you let it rest for about 10-15 minutes so all the juices soak into the bird and don't just flow out when your cutting it up. The potatoes are going to be mouth watering tasty due to them being baked in your buttery, garlic-y, herb and chicken juices.

Are you hungry yet?

I really hope you try this, it's just too good not to.

And if after all that I've told you, if you can only remember one thing, please remember my motto...

Butter makes EVERYTHING better.

When Disaster Strikes

Well friends I had a COMPLETELY different post planned for today, but as the Lord would have it, plans change. Let me start at the beginning.

This day has started rough. I will admit I was a bit of a grump and then you add two children who have bad attitudes as well and let's just say it's a recipe for disaster. Not only do I have to deal with myself, but I also have to teach and train my children as to what it means to be happy, thankful, and not complain about every-single-little-thing-that-isn't-perfect. Oh, my what a hard job parenting can be! It's difficult to try to make myself get a better attitude let alone a 5 and a 3 year old.

Breakfast time was a task and we made it through. We all ate, were satisfied, and even smiled a little. I talked to my hubby during that time and he told me that I should just take the kids outside and go for a walk to get some fresh air. Little did he know...

When baby went down for her first nap I thought it would be a good time to go let the chickens out into their run and let Jude and Ella burn off some steam (literally). My mood was definitely perking up as I was putting on my tennis and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. The kids were thrilled to get to see the chickens and maybe, just maybe get to catch one. It's so nice to see how little things make them so happy. They catch chickens everyday and yet it never gets old for them.

As we were walking towards the coop together talking about how beautiful of a day it was, I looked up and about died. Yes died. Our whole garden was under water! The beautiful garden we just finished planting, the one I just finished weed eating, the one that we've been waiting for was under 5-6 inches of water. My heart dropped and I promptly turned around to go get my irrigation boots on. Damage control was in need and I had to get prepared. My first thought was about my beloved seedlings that I just planted, but alas I can't do much for them but wait and hope the the water will drain quickly. I hope everything doesn't die, but there's a good chance that it will. I'm thankful that we can flood irrigate our property, but we need to prevent it's passage into our garden and chicken coop.

Oh, yes I said it, the chicken coop. It definitely didn't escape unscathed. The poor girls were probably wondering what the heck happened. I just bought two sacks of organic feed for the chickens. You and I both know that it ain't CHEAP and I knew it was sittin' in the water. I got a empty garbage can and a bucket, two garbage bags, and pruning shears. Since the feed bags were upside down I couldn't open them properly and had to cut the tops off. I scooped out all of the dry feed and put them into the bags that lined the garbage can and bucket. Thankfully we only lost about a fifth of each bag so it definitely could have been worse. I decided to let the wild birds have some goodies and instead of throwing the damp food away I spread it out in our front yard and figured the sun would dry it and the birds could have an easy meal.

I seriously could cry over my seedlings. I know it sounds silly and pathetic, but I've been doting on those darn things for weeks now and only one week after planting them I might lose them. I so desperately want a garden and to be able to feed my family from the place. I want to spend time with my kids teaching them about the rewards of hard work and get our hands dirty together. All-in-all I want everything to be perfect.

That is the problem. Perfection is unattainable this side of heaven. Life happens and lessons are to be learned.

On a spiritual note, I was humbled today. I myself woke up a bit grumpy and then was irritated when my kids did the same. I wanted them to just change their attitude and be nice, respectful, and happy. Just like that. I wanted to quickly go let the chickens out so I could come back to the house and clean, clean, get ready for company, and clean. I have laundry that needs to be folded, a house that looks like kids live here (cause they do), dishes to do, and the list goes on and on and on. While scooping food into the dry bags I was thinking about how the day already is a bad one and then no sooner did I think that then did I realize it was a great day. What do I have to complain about? I have a house, food, children, a husband, I have animals to care for that will provide food one day (Lord willing), and I have a garden. Even though it's under water, I still have one. I'm one of the Lord's and He's blessed me. I should NOT complain, my life could be infinitely worse.

The Lord was changing my heart and helping me to see my blessings and not the  events that I was dwelling on as the makings of a terrible day. I got perspective in a hurry. While I was grumbling in the coop about the over-abundance of water, my children were outside playing and having a joyous time. Imaginations were running wild and I could hear them defeating the crocodiles and saving the lady bugs from imminent death. Such grand tales from such little souls.

Again, humbled.

Farm life has unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it seems like everything is going right and that life couldn't get better. Seeds are growing, sprouting, producing, and animals are thriving, healthy, and reproducing. There are the times when disaster strikes and flooding washes over your garden (or a drought), animals get sick and die (or eaten/attacked), and I could go on.

If your dreaming of a farm, please know that there are highs and lows much like life. If you have farmed or are living on one, I'm probably preaching to the choir.

I have come up with a short list that I will leave you with. One that I think is a compilation of what you need to have on hand when you have to deal with a flooding garden and chicken coop.

• Empty and clean garbage cans


• Garbage bags (preferably the LARGE ones)


• Scissors (or garden shears when your desperate)


• Irrigation boots


• A good attitude


• Sanity

The Beginning, The End, and The In Between

Life came to an end yesterday.

Life began yesterday.

Life continues on.

With the taking of a life, even the life of a chicken, there is a seriousness and a sadness. Much more than this, there is a heart of thankfulness in the heart of a farmer that is able to harvest and prepare something that has had countless hours poured into it's care and well being.

This day has been coming for a few weeks now.

In February when we got our chicks, we absolutely fell in LOVE with on one white Ameraucana. 'She' was just so beautiful and was different from the others. The kids held 'her' always and she was always commented on by guests as being so unique and beautiful. Little did we know the unique was that 'she' was in fact a 'he'.

It took me about a day to get over the disappointment, but I actually became rather excited. I figured since we handled him so much maybe he'd turn out to be a nice rooster and maybe, just maybe, we could hatch chicks every so often and sell them. The business side of my brain really started to get going when I thought of being able to sell not only eggs, but chicks too. The kids were thrilled at the prospect of hatching chicks, but those dreams ended a few weeks ago.

Our mellow rooster became what we dreaded...a not-so-nice rooster.

It started with me holding one of the hens, the man of the coop decided that wasn't working for him and so he 'got' me in the back of the leg. It definitely startled me, but I was thankful he got me instead of my son who was right next to me. Over the course of the next few weeks and leading up to yesterday, the rooster was getting more and more aggressive. It was to the point where I had to keep a broom with me just to feel like I wasn't going to get 'got' again. Seth actually had him fly at him three times a few days ago and all he was trying to do was close the chickens in the coop for the night. It wasn't good.

My biggest concern actually wasn't for Seth or myself, we can handle an ornery rooster. It was for my kids. They LOVE the chickens and love to hold them. I want the kids to feel like they are a part of this farm because you know, they are. They help feed, water, and yes hold the chickens. With the rooster getting to be a not-so-nice rooster anymore, I haven't let the kids in with the chickens in a few weeks and it's been a bummer. My little loveys are just too small to be able to deal with the rooster. So the kung fu antics pretty much sealed the deal.

With all this being said, yesterday was the day for the end of the rooster. It was also the beginning for us. He is the first animal that we've raised thus far from a baby to adult, from hope to be getting beautiful eggs to the end result of meat on the table. I wasn't excited really about butchering our rooster, he was so beautiful and I loved hearing him crow. He had the potential to give us chicks and potentially a profit. All this however, didn't outweigh my concern for my kids. I considered selling him, but honestly I didn't want to do that either.

My children, whom God has placed in my care, are learning new things every day. Things that a lot of children don't have the opportunity to learn. They get to learn how to care for animals, how to make sure they are fed well, how to make sure they are raised properly, and they learned yesterday that animals serve a purpose. They learned that the meat they eat every night was once alive and that we need to be thankful. They learned to to properly kill, pluck, gut, and prepare a chicken. My children were involved in the whole process and I wouldn't have it any other way. They are learning to respect life no matter what stage that 'life' is in.

Here at the Shepherd's farm we value life. We care for the animals that we have and make sure they are healthy and well, we are always learning how do to things better, and we are always keeping life in proper perspective. Our animals serve a purpose and that purpose is to feed and sustain us. We are ever thankful to God for getting to live this way and always thankful that we can raise, care for, and prepare our own food.

I am grateful to know that our dinner tonight had a good beginning, a great ending, and a happy in between.

When Disaster Strikes

Well friends I had a COMPLETELY different post planned for today, but as the Lord would have it, plans change. Let me start at the beginning.

This day has started rough. I will admit I was a bit of a grump and then you add two children who have bad attitudes as well and let's just say it's a recipe for disaster. Not only do I have to deal with myself, but I also have to teach and train my children as to what it means to be happy, thankful, and not complain about every-single-little-thing-that-isn't-perfect. Oh, my what a hard job parenting can be! It's difficult to try to make myself get a better attitude let alone a 5 and a 3 year old.

Breakfast time was a task and we made it through. We all ate, were satisfied, and even smiled a little. I talked to my hubby during that time and he told me that I should just take the kids outside and go for a walk to get some fresh air. Little did he know...

When baby went down for her first nap I thought it would be a good time to go let the chickens out into their run and let Jude and Ella burn off some steam (literally). My mood was definitely perking up as I was putting on my tennis and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. The kids were thrilled to get to see the chickens and maybe, just maybe get to catch one. It's so nice to see how little things make them so happy. They catch chickens everyday and yet it never gets old for them.

As we were walking towards the coop together talking about how beautiful of a day it was, I looked up and about died. Yes died. Our whole garden was under water! The beautiful garden we just finished planting, the one I just finished weed eating, the one that we've been waiting for was under 5-6 inches of water. My heart dropped and I promptly turned around to go get my irrigation boots on. Damage control was in need and I had to get prepared. My first thought was about my beloved seedlings that I just planted, but alas I can't do much for them but wait and hope the the water will drain quickly. I hope everything doesn't die, but there's a good chance that it will. I'm thankful that we can flood irrigate our property, but we need to prevent it's passage into our garden and chicken coop.

Oh, yes I said it, the chicken coop. It definitely didn't escape unscathed. The poor girls were probably wondering what the heck happened. I just bought two sacks of organic feed for the chickens. You and I both know that it ain't CHEAP and I knew it was sittin' in the water. I got a empty garbage can and a bucket, two garbage bags, and pruning shears. Since the feed bags were upside down I couldn't open them properly and had to cut the tops off. I scooped out all of the dry feed and put them into the bags that lined the garbage can and bucket. Thankfully we only lost about a fifth of each bag so it definitely could have been worse. I decided to let the wild birds have some goodies and instead of throwing the damp food away I spread it out in our front yard and figured the sun would dry it and the birds could have an easy meal.

I seriously could cry over my seedlings. I know it sounds silly and pathetic, but I've been doting on those darn things for weeks now and only one week after planting them I might lose them. I so desperately want a garden and to be able to feed my family from the place. I want to spend time with my kids teaching them about the rewards of hard work and get our hands dirty together. All-in-all I want everything to be perfect.

That is the problem. Perfection is unattainable this side of heaven. Life happens and lessons are to be learned.

On a spiritual note, I was humbled today. I myself woke up a bit grumpy and then was irritated when my kids did the same. I wanted them to just change their attitude and be nice, respectful, and happy. Just like that. I wanted to quickly go let the chickens out so I could come back to the house and clean, clean, get ready for company, and clean. I have laundry that needs to be folded, a house that looks like kids live here (cause they do), dishes to do, and the list goes on and on and on. While scooping food into the dry bags I was thinking about how the day already is a bad one and then no sooner did I think that then did I realize it was a great day. What do I have to complain about? I have a house, food, children, a husband, I have animals to care for that will provide food one day (Lord willing), and I have a garden. Even though it's under water, I still have one. I'm one of the Lord's and He's blessed me. I should NOT complain, my life could be infinitely worse.

The Lord was changing my heart and helping me to see my blessings and not the  events that I was dwelling on as the makings of a terrible day. I got perspective in a hurry. While I was grumbling in the coop about the over-abundance of water, my children were outside playing and having a joyous time. Imaginations were running wild and I could hear them defeating the crocodiles and saving the lady bugs from imminent death. Such grand tales from such little souls.

Again, humbled.

Farm life has unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it seems like everything is going right and that life couldn't get better. Seeds are growing, sprouting, producing, and animals are thriving, healthy, and reproducing. There are the times when disaster strikes and flooding washes over your garden (or a drought), animals get sick and die (or eaten/attacked), and I could go on.

If your dreaming of a farm, please know that there are highs and lows much like life. If you have farmed or are living on one, I'm probably preaching to the choir.

I have come up with a short list that I will leave you with. One that I think is a compilation of what you need to have on hand when you have to deal with a flooding garden and chicken coop.

• Empty and clean garbage cans


• Garbage bags (preferably the LARGE ones)


• Scissors (or garden shears when your desperate)


• Irrigation boots


• A good attitude


• Sanity

How Does Your Garden Grow

Mary, Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
All the flowers, all the colors
All in a perfect row
First the seeds
And then the water
Keeping a little space
Tomatoes here, broccoli there
Each one has their place

(Okay, okay, so the tomatoes and broccoli aren't really in this poem, but they so much more fitting for my garden)

It's been a glorious day here at the farm. It is a warm 84 degrees outside and promises to be about 90 tomorrow. Grass (and weeds) are growing like crazy right now and it is the season for flood irrigation around these parts. This year is the first year that my husband is going to be changing the water and making sure all the horticultural wildlife thrive. For years upon years the 40 acres behind our house has been used as a summer grazing spot for 30 pair of cows. They've done a splendid job of fertilizing the fields the natural way and so we've decided that this year the back 40 can have a rest and we'll be haying it instead. The grass is so beautiful and I am excited with this new venture. My dad used to hay our fields growing up so it's not necessarily 'new' to me, but this is the first time that I've been involved as an adult. And so it will remain a new venture.

The chickens are thriving and growing like weeds (pun intended). They've really grown into their feathers and are such a joy to watch. To be honest I am enjoying the chickens far beyond my expectations. They are such weird crazy silly creatures. I must admit, a lot of my enjoyment is from watching my little munchkins play with and hold them. These fowl are truly a livestock animal that is suited for children. There's almost nothing (barring cleaning the poop...that can wait) they can't help with and they are usually more than willing to help with the chores. I really like our Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas, and even the skiddish Welsummers but I am really not a fan yet of our Rhode Island Reds. I have heard from everyone how great they are and that they are amazing layers. They better be because they are rather ornery and have the personality of a well, chicken.

Our seedlings have taken off like you wouldn't believe. Our green house is doin' it's job and I couldn't be happier. It does get quite hot in there considering how warm our days have been getting and so to remedy this I just open up both of the doors and let the air flow through to cool it down. I learned the hard way a few weeks ago and scalded all my broccoli and my calendula. Such a disappointment, but thankfully I learned from my mistake and moved on.

Last week we thought our beloved walnut tree was dead. I was so sad and Seth was thinking about cutting it down and using it for firewood. I know that this is the best thing to do with a dead tree, but it was so hard for me to really think it was dead. The walnut tree right next to it is fully clothed in leaves and it just left me puzzled. Why would one tree live and the next one die? We couldn't see anything that looked like a fungus on it and we really have no explanation. Today however, I have a glimmer of hope! The supposedly 'dead' tree is starting to get some leaves and so we are going to wait and see what happens. I really hope that we don't lose this gem on our farm.

Tonight my hubby and I plan on mapping out our garden area and deciding where we want to put what. I am so excited for this and have been trying to wait patiently on this part of our gardening venture. We watched this video last summer and it has totally revolutionized our thinking when it comes to gardening, watering, AND weed control. The gentleman in the video talks about his journey to figuring out how nature works and replicated it himself. His garden is just amazing and he is truly a wise soul. I highly encourage you to take the time to watch it. If I was your mama I'd make you watch it. And if the video weren't just amazing in and of itself, Paul is a believer and his whole outlook and approach to gardening is biblically based. How much cooler could it get?!

We haven't had any rain in over a month and have been having very warm days. We've implemented some of Paul's techniques, mainly the tree chips and I'm amazed at the results thus far. I dug down to the soil and lo and behold, the soil was wet! If I squeezed it I bet I could have gotten a drop or two of water from it. I'm thrilled and I'm thinkin' this might work. Using Paul's technique you won't need to water, weed, or have to worry about soil quality. It takes sometime for the full effect of his technique to really work, but WATCH the video and you'll see that it is VERY worth the wait.

Watch the video, please.

Now with all this warm weather, growing seedlings, and just basic life on a farm, would you believe that I've been sicker than a dog? Oh yes, unfortunately it's true. It started coming on two nights ago and yesterday I couldn't stand without feeling like my head was going to throb off and I was so dizzy. My back, neck, and shoulders ached like nothing I've ever felt and I was freezing, but was warm to the touch. The never ending headache was terrible and my appetite...gone. If I wasn't a nursing mama right now I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have eaten a darn thing over these past two days, but my baby comes first and so I've choked down...everything. I love to eat and so I know I'm sick when food just doesn't sound good. My appetite still isn't great, but it's coming back. Today a feel a bit better, but I could do without all these symptoms. I still have them all, just not as bad as yesterday.

It was so great getting to get my hiney outside and enjoy the sunshine. Leah and I got some MUCH needed vitamin D and I got to look a a naked baby.

I hope you are enjoying Spring where you live. I'd love to hear about your garden ventures and what your going to be planting this year.

I just know that the first taste of produce from our garden is going to taste so good. Can't wait!

Coop Du Jour

Remember this?

I'd like to forget it. This has been one part of our farm that is...how you say, less than desirable to look at? It was an old green house and it also was the pump house. Even in it's 'day' I think it probably was still hideous. I'm serious. Look at this thing, it was definitely built for function with no aesthetic appeal. My opinion and I'm stickin' to it.

Now however things are different and we've torn down this wretch of an eyesore and replaced it with this!





Seriously, do I really even need to say anything? Probably not, but I will. Just continuously scroll up and down and join me in singing, "Hallelujah!" We've been needing a coop for our 'girls' for sometime now and finally finished this beauty. I've been wanting to post updates, but I knew that if I held back I could to an unveiling that this coop deserved. As you can see, this coop blows the ole shed out of the water. Or out of the field you might say. Or the universe, it might be a stretch, but I'd go with it...

***In the second picture you'll see a door, that leads to our water pump that goes to our well and is walled off from the rest of the coop. Just wanted to interject this cause I didn't add a pic of the inside of the 'pump house' part. Not very exciting looking at a water tank.

On the contrary THIS is VERY exciting!



Here we have the doors that open to the back of our nesting boxes. I had to leave for a few hours and had NO idea that my awesome superman of a hubby would make them look so nice. What a guy I have!

Bear with me, my excitement may manifest itself in words...and pictures.



My father-in-law built the roost and I must say it was very smart of him. What a great use of space! I love it and the girls love it too, which is a plus cause ya know, they like to roost and all.







My precious Ella wouldn't stop sitting on the bar. She found out why I told her it was not a great idea. Can you figure out what happened?



I wish I had this on my front door. I am always amazed at how many sales men and 'you know who's' show up on my front door. I at times want to tie our dog to the door, I'm pretty sure no one would come a-knockin'.



Franco actually is the sweetest dog EVER, but for the undesirables comin' to my door...they don't need to know that.

Rabbit trail, back to the coop.



I love the men that God has placed in my life. What blessings to have a husband that is far beyond what I deserve and a son who lights up my life! Speaking of my boy, he LOVES the girls (the chickens that is) and has declared himself the best bird catcher ever! He may be right.











I am thankful to the Lord to be able to have such a nice coop and the ability to own and raise chickens. Such a blessing and I'm convinced that that first egg will taste so good. Mmmm.

Now that the coop is done, we are wasting no time and getting started on the garden. I hope it actually grows this year. Last year was a flop. Big time.

I will give you a quick glimpse into our gardening endeavor and also a look into the crazy stuff I find my adrenaline junkie hubby doing.



Yep, he's not satisfied with just moving the mound of wood chips, he has to be on it at the same time. Ugh! I keep telling him that I want to grow old with him. I hope he is listening...

If pictures are worth a thousand words, than I have spoken thousands upon thousands.

I have one more picture for you and let me tell you...it speaks millions.



I'll let you guess why...